Below, the Panthers line up in a trips set with their best Wide Receiver, D.J. Moore, on the backside before they motion the back out to 4×1 against a 2-high safety look. QB Sam Darnold reads Linebacker Micah Parsons (#11); if Parsons stays in the box, he’ll throw the swing screen. If Parsons vacates the box, Darnold has a numbers advantage for the QB draw:

Swing screen/Q draw pic.twitter.com/L7TJAVe2SH

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) October 4, 2021

Later in the season, Joe Brady dialed up an old play from his LSU days. The Panthers line up in trips and motion out the running back out again. This time, the QB draw is paired with a glance route from D.J. Moore. When the weakside Linebacker and Safety fly up to the QB draw, Cam Newton throws it over their heads for a Touchdown:

Q draw/glance RPO w/fast motion to 4×1 pic.twitter.com/ZNrg59tZCq

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) November 22, 2021

Motioning to Quads from the backfield forces defenses to communicate quickly and can be difficult to sift through. Below, the Texans motion to Quads and 3 Panthers go with the motion man–leaving the original outside WR #3 Anthony Miller wide open for an easy Touchdown:

Motion to 4 strong creates a miscommunication in the secondary pic.twitter.com/X4n7XZyqL6

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) September 24, 2021

In another example, the Jets simply do not react to the motion and the Titans get an easy score:

D with no response to the motion to 4 strong pic.twitter.com/5heOmoZKWV

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) October 5, 2021

Offenses have also effectively used the 4 strong side as eye candy to target the single pass catcher side. Below, the Saints are in a Trips Nub formation and the RB goes in fast motion. Multiple Green Bay defenders over shift to the motion, and the Saints throw a delayed Tight End screen to take advantage:

Motion to 4 strong w/nub TE. TE delay on 4th and 7 pic.twitter.com/iWDBZfu3ve

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) September 16, 2021

The Packers then run the very same play the next week!

-Trips nub (Davante @ 3)
-Fast motion to 4 strong
-TE delay screen pic.twitter.com/REvmgrd1Cp

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) September 21, 2021

Sean McVay and the Rams have been quite creative in window dressing in their Quads sets to execute simple plays. Below, Cooper Kupp lines up in the backfield and fast motions out to the trips side in an attempt to draw defenders away from the backside Tight End tunnel screen:

Kupp fast motions to make it 4 strong, tunnel screen the other way. More WRs in the backfield! pic.twitter.com/nW1Kr2sS1T

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) September 26, 2021

Here, because defenses often lock up the backside of 4×1 sets in man to man, the Rams are able to exploit defensive rules with a mesh concept. The goal is to allow speedster DeSean Jackson (#1), who is the second inside most WR, to attack a vacated area and catch the ball with a ton of space in front of him:

Rams running mesh out of 4×1 pic.twitter.com/Y3F9IAnVCo

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) September 28, 2021

Quads also forces defenses into tough choices and punishes double teams. Below, the Bears decide to commit two defenders to #19 Deebo Samuel, who is on the backside of the 4×1 set. The Bears have a 5 man box and 4 DBs over 4 WRs. #11 Brandon Aiyuk is able to take advantage of the matchup for a TD:

49ers running a 4×1 cheetah variation. Bears have 2 shaded to Deebo Samuel and Aiyuk is 1 on 1 pic.twitter.com/YqFYIhNbVP

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) November 24, 2021

Teams can even play with personnel to get playmakers in space. Below, the Cowboys have multiple tight ends and an extra OL out wide to escort CeeDee Lamb:

Cowboys with 2 TEs and an extra OL on the 4×1 quick screen pic.twitter.com/eGsMS12gFh

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) November 24, 2021

NFL offenses have finally adopted 4×1 sets as a regular part of their offenses. Offensive coordinators are creatively using 4×1’s structural advantages to get their playmakers in space and exploit matchups. 

The post Connect 4: The NFL’s 4×1 Quads Renaissance appeared first on Syed Schemes.

