The red zone in football is the area of the field between the opponent's 20-yard line and the goal line. This is the final 20 yards before the offense reaches the end zone and is considered a critical scoring area where teams are more likely to score points, either touchdowns or field goals
. Only one red zone exists on the field at a time, and it is always the one in the opponent’s territory where the offense is trying to score. The red zone is named for its association with danger to the defense, as it signals a high probability of the offense scoring
. In summary, the red zone is:
- The area between the opponent's 20-yard line and the goal line.
- The key scoring area where offenses aim to convert drives into points.
- A strategic zone where both offensive and defensive play-calling intensifies
