NFL defences blitz under-centre passes at record rate
Through Week 3 of 2026, defences blitzed 51% of passes from under-centre formations, according to TruMedia tracking.
NFL defences are responding to the increased use of under-centre formations with more frequent blitzes. Through Week 3 of 2026, 51% of passes from those formations faced a blitz, the highest rate since TruMedia began tracking in 2006.
Under-centre usage reached 42% across the league, its highest share since 2013, while the early-down rate was 49.6%. The figures point to a tactical contest over how offences use formations and how defences respond.
The report describes linebackers attacking gaps to disrupt blocking schemes on outside-zone runs. Cornerbacks have also been sent into the backfield against condensed formations, where they may be left unaccounted for in run protection.
Play-action passes from under centre faced a blitz 52% of the time through three weeks, also a TruMedia tracking record. The pressure can arrive as the quarterback turns away from the defence for the run fake, while running backs and tight ends take on a greater role in pass protection.
Offences may adjust by changing protection assignments and using tight ends or running backs to pick up blitzers. The report cites Buffalo using tight ends to help protect against linebacker pressure.
