You’re going to see both the Eagles and the Redskins running the same rushing plays when they have the ball on Sunday. On one play it will be the inside zone scheme, then on the next play it will be the outside zone scheme. On the inside play the line and the running back will be aimed inside, like a dive play, then on the outside play the line and the running back will have an outside aiming point like a sweep.
The zone blocking scheme has the offensive linemen blocking a certain area and they don’t worry about which defensive player they’re blocking, as long as he’s the guy in the area they’re responsible for. The offensive linemen just fire off and pick up whomever is in their path.
Many times this zone-blocking scheme requires the offensive linemen to employ a double-team block on the defensive linemen. The defensive linemen on both teams will dreaming of facing double-team blocks in their sleep. The execution of the double-team block by the offensive linemen and the neutralization of it by the defensive linemen will decide this game.
I decided to break down the double team block for you because you’re going to see plenty of them on Monday night.
Throughout the Eagles training camp, they have been spending plenty of time in the double-team drill, which is very, tough for the defensive linemen as they face two offensive linemen. Everyday the Eagles defensive line works on not giving ground on double-team blocks because it’s the key block in the zone blocking scheme. Many times a defensive lineman can find himself pushed off the ball into the linebackers, if he doesn’t stay low and fight the double-team block correctly.
He must stay low and not get blown back. The defensive linemen must try to get their hands on the offensive linemen ASAP. He can try to split the double-team, but it won’t be easy.
Day after day, defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro would stand there screaming at the top of his lungs, demanding that the defensive lineman holds his ground as he faces nearly 700 pounds of offensive linemen. The Eagles offensive line coaches Jeff Stoutland and Tra Thomas aren’t quite as loud, but they demand movement from the two offensive linemen, who have a huge weight advantage. They want the big guys to push that one defensive lineman back into the face of the linebacker. If they get that defensive lineman moving backwards, they’ll be able to get to the second-level and block the linebacker, which will create a big gain for the running back.
The double team drill goes on for 15 to 20 minutes every time the Eagles put on the pads. Sometimes the defensive linemen try to fight off the double-teams by a creating pile at the line of scrimmage. They go to the ground on purpose, but they make sure they pull the offensive linemen down on themselves, so they can’t get off this block to the linebacker. This technique keeps the backer free to make the play and it forces the running back to run elsewhere.
Splitting the double team is a rare ability, which requires the defensive lineman to twist his body in between the offensive linemen, while maintaining leverage.
I want each one of you to pick a few first down plays during the game to and watch the offensive line and defensive lines battle each other. Focus on the double-team blocks and see which team is winning the battle. Which offensive line is getting movement at the line of scrimmage and picking up linebacker? Whichever team that is, will probably win the game.
I sure hope that isn’t what’s gonna win the game, the Redskins have more experience doing it.
Unfortunately, I think the Birds get blown up on national TV Monday night. Too many inexperienced moving parts. Hoping last 6-8 games of the season show the direction that we’re headed. The days of laughing at the Skins are over for awhile. Prediction: 31-17.
it will be close, i think the eagles can win this game just because of the skins winning the Division doesnt mean they are the 49ers. Even if we win skins fans will say oh well RG3 wasnt himself if he was 100% blah blah blah, the QB does take the grunt of the blame or cheers if he wins or loses but this is a Team sport and if the redskins are hinging there season on just one person and not the nucleus of the team they will have a rude awakening
Prediction Eagles Win 28-26
I think the Skins will probably win the game because our defense just blows. But the Skins are over rated. I hate to say it but the Cowboys are the best team in the division. They have best D and best passing game. Of course there is no figuiring out the Giants who look mediocre on paper but could somehow manage to make a deep playoff run while we scratch our heads. I have this one as a loss with the Birds going 8-8.
I see an up and down ride. We will be pretty happy about being 2-1 and beating Fat Andy until the Broncos humiliate us the following week by 25+ points. And we will be pretty happy about beating Dallas and being 4-3 until Chip drops his first home game to the hated Giants. We will be pretty sad about being 5-6 when we get swept by the Skins in our typical piss poor effort before the bye and fall to 5-6. We will be dreaming playoffs after beating Ariz and Det to go 7-6 before losing to a mediocre Minn team on the road as AP runs for over 200 yards on us effectively ending our post season hopes. We finally beat the Bears and then lose in Dallas while they clinch the division.
you skipped a game between broncos and dallas because you went 2-1 which is Skins, Chargers, Chiefs then its Broncos but you have us at 4-3 beating dallas? looks more like 3-2 to me.
jbird though its possible your prediction i predict they go 9-7 and squeeze into the playoffs hey i know our D isnt Grand but it cant be any worst then last year they could put it all together.
Only way to make the Playoffs is the Eagles or any other NFC East Time is to win NFC East Title
Multiple Teams in the North,South & West Divisions will have 10+ Wins
(Packers,Falcons,Saints,49ers,Sehawks) if no major injuries..
G- this is great, a wonderful read. I had seen 2 plays where at the snap the entire line just fell down. I now know why. thanks for that.,
Stevo the line meaning our line or the D-line?
***Eagles going in for the Go-Ahead Score with 9 Seconds left and 4th Down from the 2 Yard Line… Vick is barking out Signals, Ertz goes in Motion to the Left.. D-Jax lined up on the right side, Avant to the left-side
Then out of nowhere, President Obama comes thru the Screen and overthe Airways to announce the Bombing of Syria has begun…
By the Time his Speech is over, there is no record of this Play or Tape of late Game action anywhere… Redskins Win 29-24 and Consiparcy Theorists are aboud with lots of Rumor, Innuendo of what actually occured on the field..