Seattle is in Cover 1, with a linebacker providing inside help with a jam on Lazar. This coverage is ideal for the Packers play call. NFL defenses have a plan to address pick/rub route combinations. Here, a man scheme like Seattle is in here has a call to automatically switch any pick/rub. They also can decide to fight over or under any pick, particularly when defensive backs have help inside or over the top:

But here, Seattle’s defensive backs aren’t on the same page on what to do in response. Nobody actually ends up running with Allison, who breaks free inside. Adams route ends up functioning as a sluggo route. Both defensive backs hesitate when they are fooled by the play design. The result is confusion, and multiple wide open WRs. The deep safety is unable to get to Adams, leading to a touchdown:

Although it may be the first time the Packers have used this play this season, it isn’t the first time Rodgers or LaFleur have had success with slant/flat variations over the past few years.

Texans v. Chiefs

A series of plays on Houston’s first drive against Kansas City also caught my attention. On the very first play of the game, Houston is in a bunch formation, with a tight end opposite the bunch. The Texans run a bubble or stay pass for a gain of a yard.

On a 3rd and 1 on the same drive, the Texans come out once again in the same formation, with a few subtle differences. First, the order of the receivers is different, as DeAndre Hopkins is the point of the bunch instead of Will Fuller. Next, the depth of the inside receiver isn’t as deep as the original bubble. The Chiefs are in Cover 0, with every other defender rushing the quarterback. The Texans fake the bubble, the Chiefs defensive backs bite up, leaving Kenny Stills wide open for a touchdown:

Although its a decent example of running an offense to look the same to a defense, bubble combined with bubble & go is a relatively common series in college and pro football. The interesting note will be what Tennessee can take from this tape to try and exploit the Chiefs’ defense, including double moves and play designs to challenge their assignment discipline.

The post 2019 Divisional Round X’s & O’s Review appeared first on Syed Schemes.

In week 8, the Chiefs faked an outside toss to Tyreek Hilll with a shovel pass to Hunt underneath. Kelce and Watkins arc blocked to sell the outside pitch, and the line blocked like power with a pulling guard:

The end zone angle shows one potential issue on defense. Because Broncos DB Bradley Roby (#29) is in man coverage on Hill, he lines up in the box, which is unusual for him. Roby goes out wide with the fake to Hill, giving Hunt just the crease he needs:

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In week 9 against the Browns, the Chiefs come out in the same formation and show the same pitch action to Hill. This time, Kelce and Watkins run routes. Meanwhile, both guards and the center pass set before releasing for a screen away from the pitch fake:

As seen from the end zone angle, the flow from the pitch fake moves both Browns linebackers enough to create great angles for the Chiefs to block downfield after Kareem Hunt catches the screen:

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The Chiefs have also shown other runs to Tyreek Hill with other reads from this set. Here, Sammy Watkins motions from outside to inside Kelce, and Kareem Hunt arc blocks:

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The end zone angle also shows the weakside guard pulling and Sammy Watkins taking a shovel path. Because the Chiefs leave the end man on the line of scrimmage unblocked, they almost certainly have a read element in this play as well:

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The play essentially ends up like the shovel power read the Chiefs have run over the last few years. Overall, this formation presents a variety of problems for defenses. From a personnel standpoint, the defense has to be ready to defend the run with two tight ends on the field. With respect to the formation, because the Chiefs line up both tight ends to the outsides, the defense will often give strong coverage indicators pre-snap. For example, a linebacker lined up across from a TE out wide is a strong man coverage indicator, as is a DB lined up in the box across from Tyreek Hill.

The Chiefs have several plays they haven’t shown yet from this formation. First, the outside pitch to Tyreek Hill. Next, a fake pitch outside to Hill with a route combination similar to that of the screen touchdown. Finally, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a tight end screen to Kelce as well.

The post Chiefs Film Review: 2 back formation with Tyreek Hill appeared first on Syed Schemes.

Will Fuller

The post 2018 Week 8: X’s & O’s Review appeared first on Syed Schemes.

Eagles

The Eagles used running back motion, the wheel route, and the mesh concept repeatedly to take advantage of the Patriots decision to predominantly play man to man coverage. The Patriots were weak against pass catching running backs all year, particularly wheel routes. In the AFC Championship, Jacksonville missed their opportunity multiple times to hit an open running back against a linebacker or peeling defensive end; but the Eagles cashed in.

2nd Quarter, 1:46, 3rd & 3 on Phi 37 (Phi 15 NE 12)

Late in the first half, the Eagles make a huge play using both the mesh concept and the wheel route. Defensively, the Patriots are in Cover 1:

The Patriots have it covered well, but Jordan Richards (#37) takes a bad angle on the wheel route, leading to an easy throw for a huge gain. The angle below shows Richards could have gone over the sit route and been in position to make a tackle before the first down marker, instead of shooting underneath. Of course, if Malcolm Butler was on the field, Richards probably wouldn’t have been:

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This won’t be the first time the Eagles use these concepts to beat the Patriots D. In fact, this particular play ends up being key for a fourth down conversion late in the game.

