Mr. Right Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 (edited) I've always wondered, if Mike Shanahan's scheme is so good a producing 1000 yard rushers, why doesn't everyone do it? What's the down side to the zone blocking scheme? Why can't others replicate his success? Edited January 2, 2013 by Mr. Right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 (edited) If memory serves Zone blocking requires smaller and more athletic linemen, which can hamper the power run game at times as well as pass protection.Zone run blocking also requires that you have a Rb that is patient and can make cuts necessary to find holes as they open up.I've always been a fan of zone blocking, always seemed like it allowed you to do more with less when it came to linemen and RBs. Edited January 2, 2013 by Aftermath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tandy Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 He utilizes cut blocking. We actually used that same system during the Vick years and even the past several years with Paul Boudreau leading the charge.Defenses hate it - feel like it's dirty and can cause injuries. While it is a perfectly legal blocking system - it can be rough on the defenders.Cut blocking - using athletic linemen who can pull well and get down the field with the runner to block all the way. That's the system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 He utilizes cut blocking.We actually used that same system during the Vick years and even the past several years with Paul Boudreau leading the charge.Defenses hate it - feel like it's dirty and can cause injuries. While it is a perfectly legal blocking system - it can be rough on the defenders.Cut blocking - using athletic linemen who can pull well and get down the field with the runner to block all the way. That's the system.The zone was great for Dunn, not so much for Duckett lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butudontseeme™ Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I've wondered the same thing actually. About Shanahan I mean. I think I could rush for 1000 if Shanahan were my coach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcons007 Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 (edited) I will try to explain in few lines.In Zone blocking like the name implies the OL blocks as a zone, and there is no set blockers assigned like Power blocking. In zone blocking the lineman always move towards point of attack and not let any one move behind them.Typically you need small and athletic lineman who are quick and also needs time to play in sync as they have to block as one. Gary Kubaik who was with shanny did the same thing in HOU. The zone blocking in the recent years have been less effective because of NFL going after cut blocking or chop blocking. Because the OL are small they usually resort to chop block or block the DL low as they will be over powered. Also if they play against fast defenses esp. 3-4 it would be tough to match up with the defense.Another big problem is pass blocking esp on the third and long situations because the DL are bigger than OL, no wonder RG III has worst conversion rate in the NFL on 3rd and long. Cutler was killed so was Kyle orton against the blitz in DEN. Edited January 2, 2013 by falcons007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdz4i Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 aftermath and tandy pretty much summed it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 great info, from 2009 thoughhttp://www.clashmoremike.com/2009/03/notre-dame-run-blocking-positives-and-negatives-of-the-zone-blocking-scheme/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peyton Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I've wondered the same thing actually. About Shanahan I mean. I think I could rush for 1000 if Shanahan were my coach.This year was the first time Shanahan has had a 1000 yard rusher since 2006. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I've wondered the same thing actually. About Shanahan I mean. I think I could rush for 1000 if Shanahan were my coach.While he was in Denver it seemed like he could plug any bum off the street into the backfield and get 1000 yards, it was crazy, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1 pick™ Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I will try to explain in few lines.In Zone blocking like the name implies the OL blocks as a zone, and there is no set blockers assigned like Power blocking. In zone blocking the lineman always move towards point of attack and not let any one move behind them.Typically you need small and athletic lineman who are quick and also needs time to play in sync as they have to block as one. Gary Kubaik who was with shanny did the same thing in HOU. The zone blocking in the recent years have been less effective because of NFL going down on cut blocking or chop blocking. Because the OL are small they usually resort to chop block or block the DL low as they will be over powered. Also if they play against fast defenses esp. 3-4 it would be tough to match up with the defense.Another big problem is pass blocking esp on the third and long situations because the DL are bigger than OL, no wonder RG III has worst conversion rate in the NFL on 3rd and long. Cutler was killed so was Kyle orton against the blitz in DEN.Best post in this thread. end/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 (edited) This year was the first time Shanahan has had a 1000 yard rusher since 2006.true, but he also either used a RBC or just had tons of injuries to his RB corps. Was crazy what he did without a feature back and no names like Selivn Young. Edited January 2, 2013 by Aftermath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1 pick™ Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 (edited) While he was in Denver it seemed like he could plug any bum off the street into the backfield and get 1000 yards, it was crazy,I wouldn't say any bum but his OL he had in Denver was much better plus the rules then made it easier. To be honest, Alfred Morris is a beast and having RG3 as QB helps a ton. Edited January 2, 2013 by Hollywood #1 pick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 It struggled here when Vick went down and then out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1 pick™ Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I called it in pre-season on Morris. I had a couple DC fans saying he might just be doing it in the pre-season, I was like no. This man is for real. That footwork, balance, and cut skills with that size reminds me of Terrell Davis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 It struggled here when Vick went down and then out.the running game almost always benefits from having a mobile QB, Defense have to account for too much. Without Vick our entire O was dead in the water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Alfred Morris looks like he can be one of the best in the league. Having RG3 helps of course, just hope he stays healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 the running game almost always benefits from having a mobile QB, Defense have to account for too much. Without Vick our entire O was dead in the water.I remember, it was around that time I started thinking Dunn was a bit overrated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Right Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 Ok, so the reason why it isn't used more because the OL has more difficulty pass blocking in obvious passing downs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Ok, so the reason why it isn't used more because the OL has more difficulty pass blocking in obvious passing downs.That's about it, but if you have a mobile QB it could work as we see with the Skins. Best thing about it, if the QB can pass then you keep eight out of the box. Then you have a deadly offense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I remember, it was around that time I started thinking Dunn was a bit overrated.you too? lol, I loved the dude, Class act through and through and I'm glad he was a Falcon, but he was never the threat that he was made out to be. Dunn is just one of those guys that you feel like added just as much to the team off the field as he did on the field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tandy Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Ok, so the reason why it isn't used more because the OL has more difficulty pass blocking in obvious passing downs.You've heard the phrase around here a lot - "Our Line is Built for the run - not for the pass"You look at the dominant passing teams - you'll see bigger, stronger - although slower linemen. They are built to protect the QB - create a pocket and get push at the line.Smaller, more athletic linemen are built to not only open a hole - but get down the field with the runner - to keep blocking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcons007 Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Alfred Morris looks like he can be one of the best in the league. Having RG3 helps of course, just hope he stays healthy.Alfred Morris has great vision and won't go down easily. ZBS scheme depends on RB vision and cut back ability. Darren McFadden struggled this year after OAK went ZB. Arian Foster is another guy who has good vision and speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperbh Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Why do I feel like we're being set up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Ok, so the reason why it isn't used more because the OL has more difficulty pass blocking in obvious passing downs.Also requires a back with great vision and the ability to cut and hit holes when they open. Guys like 2012 Turner would be DOA with a O-line running a zone blocking scheme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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