Link: Learn About the “Fire Zone’
The other day, when asked about his new secondary personnel, Rex Ryan mentioned all the things he’s going to be able to do more of this season. “You can let it fly.” Said Rex of his scheme, “come hit the quarterback, go more zero pressures, more cover ones, and fire zones, whatever you want to do.”
Want to learn about a staple of Rex Ryan’s scheme? Matt Bowen of National Football Post writes an excellent explanation of the Zone Blitz or “Fire Zone” as Rex calls it. Here’s the essence.
To simplify it, think of a pressure package with zone principles in the secondary. Rush five, drop six. Force the QB to throw the ball early into coverage — where this defense turns into a matchup zone that you might see on the basketball court.
It’s a way to incorporate the secondary into the blitz, and it can have a beneficial effect if it’s disguised well from the pre-snap look — especially if you can get the O-line to turn its protection away from the blitz.
[…]
Timing — as always with a blitz — is key. The safety and the blitzing linebacker in this situation have to hit the line of scrimmage at the right time for the scheme to work.
It’s a good explanation of how the system works, what’s important to making it work, and the roles and responsibilities of the players involved. Definitely worth the read.
3 Responses to Link: Learn About the “Fire Zone’
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nyckage says:
sexy rexy,
Revis does not need help, and it’s not like they strengthened the safety position, Cromartie isn’t going to make Revis better, it’s not like Lebron and his supporting cast, Revis is a CB who can play 1 on 1 with little to no safety help, but I think I get what your saying -
sexy rexy says:
o yea I know Revis doesnt need help, but he can’t cover 3 guys at once. getting Cromar and Kyle who can try and do what Revis do…mano a mano coverage.
What I love about Rex’s style is that if you thought it was effective last year, just the thought that Darrelle Revis has HELP this year makes you drool. It’s like when they say Lebron needs a supporting cast, Revis got his supporting cast and some.