What's a blitz?
Sending extra players after the quarterback: what a blitz is, and the trade a defense makes when it calls one.
A blitz is when the defense sends extra rushers after the quarterback - a linebacker or a defensive back - on top of the defensive line.
It's a trade. Every extra rusher is one fewer defender in coverage. The defense is betting it can get to the quarterback before he finds the receiver it left open.
The diagram shows both sides of that bet: the blitzer who gets through, and the receiver he left behind.
It looks like any other play: four linemen, and the nickel back (NB) over the slot receiver as if he's going to cover him.
Read the play step by step
- Before the snap: It looks like any other play: four linemen, and the nickel back (NB) over the slot receiver as if he's going to cover him.
- The snap: The nickel back and the strong safety both rush the quarterback. Six rushers instead of just the four linemen: that's a blitz.
- The play develops: Six rushers against six blockers, but the running back steps the wrong way and the nickel back comes free off the left edge. Now look at the slot receiver (H): with his defender blitzing, nobody is covering him. A quick throw there beats the blitz.
How to spot it
- Before the snap, look for linebackers or safeties creeping toward the line of scrimmage, or a defensive back lined up close to the line with nobody to cover.
- Count the defenders near the line. If there are more than the offense can block, someone may be coming.
- Watch the quarterback. A very quick drop and throw often means he saw a blitz coming and threw to the open man.
- Defenses fake it too: players show blitz and back out at the snap, or line up deep and come anyway.
Strengths
- Pressure. The quarterback has less time, and a free rusher can mean a sack or a turnover.
- Confusion. An offense that can't tell who's coming can block the wrong player.
Weaknesses
- Fewer defenders in coverage, so a receiver is often left open or with no help.
- If the ball comes out quickly, there's space behind the blitz for a big play.
- Blitzers leave their spots, so a run or a scrambling quarterback can find open lanes.
Key terms
Quick quiz
1 / 3What makes a play a blitz?