3rd Quarter, 7:25, 3rd & 6 on NE 22 (Phi 22 NE 19)

In the middle of the third, the Eagles use return motion as a coverage indicator; once #59 linebacker Marquis Flowers motions in with running back Corey Clement, Nick Foles knows its man to man coverage. The Eagles are running a drive concept with Clement’s wheel route behind it from the backfield. The Patriots are playing man to man with a free safety in centerfield. They are also doubling Zach Ertz; (#37) Jordan Richards has any in breaking routes, while (#32) Devin McCourty has any out breaking routes:

The Eagles end up getting a speedy running back on a linebacker. Foles has plenty of time  and delivers perhaps his best throw of the day for a touchdown. Meanwhile, the free safety is too far to make an impact on the wheel, and McCourty hesitates ever so slightly, flips his hips the wrong way, and is unable to make a play on the ball:

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4th Quarter, 6:10, 4th & 1 on Phi 45 (NE 33 Phi 32)

The Eagles wouldn’t have had the opportunity for the go-ahead touchdown had it not been for a fourth down conversion in their own territory earlier in the drive. Earlier in the game, the Eagles gashed the Patriots with two huge passes to running back Corey Clement, analyzed above. The Eagles come back to the mesh concept on this critical fourth down. The Patriots are in man to man coverage, middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy blitzes, safety Duron Harmon is a “robber” in the box, and outside linebacker James Harrison has peel responsibility if the running back has a route. The Eagles mesh works perfectly, and Ertz is able to get free:

However, Patriots safety Duron Harmon is still in great position to make a play on Ertz. This is where the Eagles previous success on wheel routes to Clement comes into play; Harmon hesitates ever so slightly to the wheel, leaving enough space for Foles to complete the ball to Ertz for a crucial first down.

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4th Quarter, 2:25, 3rd & 7 on NE 11 (NE 33 Phi 32)

On perhaps the most important play of Super Bowl 52, Pederson used motion to out-formation the Patriots and get exactly the matchup he was looking for: tight end Zack Ertz in 1 on 1 coverage. Pre-snap, the Eagles come out in bunch trips right, running back Corey Clement offset left, and Ertz wide left. The Patriots are playing man-to-man on the trips, but importantly, safety Duron Harmon can help Devin McCourty, currently lined up on Ertz, and take away any in breaking route. The Patriots would handle Clement out of the backfield with James Harrison peeling off to the flat:

However, when Clement fast motions from the backfield to the trips, the Patriots are completely outflanked and Harmon is forced to match him. This leaves McCourty on an island with Ertz at the very last second, and the rest is history:

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While Pederson called a near perfect game, Josh McDaniels was just as good. The Patriots, more than any other team, use movement before the snap as coverage indicators. Super Bowl 52 was no exception:

Patriots

1st Quarter, 1:41, 3rd & 7 on NE 21

Before the snap, the Patriots motion in James White to the backfield. By this time, the Patriots know the Eagles are matching up safety Malcolm Jenkins (#27) with White. Jenkins follows White, but the Eagles could still plausibly be in a variety of coverages. The Patriots go one step further and have receivers Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks switch places. When the Eagles defenders don’t move, Tom Brady knows its zone coverage:

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A side note, most analysts expected Malcolm Jenkins to match up with Gronk. Given that James White had 14 catches in Super Bowl 51 and Shane Vereen had 11 catches in Super Bowl 49, it made sense that the Eagles decided they’d try to limit James White. The move was effective; after the first drive White didn’t have a single catch.

