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Cardinals running back James Conner (6) follows pulling offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The one thing that this new offense for the Arizona Cardinals will feature is a heavy run game. They revamped the offensive line, have seven tight ends on the roster going into training camp, and have six capable running backs.
Throughout the franchise’s history, the offense has featured guys who run the rock down the defense’s throat, such as Ollie Matson, David Johnson, Stump Mitchell, O.J. Anderson, Charley Trippi, James Conner, and Johnny Roland.
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And with great running backs, the offense requires outstanding offensive line play. Three of five starters in this group will be different this upcoming season. Another tendency of this new offense is using two or three tight ends on almost every play.
In former years, it was guys like Irv Goode, Conrad Dobler, Luis Sharpe, Dan Dierdorf, and Ernie McMillan. Techniques are discovered, taught, and handed down.
One blocking technique that is not widely used is the pin-pull blocking concept. This common power-gap rushing style has found its place among NFL clubs that prefer a more dominant running game. The better running teams can get the football into the hands of their best player between the tackles or to the outside of the offensive tackle.
The play has evolved through different coaching techniques and innovations. This is a play that has gained more acceptance in the past five years. It has rules that allow the linemen to communicate with each other to execute the best possible blocking attack.
What is the pin-pull play?
The play gets two offensive linemen out in space on the perimeter as the lead blockers for an outside run. Both players are pulling, usually, either both guards or the center paired with a guard. The first blocker “pins” a defender while the second “pulls” around that block into space.
The play is designed to work best when the pulling players are light-footed and quick to adjust to the defensive target.
Pin-pull is the best method to get extra blockers to the point of attack when it comes to perimeter runs. This allows the runner the ability to take his route upfield anywhere from the C-gap to the sidelines, depending on what direction the pulling players take their man.
The play is a bit different than a true middle zone that uses all zone blocks. It is also different than a “buck sweep” that pulls both guards. It can be described as a “horizontal stretch” of the defense and can hit anywhere from inside the tight end to the outside towards the sideline.
Here are the base blocking rules using a double-tight end formation:
- Playside TE – Always block the defensive end (the first person on or outside the OT). Depending on the alignment, it could be a down block, a base block, or a reach drive block.
- Playside Tackle – If he has a down block, then he down blocks. If he does not have a down block, then he wraps to the outside linebacker.
- Playside Guard – If he has a down block, then he down blocks. If he does not have a down block, then he wraps to the playside linebacker.
- Center – Reach and climb playside gap or if guard down blocks, then wraps for playside linebacker.
- Backside Guard – Reach and climb the playside gap.
- Backside Tackle – Reach and climb the playside gap.
- Backside TE – Reach and climb the playside gap.
How the pin-pull differentiates from the buck sweep is normally an inside run threat that will force a defender to choose between pursuing the outside corner or coming downhill inside. The pin-pull is a true perimeter run.
Versatility is a hallmark of the pin-pull.
It allows offensive linemen to take advantage of pre-snap alignments with their down blocks. This will give their teammates the ability to pull successfully. Down blocks are often a high percentage block in which to out-leverage a defender. The pulling players are able to have better blocking angles when confronted with linebackers who have speed. This in itself opens up the second level.
The pin-pull works best with a running back who has great speed and is exceptional at cutting. Another characteristic of this play is that the offense needs to have two offensive guards or a center who is very good at pulling on a play and can run.
Without quality pullers, the pin-pull will not work.
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