Playbook: Half Slide Protection

A common protection call which combines "area" (slide, zone) and "man" (BOB) schemes.  As the name suggests, half slide protection asks one side of the offensive line (usually 3, sometimes 4, lineman) to block one adjacent gap in unison as in Full Slide protection.  The other side of the line (usually including the running back) blocks players rather than zones, as in BOB protection.

The above play shows the left tackle, left guard, and center all sliding to block their outside gaps.  Since they are blocking "areas", they can protect against stunts/twists more efficiently and can give help to a lineman with a bad match-up.  The other side of the line (right guard, right tackle, running back) are all blocking specific defenders.  Running back Ray Rice is responsible for one of two linebackers if one of them should blitz.  If both blitz to the man side, Flacco will need to get the ball out to a "hot" receiver (likely over the middle, in the space vacated by the rushing 'backer).  

Half slide protection is popular because a linebacker is less likely to blitz than a down lineman, giving the running back a greater chance to release into a pattern.  Half slide also allows the running back to follow a play-action path without losing sight of his blocking assignment(s).  

Outside References

1) Protect Your Quarterback vs. Even Fronts with Half Slide Pass Pro

2) Air Raid Playbook: Pass Protection Schemes

3) What are the basic principles of dropback pass protection?

4) Pass Protection for Beginners

5) Pass Protection 101

6) Inside the Playbook - Pass Protection Schemes

7) X's and O's: Pass Protection

8) 5-step passing game protection: Sliding to protect

9) A bit on our Combo man/slide protection
10) Universal Pass Protection Schemes that Sustain Multiple Movements and Pressures
11) Twists and slants: How to generate pressure with only 4 rushers
12) Football Fundamentals: Pass Protection Schemes