2nd Quarter, 2:55, 2nd & 10 on NE 31

Down 15-6 with just under 3 minutes in the first half, the Patriots get a one on one matchup they unquestionably circled before the game; Eagles cornerback #31 Jalen Mills in man to man off coverage. Mills has struggled with double moves in this scenario throughout the year, (top of screen in first clip, bottom of screen in second clip):

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This time is no different. Chris Hogan is matched up with Jalen Mills at the bottom of the screen, in off coverage, with no deep half help. He runs a curl and go for a huge gain:

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3rd Quarter, 3:29, 1st & 10 on Phi 26

Down 10, the Patriots began the second half by attacking with seam routes. They also took advantage of a bit of confusion in alignment; in the NFC Championship game, when a non-pass catching back (Latavius Murray) split out wide, the Eagles were confused and gave up a wide open touchdown:

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Below, Patriots fullback James Develin is highlighted at the top of the screen. When he lines up out wide, the Eagles are confused on coverage assignments. Meanwhile, the play call is double seams with Gronkowski and Hogan:

This becomes a big play because of three factors: First, the Eagles pre-snap confusion causes Malcolm Jenkins (free safety, highlighted above) to keep his eyes solely on Gronkowski as opposed to playing deep middle. Next, Tom Brady’s eyes hold Jenkins toward Gronkowski’s side. Watch Brady’s eyes flip to Hogan just before the throw. Third, Chris Hogan expands his seam route to the wide side of the field, creating more room for the throw:

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Finally, it’s impossible to do a full review of Super Bowl 52 without mentioning “Philly Special,” the throwback pass the Eagles used to score right before the end of the first half:

Shot 13 – “Philly Special” … one of the most legendary moments in Philly Sports History. So much to love about this play….the design, the call, the timing, the execution. Foles reels in the TD from Trey Burton #FlyEaglesFly #SBLII pic.twitter.com/VU0zg76dKV

— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) February 7, 2018

It was a great play call and design, but there’s more: the Patriots ran the same play the last time they played the Eagles in 2015:

“Philly Special” 2015 Pats vs Eagles. We’ve seen this before. pic.twitter.com/KRmhYG55ld

— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) February 8, 2018

It may have been in the playbook already, but it’s also possible Philly added it specifically for this game after reviewing that film. For those looking to add this play to the playbook, make sure you know the rules; in the NFL, the quarterback must be in the shotgun, or he is not eligible to catch a pass. There is no such rule in college:

Now Baker Mayfield is out here catching TDs too pic.twitter.com/S3esgz4L9s

— 2018 NFL Draft (@DraftRT) January 1, 2018

The post Super Bowl 52 X’s & O’s Review appeared first on Syed Schemes.

Eagles v. Falcons

The play call on Atlanta’s do or die 4th and Goal from Philly’s 2-yard line is understandably what everyone is talking about. After motioning Tight End (#80) Levine Toilolo across the formation, the Falcons ran sprint right with two short outs:

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It’s easy to second guess a play call after watching it on TV, but there’s a lot not to like about this call with the season on the line from the two yard line:

The first issue I have with the play call is personnel choice–Atlanta has Fullback (#40) Derrick Coleman lined up out wide at the bottom of the screen. A running back out wide by itself isn’t a bad choice (it can help a Quarterback assess coverages). However, Atlanta should have had its best playmakers on the field, which certainly includes Running Back (#24) Devonta Freeman.

The second issue I have is sprinting out on 4th and Goal; I don’t like cutting the field in half without one of the following: 1) some sort of rub/pick concept, 2) a flat route that can turn into a wheel if not open at first, or 3) some sort of throwback option, like below:

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Without any of these, the Eagles’ defense has defended almost 2/3 of the field without doing anything, and there is no recourse if Matt Ryan’s first read isn’t open.

This 4th and Goal also could have been a game winning Field Goal had it not been for an inexcusable end of first half mistake from Atlanta. With seven (:07) seconds left to play, the Eagles had the ball at the 50 yard line and no timeouts remaining. Understandably, Julio Jones is on the field in the deep middle in case Philly decides to take a shot at the end zone. Atlanta is also prepared with four defenders pre-snap for Philly to run a 3-man Flood concept to try and throw an out route and get out of bounds in time for a field goal attempt.:

Players #1 (Linebacker Deion Jones) and #3 (Cornerback Desmond Trufant) in the graphic allow for the intermediate out to be completed and out of bounds in six seconds. First, Jones hops inside and does not defend the sideline, even though any completion in the field of play would end the half. Then, Trufant sinks to the deep out, even though another defender is over the top and the clock would have run out if the ball was thrown to the deepest out.

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The next play, the Eagles make a field goal as time expires. Understanding game situation and clock management cost Atlanta on two separate occasions in the divisional round.

