What is the Red Zone in Football?

The red zone in American football is the space between the 20-yard and goal lines. This section of the field is crucial for both the offense and defense since it has a good probability of producing a score. One of the most crucial spots on the pitch in football is the red zone. Football games are more likely to be won by teams who score in the extra point zone.

Twenty yards before the end zone in the red zone. Teams are more likely to score points in this part of the field. The red zone is a dangerous area where the defense must defend itself against the offensive.

NFL Football
Image Credits – FOS

Red Zone in football

The word “red zone” refers to a spot where the offensive team has a strong chance of scoring. Theoretically, it should be quite simple for the offense to score from the red zone, given the close proximity to the goal line. However, because there is less room for movement on either side of the ball during an NFL game, the defense has less territory to defend.

On the pitch, there is just one red zone, and it is located in the other team’s zone. They can alter their defensive posture in the red zone by giving the defense team less room to defend.

ALSO READ: What are the Top 5 Passing Routes in Football?

Scoring points through the red zone in football

The offense is in an excellent position to score points while they are in the red zone. When a team starts a drive inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, it is in position to attempt a field goal and perhaps score a touchdown. In the NFL, teams are expected to score a touchdown by the end of the drive if they enter the red zone.

The squad just needs two first downs to go into the end zone because they are now inside their opponent’s 20-yard line. Although a field goal may potentially be attempted from the red zone, scoring on that scoring drive was not the main objective.

Defending in the red zone in football

The defense usually concedes some scores if they allow teams to get into the red zone (their own 20-yard line). Since neither side has as much room to maneuver, the defense has less territory to defend in this region during an NFL game.

The offence of scoring a touchdown and making the extra point would be the worst-case scenario. Coaches and players must be ready to play all 4 downs while defending teams in the red zone. This frequently determines whether a football game is won or lost.

More NFL news: 

Follow our NFL page for more key NFL updates and news