The Offensive Line Discussion: Downhill vs. Zone

I've had a lot of comments about this so I thought I would write. Here is my two cents on the offensive line and its struggles.

In my estimation there are two types or flavors of running plays. First, there is the more finesse running game which includes delays, draws, and most of the zone blocking plays (including the stretch play). Second, there is more of a straight ahead, physical (what they call downhill these days) running game. Each particular style of running has its pro's and con's and frequently the type of running back and/or offensive line dictates which style is favored by the offensive coaching staff.
I know that Darius is more of a finesse running back. This lends itself to more of the delay, draw, zone blocking running schemes that we typically run. The tough part about this is that it frequently requires a more disciplined and athletic offensive line. It is more of an area type of blocking scheme to try and wash out the stunting of the defenses and allow a back with good quickness and vision to pick his own holes. The philosophy focuses more on blocking a particular area rather than a person. For an offensive line that isn't as athletic, it becomes much more difficult to execute. I'm guessing this is the case with our offensive line. A lack of physical play also contributes.

On the flip side of the coin is what is typically referred to as downhill running. This is more of the trap, G, fold, down, out, and pulling style of running game where alleys are created for the running back by taking advantage of the angles between an offensive lineman's (or fullback's) position and a defenders position. This is more suited for a faster, straight-ahead type of running back like Travis Thomas. It also typically uses the fullback more on isolation plays and the like. This is a more easily executed play because the offensive lineman doesn't have an area, he has a particular defender. They just pull or block down and take out whoever is there. However, it requires a certain type of back to run it.

The best in the business on the former side of the equation would have to be James when he was at Indianapolis. They really used the stretch zone play well there and he more or less patented it. The best in the business on the latter side would have to be Nebraska back in the day before they unjustly fired Frank Solich.

My guess is that we have an offensive line more suited to do the latter but a back more suited for the former. Since Weis is reluctant (and justly so) to stick Aldridge, Prince, Schmidt, et. al. in the game in a close type of situation, we must do with what we have.