Jaguars v. Steelers

Jacksonville offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett called a near flawless game on Sunday, but my favorite play was their final Touchdown with 4:34 to play in the 4th:

Jacksonville is in I-formation tight, with an extra Tight End to the right side of the formation. Pittsburgh is still in a 2-high Safety look, although the strong side Safety is playing with a staggered stance somewhat closer to the line of scrimmage. The Jaguars are running iso play action Fullback seam, otherwise affectionately known as “pop pass:”

The outer most Tight End takes a wide release and runs a fade to hold the Cornerback, while the play action sucks up the only two players in position to stop the play, leading to an easy touchdown:

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Patriots vs. Titans

The divisional round didn’t make the Patriots sweat, but they have added a small X’s & O’s wrinkle I’ve noticed a few times this year. Similar to a jet sweep or toss crack, New England has scored multiple times this year with a Running Back or Wide Receiver (usually Brandin Cooks) coming in motion and Tom Brady ‘dropping’ the ball to them as they run around the corner. Below, James White (#28) comes in motion slowly at first, and Titans Linebacker (#59) Wesley Woodyard follows, confirming it’s man-to-man coverage and a good look for the dropoff sweep. It’s possible the Patriots have a check out of this play if it isn’t man to man or against certain fronts: 

As long as Left Guard Joe Thuney can reach his gap and make sure the Defensive Tackle (Pro-bowler Jurrell Casey) doesn’t penetrate, New England has great look: down blocks by Gronk and Wide Receiver Chris Hogan (#15) with Nate Solder (#77) pulling around to lead the way on the Cornerback originally lined up over Hogan:

Thuney does his assignment, there are great down block angles, and James White is able to catch the ball at almost full speed for a relatively easy touchdown:

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Vikings vs. Saints

The game winning touchdown in the Vikings vs. Saints game began as the same exact situation as the Falcons vs. Eagles end of half scenario; there were ten seconds left and the Vikings had no timeouts, so any completion in the field of play would end the game. However, the Vikings were at their own 39 yard line, so a Hail Mary to the end zone was out of the question. The Vikings run the same play as the Eagles, a 3-man Flood concept:

We all know what happened next:

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It’s obvious Saints DB Marcus Williams misplays both Stephon Diggs and the ball. But the Saints coaching staff could have put the defense in a better position. First, given the game scenario, the absolute number one priority is “do not let the Vikings complete the ball and get out of bounds,” yet the Saints only have 3 defenders guarding the sideline. Instead, the Saints should have either rushed only 3 down lineman or pulled their Middle Linebacker much closer to the sideline and the bunched Vikings. The Saints already have 3 defenders to account for the backside Wide Receiver Adam Thielen and Running Back Jerrick McKinnon, and the Vikings can’t complete the ball in bounds, so the Middle Linebacker does nothing but cover grass.

Overall, there was a lot to learn on game management this weekend; football fans can only hope the championship round and the Super Bowl bring as much excitement as the divisional round.

The post 2017 Divisional Round Review appeared first on Syed Schemes.

Shovel, Jet, Power Read, and More

Andy Reid utilized his fastest players in (#10) Tyreek Hill and (#13) DeAnthony Thomas as decoys to beautifully set up (#87) Travis Kelce for a touchdown. On 2nd & 5 from the 15 with six minutes remaining in the game, the Chiefs aligned Thomas in the backfield and sent Hill in motion. The Eagles came out in a 4-3 alignment with one high safety:

The motion creates confusion for the Eagles defenders, and makes for even less certainty when Hill pivots and jet motions back to where he started. From the offensive line’s perspective, the play is blocked like power: 

The combination of the power blocking scheme and the backfield action makes for a great play design. Kelce’s assignment is to run parallel to the line of scrimmage and be a target for a shovel pass. Meanwhile, Thomas will also run parallel to the line of scrimmage and provide a stretch mesh action. Quarterback Alex Smith rides the mesh going left like the inverted veer or power read concept. Like in inverted veer/power read, Smith is reading the unblocked left defensive end, highlighted with a green triangle above. If the defensive end crashes down, Smith should hand it off to Thomas. If the defensive end expands, instead of running, Smith shovel passes to Kelce. The right guard (#76) pulls, but his assignment flows with the Smith/Thomas mesh, making for an easy block and a hole the size of a truck:

This play design is difficult to defend on its own; a player as fast as Hill jetting the other way catches the Eagles linebackers completely flatfooted:

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Look for the Chiefs to work off this concept as the season progresses. This could mean a nasty play action with the same backfield action and a deep throw, or the same backfield action with a screen going to Hill on the other side of the field. Although the Chiefs brought in Thomas to run the stretch path, there is no reason Kareem Hunt couldn’t do the same thing.

