Blitz (American football)

In American football or Canadian football, blitzing is a tactic used by the defense to disrupt pass attempts by the offense. During a blitz, a higher than usual number of defensive players will rush the opposing quarterback, to try to tackle the quarterback or force them to hurry their pass attempt.

In practice, a blitz involves five or more players rushing during a single down, rather than the four rushers used during normal play. For example, in a defense that normally uses four defensive linemen to rush, a blitz can be created by adding one or more linebackers or defensive backs.

Blitzing is a higher-risk strategy, as fewer defensive players are left to cover receivers or to defend against running plays. However, a successful blitz will result in a sack or will force the quarterback into making an error.

The blitz began with the "red-dog", likely first done by Red Ettinger, sometime between 1948-1950.

The term "red-dog" referred to rushing a LB, creating a six-on-five matchup against the OL; and blitz meant rushing 7, thereby leaving one potential receiver uncovered. The term "red-dog" is at least as old as 1959.

Defensive coordinator Chuck Drulis is widely credited with inventing the safety blitz. Bill Arnsparger is the likely creator of the zone blitz.

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