Zone Insert Runs with Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson loves to tag his zone runs. He keeps the core of the scheme consistent for the offensive line, while using skill players to solve weekly game plan issues.
Zone Insert runs involve locking the back side of the offensive line with a “man” tag, and asking a tight end or fullback to insert for a linebacker.
Today’s breakdown will focus on the 2024 Lions, my favorite iteration of Ben Johnson’s system to date. Full season cutup at the end of the article.
The example below shows an Inside Zone Insert design the Lions utilized against an Under front from Brian Flores and the Vikings. Lock the BST and on-ball tight end, insert the off-ball tight end for the Mike. The critical block is that of the BSG, 1 on 1 with the nose. With the nose stunting away, the off-ball tight end has to navigate and insert off this block.
The next one shows a fun Mid Zone variation called to a nub tight end. On this play, it looks like the running back’s aiming point is the outside leg of the tackle.
The PSTE works to the secondary support defender. In this case, it is the cornerback.
The next diagram shows a filthy variation with some back and forth escort motion to include slice action for the on-ball Sam linebacker.
Ben Johnson’s run game is full of well-designed concepts and tags. He is constantly creating angles for his offensive line.
I break down his entire system in The 2025 Chicago Bears Complete Offensive Manual. This book is over 500 pages and is the most in depth resource you will find on offensive football. Click Here is order a copy.
The rest of the article shares two more diagrams (from 11 personnel and 21 personnel) as well as the full season 11-minute cutup of Inside Zone Insert and Outside Zone Insert runs from the 2024 Lions. The two diagrams show the concept against an Over front.