Wide Zone Fit?

[Seattle Person]

With the hires of Klint Kubiak and John Benton, there is going to be an emphasis on Wide Zone blocking and running. There will be other blocking concepts as well such as Pin & Pull and Split Zone. There will be Gap concepts and Duos as well.

People have also suggested or debated about whether Ken Walker or Zach Charbonnet will be the better fit in a wide zone scheme. Walker has the speed and shiftiness to be a star in this type of offense. We've seen guys that have great explosiveness flourish in this type of scheme. Players like Kamara and McCaffrey in recent memories. I think he can do it.

However, I want to examine one thing people seem to forget. Zach Charbonnet has already played in this type of running scheme. Under Chip Kelly at UCLA Charbonnet was the featured back and feasted in this system. He was one of the most decisive cut back runners when running wide zone. His footwork and vision really stood out. Charbonnet is a fit in this scheme because he's already done it. His numbers were amazing:

2021: 1,137 yards: 5.6 per: 13 rushing TDs: 94.8 yards per game.

2022: 1,359 yards: 7.0 per: 14 rushing TDs: 134.9 yards per game.

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Article: https://coachkoufootball.substack.c...ucla-offense?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

 

[Chukarhawk]

Walker's vision is his worst enemy. Stellar talent but he needs work in that department.

 

[DarkVictory23]

I honestly expect both to do well. Just having a consistent rushing scheme, a base style attack, getting consistent reps in that... that alone will be amazing. Haven't had that in a while.

Charbs more decisive cutback is definitely a key talent to have, especially on those wide zone runs. Walker is a little too quick to be looking for that opening that may not actually be there when if he just stuck to the track and trusted the process, he's left a few yards on the table that way.

Where I think he will have the advantage is when he does stick to it and the play is bursting wide to the outside, he's going to be faster to that edge and when you string out the entire front of a defense and get to that second level, that's when he's going to be able break some ankles.


I'm truly hoping we end up in more of a 1/2 Punch (ala Detroit) vs. Starter/Backup situation next year.

 

[Mistashoesta]

Is Kupp (when healthy) the perfect compliment to JSN in the Wide Zone offense?

 

[Maelstrom787]

Walker has had issues with making the proper read before, relying on athleticism and agility to make plays outside of the designed structure and opting to bounce vs. taking the designed hole. If Walker cleans that up, he's got the talent to be an absolute gamebreaker and routinely slash defenses for chunk gains.

Charbonnet's running style is perfect for this scheme. Build up steam while reading the concept, one decisive cut, take the hole, linemen should escalate to the second level to take on linebackers, shoulder down, punish a defensive back, fall forward. Charbonnet has always reminded me a bit of Cedric Benson in running style - this scheme could unlock the hell out of him.

I love the possibilities for our current RB1 and RB2. Something tells me, however, that K9 could fall out of favor if he doesn't improve in terms of reliably reading the outside zone properly. That won't fly here anymore.

 

[Appyhawk]

Walker has had issues with making the proper read before, relying on athleticism and agility to make plays outside of the designed structure and opting to bounce vs. taking the designed hole. If Walker cleans that up, he's got the talent to be an absolute gamebreaker and routinely slash defenses for chunk gains.

Charbonnet's running style is perfect for this scheme. Build up steam while reading the concept, one decisive cut, take the hole, linemen should escalate to the second level to take on linebackers, shoulder down, punish a defensive back, fall forward. Charbonnet has always reminded me a bit of Cedric Benson in running style - this scheme could unlock the hell out of him.

I love the possibilities for our current RB1 and RB2. Something tells me, however, that K9 could fall out of favor if he doesn't improve in terms of reliably reading the outside zone properly. That won't fly here anymore.

I like RB3 for this scheme. Good hands, great cuts, surprising speed and power and ain't shy at blocking either. We have a terrific running back room.

 

[Kamcussionator]

Echoing what others have said, Walker's indecisiveness is what's going to kill him in this offense. Charbonnet and McIntosh may actually outproduce him unless he can develop his 1-cut skill.

 

[nwHawk]

Run to darkness!

 

[bsuhawk]

I'm hoping to see some 2 back looks with Walker and Charbonnet on the field. Charbonnet does everything reasonably well. I think he would be a great lead blocker for Walker.

 

[oldhawkfan]

Since this thread is about Kubiak and Benton, I have a question. Does anyone know their track record in assessing offensive linemen prospects?

It takes most offensive linemen a couple of years to finally start to get it together. It’s one of the more difficult positions to succeed as a rookie. Or so I’ve heard. I’m no o line expert in any way. I was just happy when they opened holes for me.

Maybe they see something in the young guys looking for a job. None of us have any access to the inside assessments by the guys who are paid to do that. Some folks are just better at seeing young potential talent. Are Kubiak and Benton particularly good at this part of their jobs? Has player acquisition been a big part of their success?

 

[Seattle Person]

Since this thread is about Kubiak and Benton, I have a question. Does anyone know their track record in assessing offensive linemen prospects?

It takes most offensive linemen a couple of years to finally start to get it together. It’s one of the more difficult positions to succeed as a rookie. Or so I’ve heard. I’m no o line expert in any way. I was just happy when they opened holes for me.

Maybe they see something in the young guys looking for a job. None of us have any access to the inside assessments by the guys who are paid to do that. Some folks are just better at seeing young potential talent. Are Kubiak and Benton particularly good at this part of their jobs? Has player acquisition been a big part of their success?

Almost every team Benton has been with has taken an Olinemen in the first round.

He likes athletic guys and he believes the right side should be able to do what the left side does.

 

[Fresno Hawk]

Walker needs to have more patience as a runner. If he can do that he will be Elite. Plus when he dose run inside he is always getting hurt. This new system fits Charbs, and Macintosh's skill sett better imop.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

huh huh huh, wide zone, huh huh huh

 

[glenwo2]

huh huh huh, wide zone, huh huh huh

 

[Shane Falco]

It takes most offensive linemen a couple of years to finally start to get it together. It’s one of the more difficult positions to succeed as a rookie. Or so I’ve heard. I’m no o line expert in any way. I was just happy when they opened holes for me.

There were 6 to 8 rookie offensive linemen (off the top of my head) this past season that had solid to really good seasons from the last draft alone.

 

[GemCity]

Call me crazy but, I’d rather Charb be the starter/get most of the reps.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

NO

 

[GetNjigbaWithIt]

 

[Appyhawk]

I have always felt being the 'starter' was over hyped. Having the RB room work as a team is the best approach. I think our RB room has the makings to be a deadly combination and interchangeable from down to down. I betcha Kubiak salivates admiring the RB roster he has to work with now.

 

[WestCoastChippewa]

Walker has had issues with making the proper read before, relying on athleticism and agility to make plays outside of the designed structure and opting to bounce vs. taking the designed hole. If Walker cleans that up, he's got the talent to be an absolute gamebreaker and routinely slash defenses for chunk gains.

Charbonnet's running style is perfect for this scheme. Build up steam while reading the concept, one decisive cut, take the hole, linemen should escalate to the second level to take on linebackers, shoulder down, punish a defensive back, fall forward. Charbonnet has always reminded me a bit of Cedric Benson in running style - this scheme could unlock the hell out of him.

I love the possibilities for our current RB1 and RB2. Something tells me, however, that K9 could fall out of favor if he doesn't improve in terms of reliably reading the outside zone properly. That won't fly here anymore.

I don't see walker falling out of favor. Have you ever see him catch the football?