The football blitz can be an effective way of stopping the offense. Some blitzes are designed to force the quarterback out of the pocket and some are created to force the quarterback to make quick decisions. Some blitzes target stopping a running play. When a blitz is successful, it leaves the quarterback with few options.
Inside Zone Blitz
The inside zone blitz is effective against an inside run play. You will also force the quarterback out of the pocket on a pass play. Your tackles, middle linebacker, and right outside linebacker will blitz through the middle toward the running back or quarterback. Your right end will need to drop back into coverage, replacing the middle linebacker in case of a short pass in the middle. Your free safety should cover the middle as well, deeper than the right end. All other defensive players should play their perspective coverages close. If effective, this blitz will stop the run or force the quarterback to throw the ball on the run.
Single Edge Zone Blitz
The single edge zone blitz is designed to force the quarterback to run to the shorter side of the field, giving him limited options. The blitz should come from the side of the field that has the most running room. So if the the football is starting more toward the right side of the field, the players on the left should do the blitzing. In this scenario, your left end and tackles should blitz around their coverages to the right. Your middle and left linebackers should blitz around the left end and left tackle respectively. Your free safety will move in and cover the wide receiver left open by the left outside linebacker. Your strong safety will move to the middle of the field for zone coverage along with your right outside line backer. The right end will drop back into coverage on the fourth receiver or to protect against the run. Reverse these assignments if the blitz is coming from the right side.
Double Edge Zone Blitz
The double-edge zone blitz combines blitzing players from both sides of the field. Have your outside linebackers blitz around the ends. Both ends should blitz to the inside of their blocks. The right tackle should blitz to the inside as well, while the left tackle drops into short pass coverage. Your middle linebacker should go to the left into pass coverage. Your strong safety should be in zone pass coverage on the third of fourth wide receiver. And your free safety should go to the middle of the field into deep pass coverage. If you trust that this was a short pass or run play, you might want to consider having the free safety blitz through the middle as well.
Lineman Blitz
The lineman blitz is a simple four-man blitz that can be effective with quick defensive lineman. Have your defensive ends blitz around their blocks and force the quarterback into the pocket. At the same time, your tackles should rush up the middle to the inside to prevent the running back or quarterback from running up the middle with the ball. Without proper blocking from the offensive line, this blitz will collapse the pocket quickly and most likely lead to a rushed pass or a sack.
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