In the world of American football, offensive strategies play a crucial role in determining the success of a team. One such strategy that has gained significant popularity in recent years is the Outside Zone Concept.
This offensive play is designed to create opportunities for running backs to find open spaces and gain significant yardage.
Here we look into the details of the Outside Zone Concept, exploring its origins, execution, key components, and its impact on the game.
The Origins of the Outside Zone Concept
The Outside Zone Concept, also known as the “stretch play,” has its roots in the West Coast Offense, which was popularized by legendary coach Bill Walsh in the 1980s.
Walsh believed in utilizing horizontal stretches to create running lanes for the ball carrier.
However, it was Alex Gibbs, an offensive line coach, who refined and popularized the Outside Zone Concept during his time with the Denver Broncos in the late 1990s.
Gibbs’ innovative approach to the Outside Zone Concept revolutionized offensive strategies in football.
He emphasized the importance of offensive linemen working in unison to create horizontal movement along the line of scrimmage, allowing the running back to patiently wait for a crease to open up before making a decisive cut.
Football 101: Outside Zone
The Execution of the Outside Zone Concept
The Outside Zone Concept requires precise execution from both the offensive line and the running back.
Let’s break down the key components of this play:
1. Offensive Line Responsibilities
- The offensive linemen are responsible for creating horizontal movement along the line of scrimmage.
- They must work in unison, using a combination of footwork, angles, and leverage to seal off defenders and create running lanes.
- The linemen must maintain their blocks and sustain them for an extended period, allowing the running back to patiently read the defense and make the right cut.
2. Running Back Responsibilities
- The running back must have excellent vision and patience to wait for the offensive line to create running lanes.
- He must read the flow of the defense and make a decisive cut once a crease opens up.
- Timing is crucial, as the running back needs to hit the hole at full speed to maximize yardage.
3. Quarterback Responsibilities
- The quarterback‘s role in the Outside Zone Concept is primarily to execute a clean handoff to the running back.
- He must also be aware of potential backside pursuit and be ready to make quick decisions if the defense overcommits to stopping the run.
The Impact of the Outside Zone Concept
The Outside Zone Concept has had a profound impact on the game of football.
Its effectiveness lies in its ability to stretch the defense horizontally, creating running lanes and forcing defenders to make quick decisions.
Here are some key reasons why teams incorporate the Outside Zone Concept into their offensive strategies:
1. Exploiting Defensive Pursuit
The Outside Zone Concept forces defenders to flow laterally, which can create opportunities for cutback runs.
As the offensive line stretches the defense, running backs can exploit over-pursuing defenders by making a quick cutback and finding open space on the backside of the play.
2. Creating Mismatches
By stretching the defense horizontally, the Outside Zone Concept can create mismatches in favor of the offense.
If the defense commits additional resources to stop the run, it leaves fewer defenders in coverage, opening up passing opportunities for the offense.
3. Wearing Down the Defense
The Outside Zone Concept requires disciplined and sustained effort from the defense to defend against the horizontal stretch.
Over time, this can wear down defenders, leading to fatigue and potential breakdowns in gap integrity.
This can create even more opportunities for big plays as the game progresses.
Outside Zone Part 1
Is the Outside Zone Concept Used in the West Coast Offense, Air Coryell, Air Raid, and Spread Offense?
Yes, the outside zone concept is utilized in various offensive systems including the West Coast Offense, Air Coryell, Air Raid, and Spread Offense.
The outside zone concept is a fundamental run play that involves the offensive linemen blocking laterally toward the sideline, while the running back reads the blocks and looks for a cutback lane or presses the play to the outside.
Here’s how the outside zone concept is incorporated in each of these offensive systems:
Outside Zone in the West Coast Offense
The West Coast Offense, popularized by Bill Walsh, emphasizes short, quick passes to move the ball efficiently.
However, it also incorporates the outside zone running play to keep the defense honest and create balance.
The outside zone is used to stretch the defense horizontally and open up passing lanes.
Outside Zone in Air Coryell
Air Coryell is known for its vertical passing attack, but it also incorporates the outside zone as a complementary running play.
The outside zone can help keep the defense off-balance and prevent them from solely focusing on defending the deep passing routes.
