Play of the Day: Smash Long

Last Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals ran a concept that I call “smash long”. Similar to the traditional smash concept, the corner back is placed in a high low read. A further explanation of the smash concept can be found at a previous article.

http://theofficialpetersreport.blogspot.com/2014/10/curl-flat-variations-part-2-adjusting.html

The first figure shows the Cardinals using this concept out of a 3x1 bunch alignment.

NFL.com

Because of the bunch alignment and the middle vertical route, this play can be used against a single-high safety look or a two-high safety look. Against a cover 3, the releases out of the bunch formation create a one on one matchup with the flat defender and the receiver running the out route. Against cover 2, the middle vertical route keeps the left safety in the middle of the field, isolating the CB.

NFL.com

The second figure shows the routes developing. The left safety stays high and inside due to the multitude of vertical threats. The left corner becomes the read for the quarterback. In the figure above, he is still in his back pedal as the outside receiver runs behind him. The last figure shows how open the corner route is, as the ball is in the air.

NFL.com

This adjustment to the smash concept can create big plays. My next article will focus on an adjustment off of this play to create an even more explosive play, used in the same game. 

Utilizing Play Action To Create 1-on-1 Matchups: Part 2

Part one can be found here:  http://theofficialpetersreport.blogspot.com/2014/11/utilizing-play-action-to-create-1-on-1.html

Many teams like deep comebacks on play action. This is a way to keep the defense from cheating on inside breaking routes. It is also a way to set up another way to attack inside windows with play action on a double move.

The Denver Broncos used this idea against the Chargers in 2013. The Broncos used this concept in the red zone to maximize its effectiveness and impact on the game.

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The first read for the quarterback is the slot receiver. He fakes a crack block and breaks up field. The play fake by the quarterback can create a void behind the linebackers, if the linebackers bite hard, it is an easy touchdown.  The Outside receiver on the right is the second read. He cheats his split in by a few yards (this alerts the defensive back to an outside breaking route). He runs the deep out, utilizing a speed cut. He then turns back inside, cutting underneath the corner back.

The route by the slot attracts the attention of the linebackers and safeties. This leaves a large window for the outside receiver. Peyton comes out of the play action and does not like his first read, the slot. He fixes his eyes on the receiver at the bottom of the screen, the “Z”. The figure below shows the receiver making his out cut, about to turn back inside.

NFL.com

The Z receiver then turns towards the line of scrimmage to make his cut back inside. The ball is already coming out of the quarterback’s hand as the receiver makes his turn.

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The last figure shows the space between the Z receiver and the closest inside defender when he catches the ball.

NFL.com

This play works well inside of the 15 yard line. Adjustments to the route run by the slot can make the play more suitable for regular field situations.

Utilizing Play Action To Create 1-on-1 Matchups: Part 1

The use of play action can eliminate the threat of linebackers and other inside pass defenders from undercutting a quick inside breaking route. Many teams use these concepts in short yardage situations.  Josh McDaniels and the New England Patriots use this strategy on all downs and distances. The figure below shows the concept drawn up against the Chicago Bears. The black lines indicate the “return” motion by the slot used to determine the coverage. The man beater is placed at the bottom, with a zone beater at the top. The play can also be taught as a progression read. The first read being the slant at the bottom, and the second being the seam read. 

In this case, the Bears play man coverage. Many man coverages include robber players. These robbers typically play in the middle of the field to provide inside help for the 1-on-1 matchups. Distracting the robber with play action exposes the outside technique of man coverage and allows for larger throwing lanes for slant routes.

Credit: NFL.com

The quarterback will play fake to his left, with the right guard pulling to add incentive for the linebackers, or robbers, to commit to the run.

Credit: NFL.com

The timing of the slant route, cut at five yards, matches the timing of the play fake to create an open throwing window.

Credit: NFL.com

This concept can also be utilized out of a four receiver set. Texas A&M used this concept to create a 1-on-1 matchup for Mike Evans, a first round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. They used a trips formation to the wide side of the field to isolate Evans to the short side of the field for the slant route.

An inside zone fake was used to get the linebackers to flow their right, opening up a throwing window for Evans. This concept can also be effective against zone, as the linebackers must acknowledge the run action before dropping into their coverage responsibilities.

Johnny Manziel’s quick throwing motion allows the play to time up properly. The receivers to the wide side of the field fun a vertical concept to be Manziel’s second read.

These concepts take advantage of what a defense may do in a short yardage situation. They can also be used on any down against a defense eager to stop the run. It also discourages them from continuing this defense which will create optimal run looks for the offense in short yardage situations.