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.