O-Line Blocking schemes question

[sureletsrace]

What are the pros, cons, advantages, disadvantages, and differences between a zone-blocking scheme and a (?)man blocking scheme? Anyone got a good list they can point me to? How hard would it be to switch, and would the Cowboys lineman be able to do it?

 

[CowboyMike]

Zone schemes tend to favor lighter, quicker lineman with mobile feet.

So, since our line is positively mammoth, it would not be a really good fit for them. Although, I do think we sprinkle in some zone here and there.

 

[couchscout]

What are the pros, cons, advantages, disadvantages, and differences between a zone-blocking scheme and a (?)man blocking scheme? Anyone got a good list they can point me to? How hard would it be to switch, and would the Cowboys lineman be able to do it?

I'm an active offensive line coach, and I'll give you my take on the two schemes.

Zone Blocking schemes in general lead to more big run but also more stops for 1 yard or less and a lot more runs for losses. You want smaller, quicker offensive lineman, who can help double team a DT, and then one releases to pick up a LB at the second level depending on the type of run. All in all, this is probably the better running scheme, but its much harder to find lineman who can truly do it effectively.


Man Blocking schemes in general have less huge runs, but have far higher 4+ yard run percentage. You want bigger lineman who can drive, pummel and destroy any size lineman, with just enough athleticism to hit LBs at the second level. It's much easier to find these types of lineman.

The Cowboys have no chance at switching schemes. Kosier and Free could do it, but Gurode, Bigg, and Columbo have a 0% chance of being successful zone scheme linemen.

 

[Jon88]

Reminds me of that idiot from the Bengals that Bruce Coslet brought in who tried to change to some awful scheme.

That year was a disaster.

 

[theogt]

I'm an active offensive line coach, and I'll give you my take on the two schemes.

Zone Blocking schemes in general lead to more big run but also more stops for 1 yard or less and a lot more runs for losses. You want smaller, quicker offensive lineman, who can help double team a DT, and then one releases to pick up a LB at the second level depending on the type of run. All in all, this is probably the better running scheme, but its much harder to find lineman who can truly do it effectively.


Man Blocking schemes in general have less huge runs, but have far higher 4+ yard run percentage. You want bigger lineman who can drive, pummel and destroy any size lineman, with just enough athleticism to hit LBs at the second level. It's much easier to find these types of lineman.

The Cowboys have no chance at switching schemes. Kosier and Free could do it, but Gurode, Bigg, and Columbo have a 0% chance of being successful zone scheme linemen.

Nice.

 

[sureletsrace]

I'm an active offensive line coach, and I'll give you my take on the two schemes.

Zone Blocking schemes in general lead to more big run but also more stops for 1 yard or less and a lot more runs for losses. You want smaller, quicker offensive lineman, who can help double team a DT, and then one releases to pick up a LB at the second level depending on the type of run. All in all, this is probably the better running scheme, but its much harder to find lineman who can truly do it effectively.


Man Blocking schemes in general have less huge runs, but have far higher 4+ yard run percentage. You want bigger lineman who can drive, pummel and destroy any size lineman, with just enough athleticism to hit LBs at the second level. It's much easier to find these types of lineman.

The Cowboys have no chance at switching schemes. Kosier and Free could do it, but Gurode, Bigg, and Columbo have a 0% chance of being successful zone scheme linemen.

Thanks for that info, CS.