Early Form of a Zone Blitz?

 By John Turney

We've seen a form of zone far earlier than it was written about in the media. One example is in 1964 when a short NFL Films highlight appears to show a right defensive end rushing, then engaging a blocker, then dropping back while a linebacker from his side dogged.

One of the coaches of that defense was Bill Arnsberger, the man who generally gets credit for creating the zone blitz concept, the "Zone to Bo" call that he used to have defensive end Kim Bokamper drop to a hook zone while a linebacker rushed the passer. 

But was that the first? Likely not.

It came even earlier says author TJ Troup, "Watching film of the Oilers victory over Broncos in 1961, the Houston strong safety comes off the edge to blitz while the defensive end drops into coverage. No doubt it was a zone/blitz and the architect is Wally Lemm."

Regardless, here is another example of what may be that concept. Or it may not be—this is 1969, and the Saints are visiting the New York Giants. Right linebacker Tommy Crutcher, number 56, dogs and the right defensive end, number 89 Fred Dryer, stops his rush and drops.

Credit: CBS 

Now, we cannot be sure, it might be that Dryer had the running back who caught the ball in man coverage. That back (Andy Livingston) picked up the blitzing linebacker and then released to catch a right screen for a long touchdown.

A linebacker and a defensive end exchanging responsibilities on a blitz would be fairly common in that era and Dryer's hesitation could be that his man blocked and released to the opposite side.

You be the judge if Dryer has a short zone or had the running back in man coverage.

Either way, it is an interesting clip and a nice run by Livingston and a good example of a good call—a screen away from a blitzing linebacker.