Power Read + Four Verticals

I love Four Verts and if you can pair it with Play Action off a QB Run Concept… I like it even better. Here, Sacramento State runs Jet Power Read and sends the RB up the Seam as #2 on Four Verts.

Checkout the Longform Video Below that goes in depth on this variation of Four Verts:

• Power Pull Protection

  • Playside Tackle and Guard Double the 3 Technique

  • Center Blocks Back on the 2i

  • Backside Tackle Pass Sets

  • Backside Guard Pulls for Field DE

• Four Verticals off Jet Power Read

  • Outside WR’s run Vertical with Outside Release

  • Boundary Slot Jet Motion to Flat

  • Field Slot Vertical (Bender)

  • RB Wheel/Seam off Field Slot

The QB will read the Field Slot Vertical to the RB Seam to the Jet Motion to the Flat. If the Middle of the Field is Open, the Y will stay Vertical. If the Middle of the Field is Closed the Y will Bend.

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)

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

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!

"Shallow Sting" Concept

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!

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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!

3 Deep, 2 Under Fire Zone Blitz

In 2020, Pitt played an aggressive style of defense that led the nation in both Sacks and Tackles for Loss. By attacking on early downs, Pitt was able to set up 3rd and Long opportunities for their 5 and 6-Man Pressure Packages. They were able to utilize both Cover 0 and Fire Zones to keep the QB guessing. I particularly like this 6-Man Pressure from a 3-Down Alignment.

• 3 Down (0 Nose + 5 Techniques)

• Mike LB Stacked on the Nose

• Will & Sam LB’s Show Edge Pressure

• 6-Man Pressure

  • Sam Edge C-Gap Blitz

  • Nose & Field DE Exchange (Nose Penetrates, End Loops to A-Gap

  • Mike & Will Exchange (Mike Penetrates, Will Loops to A-Gap)

  • Boundary DE Rushes C-Gap

• 3 Deep, 2 Under Fire Zone

  • CB’s Press/Bail to Deep 1/3

  • Nickel Bails to Post (Middle 1/3)

  • FS & SS Drop into the Hook as “Hot” Defenders

Whenever you run Fire Zone Pressures, you’re leaving something open. In this case, the Field Comeback is open. The question is whether or not the QB has the Time, Vision, & Arm Strength to make that throw in the face of pressure. I love the idea of bailing the Nickel to Middle 1/3 and dropping both Safeties in as the “Hot” Hook Defenders! Great pressure from Randy Bates and Pat Narduzzi!