In an earlier entry, I wrote about the zone blocking scheme that Kirby Wilson's Vikings running backs exploited, and the possibility that he'd push for it here.
The recent hire of Hal Hunter gives this theory legs. Hunter is known to run the outside stretch zone.
San Diego was obviously a passing team without a star running back, so Hal's record there in the running game isn't very informative. On paper, it looks mediocre, but a guy like DePodesta (or yours truly) factors in scheme, running backs, injuries, game flow, etc. Next, they compare all of this to what he will work in and with here with the Browns.
We (and I hope Hue Jackson) already know that this is a mostly zone offensive line, which is measurably and irrefutably less effective in a man-blocking scheme...Hue?
I'm probably being unfair to Hue. I may be overreacting to articles talking about his previous blocking schemes with previous teams as if he's another typical blockhead who will impose it on any unit regardless of personnel.
I think Hal and Kirby will have their way, and the blocking scheme of 2016 will look like the one from 2014, rather than the disappointing mess of last season.
I've started researching the outside stretch zone and now know barely enough about it to be dangerous.
Obviously, the outside zone attacks the perimeters of defenses. While the inside zone is meant to spread the defense out vertically, the outside zone spreads it horizontally. The same "covered" (a defender in front of you) and "uncovered" (a defender in the gap or closer to your team mate) apply, except the blocking on that side is all toward the center.
The key guy is the playside tackle (or sometimes tight end). He must both cut off the outside lineman and prevent penetration, and a 3-4 linebacker or a defensive end will often line up on his outside shoulder.
Defenders can screw things up several different ways. They can move with the tackle as he steps sideways to try to get to his outside shoulder (and the tackle loses this footrace), or he can cross the tackle's face and penetrate to disrupt the play in the backfield.
It's not that simple though, because the defensive lineman has gap responsibilities. Stepping outside with the tackle opens up a huge hole in the A-gap. Crossing inside concedes the edge; and the play could be a pitch-out or dump-pass.
Joe Thomas would be great at this. Mitchell Schwartze not so much. Schwartze is actually more of a power-blocker. Hunter and the Browns would have to tweak things to help him out.
Guards do pull. In this case, they don't go downfield, but run past the defensive end or outside linebacker in order to block down on him. He'll get the angle that maybe a Schwartz couldn't, or drive the guy a Thomas just left standing there inside.
It also helps a lot if you have big outside receivers who can block, because cornerbacks or sometimes safeties will come from the perimeter.
Blocking schemes are never exclusive. Every offensive line does man-blocking, traps, and pulls sometimes. Most teams have tight ends who are good blockers, or H-backs who can block down out of motion.
The downfield principle outside is the same as it is inside. Once the running back has turned and the defender is useless, the blocker proceeds downfield to smash little guys.
It happens fast. The tackle takes one or two steps and hits. He attacks the outside armpit and seeks to turn the defender. With your shoulders turned, you can't penetrate. We are not built to run sideways. As soon as the defenders shoulders are turned and he's stationary, the playside blocker is on his way downfield. When it's perfectly executed, the playside blocker never stops running: He delivers his shot with his inside hand to turn the shoulders, and keeps going. It's not about power, but leverage.
Outside and inside zones are best used together. The way defenses try to remedy the inside zone is to blitze inside ("run blitze"). Running outside can really burn this. It traps one run-stopper inside and behind the runner.
Enough technicalities: Isaiah Crowell can actually be effective outside, but Duke Johnson is made for this.
As with the inside zone, there is no predefined gap for the running back. He races outside, and takes what he can get.
Know what he looks for? Offensive linemen's butts. If he sees their butts, he knows they've got control of the defender, and he should go there (ideally between two big butts).
Anyway, Hal Hunter was a good hire, and things are looking up.
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