The post KC’s Jet Shovel Power Read Combo: Week 2 X’s & O’s Review appeared first on Syed Schemes.

The Cowboys offensive line executed textbook combination blocks in the split zone scheme, with left tackle (#77) Tyron Smith blocking out, left guard (#65) Ronald Leary and center (#72) Travis Frederick combining to block the defensive tackle up to the left outside linebacker, and right guard (#70) Zack Martin combo blocking with right tackle (#68) Doug Free to take care of 3-technique (#97) Geno Atkins and middle linebacker (#58) Rey Maualuga. Tight End (#87) Geoff Swaim blocks across the formation to pick up “EMLOS”, or the end man on the line of scrimmage, (#96) Carlos Dunlap.

However, this leaves one defender unaccounted for: (#55) right outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict. The Cowboys don’t attempt to block him; instead, they influence him out of the play with Jason Witten running a flat route. Witten’s flat route ends up not only influencing Burfict, but the safety (#43) George Iloka as well. This is the difference between a 3 yard run, a 10 yard run, and a 60 yard run. With the zone steps of Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliot influencing the defenders left, the Cowboys offensive line combo blocks at the point of attack, and the split zone and flat action, a huge alley is created. From there, Elliot must identify the alley, make one cut to get between the combo block on Atkins and Swaim’s out block, and run a wind sprint to the end zone:

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You can better see the influence of Witten’s flat route from the broadcast or high angle of the play:

The high angle shows how Witten’s route creates a gaping lane for Elliot to sprint to the end zone, seen fully below:

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One important point to note: Witten’s influence and Elliot’s cut, vision, and speed shouldn’t take away from how well the Cowboys offensive line blocked at the point of attack. Their combination blocks and movement allowed the rest of the scheme to work and gave Zeke Elliot a chance to make a play. With that said, the scheme worked to perfection. From an offensive coordinator’s point of view, there is nothing like “blocking” multiple defenders without ever having to lay a hand on them.

The post Zeke Elliot’s 60-yd Split Zone TD with a Special Influence appeared first on Syed Schemes.

• QB Buck Sweep (RPO)
• Counter OF
• QB G/T Counter Read or “Flash”
• Jet Sweep Split Zone
• Inverted/Power Veer
• Triple Option

QB Buck Sweep (RPO)

Carolina is not the only NFL team that runs Buck Sweep, but Cam Newton allows the Panthers to run QB Buck Sweep, opening up other possibilities for the offense. Like the traditional version, the Panthers Buck Sweep involves 2 pulling lineman leading the way for Cam to run around the edge:

Here, the left tackle, right tackle, and tight end (#88) Greg Olsen are all blocking down, while the center (#67) Ryan Kalil and right guard (#70) Trai Turner pull around to lead block for Cam. Meanwhile, (#35) Mike Tolbert motions behind Cam Newton and runs a swing screen to the left, drawing multiple Arizona defenders. Tolbert’s influence creates a huge numbers advantage for Carolina in the box, as none of Carolina’s blockers even have to account for the middle linebacker. The pulling lineman are untouched to the second level, leading to a touchdown:

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The box angle doesn’t show the brilliance of the scheme and how difficult it is to defend. The high angle shows that this QB Buck Sweep is likely also an RPO, or run/pass option:

As you can see, Cam and the Panthers also have the option to the throw the swing screen up top if they have a numbers advantage. Here, both Cardinal defenders immediately sprint out, making it an easy keep for Cam. This is an extremely difficult mixed flow read for linebackers; multiple lineman are pulling right, yet the running back is sprinting left, the QB can open and throw left, and there are three wide receivers able to block for the swing pass as well.

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Denver has a few options to combat this RPO: they can play 1 high safety and bring another linebacker into the box, or play press coverage to the trips side while having the linebackers key the pulling lineman to make Cam get rid of the ball to the screen.

