One of my favorite Offensive trends from 2020 is the Shallow Sting Concept. Lincoln Riley has been running it for a while, but a bunch of teams found success with it this year. Check out this video breakdown of the Shallow Sting Concept!
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
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)
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!
3 Minute Clinic: 2020 Alabama - Pin & Pull + Bubble Screen
Alabama forces the defense to play sideline to sideline with a Pin & Pull to the Boundary and Bubble Screen to the Field. They are able to out leverage the defense by running the Bubble with #1 from the Bunch alignment and "pulling" the H-Back to Lead.
Checkdown Double Pass
Back in 1993 Florida State and Notre Dame had an epic showdown in South Bend. It was the only loss of the season for a dominant Florida State team. At the time they were running an unprecedented offense known as the “Fast Break Offense” which operated from the Shotgun and helped pave the way for the Modern Spread Offense. Led by Charlie Ward, the offense was nearly unstoppable. This play in particular is such a great design. RB Swing Checkdown (Lateral), Double Pass before the Flat Defender can close to the RB.
Shallow Cross Spacing
Slot Under
WR Curl (& Go)
RB Swing to the Flat
Lateral to the RB
WR Curl & Go
I always wonder why more coaches don’t use Checkdown Double Passes vs. Coverages that are late to rally to the Flat. It’s always good to maximize the number of guys you have on the field who can throw the football. Even though FSU was unable to complete this throw, the concept is incredible!
Running "Boot" 4 Verts out of Empty Quads
Whenever you line up in Empty one of the first issues to address is Pass Protection. While 5 Wide Receivers creates inherent problems for defenses, it also exposes weaknesses for offenses. Some Defensive Coordinators see Empty as an opportunity to zero their coverage and bring maximum pressure. One way to give and Empty look but still deter the blitz is to use an in-line Tight End to create a three man surface. Here Memphis lines up in Quads Lt. Diamond with a Boundary Nub TE.
4x1 Alignment allows the Offense to ID the Coverage (Man or Zone)
The Diamond Quad presents an immediate Screen threat
QB Fakes the Bubble Screen
LG Pulls in Boot Protection
QB Pump Fakes and Relocates to his Boot Landmark
4 Verts with a Bender from #3
Bubble & Leak Middle by the Diamond Point
What is so genius about this scheme is the fact that Screens are an extension of the Run Game for Outside Zone Teams. This allows the QB to “Boot” off Fake Screen Action. Even out of Empty, the Defense responds like it’s an Outside Zone Play Action to the Trips Side. The Nub TE deters a blitz because of the possibility of 6-Man Protection. I love this play especially if you pair it with tempo!
