We’ve previously discussed the potential change to a zone blocking scheme with the hire of Jack Bicknell Jr. But what core running plays would the team be leaving with the shift? For the last number of years, the bread and butter of the running game has been the Power O, a man blocking scheme with the backside guard pulling. Two examples today from two radically different formations.
Personnel: Nickel
Scheme: Power O
Result: 12 Yard Gain by Redman
Look from above. Pittsburgh spreading the field with three receivers out of the gun. On the snap, the offensive line’s assignments are as follows.
LT: Base block open side end
LG: Pull, become the lead blocker, aim for the outside hip of the RT
C: Base block open side tackle
RG: Double closed side tackle with RT
RT: Double closed side tackle with RG
TE: Base block closed side end
Also worth pointing out is the crackback block from slot receiver Jericho Cotchery on the nickel corner. It doesn’t show in the following picture, but the block gets the MIKE backer caught up in the wash and taken out of the play.
Although Redman ends up bouncing this one outside instead of following Colon, It’s hard to argue the results. A twelve yard pickup by Redman and solid blocking up front.
The important thing for any “core” play or scheme is formation flexibility. It can’t be run out of just one formation or it becomes predictable. Here it is run again two weeks earlier against Cincinnati.
Personnel: Regular
Scheme: Power O
Result: 11 Yard Gain by Dwyer
Power I formation from Pittsburgh on 1st and 10. Nasty split from Cotchery, the playside receiver. Again, very similar responsibilities from the guys up front.
LT: Base block open side end
LG: Pull, aim for for outside hip of the RT
C: Base block open side tackle
RG: Double playside tackle with RT
RT: Double playside tackle with RG
TE: Base block/down block playside end
FB: Lead block, base block SAM
Dwyer gains eleven and moves the sticks.
Even if the Steelers do implement a lot more zone blocking under Bicknell, anticipate the team still using some Power O, especially in critical situations (think 3rd and short/red zone). Even if Ramon Foster is less apt to pulling than previous guards Willie Colon and Chris Kemoeatu, it’s unwise to completely eliminate core plays that have been very effective for a running attack that overall, hasn’t.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com/footballjuice
