Cancel Crunch – The Run Scheme Pittsburgh Ought to Scrap

I really like a inventive run scheme. With solely so many schemes on the market, it’s a must to add in new wrinkles to maintain protection’s on their toes. It’s why I really like, on paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers “crunch” scheme. Launched two years in the past, it’s been of their playbook ever since.

Most frequently used in opposition to 4-3 fronts, it’s presupposed to be a quick-hitting, double-wham block. Twin down blocks on the d-line, usually with a fullback or tight finish ear-holing an unsuspecting defensive deal with. When it really works, it might pop off an enormous run.

Pittsburgh’s run it all through 2024. Sadly, the outcomes haven’t been there. With a operating sport nonetheless looking for traction and dealing with important video games the remainder of the way in which, it’s time to shelve the idea for the forseeable future.

First, let’s see what it appears like when it really works. Coach Dan Casey, one among social media’s greatest at sharing clips of distinctive schemes, posted two examples previous to Monday night time’s sport between the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers. Jim and John Harbaugh love the scheme. Particularly, watch that lane open up for RB Derrick Henry.

Beneath is only a snippet of Pittsburgh utilizing it this season. Right here’s an instance in opposition to the Colts. TE Darnell Washington loses his down block on the RDE whereas the linebacker runs underneath C Zach Frazier. WR Van Jefferson additionally doesn’t change into a lot assist right here although if blocked proper, the again will usually run off the receiver’s exterior hip.

The outlet that’s presupposed to be there closes quick and Harris can’t get by way of. The run goes nowhere.

Couple weeks later in opposition to the New York Jets. There’s a enormous lane right here however much like above, the receiver is out-leveraged and might’t make this block on the DB, who fills the alley and makes the play. Exhausting in charge the receiver when the DB is so low within the field.

You could possibly argue Harris ought to break the deal with however the DB fills it effectively. And that is presupposed to be quick-hitting. No dancing, nothing lateral. Hit the outlet. When the play can’t hit quick, it’s not going to work. And it doesn’t.

Week 10 in opposition to Washington. Once more, virtually blocked completely. Everybody does their job besides RT Broderick Jones. He will get too tall and regardless of having exterior leverage, can’t wash down the d-tackle, who sheds him and fills the outlet. RB Jaylen Warren will get by way of and the run positive aspects a pair, it doesn’t get what it may have.

Lastly, two examples from Week 12’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. First play/run of the sport. Pittsburgh dressing this up in a diamond formation. Pistol with the again behind and two tight ends sidecar to QB Russell Wilson.

Due to the dimensions mismatch, Pittsburgh asks TE Connor Heyward to chop the d-tackle as a substitute of down blocking him. Heyward’s reduce whiffs and the DT flies in to deal with Harris earlier than he can hit the outlet, the B-gap between RG and RT. The play is a bust.

They struggle it afterward from a extra frequent formation. Some good downblocks however the gap isn’t clear and there’s no receiver to assist maintain the defensive backs. Additionally seems to be miscommunication with Frazier and MyCole Pruitt blocking the frontside linebacker.

And these are solely a few of the examples. Watching this idea all year long, they’ve virtually by no means labored. The one one which has had true success got here in opposition to the Colts on this scamper for 12-yards out of his personal finish zone.

I do know some critique will fall on Harris for not hitting the outlet rapidly sufficient. A few of that’s legitimate. Due to it’s fast nature, you desire a again to fly by way of the outlet. However the blocking has been defective and somebody has been simply barely off to doom the play.

That’s the irritating half. These performs are shut. You’re going again and watching and pondering if one man can do his job, this factor goes to hit. Nevertheless it simply hasn’t come collectively and it’s failing much more usually than it’s working. Pittsburgh has made changes, having the tight finish wham an inside participant much less usually, and so they’ve labored it out of various formations and appears. It’s time to shelve this one and get again to fundamentals.

Work on it in apply and possibly spring it on a protection late within the season or playoffs. With this offense needing success proper now, they gotta deal with one thing else.