Seattle Seahawks Off and Running with Zone-Blocking Scheme

For the past couple of seasons, the Seattle Seahawks' rushing attack has been very sub-par. Last season the Seahawks ranked 19th in rushing offense, averaging 110 yards per game.

This season the Seattle Seahawks will implement a zone-blocking scheme to help open up more running lanes for Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett. 

A zone-blocking scheme requires fleet-footed and athletic offensive linemen. The most important aspect of such a scheme is not to create a specific hole; rather, the key is creating movement on the defensive line.

Here is how the Seattle Seahawks will run a play using a zone-blocking scheme.

Offensive Line:  LT, LG, C, RG, RT

Defense:  DE, DT, DT, DE, ROLB, MLB, LOLB

The Seahawks look to isolate either the left or right side depending on the direction of the play call. Before the play, each lineman must look to see if he is covered by an opposing defensive linemen or if he is free. 

In a 4-3 defense, the only lineman who remains uncovered is the center. If the Seahawks play an opposing team that runs a 3-4 defense, both guards are left uncovered. 

Once the play has begun, the offensive tackle and guard will both block the defensive end on their respective side. The center will slide over and pick up the DT while the other guard and tackle pick up the remaining defensive linemen.

Once the defender declares which way he is moving, the uncovered linemen will move to the next level to attack the oncoming linebackers. This should create a small, one-cut seam for the running back to run through and then take off upfield. 

The scheme is designed so that the running back has to make only one cut, attempting to eliminate “dancing” in the backfield. The Seahawks feel they have a good running back for this system in Julius Jones.

The Seahawks will look to utilize Jones’ ability to burst through gaps and use his speed to out-run defenders. Jones has been more successful in a one-cut offensive system than other systems in the past.

The zone-blocking scheme will benefit T.J. Duckett as well. Duckett was mainly used in short-yardage and goal-line situations last season and looks to be used in the same capacity this season.  

If the scheme is effective, don’t be surprised to see Duckett break off some long runs of his own. Duckett's touchdown numbers could go up as well.