[2] For example, a zone blitz may involve two linebackers adding to the rush of three defensive linemen, while a fourth lineman unexpectedly moves into pass coverage.
[4] As in other blitzes, using additional rushers is intended to hurry the quarterback, and potentially cause an incomplete pass, sack, fumble or interception.
[5] Redirecting a player who was expected to rush is intended to confuse the pass protection assignments of the offensive line, tight ends and backs, who may now be unsure of which rusher to block.
One player, typically the weakside or "free" safety is left with no man responsibilities, and can instead roam the intermediate to deep zones.
The combination of the hurried quarterback and the quickly-covered screen receiver often results in a sack, an interception by a defensive lineman, a tackle for loss of yardage, or an incompletion.
A very good example of this defensive scheme by LeBeau is the 100-yard interception return for a TD by James Harrison in Super Bowl XLIII.
Prior to the play, on the first down and goal from the Pittsburgh 2, the Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner apparently expected Harrison to rush the passer as the latter usually does, thus designing Anquan Boldin running a slant.
But as Warner was dropping back to pass, the inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons blitzed from the inside instead, and Harrison quickly dropped back to cover the slant route by Boldin making an easy interception which he eventually returned for a touchdown.
The last advantage highlighted above is also perhaps the principal disadvantage to a zone blitz, in that one or more defensive linemen may be required to drop back into coverage while linebackers take their place in rushing the quarterback.
For this reason, the zone blitz is most likely to be effective in down and distance situations that dictate a passing play (i.e. third down and more than six yards).