Did anyone see the NFL.COM article on Zone Blocking?

I read an article earlier on NFL.COM that said the Steelers were looking more and more like they might be implementing a zone blocking scheme. It said they are poised to do it effectively because DeCastro and Pouncey are both products of it anyway. They also said that the Steelers said they are sick of guys showing up out of shape and not able to stop anybody. They said because of this we are probably gonna see Starks, Foster, and Colon all be gone for good. I'm fine with that personally. I know Tomlin_Era started a thread saying this MIGHT happen a few weeks ago but I think now that it might be more than just an idea someone had so I just figured I'd see what people think about it.

 

With the new OL coach mainly being a zone guy...the writing has been on the wall and was brought up with his signing. No surprise here really. And the coach already said he doesnt like guys who get too big they cant move/bend/etc effectively so yeah. I personally still wouldnt mind Foster back...but i doubt he'd be willing to be a backup either. But hey may they'll get a good comp pick for Starks/Foster next year!

 

Actually the article mentioned that Mendy could thrive in that kind of system but still it's a stretch to say he's coming back. They also said that it would be BAD for Dwyer and Redman so I guess this might also confirm that we're looking for a RB in the draft too huh?

 

Potentially. While I'm sure Dwyer and Redman will both be back...I'm sure they will still play them/etc. And if its really THAT big of a deal that can always throw in a man blocking play or 2. But as far as a #1 back yes...they need one. This has been known since the end of the year...with the chances of Mendy coming back very slim (though if he did...I would not have an issue with it).

 

I love this. With Gilbert, Decastro, Pouncey, and Mike Adams will have a very athletic and talented OL.

My guess is we will need a new RB though. Behind a zone blocking scheme you need a patient RB that can wait for a hole and then make quick cuts once he sees it. I actually would like to see Mendenhall get a small 2 year contract, because he fits what we want to do the best.

Otherwise we need to grab a RB in the draft. I would love a trade up in round 2 scenario for Eddie Lacy.

 

There is a reason they are going to try everything to sign mendy and that's because of te new scheme. I agree 100% that he will be a stud in a zone scheme. I one cut and go. I would love to see them get him under contract but not sure if it's gonna happen. I dont know if anyone else saw but I do remember reading they are talking with mendy about a contract.

That then leaves us drafting a WR where some of us have thought a RB would be taken. Dwyer would do well in the system but not a stud.

 

I am all for the more athletic, lighter linemen. Many of the really heavy guys we have had here couldn't bend their hips to get low enough for any leverage and the run game has struggled as a result. I know Zone is a little more passive, but lighter faster linemen should help.

 

so tomlin benched mendy to not increase his value on the market (smart move) . i don't know you but i like redmann more than dwyer , he was injuried almost all season and between what we have he is the one that put more effort while running vs the wall
as for mendy if we switch to a zone we should try to make him an offer don't know something like 4 years 12 milion ?

 

I have never once seen any article/etc talking about them working on a new deal with him...as EVERY indication is he is gone...with the suspension and other things over time most say he's gone. However I too would welcome him back if he gives it his all and they commit to him as the #1 RB and no committee stuff. However if they did re-sign him I'd sign him to a short term 2-3 year deal (for a lower amount of money) and see what happens. But we'll see...

 

most of that was prior to this zone blocking talk wasen't it?

i like mendy but did we see enough of that knee and his speed? i wouldn't offer some long progressive contract, haven't we learned from the past? colon, kemoeatu come to mind. maybe some incentive laden type of contract may be better. i think these should be more of the norm anyway. you come in in shape and ready to play and you preform and you get paid.

i'd like to see redman kept for short yardage and speed out of the others.

 

Well assuming that Mendy is gone what free agent or draft prospect could fit that role?

 

alot depends on what these guys ran in college. how familiar are they with different blocking schemes as they come together. the more of them that run this zone scheme the quicker they will gel together in it. i do agree we will see more then that type of game though. these quicker guys should bring alot more of haleys screens and outside runs as well as the zone and cutbacks. we may even see some of the old GB sweep. it at least gives us more options on offense with the run. if they can afford mendy why not, but we have other holes to fill too. lewis for one.

 

Well in this article they actually say that this version of the scheme WOULDN'T favor the skill sets of Dwyer and Redman. That's why I was asking that.

 

I don't disagree with the premise of the article and I'm fine with getting to a zone blocking scheme. The problem is we don't have the OL personnel to do it aside from Pouncey and DeCastro. That is the reason that zone blocking has been an abject failure for the past 3 seasons. These big slow fat bodies just can't do it. I would love to get rid of Starks and Colon and I'm a little more neutral on Foster. But the question is how could we replace 3 of 5 starters on the OL in one off-season and leave essentially one seasoned guy in Pouncey? And I use the term "seasoned" very cautiously with Pouncey. I like the last 3 OL we have drafted and I am so sick and tired of the Steelers signing these fat, sloppy, out of shape behemoths who can't get out of each other's way and can't even stay healthy. Speed, strength, and agility is what we need to make it work and we really only have 2 guys that fit that bill.

 

The only left over, currently, from the cowher grimm "hogs" is colon. Adams gilbert decastro pouncey are not " undersized" they are lean and mobile. Not sure who said it but think of the stretch plays the colts ran with Peyton in their days, that's what the zone scheme would bring. Hell think elway and Davis. It's one cut and go. The cut is usually on the back side and wide open for 5 to 7 if blocked well.

I am dying to see this run on Sundays. I am a steeler fan and love watching a good running game. Zone blocking is the way we need to evolve.