Counter OF

Counter OF is a scheme involving one guard and either a fullback or H-back as pullers. The Steelers often run Counter OF from a single back set, but the Panthers execute the play from I-formation. Counter OF is also known as power counter because of the similarities to Power run scheme. However, traditional Power has the pulling guard go up to the second level. In Counter OF, the fullback goes up to the second level:

Here, (#73) left tackle Michael Oher and (#68) left guard Andrew Norwell have a double team up to the linebacker. The center has a down block on the tilted 1-technique defensive tackle, and the right tackle (#74) is on man to man. Right guard (#70) Trai Turner is pulling for the defensive end, while fullback (#35) Mike Tolbert is pulling up for the play side linebacker after taking his counter steps to influence the linebackers:

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This run exhibits great execution on three separate occasions: first, when the Seattle defensive end squeezes down to replace the left tackle, the pulling guard (#70) plays with great technique to hook, or “log” the defensive end. Next, fullback Mike Tolbert sifts through traffic to get up and deliver a block on the playside linebacker. Finally, running back (#28) Jonathan Stewart shows great patience to allow his blocks to develop. Many running backs would get tackled for a minimal gain here because of an unwillingness to let blocks develop.

QB G/T Counter Read “Flash”

Another mixed flow play in the Panthers running game is the QB counter read, also known as QB G/T counter, or QB counter flash. Here, both the right guard and right tackle are pulling up for linebackers, leaving the center to block back on a 3-technique. This is normally a tough assignment for a center. However, the read element greatly helps the line because the running back is going the other way. The running back will run parallel to the line of scrimmage while the QB rides laterally to create a moving mesh point. The defensive end on the side of the pullers is left unblocked:

This play will rarely be a give to the running back. Instead, the QB/RB mesh likely is meant to influence linebackers, effectively block the read man without touching him, and make the center’s block on the 3-technique easier. The only instance where the QB would hand the ball off is if the read defensive end crashed down hard with the pulling lineman. Once Cam rides the mesh, he pulls the ball and is running QB counter:

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Meanwhile, below is an example of how QB counter flash can get outside if the playside defensive end crashes down due to a stunt or because of the running back’s action:

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Jet Sweep Split Zone

The next play in the Panthers running game is the Jet sweep split zone. Split zone is a zone blocking scheme where an H-Back, fullback, or tight end will come across the formation for a kick out block, creating a natural crease for the running back. The Panthers create further confusion for the defense by also adding motion and a potential jet sweep element. Here, all the Panther lineman “zone their gap” and take a play side zone step, while Greg Olsen comes across the formation to kick out (#44) Markus Golden of Arizona. However, the jet sweep along with Cam Newton as a run threat renders Golden completely frozen, and Olsen decides to move up to the second level. The linebacker (#51) Kevin Minter is also influenced by the sweep action, allowing him to be walled off by Olsen:

Once again, the Panthers are able to eliminate defenders from the play without ever touching them– the threat of jet sweep or Cam’s running ability creates an extremely favorable numbers matchup and a huge crease for Jonathan Stewart:

Box Angle:

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High Angle:

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Inverted/Power Veer

Inverted/Power Veer is an excellent compliment to QB G/T counter “flash” because the former is a full flow lineman and running back action while the latter is a mixed flow scheme. Inverted/Power Veer is blocked up front with a pulling guard like power, but one man is left unblocked and is the “read” man. The running back will run parallel to the line of scrimmage while the QB rides laterally to create a moving mesh point. If the read man steps out and angles toward the running back, the QB should keep it and run QB power. If the read man attacks downhill toward the mesh point, the QB should hand it off to the RB running outside. Note that the Panthers also occasionally also run Power/Inverted Veer reading the linebacker while “logging” the play side defensive end with the pulling guard.

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Below, Seattle plays the Inverted/Power Veer about as well as a defense can against Carolina. Defensive End (#56) Cliff Avril gets his hands on tight end (#88) Greg Olsen, (#72) Michael Bennett quickly beats the lineman in front of him, and the backside stays home:

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Triple Option

The Panthers running game also uses triple option often and effectively. Carolina has the ability to mix in 2 running backs with Cam Newton or use 1 running back and a wide receiver for the pitch option. The Panthers make it difficult to defend their triple option by having an offset back opposite the tight end. This makes the defense declare and play one way or the other. If the defense plays heavier toward the tight end side, the Panthers run triple option to the offset back. If the defense is shifted towards the offset back, Cam Newton can audible into a run toward the tight end. Below, the Cardinals have 8 in the box and are shaded towards the tight end. There is a huge natural bubble between the defensive lineman and (#44) Markus Golden, making for a perfect triple option front.

