What Is a Blitz in American Football? Pressure Package Explained
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TL;DR
Instead of rushing only the usual defensive linemen, a blitz brings linebackers or defensive backs toward the quarterback. The trade is pressure for coverage: extra rushers mean fewer defenders available downfield.
Why defenses blitz
Pressure can disrupt a long-developing route, force a hurried throw or create a sack. It is especially useful when the offense expects a predictable protection scheme.
The coverage trade-off
The quarterback may attack the vacated area with a quick pass, screen or hot route. Defensive coordinators disguise pressure and rotate coverage to make the pre-snap picture unreliable.
Common blitz families
A slot blitz sends a defensive back from the edge. A run blitz crowds the line to stop a handoff. A zone blitz mixes pressure with a lineman dropping into coverage.
How offenses respond
Quarterbacks identify the likely rusher, adjust protection and release the ball quickly. Motion can reveal man coverage, while a screen can punish an overaggressive rush.
Related tactics
Read nickel defense, play action, red-zone football and the safety position.
Sources
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