Zone Blitz Defense

[FlyingElvis]

Wouldn't the first responsibilty of the blitz be a shot on the TE to slow his release? So the potential for the TE staying home to block vs. a chuck on him if he does release mitigates the risk of the TE - either removing him as a pass option or slowing him & giving the blitz the extra step.

[eaglesalltheway]

Technically the first responsibility of the blitz is to get to the QB before he releases the ball, but some blitzes do take into account the TE, but like it was said before, there are many times where it isn't counted for and a quick pass the the TE on a blitz play results in big yards for the offense.

[FlyingElvis]

So it would likely be tailored based on the opponent then? If you're playing SD and it's Gates lined up at TE there's a better chance he gets hit first, whereas a scrub TE isn't a concern.

[eaglesalltheway]

It is more of a case of having a flexible defensive scheme more than taylor- making it for your opponent, but yeah, I understand what you are saying.