Packers need more out of zone blocking scheme

The zone blocking scheme has a proven track record of success. The system puts more emphasis on the lineman getting to the second level. The running backs make one cut then get moving downhill.  A great offensive line can lead an average running back to tremendous success. The Packers had great success during the 2007 season running the ball. Ryan Grant ran for 956 yards with a healthy 5.1 avg. and 8 touchdowns in 7 games started.  In 2008, Grant’s average dropped to 3.9 yards per attempt.  I believe the drop is due to Grant’s hamstring injury hampering him for much of the season.  The team rushing stats from 2007 and 2008 were similar despite the team’s drastic change in record. In 2007, the Packers ranked 21st in the NFL with 99.8 yards per game and a 4.1 avg. on 388 attempts. The 2008 campaign saw the team ranked 17th in the NFL with 112.8 yards per game and a 4.1 avg. on 437 attempts.  The team’s offensive stats have been curbed by too many penalties.  The last two seasons the Packers have been among the most penalized teams in football. 

The zone blocking scheme utilizes small quicker offensive lineman.  Unfortunately one of the weaknesses is that these lineman struggle holding off massive defensive lineman at the point of attack.  The Packers need to find a balance of a bit more size on the line, but still maintain enough athletic ability to execute the zone blocking scheme.  Sometimes it takes an offensive line a couple of seasons to gel and become a cohesive unit. The lines under Mike Sherman initially struggled and then became among the NFL best units.  The guys that have seen extensive time on the line the last 3 seasons have been given enough time to show their skills. Now its time for this group of lineman to prove they can execute the zone blocking scheme.

Left Tackle Chad Clifton is the best player along the line and has a couple of good seasons left in the tank.  His demise amongst some fans is greatly over-exaggerated. Clifton made Jared Allen invisible in the season opening 24-19 win over the Vikings. Allen had 14.5 sacks last season but was only able to muster a pass defensed in the opener.  Clifton has a lot of tread on the tire, but knows how to play football. 

However the other four spots on the line should be open for competition. Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, and Tony Moll haven’t displayed the consistency needed to take this unit to the next level.  Allen Barbre, Josh Sitton along with newcomers Jamon Meredith, T.J. Lang and Duke Preston provide flexibility to the line. I believe these players will help make for some interesting training camp battles.  Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, offensive line coach James Campen and assistant line coach Jerry Fontenot have lot of work on their hands this summer. 

The zone blocking scheme has a proven track record of success in the NFL.  The Broncos made 1,000 yard rushers out of a cavalcade of runners: Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns, and Tatum Bell.  Last season had two shining examples of the zone blocking scheme at its best.  The Panthers second season using the system helped DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart combine for 28 touchdowns.   Texans rookie runner Steve Slaton made 9 trips to the end zone and was able to run for 1282 yards in the Alex Gibbs designed zone blocking scheme.