In this next SportsGamer exclusive tip we're going to showcase a way to get your quarterback out of the pocket safely. Being able to roll out of the pocket will create all new passing angles for your quarterback. The new passing angles will enable you to complete throws that simply aren't possible when stuck in the pocket. Watch as we break down the Shotgun Twin Trips TE Slot Cross for you below.
Shotgun Twin Trips TE - Slot Cross
Console(s)
XBOX 360 / PS3Quick Setup
Step 1 - Motion the (B) tight end to the right and snap the ball when he's approximately 3-4 yards outside of the #2 (RB) tight end.
Play Breakdown
Take a look at the offensive assignments for the Slot Cross in the first image above. This play provides us with a seven man blocking scheme up front. Unfortunately, having seven players back to block on the line instead of five doesn't quite mean that we'll be able to pick up A-gap pressure consistently. The good news is that there's one change in particular that we can make before the play begins to move our quarterback's pocket to another spot on the field and away from the pressure. Defensively, our opponent is playing a man to man defense from the Quarters formation.
The lone change that we make before the snap is moving the player icon over to the #1 tight end and motioning him to the right. We call for the snap when our tight end gets about 3-4 yards outside of the #2 tight end. Snapping the ball at this time in the motion allows us to safely roll to our right away from any A-gap pressure up the middle.
As soon as we receive the snap with quarterback Tom Brady we begin rolling to our right. By rolling to our right it not only allows our linemen to pick up the pressure up the middle, but it also allows us to get to the outside where the other "pocket" that we created by using the motion before the snap for us awaits.
We make the throw to the most consistent read on this play as we hit wide receiver Randy Moss running his deep cross towards the right sidelines. The end result is a quick gain of 20 yards and a big first down.
Final Thoughts
Using offensive sets that are wide open are a great way to be able to read what your opponent's attempting to do on defense. However, the key to using these kinds of sets is actually being able to pick up the pressure. Once you're able to pick up the pressure, then you'll have plenty of options downfield to make a safe throw. Work on this play in practice mode the next chance you get.
