A balanced attack was the secret to Seattle's 2005 Super Bowl run.
The only way that can happen in the upcoming season is to improve the running game. Matt Hasselbeck's arm carries the team when needed just as he proved during the 2007 season; however, at times a run game is essential. Such as, in the Divisional playoffs last season when the Seahawk's started the game dominating the Packers with two quick scores. Then the snow began to fly and Seattle needed a run game to control the clock and keep the ball out Brett Farve's hands. Like most of the season it was nonexistent. Farve took over the game in the snow leading to Seattle's defeat. After the bitter loss Seattle did a complete make-over of the their run game in the off season.
First they cut running back Shaun Alexander and offensive tackle Tom Ashworth for under performance. Then they signed free agent running backs Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, and all-pro guard Mike Wahle. Through the draft they also added fullback Owen Schmitt in the 5th round and Justin Forsett in the 7th round. Next they found the best offensive line coach in the league Mike Solari and a home town boy Kasey Dunn as the running backs coach.
So far out of mini-camp it has been learned the that the offensive line will be switching to a zone blocking system, at least in the run game. The Denver offense uses this west coast offense type of zone blocking system. This
system, considered dirty by some, is supposed to help produce
successful running backs and one can't argue with the Bronco's success in doing just that.
The Denver backs are taught one-cut
running. Denver runners are coached to make one-cut and then head
down field as fast as they can without being knocked down. They also need quick feet and the vision to
find the right hole, just like the new group of runners Seattle has acquired.
In zone blocking there is no use for dancing around in the
backfield. It can be successful with fast backs like (Clinton Portis at
4.43 40), as well as slower ones (Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary and Mike
Anderson in the 4.6s in the 40). The ability to catch out of the
backfield and keeping tight possession of the ball is valuable; another trait of the new Seahawk running backs.
How does zone blocking work
Zone blocking involves the
center, guard, tackle and tight end working in combination to block an
area with an emphasis on double-teaming the defensive linemen who are
aligned on the line of scrimmage.
The idea is for two adjacent linemen to simultaneously come off the snap and
attack the defensive line toward the play-side or to the side the running back is going. The advantage, as opposed to man blocking, is that
you create a double-team with two players blocking one defensive
lineman. This allows the offensive linemen to be aggressive, knowing he has assistance if his defensive lineman was to pinch inside. It also
provides movement at the point of attack, which can create creases for
the running back.
Zone blocking initially starts out as a double team at the point of
attack on the down defensive linemen, but the beauty of it is that one
of the offensive linemen will leave to attack the linebacker while one
stays to take over the defensive lineman. The diagram below shows the offensive line starting
the initial double team on the defensive lineman.
It appears that they have doubled the defensive end and defensive
tackle, and allowed the linebackers to go free, but both offensive
linemen on the double team have all four of their eyes on the
linebacker while the double team is taking place. One of the linemen
will come off the double and block the linebacker.
There are several keys to this technique:
1. The linemen stay hip to hip.
2. The linemen keep their shoulders square.
3. Most importantly, all four of their eyes are on the linebacker.
4. Knowing when and who takes over the defensive lineman and who leaves to block the linebacker.
The next diagrams show the technique of going from the double
team to taking over the linebacker. If the end pinches inside, the
guard will take over and the tackle will leave for the linebacker. (See
below)
If the end stays outside, the tackle will take over and the guard will leave for the linebacker. (See below)
What's next? During training camp we will see if the Seahawk's expand zone blocking to include pass protection. I think it will remain with the run game only for now, because protection for Hasselbeck has been very good in the past. Zone blocking is a
simple concept, but it takes a lot of practice to perfect because it involves
offensive linemen working in unison and decisions that have to be made while
the play is taking place. In zone blocking there's a lot of technique and it takes many
repetitions to get the feel of working together as a unit. For this system to be successful it must begin in training camp on day one . There you have it, if the Seahawks have a prosperous training camp they once again return to the championship game.
Hey. Good stuff on the diagrams and the explanations and such. I have been a fan of the scheme since 2001. LOL, I have to admit that from 97-01 I used to try to find holes in the scheme to denounce it as an inferior scheme to that of the man blocking scheme, but it really seems to run better. It also allows you to use simpler personnel as far as your running backs, and from the success of the Broncos it is evident that it alows different runners to to be successful in the scheme no matter their running style. Power, speed, and more balanced backs all seem to thrive in the system. Thank you again for the diagrams and the added explanations.
Last edited by Reecey_77020 on June 24th at 4:59 PM.
Nice write on the new coach's system for the Hawks... You mention the Broncos and their success with the zone blocking, but Solari comes to the Hawks by way of 10 seasons in KC where the Chiefs had an excellent O-line and backs, but I don't think the zone blocking was used there. So you're saying this system is not only new to the Hawks but also their new line coach?
I like the move, here's hoping the O line and new coach can come together in this...
Hey thanks guys for the feed back! The packers and the panthers have also started using zone blocking. I haven't found any mention of the chiefs (where Solari came from)using the zone system; however it doesn't mean they didn't use a modified version. It is common in the college ranks. If it is new to Solari I guess it just goes to show he is willing to new things.
The diagrams showed great detail to how the zone blocking works. I don't get why people thimk the scheme is dirty, but I love an offense that can perfect the scheme and allow the running game to run wild. I've seen denver use it to create 1,000 yard rushers year after year. I also watched michigan use the scheme the past few years with mike hart and jake long producing a powerful run game. The seahawks should see a lot of production out of Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, Justin Forsett, Owen Schmitt, Maurice Morris, and Leanord Weaver running the scheme.
Hey CBCD, Where were you in 1997 and 1998. They have won two championships since implementing this system. Perhaps you've heard of Alex Gibbs? Come on wake up!
If YOU, ARE AN INVENTOR, SUCH I, Brian Shepherd, you would be logged in to PLAY, Club Shepherd, yyyy!!! I am +++Bridge_SMASH. I Have INVENTED, The Shepherd Card Cruise, YOU Should INVESTIGATE! The Shepherd Act, 2008, THIS IS THE Solution to ALL Cheaters AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!
I have been a Seahawk and Mariner Fan since they were established. I have coached and managed youth sports for many years. As a kid my favorite sports to play was football and basketball. One of my first jobs out of college was a sports correspondent , I guess I never really got this out of system, which has led me sports blogging. I have adopted the Trialblazers for my basketball team since the Sonics have been stolen by a rich Oakkee. Maybe Starbucks will pull a rabbit out the hat and I can go back to rooting for Sonics: yeah, I know I am a dreamer too. I have a wonderful family that supports my sports addiction.
