This is an excellent post that helps to explain the nuances of both individual blocking techniques as well as how they work within the blocking scheme.
An important point that the author makes is that, just like the rest of their operation, the Pats aren't wedded to a particular blocking scheme, so that an opponent might see zone blocking one week and power blocking another.
I also couldn't help but notice just how different the blocking techniques are compared to the ones I played with and coached. While the footwork isn't too much different, the pad level and the focus on "hand placement" is radically different.
Back in the day (which is a phrase I use altogether too much these days. ), there WAS no "hand placement", since you couldn't use your hands on offense. Also the pad level was much lower. Instead of using your hands to create separation, you used your forearms.
On run blocks you would fire out into the waist of a defender, and THEN work your way up as you gained control. The place where he bends. Note how high all the run blocks are. Back in the..... well, we used to derisively call that "titty blocks", when both the defensive and offensive players were too high. Now everything relies on "hand placement", on both sides of the ball.
I have always felt that if I ever got a chance to speak with BB one on one, one of the questions I would ask would be if the Delaware Wing T blocking system could ever make a comeback in the NFL. The Delaware Wing T used all angle blocking and pulls as a primary concept. You rarely asked anyone to block one on one at the point of attack, and NEVER asked anyone to reach block.
BB would be familiar with the system, and I'd LOVE to hear his comments. I think it would be a different and effective approach....at least until defenses caught up with it.
