#BearRaid Blocking Schemes and Why They Might Work

In my free time this summer, I've been breaking down some of the new systems and schemes that Cal's new coaching staff has put in place. We've heard a lot about the Tony Franklin System and how it pretty much took what was a good offense under Sonny Dykes at Louisiana Tech to the best offense in the country last season. Spouting simplicity and execution, the offense has the Golden faithful hoping this will erase recent years of offensive offense.

Specifically, I've been doing a bit of research on the blocking schemes under the new offense, and I've narrowed it down to two main schemes: your standard Run Blocking and the more unique Vertical Set Blocking.

Run Blocking
So, let's start with the offensive line's standard run blocking. First off, notice that the offensive linemen are all lined up a yard behind the center. The importance of this comes up later when we discuss vertical set blocking. But you've got two receivers on one side of the offensive line (X and H receivers) and two on the other (Y and Z receivers).

(Click on all images for larger versions.)


As soon as the ball is snapped, the offensive line will all begin driving in the direction that the runningback is heading to after the handoff. Since the RB was initially standing to the left of the QB, the offensive line begins to drive to the right.



Now here's what makes the #BearRaid and this standard runblocking not so standard.

Franklin’s system has the Bears in a run formation for the majority of their snaps, even when they’re passing. That is, most plays flow through a run blocking scheme, even if the intent from the get-go is to pass. So you’ll often see guards pulling and linemen run blocking in a particular direction only to have the ball out in a matter of seconds on a slant or fade route.

Here's an example to better illustrate this.

Below you've got the same formation we discussed earlier. 2 receivers on each side.



The ball is snapped and the offensive line begins to drive to the right just like they did in the previous play. Run, right?



NOPE! The QB fakes the handoff and throws a quick hitch to his X-receiver.



Now I know this seems elementary, but I think it's interesting to note that the offensive line blocks completely the same regardless of whether it's a run or a pass. Often times, this prevents giving away the play and can better keep a defense on its heels. Naturally, the offensive line might switch into more of a zoneblocking scheme if they know full well it's going to be a run from the getgo, but most of the time it appears the line will block the same way whether its a run or pass. Contrast this to many offensive lines who are taught to block a certain way depending on whether it's a run or a pass.

Vertical Set Blocking
Ok, now let's get to an aspect of Tony Franklin's offense that makes it a bit more unique. In obvious passing down situations (where there's no confusion on whether they might run or pass as described in the above examples) the offensive linemen get into what's called a vertical set blocking scheme.

Vertical set blocking can be most simply described as such: once the ball is snapped, the offensive line retreat in a choreographed succession of steps (usually inside foot, outside foot, inside, outside). Or put even more simply, “Don’t chase defenders, let ‘em come to you.” It contrasts the more "traditional" kick slide.

Let's take a look at this in action. In the picture below, we've got another 4 receiver set, this time with three on one side of the line and one on the other.



Notice the offensive linemen after the ball is snapped. They're backpedaling, and though they've already retreated a yard or two behind the line of scrimmage, the defensive rushers have yet to even make contact with them.



You can even run a screen out of this blocking scheme.

Skipping the presnap formation (you get the idea), we see the offensive line begins its normal retreat in vertical set blocking.



But pay attention to the center and guard. They go from retreating to swimming around the defender in a split second to begin blocking for the split screen.



One look at this play and you begin to understand why Tony Franklin says he prefers athletic offensive linemen.

The benefits are numerous in this offense, but the top three can highlighted as follows:

1) The offensive lineman buys himself more time before he engages a defender because he’s retreating at nearly the same speed at which the defender is rushing. And keep in mind, this offense is designed to get the ball out quickly. The offensive linemen just really need to get in the defender's way to buy the quarterback enough time to make the throw.

2) The offensive linemen have an advantage over the rushing defender in terms of leverage as they will be immediately lower in their stance while the defender will naturally be upright as they push off from their set position.

3) The offensive linemen has a better and wider view of the field and can more quickly read a defender’s various attacks (ie. Stunts, slants, twists, etc). Put more simply, place your face inches away from your computer screen. Then move your head back 3 feet and voila! You have far great width of vision.

Now naturally, this blocking scheme isn’t without its most obvious weakness, if you haven’t already figured it out by now. Vertical set blocking leaves some major gaps in between blockers, and if a speedy defender can split two o-linemen, then you’re likely to see a quarterback munching on turf.

Vertical set blocking requires all of the linemen to be incredibly well coordinated and uniform in their retreat and blocking. Have two or even one lineman not be far back enough in enough time, then the whole blocking scheme is essentially rendered useless.

In addition to that, you need offensive linemen who are not only big, but athletic. 350 pound, flat-footed space eaters are going to absolutely abused by defenders and subsequently the coaching staff if they can’t retreat quickly into their anchoring positions.

Do the Bears have that? I want to think so. When you look at individual talent, I want to believe that Cal’s blockers are going to be up to the task. For Freddie Tagaloa’s massive size, the guy’s a former basketball player and anyone who’s seen him play in person knows he moves exceptionally well for his freakish size.

And for all of the concerns with vertical set blocking, might I refer you back to my original point: the #BearRaid won’t be running their majority of their snaps using this blocking scheme. You’re going to see o-linemen running downhill more often anyway. The vertical set blocking will only come into play where a pass will be the more obvious option.

Finally, look at the results. In 2010, Louisiana Tech gave up just 17 sacks (26th in the nation). The number increased to 25 in 2011, before dropping to an impressive 10 sacks during the 2012 season, the 8th best in the country.

For context, the Bears gave up 40 sacks last season.

While I do expect the Bears to take some type to adapt to these new blocking schemes, Dykes and Franklin have shown that this can work. Whether the Bears have the current personnel to achieve 2012 LT prowess is another question. But the possibilities are really intriguing.

Ok, tomorrow I'm going to do a real short breakdown on Cal's new diamond formation. Respond with any questions and comments and as always, Go Bears.