Should We Switch To A Zone Blocking Scheme?

[BloodRaven]

Considering:

Our hot and cold pass-protection (32 sacks total) even with max protection and two tight end sets

Undersized but mobile interior (besides Jason Brown who wants 8million a year and is likely leaving)

It could help cover some of Adam Terry's weaknesses and help him thrive at RT.

Inability to move the ball against good defences like Steelers and Titans. Remember, our power run game was shut down in the postseason.

This past season saw the Panthers and Texans successful with the conversion (both with rookie HBs)

Thoughts?

[20ReedsAll]

In Cameron I trust!

[mhead66]

[quote name='BloodRaven' post='156682' date='Feb 22 2009, 10:29 PM']Considering:

Our hot and cold pass-protection (32 sacks total) even with max protection and two tight end sets

Undersized but mobile interior (besides Jason Brown who wants 8million a year and is likely leaving)

It could help cover some of Adam Terry's weaknesses and help him thrive at RT.

Inability to move the ball against good defences like Steelers and Titans. Remember, our power run game was shut down in the postseason.

This past season saw the Panthers and Texans successful with the conversion (both with rookie HBs)

Thoughts?[/quote]

If the running game was "shut down" vs. the Steelers & Titans, please remember that both games were road games, and that the Steelers were 2nd vs. the rush, the Titans 6th. They are not slouch defenses. The Ravens were 4th in the NFL in rushing last year, and first in rushing attempts. This kept the pressure off of Flacco...

I don't know what other ramifications a Zone blocking scheme would entail, but the Ravens' rushing scheme - especially with the difficult schedule they had last year - shows it's success.

Flacco's inexperience (naturally, he was a rookie) hurt the passing attack, so I think that a continued emphasis on rushing would be helpful...

[BloodRaven]

"Road games" and our lack of a bye week arent viable excuses, the bottom line is we have to win. Pounding the ball endlessly for 2.8 yards a carry in the postseason isnt going to get us rings.

[mhead66]

[quote name='BloodRaven' post='156714' date='Feb 22 2009, 11:19 PM']"Road games" and our lack of a bye week arent viable excuses, the bottom line is we have to win. Pounding the ball endlessly for 2.8 yards a carry in the postseason isnt going to get us rings.[/quote]

In the Ravens' defense, a team with a killer schedule, predicted by the "experts" to get 5 wins, that makes it to the Championship Game, isn't a team scrambling for excuses... some pretty good teams haven't won the SB in the last few years. The Pats were 16-0 two years ago, and they lost out on the trophy...

Again, good defenses generally shut down rushing attacks, especially during the playoffs, and force teams to beat you in the air. Neither team in the SB rushed effectively, at all... They relied upon their passing game to score. Flacco, if he gets a top receiver, could take the next step - as has been well documented here.

It takes time, and lots of good FO moves, to build a championship team. Again, the 16-0 Pats didn't even make the playoffs this year. Can't be too down on the Ravens' FO - they're doing well...

[heapitup247]

Zone blocking wouldnt work for a power rushing game. Look at the backs on the team with zone schemes, all are very quick backs. We had the #4 rushing team in the league, im not one to mess with success.

[52Kia Kaha92]

dont fix whats not broken

[Ed_Reed20]

The main reason, the Titans and Steelers shut down the running game is because they have great defensive lines. The Titans arguably have the best d-line in the league. Another factor you have to look at is the weak passing game. There isn't a single receiver on the team that warrants double teams or much attentions. Teams can stick eight men in the box and not really about being beat deep.

Zone-blocking has it's benefits and has proven to work but the Ravens don't need to make the switch. As long they get a top receiver, it will open up the run. Also, I assume Le'Ron McClain will get a good number of carries next season and you really don't want a 260+lbs. FB running in a zone-blocking scheme.

[BloodRaven]

All Im saying is it could work for us because if Jason Brown leaves, we have the personnel that would suit the zone.