Stopping the zone blocking scheme

[Big Texas]

The question has been asked over and over again, what is going on with the running game? Where here is my take.

The problem lies with:

Chris Meyers.

Because he is unable to maintain leverage, our running plays are getting blown up inside. Not only that; they are getting blown up 1 on 1. This in turn gives the linebackers free range. Not only are the LB roaming free, they are maintaining gap integrity. Because they don't have to help out in the middle they can run blitz from the edges. So teams are just run blitzing from the edges forcing slaton to run right up the middle where the interior lineman (mainly Meyers) are being out muscled. No spectacular plays by the D. Just good ol' fashion lane integrity. And we all know if there is no cutback lane the zone blocking scheme is useless. Doubling the NT only leads to a LB coming downhill free.

The Cure:

Stronger in the middle.

If we had a center or guard who could consistently at least maintain his ground against the NT the outside LB wouldn't feel so free to blitz the edges.

Screen/Sweep plays.

If the NT is just too stout, take him outta the play. This will make those blitzing OLB think twice.

Overall, we do not have the man power to push the pile. So we should adopt a page outta the Eagles playbook. Make little dump offs and screens our run plays.