STRAT RULES - SAFETY BLITZ

 SAFETY BLITZ 

The defense announces he is “showing blitz”. This is done at the same time he announces his formation, which is prior to the offense selecting its play. After the offense has selected its play, the defensive coach can move his free safety to the line of scrimmage (any open slot – not just the blitz slots) if the blitz is on, or to any zone on the field if it is not. In all cases, even if the safety does not blitz, if the ⊕ (aka “sniper scope”) reading occurs consider that a Long Gain. If the safety actually blitzes, a sack does not occur and the offense throws a long pass then always refer to the “LONG PASS - 0 MEN” column of the defensive card no matter how many defenders are positioned in the long pass zone 

(Note: see Throwing For The End Zone Between The 10 and 19-Yard Line for an exception to this rule). The defense can call either call “Pass” or “Run” after showing safety blitz, but naturally “Pass” must be called if the blitz is on. If the offense tries a short or a long pass, and a blank or a “D” is rolled on the black die you check for a sack just as you would in a normal pass rush situation, except consult the Safety Blitz Pass Rush Chart instead of the Updated Sack Rule Pass Chart. Treat the Free Safety as an (10*) 0. His rating of 10 is used only on white die rolls of 6. Make all normal adjustment for blitzing linebackers (do not count the safety as a linebacker). 

Safety Blitz Note: Whenever a blank reading is rolled on the black die, 3 is the minimum Pass Block rating to be used for any player when consulting the Sack chart. Note: this rule was rescinded as part of the Version 8 rule changes. The Safety Blitz cannot be used if the free safety is assigned coverage responsibilities. Against a run, treat a blitzing free safety in the same manner as a blitzing zero-rated linebacker. (Note: this rule is overridden when using the option SPLIT DEFENSIVE RATINGS rule – see above). The safety blitz is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. You have a very good chance of sacking the quarterback when using it, however if the sack does not occur you have exposed yourself to giving up a long gain.