In triple option, two defenders are left unblocked. The defensive end or outside linebacker (first level defender) is read like in read option. If he crashes down and the QB keeps it, the second level defender is read in pitch phase. Of course, triple option reads are subject to change as the defense scrape exchanges and adjusts.

Once again, the Panthers running game schemes out defenders without blocking them; (#22) Tony Jefferson sees the pitch man go out wide and immediately chases. (#44) Golden has the QB run responsibility. However, Carolina has excellent down block angles with Golden and Jefferson out of the picture. Jefferson vacates, left tackle Michael Oher seals off (#51) Kevin Minter, and running back (#28) Jonathan Stewart has an enormous lane to run through:

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If the defense decides to overplay the QB and running back, like below, Cam is more than capable of getting the play to the edge. Note that with all this focus on the run game, defenses are often left in 1 on 1 situations against the wide receivers:

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And finally, the Panthers running game keeps the defense from over pursuing with the threat of a reverse from speedster Ted Ginn:

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Overall, the Panthers running game is extremely difficult to prepare for. They have a variety of mixed flow reads that put linebackers and defensive linemen in a bind. Additionally, many of their run plays compliment each other, making it difficult to guess or overplay one particular scheme. Their option package is diverse, stretches a defense horizontally, and makes you account for every yard on the field. Carolina eliminates defenders without ever blocking them by creating hesitation, flow, over pursuit, and blocking angles. Aside from the excellent scheme, the Panthers are physical at the point of attack and have the best running Quarterback in the NFL in Cam Newton. Keep an eye out for some of these run schemes as well as variations while watching Super Bowl 50.

The post Analyzing the Unique Panthers Running Game appeared first on Syed Schemes.

Shovel option is a combination of Power blocking along with option principles. Traditionally, as seen here, the backside Guard pulls through the hole up to the second level. The Center and playside Guard down block. The playside Tackle leaves #96 Outside Linebacker Mike Neal and also goes up to the second level. Mike Neal is the “read” man. If Neal widens with QB Carson Palmer’s half roll, Palmer will flip the shovel pass underneath to a scraping Larry Fitzgerald.

The underneath shovel pass concept has multiple variations. In a 2-man scheme, the shovel man and QB (as a runner) are threats:

Credit: From James Light Football’s Boston College Shovel Option Series at http://jameslightfootball.com/2015/08/07/boston-college-shovel-option-series/

Next, shovel can be a triple option with the underneath shovel man, the QB, and a running back or receiver as an outside pitch option reading two defenders.

Finally, shovel triple option can be run with a flat route as a shovel triple option with a pass element, or quadruple option:

Credit: from Smartfootball’s Shovel Option with a sprintout at http://smartfootball.com/option/combining-the-shovel-option-with-a-sprint-out-pass#sthash.40cBKg8n.dpbs

Here, Bruce Arians combines elements of these versions to create a well designed and somewhat unique shovel pass. Note, there is no speed option element to this play, and it is not triple option. Running back David Johnson (#31) never looks for the ball or gets into pitch phase. He is a decoy. Johnson’s flow outside moves the defense slightly to the outside, particularly #47 Linebacker Jake Ryan. QB Carson Palmer is not a run threat in this scheme.

Wideout John Brown (#12) also goes in motion and then runs a flat route. This accomplishes two things: first, it helps diagnose the coverage. More importantly, it brings his original man-to-man defender across the formation and out of position to tackle the underneath shovel. Brown could also potentially be a pass option in the flat if the defense does not account for him.

Fitzgerald’s pre-snap alignment along with the blocking scheme makes it impossible for his man-to-man defender (#37 Sam Shields) to make a play on him. If Mike Neal squeezed inside to the shovel pass, it’s possible Palmer could have looked for Nelson, or just thrown it at Fitzgerald’s feet. Overall, it’s a great example of Bruce Arians adapting a scheme to fit personnel.

Andy Reid has also implemented plenty of shovel concepts. Below, he uses jet motion window dressing and a power read mesh to cause confusion set up a shovel option touchdown:

Reid uses the same concept below without any jet motion and the threat of a toss to speedster Tyreek Hill to expand the defense:

To learn more about the triple option shovel pass, below is an instructional video:

Along with compilations of Urban Meyer’s shovel triple option both at Utah and Florida:

The post Shovel Option and its Many Variations appeared first on Syed Schemes.