11-27-2017, 06:25 PM
(11-27-2017, 02:49 PM)Fan_in_Kettering Wrote: Directional blocking against a 3-4 is either easier or harder, depending on the quality of the 3-4. A 3-4 with slow linebackers is easy pickings, so to speak, but that is NOT the case with the Steelers. They run the most aggressive 3-4 in the league so it takes some cunning and smarts to directionally block against them. Here’s why:
Mentally place the Cincinnati offensive line plus a tight end on the field. Now mentally place the three Pittsburgh linemen opposite them. It’s a six to three advantage, right? WRONG! The three defensive linemen can line up in any of the gaps or directly opposite an offensive lineman or even half and half. This is where we get “one technique, three technique, etc.” The gaps are larger in a 3-4 defense but that only makes it easier for linebackers to shoot the gaps, the defensive linemen to move laterally, and for the defensive linemen and linebackers to run stunts. Now it’s really six offensive linemen against SEVEN Steelers and you don’t know who is moving where until the ball is snapped.
An offensive line has to directionally block even more aggressively — and faster — against a 3-4 defense because the holes close faster as linebackers shoot those gaps. I’m not a fan of the 3-4 against the pass but against the run it can be very effective indeed. In fact, play action against a 3-4 is easier than against a 4-3 because there will nearly always be room behind the linebackers who are shooting gaps in the defensive line.
Tyler Kroft and Joe Mixon should have career days out of the backfield against the Steelers if the Bengals block correctly. Then when the Steelers start anticipating this and drop two or more linebackers into coverage, then you run Joe and Giovani Bernard right through the A-gap.
It is definately different going against a 3-4 that is for sure. I think we need to use Hewitt a lot in this one hammering
Shazier and company. If Hewitt can get his helmet on him he can move him. Shazier takes bad angles lots and this could
bite them in the ass with Mixon finally getting hot and Gio playing well behind this directional blocking scheme.
Then go play action like you said. Hundley played well against the Steelers last night.
Our coach is my main concern, damn Steeler fan anyway.
