Monday, September 12, 2016

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

How Oklahoma Creates Big Plays in the Passing Game

With many college offenses using RPO’s (run-pass options) as a primary play, defenses have adapted to use more quarters coverage. Quarters coverage gives the defnse the ability to play with two extra defenders in the box against the run, and adapt to a cover 4 against a downfield pass. Defensive coordinators like this versatility to deal with the run pass options, as they do not have to make the perfect call every play.

The Oklahoma Sooners use many of these run pass options in their offense. Naturally, Houston uses quarters often on defense as well.

Although quarters is the vogue, versatile defense to use against the modern spread offense, it is not without its flaws. Against a 2x2 spread set, the safeties pattern read the route of the slot receiver. In a traditional zone, their eyes would be on the quarterback. In the pattern-read quarters coverage, their eyes are on the slot receiver. Lincoln Riley, the offensive coordinator for Oklahoma, takes advantage of this. He slips the running back out of the backfield on a vertical route. The play is drawn below.


Against quarters coverage, the route is ensured to create a 1 on 1 match-up with an inside linebacker. With the safeties looking at/reading the slot receivers after the ball is snapped, they will react to the corner routes and open up the deep middle of the field. The play can be found on youtube, at the 8:13 mark of the first quarter against the Houston Cougars (see the video link below).




If Oklahoma can create big plays on offense, their season is far from over.

For another breakdown of Oklahoma's Offense, check out my blog link below:

Sunday, September 4, 2016

My First Book



I am excited to be close to done with my first book. A few final touches and a final edit will seal the deal.

“The Melting Pot: How to Acclimate Old NFL Concepts into Your High School or College Offense” is a thorough analysis of the Mike Martz Offense, with an interesting twist. Each play that is diagrammed will have a modified version (or multiple versions) of the play, which will make them more effective at the lower levels of football. The book will also provide Martz’s terminology, and the reads for the quarterback for each play.

The Greatest Show on Turf has many unique characteristics that a lot of coaches haven’t had the chance to study. With many coaches spending their time studying the modern spread offenses, many of these old concepts get thrown to the wayside. With an entire chapter dedicated to the “H Post” concept and its many variations, the book focuses on these rarely used plays. Plays that are prevalent throughout the modern game have also been included. A chapter on the flood concept breaks down a concept used by everybody, including variations and constraints.



Taking a modern approach to the design of each play can give coaches a few new wrinkles to add into their existing offense. At the very least, this book will give coaches food for thought on something fresh to their minds. I am excited about the content, and to get the book in your hands!