Zone blocking for Dummies (me) - New England Patriots Forums

RayClay · 08-25-2007, 11:14 AM

So I see we're zone blocking for runs and it looks like Maroney's going to thrive in that system.

He definitely doesn't seem to be a hit the seam and explode type and even though they were awkward last night, I could see him getting into the secondary very easily once they get their rhythm down.

All I know is it looked like the Broncos out there as I've stared at that damn thing from the other side so many times wondering why we can't blow it up.

So, can anyone explain, in layman's terms, what is going on out there and why it is so confounding for the defense?

I'm really much more verbal than technical, hence the thread title.

Is the RB choosing a direct seam or wait for an angle cut? Or is the hesitation, side step the first option?

Is there pulling on every play, or how does that layering effect develop?

What's the weakness? Can defenses blow it up from the back side (you only have so many OLinemen).

How about 4th and inches, would we use a normal blocking scheme instead?

These are just questions from the top of my head. If they're stupid, take into account I already admitted that.

VJCPatriot · 08-25-2007, 12:17 PM

This article might help you out:

http://espn.go.com/ncf/columns/davie/1440703.html

LaBrady · 08-25-2007, 12:49 PM

So after reading this I guess zone blocking can be used in pass protection!

PonyExpress · 08-25-2007, 12:49 PM

The zone scheme is designed to create organized chaos at the LOS. The location of the running lanes are impossible for the D to predict from play to play. This variability strains the flexibility of every defensive system, making the location of run fits more difficult to predict and preparation more complex. It challenges the mental discipline of the D, and increases the likelihood of an error leading to a large gain. Fear of such errors can make the D less aggressive and give the initiative to the O-line; or can make the D too aggressive, allowing better cut back lanes for a clever rb. Just as QBs who are able to run through progressions are more successful in today's game than QBs who run a set play, the zone system gives a quality rb, the man with the best view of the action, decision making power to choose from multiple options.

***T-ShirtDynasty*** · 08-25-2007, 01:27 PM

You gotta see Unoriginal's illustrations of the zone scheme... pretty helpful in understanding much of what we're reading. Lemme see if I can duplicate the posts over here, rather than redirecting to a new thread....

Well that didn't work.

Here are the URLs to find Unoriginal's posts:
How much did we use zone blocking against the bucs?

How much did we use zone blocking against the bucs?

***pats1*** · 08-25-2007, 01:57 PM

Here's a more technical powerpoint on zone blocking:

http://fastandfuriousfootball.com/Co...g%20points.ppt

betterthanthealternative · 08-25-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pats1

Here's a more technical powerpoint on zone blocking:

http://fastandfuriousfootball.com/Co...g%20points.ppt

OK, now that I have that fully memorized and mastered, let me say that I am impressed by our OL being able to take this on in such a short time and look as good as it did against Carolina.

***reflexblue*** · 08-25-2007, 02:38 PM

You're right, Unoriginal did an excellent job of illustrating the difference between zone,and man.I knew that the Oline turned and drove into the shoulder of the defender,but to see it like it was presented really brought the concept to life.

RayClay · 08-25-2007, 04:44 PM

Wow, thanks all. I saw, but couldn't respond to, the ESPN tutorial, which looks very good.

Can't wait to dig in to all the rest.

Are we agreed that Maroney looks made for this type of scheme? His speed and power seem so much more effective downfield.

kurtinelson · 08-25-2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJCPatriot

This article might help you out:

http://espn.go.com/ncf/columns/davie/1440703.html

Thanks for that link VJCPat. That's the first real breakdown of the principles of zone blocking that I've read.

I find that this quote typifies that Pats preseason work in the running game:

Quote:

"Zone blocking was created to handle moving defensive linemen. It is a simple concept, but it takes a lot of practice because it involves offensive linemen working in unison and decisions have to be made while the play is taking place. In zone blocking, you don't have a lot of different assignments, but you have a lot of techniques. It takes many repetitions to get the feel of working together as a unit. "

It would be interesting to read a breakdown on how (if at all) a defense can scheme against zone blocking. I have to think that the success that Denver has had against the Pats in utilizing zone blocking swayed BB to install this system.