Outside Zone in Air Raid
The Air Raid offense, developed by coaches like Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, is primarily a pass-heavy system.
However, it often incorporates the outside zone as a part of its run game.
The outside zone is used to create running lanes and provide a change of pace to keep the defense guessing.
Outside Zone in the Spread Offense
The Spread Offense is a versatile system that aims to spread the defense out horizontally and create mismatches.
The outside zone concept is commonly employed in spread offenses to stretch the defense laterally and create cutback opportunities for the running back.
Overall
While these offensive systems may have distinct characteristics and focus on different aspects of the game, the outside zone concept is flexible and can be adapted to fit the strategic objectives of each system.
It provides a way to attack the defense on the ground while complementing the passing game and maintaining offensive balance.
FAQs – Outside Zone Concept
1. What is the Outside Zone Concept?
The Outside Zone Concept is an offensive play in football that involves the offensive line working in unison to create horizontal movement along the line of scrimmage.
This creates running lanes for the running back to patiently wait for a crease to open up before making a decisive cut.
2. Who popularized the Outside Zone Concept?
The Outside Zone Concept was popularized by Alex Gibbs, an offensive line coach who refined and perfected the play during his time with the Denver Broncos in the late 1990s.
3. What are the key responsibilities of the offensive line in the Outside Zone Concept?
The offensive line is responsible for creating horizontal movement along the line of scrimmage, using a combination of footwork, angles, and leverage to seal off defenders and create running lanes.
They must maintain their blocks and sustain them for an extended period, allowing the running back to patiently read the defense and make the right cut.
4. What are the key responsibilities of the running back in the Outside Zone Concept?
The running back must have excellent vision and patience to wait for the offensive line to create running lanes.
He must read the flow of the defense and make a decisive cut once a crease opens up. Timing is crucial, as the running back needs to hit the hole at full speed to maximize yardage.
5. How does the Outside Zone Concept impact the defense?
The Outside Zone Concept forces defenders to flow laterally, stretching the defense horizontally.
This can create opportunities for cutback runs and exploit over-pursuing defenders.
It can also create mismatches in favor of the offense by drawing additional resources to stop the run, leaving fewer defenders in coverage.
6. Can the Outside Zone Concept be used in combination with other offensive plays?
Yes, the Outside Zone Concept can be combined with various other offensive plays to keep the defense guessing and create additional opportunities for the offense.
Coaches often incorporate play-action passes, bootlegs, and other complementary plays to maximize the effectiveness of the Outside Zone Concept.
7. Are there any potential drawbacks or risks associated with the Outside Zone Concept?
While the Outside Zone Concept can be highly effective, it requires precise execution from both the offensive line and the running back.
Any breakdown in blocking assignments or misreads by the running back can result in negative plays or turnovers.
Additionally, defenses that are well-prepared and disciplined can effectively defend against the Outside Zone Concept.
8. Which teams in the NFL have successfully utilized the Outside Zone Concept?
Several teams in the NFL have incorporated the Outside Zone Concept into their offensive strategies with great success.
The San Francisco 49ers, under head coach Kyle Shanahan, have been particularly effective in utilizing this play.
Other teams, such as the Los Angeles Rams and the Baltimore Ravens, have also found success with the Outside Zone Concept.
9. Can the Outside Zone Concept be effective in college football and other levels of the game?
Yes, the Outside Zone Concept can be effective at all levels of football.
The principles of creating horizontal movement along the line of scrimmage and allowing the running back to patiently read the defense apply universally.
However, the success of the play depends on the execution and the talent of the players involved.
10. How can defenses effectively defend against the Outside Zone Concept?
Defenses can effectively defend against the Outside Zone Concept by maintaining gap integrity, staying disciplined in their assignments, and flowing laterally to stretch with the offensive line.
Linebackers and safeties must read the flow of the play and be ready to fill gaps or pursue the running back on cutback runs.
Summary
The Outside Zone Concept is a powerful offensive play in football that has revolutionized offensive strategies.
Its ability to stretch the defense horizontally, create running lanes, and force defenders to make quick decisions has made it a staple in many teams’ playbooks.
By understanding the origins, execution, and impact of the Outside Zone Concept, coaches, players, and fans can gain a deeper appreciation for this dynamic offensive strategy.
