Explains wide zone.

So this summer, Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is trying to install something that Liam Coen used with the same group of Bucs offensive linemen.

That would be a “wide zone” blocking scheme. This is when all linemen (and tight ends and receivers too) block laterally in unison. This is supposed to open up cutback lanes for running backs to exploit.

In other words, it is a blocking scheme that Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell should be able to take advantage of with their skill sets.

Coen incorporated this into his run schemes. Robinson is hoping the second time is as much of a charm as when Coen adapted it.

Joe talked with right tackle Luke Goedeke about this last week. He admitted wide zone blocking is a challenge.

“It’s definitely difficult,” Goedeke said, adding that everyone must identify their blocking landmark targets for the scheme to work effectively. “Tight ends have to hit their blocks right as the o-line does. Wide receivers as well.

“It gives the defense something else to prepare for. Get them moving sideways, and then we hit them downhill. I don’t think it is any surprise how good we are at gap schemes. I think it will only play to our benefit.

“Guys will have to anticipate running laterally and getting knocked over,” Goedeke said. “It’s taking time [to learn].”

Cody Mauch also added he thinks the Bucs’ offensive line as a whole is athletic enough to pull it off.

Goedeke also noted that, just like the Bucs did with Coen as the offensive coordinator, the Bucs will not use a wide zone blocking scheme all the time and might not use it as a primary blocking scheme. Instead, Goedeke said, Robinson plans to use it some of the time, not unlike Coen. Just to mix things up, hopefully catching defenses off guard.

“We are definitely mixing it up,” Goedeke said, “Obviously it is in Zac’s hands. Whatever he sees fit. He has our full trust.”

Joe thought the Bucs might not reach peak performance with this blocking for a few weeks into the season. The Bucs just have to get reps in working on it.

“Sure, it is a new kind of wrinkle we are learning in a way,” Goedeke said. “[But] 100 percent its repitiations. We haven’t even had pads on yet. But repetition is huge. You can’t run wide zone on all our plays. Yeah, repetition will be key.”

And success, of course.