Offense

Yankee Concept with Double Post

One of my favorite concepts is “Yankee” the Big Post with a Deep Crosser. I really like the way Rutgers ran it off Play Action with Split Zone Action and the potential for 7-Man Protection. They run Double Post to carry both the Field CB and the Safeties. The Deep Crosser from the Boundary is able to out run the Boundary CB to the opposite numbers.

  • Slide Protection to the Field

    • H-Back Split Zone Action Pass Pro

    • RB Check Release to Flat

  • Outside Stem Post from #1 to the Field

  • Inside Stem Post from Slot (#2)

  • Boundary Deep Crosser (Stair-Step the Route vs. Man)

2020 Rutgers - Pistol Stack Lt. Trips PA Yankee Double Post.png

This is a great way to isolate a talented Boundary with a horizontal stretch of the defense. The Wide Zone Play Action gives the Route enough time to clear to the opposite hash. QB reads Post to Crosser to Check Down.

Running Four Verticals out of Empty

Back in 2014 Oregon had one of the most explosive offenses in all of College Football. Mark Helfrich and Scott Frost directed a unit that routinely scored 50+ points in a game. Part of their success was the ability to stretch the field with Four Verticals Passing Concepts. The executed 4 Verts in a variety of ways, but I am particularly intrigued by the way they ran it out of Empty.

  • Formation into the Boundary

  • Empty (3x2)

  • To the Boundary (Verticals)

    • #1 to the Boundary breaks off vertical route vs. Bail Coverage (Curl)

    • #2 Splits the CB and Safety

    • #3 Runs the “Bender” to Green Grass

  • To the Field (Smash Concept)

    • #1 Slant/Hitch (sit down in open space)

    • #2 Post Corner

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I love the idea of running 4 Verts out of Empty, but you definitely need a plan vs. Pressure. You can either throw Quick Game to the Field or have #3 to the Boundary be the “Hot” Receiver vs. a Blitz. If the QB can make a quick read and get the ball out on time, this Concept and put a lot of stress on the defense!

Mesh out of RB Bunch

Formation into the Boundary (FIB) when operating at Tempo makes it very difficult for the defense to align. It’s even more effective if you can “hide” the formation. Oregon aligns in a formation that Carolina Panthers’ Defensive Coordinator Phil Snow refers to as “Clump” or RB Bunch. This is when you align the RB to the side of a condensed set giving access to all of your Bunch Concepts. They are able to run Mesh and win on a leverage Wheel from the RB.

  • X Receiver Cut Split Alignment - becomes the “Point” of the Bunch

    • Run the Sit Route over the Ball

  • H-Back and Slot run Mesh

  • Z Receiver runs 12yd Out

  • RB release for Leverage Wheel

    • The ball is thrown when the RB wins Leverage

2020 Oregon - Clump Lt. (RB Bunch) Mesh + RB Wheel.png

Getting to Bunch Concepts with a RB is a great addition to any Pass Game. If you can pair it with Tempo you have a chance to take advantage of misalignment. Throughout the game, if the defense begins checking FIB to a Clump or RB Bunch alignment it can open up opportunities to the Field!

Play Action Switch Mills

Switch Concepts are a staple of Run & Shoot offenses, but you can see them everywhere now. If defenses commit to stacking the box and playing Cover 1 expect to see these Switch Concepts. The genius of the Run & Shoot is the freedom receivers have to adjust their routes based on the coverage. Normally the Slot would run a Wheel Route, but because he is able to win Inside Leverage he converts to a Post.

  • Switch to “Mills Concept”

    • Post from (new) #1

    • Dig from (new) #2

  • Play Action - QB Eyes Move Free Safety to the Boundary

  • 7-Man Protection (Delayed Release)

Clemson Switch Mills.png

Veteran Receivers thrive with sight adjustments to their routes. Play Action 7-Man Protection gives time for the Switch to happen and still create vertical separation on the Post. If you’re getting a lot of Cover 1, try to isolate your speedy slot with a Big Post!