Just started watching NFL, question
 

I've only been watching NFL football for about a year, I get most of the rules but what they hell are the commentators talking about when they talk about the defense or offense "BLITZING"?

Only the defense blitzes. A blitz is when a linebacker or defensive back rushes the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball, much like a defensive lineman does.

To be a little more clear, defensive linemen are basically always blitzing, or trying to get to the QB/RB. When linebackers or backs do it, they stop their main focus of trying to cover receivers and just get to the QB/RB.

What Tony said. The downside of blitzing is that it usually exposes the receivers to single, man-on-man coverage. If the offense has good, fast receivers and a QB with a quick release, they can take advantage of that. But if the offensive line is a little weak, the blitz can force a sack or cause the QB to make a mistake.

Thanks guys, makes sense now.

[QUOTE=powerslave_85;392329]What Tony said. The downside of blitzing is that it usually exposes the receivers to single, man-on-man coverage. If the offense has good, fast receivers and a QB with a quick release, they can take advantage of that. But if the offensive line is a little weak, the blitz can force a sack or cause the QB to make a mistake.[/QUOTE]

Sounds like a defensive coordinator! I play semi-pro ball as an O-lineman. I personally love teams that blitz up the middle, as we typically exploit them over the middle with quick passes and play action. Due to our personell, teams that blitz an extra OLB outside give us more problems.

Blitzing is also variant on scheme.

[QUOTE=hellawaits77ny;392350]Sounds like a defensive coordinator! I play semi-pro ball as an O-lineman. I personally love teams that blitz up the middle, as we typically exploit them over the middle with quick passes and play action. Due to our personell, teams that blitz an extra OLB outside give us more problems.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, there's a huge reason why you don't just send 6 every play. That's the reason why Walsh's classic WCO was probably the most important tactical invention in football history. Then, came the cover 2 which again became easily exploited. But seriously, you must love those gut blitzes when you know you're going into pass protection. Bread and butter right there, bread and butter.

I'm confused, though. Do they not blitz in Canadian football, or do they just call it something different? I've watched, like, half of a CFL game in my life, haha.

[QUOTE=idrinkwine732;392352]Blitzing is also variant on scheme.



Yeah, there's a huge reason why you don't just send 6 every play. That's the reason why Walsh's classic WCO was probably the most important tactical invention in football history. Then, came the cover 2 which again became easily exploited. But seriously, you must love those gut blitzes when you know you're going into pass protection. Bread and butter right there, bread and butter.[/QUOTE]

Yup. It gets tougher when you have an OLB running a 4.5 40 blitzing the edge, LOL. That's when the draws come in handy.

[QUOTE=powerslave_85;392353]I'm confused, though. Do they not blitz in Canadian football, or do they just call it something different? I've watched, like, half of a CFL game in my life, haha.[/QUOTE]

Psst... Even Canadians don't like Canadian Football...

As far as I know, it's called the same thing in the CFL, but I've watched like a game and a half of CFL. My grandfather was a huge football fan but it was NFL 9 times out of 10.