Detroit Lions Weblog

So What the Hell is a “Zone Blocking” Rushing Scheme Anyhow?

The Lions have implemented a vast number of NFL “Flavor of the Month” (West Coast Offense, anyone?) offenses during recent seasons, as they have continued to languish mightily in spite of any offensive innovation that they may try.

Upon the departure of Mike Martz, many Lions offensive linemen expressed a desire to feature an offense that is simplified, with more “bread and butter” plays that can be relied upon in tough situations, especially when executed properly.

In response to the yearnings of many Lions players, the Lions have promoted Jim Colletto to offensive coordinator and are going to utilize more “zone blocking” schemes in their rushing attack, an aspect of the game which they have promised will be utilized more consistently in ‘08.

“Zone Blocking” depends upon the offensive linemen making correct reads of defensive alignments, and for a great deal of patience by running backs. The offensive linemen determine who they are going to block pre-snap, and aren’t assigned a player to block per se, but block according to the defensive alignment they are presented with.

The running back doesn’t have a defined “hole” to run through, but follows his blockers as they block their “zones” and then makes the appropriate read, makes one cut, and explodes through the “hole”. Often, the back has to wait for an opening to develop, or just as likely in the Lions case, a “hole” often doesn’t develop during a particular play. Just as likely though, the back may break off a big run, if the linemen make all of the correct reads.

One concern that I have about this shift in modus operandi for the Lions offensive line is that they have acquired a number of large, space-occupying offensive linemen during recent seasons, meanwhile the “zone blocking” scheme demands smaller, quicker offensive linemen. Square pegs, anyone?

This rings of another example of the Lions coaches neglecting to select a scheme that suits it’s personnel appropriately, something that has dogged this organization perennially. Jeff Backus, Stephen Peterman, and Dominic Raiola all will likely be fine in this offensive scheme, but I am unsure that mammoth players like Gosder Cherilus(even though that blocking scheme was utilized by Boston College), Jonathan Scott and Manny Ramirez will flourish in this scheme. The Lions will be afforded little transitional time for it’s linemen, that’s for certain.

The fact is, the Lions offensive line has struggled mightily during recent campaigns, and the “zone blocking” scheme places even more responsibility upon the linemen’s shoulders, as well as place an impetus upon their ability to make the right decision play after play. Communication and coordination among the linemen is exceptionally important. It’s debatable whether the current offensive line has earned their expanded responsibility, given their performance during recent seasons.

The other question that obviously remains, do the Lions possess the running backs on their current roster who are capable of success in this scheme, within the NFL milieu. Brian Calhoun and Tatum Bell each have some experience within the scheme, but it remains to be seen whether they, or newly-minted rookie Kevin Smith, for that matter, will flourish behind the less than stellar Lions offensive line

Most importantly, if the Lions are down two TD’s at the end of the 2nd quarter, this whole scheme will be for naught, because the running game will get pitched out of desperation. With every measure of optimism for successful change in this organization, there is also a healthy dollop of skepticism, since as we all know, the “Same ‘Ol Lions” will likely emerge as the season progresses.