2012 Atlanta Falcons Offensive Line: How to Break Down What the Scheme Will Be

There are so many questions among Atlanta Falcons fans about what the scheme will be in 2012. There is speculation of it being a zone-blocking scheme with cuts similar to the Gibbs schemes of 2004 to 2006. There is also speculation of there being a pure power-man scheme with the selections of right guard Peter Konz, a 6'5", 315-pound athletic road grader, and LT Holmes, a 6'6", 330-pound athletic mastodon.

However, the answer isn't either one. In fact, the Falcons will be using a hybrid of blocking schemes and will use elements of the schemes in different plays and formations. There won't be just one specific style to the scheme and the Falcons will be using the plays that will benefit the team the best.

The Bread and Butter In-Line (or Man) Running Plays

The inside trap and the pulling guard sweep play. Both of these plays take advantage of quicker offensive guards and can be slow developing sometimes, however, the Falcons will be using these more often in the 2012 season under Pat Hill and Dirk Koetter.

These plays take advantage of having guys like Peter Konz, Vince Manuwai and Justin Blalock on the line as they can pull and knock defenders out of the way. The inside trap will be a way for the center and a guard to block down one way, while the guard on the other side slips behind them and knocks a different defender out of the way.

By using these man concepts in only a certain percentage of the plays, the Falcons will be giving the offense versatility needed to help change how the defense prepares for them each game. When you don't know how the offense is even going to block you from play to play, you can't scheme against them correctly.

The Bread and Butter Zone-Running Plays

The stretch play is the most common and best example of a zone-running play. While your standard play tries to open up holes by having half of the line block one way, with the other half blocking another way and then having a fullback clear the way, the stretch and zone plays have the entire line blocking together.

The play is designed to let the running back find their hole and take one cut through it. The Falcons will be using plays like this primarily with Rodgers or Snelling in the backfield as they are the best fits for it. 

Pass Blocking and How It Has Nothing to Do with Run-Blocking Styles

Pass blocking is completely different from run blocking and doesn't classify into either zone or man blocking. Pass blocking is pretty simple and the only true confusion should come from blitz pickups and when the defensive line runs different stunts.

Pass blocking is essentially blocking the guy directly in front of you and then making sure they don't get by. On a stunt, you just learn how to switch with your linemate. Pass blocking is simple in nature for an offensive lineman and is more a function of talent than scheme.

Deciphering How the Falcons Will Be Using a Hybrid of Everything

Throughout the years, Pat Hill hasn't used a single dedicated blocking scheme and neither has Koetter's offenses. They both use a mix of the concepts in zone and man blocking. They also tend to use them more on a play-to-play basis than anything else.

Expect the Falcons to vary up their scheme and even their personnel sometimes with six and sometimes even seven offensive linemen in at one time. The Falcons should be able to have a much better run and pass game this year with the personnel, but as far as scheme, don't expect it to look much different from last year's hybrid blocking scheme.