Zone running schemes

[sieglo]

Can someone explain to me why every team doesn't use a zone running scheme like Denver or Jacksonville? It seems that teams that use this approach consistently outperform teams that use a gap running scheme. Denver in particular seems to be designed so that any old back they put in there comes out looking like a Pro Bowler.

 

[Phokus]

Can someone explain to me why every team doesn't use a zone running scheme like Denver or Jacksonville? It seems that teams that use this approach consistently outperform teams that use a gap running scheme. Denver in particular seems to be designed so that any old back they put in there comes out looking like a Pro Bowler.

You need smaller/quicker offensive linemen to run those schemes and they tend to be bad at pass blocking.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Denver did well in what, 97-98, when they had a decent QB to complement finally getting a high end RB? Denver is will to use smaller linemen against the Ted Washingtons of the DL and they've had some success. But other teams have succeeded with their own schemes.