Zone Blocking

Ever wondered what it really was and how it was implemented across the entire unit of an offensive line?

Our own cgolden over at Revenge of the Birds has taken an admirable first stab at dissecting the differences between man and zone blocking schemes in the running game. His analysis, of course, is molded to the Arizona Cardinals personnel situation, but it's a worthwhile read if you have a few minutes regardless.

For one, many of us, myself included, only vaguely understood what zone blocking was in the run blocking. Obviously, as sports fans, most of us understand the general principles of zone coverage, be it in basketball or in pass coverage in football. Thus, the concept made general sense as it related to the running game in the NFL. But I didn't know much, and I picked up a few things I didn't know before.

Secondly, the offensive coordinator of the Cardinals is one Kenneth Whisenhunt. And the O-Line coach is one Russel Grimm. It's interesting to see them change gears after such success coordinating successful rushing attacks throughout their respective careers. Good for them, and here's hoping, for their sake and for cgolden's, that the Cards dethrone Seattle in the NFC West this year.

If you enjoy and appreciate all the fine stuff cgolden does for our haven here, throw a dawg a bone every once in awhile and check out what he, Whiz, Grimm, et. al are up to in the Desert.