In this tip, SportsGamer is going to break down one of the most effective routes in the game. This route can basically be described as an up and in curl route. You may have also heard it being called a "Shoot Curl", or "Chair" route because of its unique look on the field. This route can be found in a number of different plays, but the play that we are going to look at today is the I-Form Normal FB Option. Read below to perfect the timing of this near unstoppable route.
I - Form Normal - FB Option
Playbooks
-The FB Option play used in this example can be found in the Denver playbook.
Figure 1 - The New England Patriots have come out in the I-Form Normal FB Option play. In this image you can see all of the offensive assignments. However, the only route that we want you to focus on is the route that wide receiver Reche Caldwell (square) is running on the far left side of the field.
Figure 2 - In this picture you can see that we have kept everyone else back to block besides Caldwell. The reason we are doing this is because we want to place all of your focus on Caldwell. Let's begin the play.
Figure 3 - As the play begins you can see that Philadelphia Eagles' cornerback Lito Sheppard is not bumping our receiver. To make the throw at the proper timing we need to sit in the pocket for just a bit longer.
Figure 4 - Caldwell makes his initial cut to the inside.
Figure 5 - Next, Caldwell breaks his route to run upfield again. Quarterback Tom Brady prepares to make the throw almost immediately after the receiver begins this second break in the route.
Figure 6 - Brady makes the throw to Caldwell as we press up on the directional pad.
Figure 7 - Caldwell raises up to make the catch over Sheppard.
Figure 8 - This time Sheppard applies the bump to our receiver after the snap. However, this route is incredibly difficult to guard even when the defense has called for bump n' run coverage.
Figure 9 - Caldwell has inside position on Sheppard as he makes the cut to the inside.
Figure 10 - Brady once again makes the throw just as Caldwell begins running upfield.
Figure 11 - Caldwell uses the inside position he has on the defender to make the easy catch.
Final Conclusion
The bottomline is the Shoot Curl route is one of the most difficult routes to stop in the game once you have perfected the timing. There is absolutely no way that your opponent can play man to man defense and get consistent stops without placing any extra help in the area. SportsGamer would definitely suggest working this route into your offense because it will open up so much more. Head into practice mode and check it out!
