Matt Chatham Breaks Down Terms, Concepts For NFL Zone Blocking Schemes

Class is in session with Matt Chatham.

The former New England Patriots linebacker recently explained zone blocking schemes, providing definitions for terms and concepts of what has become many NFL teams’ preferred approach to running the football.

Chatham details the value of agile and athletic qualities in offensive linemen, as opposed to sheer size and strength, in his latest post for Football By Football. Chatham adds O-linemen also must be able to think on the fly because in-game improvisation is imperative to success.

“Zone schemes can be popular because you don’t need dominant, glass-eating offensive lineman, (which are a rarer breed) as much as you do quick and smart tough-guys,” Chatham writes. “The backs don’t have to be the most physically talented either, but they do have to have elite vision and patience, which isn’t a given just because a back is fast, powerful, and elusive.”