Duke charting project: Blitz Quentin Harris at your own risk

Duke is facing a challenge in Pitt’s pass rush on Saturday.

The Panthers are the unstoppable force, averaging six sacks per game so far this season, while Duke has been the immovable object, surrendering just one sack on the year.

Coach David Cutcliffe called the Panthers “fierce competitors” who are particularly dangerous when they release the hounds on third down.

Quentin Harris mentioned concern over Pitt’s blitzing packages.

“They mix in blitzes as well,” he said in the comments below. “It can compromise your protection at some points.”

While Duke is rightfully concerned over Pitt’s defensive front, the outcry over the Panthers’ blitz may have a bit of “don’t throw me in the brier patch” to it.

That’s because the Blue Devils have absolutely shredded the blitz so far this season.

According to Duke Maven Charting Project data, the Blue Devils have been blitzed on 25 passing downs. Harris has gotten off a pass on 22 of them.

His one sack of the season came on a blitz, and twice he’s scrambled in the face of blitzers, gaining six yards.

Harris has been praised for his quick release, but the success against the blitz isn’t just the result of him dumping off quickly to survive the rush. Duke has been punishing opponents for sending extra rushers.

Harris is 18-of-22 against the blitz for 254 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s averaging 11.5 yards per pass against the blitz. Add in the sack and scrambles, and Duke is averaging 10.4 yads per blitz.

Including the touchdowns, Duke has gained a first down on 13 of the opponent blitz plays, more than half of all blitz attempts.

Here’s a look at Duke’s top receivers against the blitz

Player	Catches	Targets	Yards	Touchdowns<br>	First downs<br>	Passer Rating<br>
Jalon Calhoun	7	7	81	1	4	244.3
Eli Pancol	2	3	50	2	2	426.7
Aaron Young	2	3	45	1	2	302.7
Darrell Harding Jr.	2	2	32	0	2	234.4
Noah Gray	3	3	22	0	2	161.6
Mataeo Durant	1	1	22	1	1	614.8
Scott Bracey	1	2	2	0	0	58.4
Damond Philyaw-Johnson	0	1	0	0	0	0
Total	18	22	254	5	13	253.8

Harris is looking for wide receivers when he feels the blitz coming, not looking to dump off. Running backs have been targeted just once, and tight end Noah Gray, normally one of Harris’ top targets, has only been thrown to three times on the blitz.

Harris is throwing the ball 21.7 yards downfield when the blitz comes, looking to take advantage of a potentially depleted secondary.

Duke is even better when opponents send more than one extra man on a blitz.

Completions	Attempts	Yards	TDs	First downs<br>	Passer Rating<br>
Five rushers	14	16	185	3	9	246.5
Six+ rushers	4	6	69	2	4	273.3

Duke has shown little concern, or perhaps respect, for the blitz. The Blue Devils have not bothered to leave an extra man in to block—relying solely on their five offensive linemen—on nine of the 25 blitzes.

While Harris is more effective with extra help against the blitz, he is extremely effective with just the line protecting him.

Completions	Attempts	Yards	TDs	First downs<br>	Passer rating<br>
Five blockers	7	9	71	1	4	180.7
Six+ blockers	11	13	183	4	9	304.4

So Pitt can blitz at its own risk against Harris and the Duke offense. The Panthers just need to realize they may be stepping into a trap.