Earlier this season, SportsGamer broke down just how effective it can be to smart route your running backs into delayed routes (blue routes). In this example, we're going to take that philosophy a step further by again using the smart route feature to actually change some of your running back routes on the field. Almost every running back route will react in a different way when these steps are used, so be sure to check out all of your favorite plays after reading this to see just how many different options are available to you.
Shotgun 2 RB 3 WR - Slot Post
Console(s)
XBOX / PS2
Playbook(s)
This can be done in any playbook
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Smart route your running back (Y + running back's icon + right analog stick down / PS2 - Triangle + running back's icon + right analog stick down).
Step 2 - Flip the play twice (XBOX - X + Black button, X + Black button / PS2 - Square + R2, Square + R2).
SportsGamer tip #1- You will notice when using this technique that your running back will release out of the backfield much later than normal. This means that you either need to make sure that you have amazing protection in the pocket, or only use this when your opponent is dropping 10 or 11 defenders into coverage. We would suggest only using this when your opponent is dropping 10 or 11 men into coverage.
SportsGamer tip #2 - Flipping the play numerous times will often cause the route to change multiple times before you snap the ball (Example: your running back could have as many as 4 different route options on any single play depending on how many times you flip the play).
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Chicago Bears have come out in the Shotgun 2 RB 3 WR Slot Post play. The route that we want you to focus on is being run by running back Thomas Jones.
Figure 2 - We noticed that our opponent was making numerous changes to the defensive linemen before the snap, so we must assume that he is dropping extra players into coverage after the snap. As soon as we realize that our opponent will not be bringing much of a pass rush we start making changes before the snap to exploit the defense.
Figure 3 - The first thing we do is smart route running back Thomas Jones to perform a delay route out of the backfield. Jones' route would work in this example just the way it is shown above, but we want to show you how the route actually changes after taking a couple more steps.
Figure 4 - Next, we flip the play twice. We want you to notice how Jones' route has completely changed. Jones will now be going out at a slightly wider angle before heading upfield on his route.
Figure 5 - We made three more changes on this particular play to make sure we have reads at all levels. However, we want you to notice that our running back's route has changed yet again. Remember, every play and route is different, so we would highly recommend going over all of your plays using the adjustments shown above to see just how creative you can get with your offense. The first change that we made was sending receiver Mark Bradley on a deep streak on the left side of the field. Then, we sent receiver Mushin Muhammad on a quick slant to the outside to give us a hike and throw option if we want it. Lastly, we hot routed fullback Bryan Johnson to perform an up and out route to the right because we don't need him to stay in and block if our opponent isn't rushing all four defenders. There's just one last thing that we like to do before we begin the play.
Figure 6 - The last change we make is motioning Jones to the left and snapping the ball just before he sets to get him out even wider.
Figure 7 - As soon as we take the snap with Grossman we look to the right for the most effective quick pass in the game. We could make the throw at this point in the play, but we're going to continue to allow the play develop for the sake of the tip.
Figure 8 - The next read on this play is fullback Bryan Johnson running underneath of the downfield coverages. Again, we could make the throw at this point, but we'll continue to let the play unfold.
Figure 9 - As we sit in the pocket with Grossman we can see receiver Bernard Berrian running free over the middle about 30 yards downfield. This is another solid option that you will want to consider when looking to get rid of the ball.
Figure 10 - Finally, we come back to running back Thomas Jones just as he is releasing upfield on his route. Notice how there are no zones in his area, despite the defense dropping 10 defenders. The new delay route that Jones is running typically takes about 8-10 seconds before he begins upfield on his route. The extra delay time before running upfield forces the defenders playing zone to continue dropping back because there are no underneath targets available immediately after the snap.
Figure 11 - We prepare to make the throw with Grossman as soon as Jones breaks upfield when running this particular type of route.
Figure 12 - We deliver the pass with Grossman by hitting the running back's icon and pressing up on the directional pad to try to send him into a leaping animation.
Figure 13- The perfect timing of the throw sends Jones into the exact leaping animation that we wanted as he gets ready to make the catch.
Figure 14 - Jones hauls in the pass for a big gain for the offense.
Final Thoughts
Creating new routes is always a way to keep the game fresh. However, learning how and why each route works is always a process. The lone downside to using this technique is it should only be used when facing opponents who are dropping 10 or 11 defenders into coverage. However, when you actually do face those type of players you will find it very beneficial. Head onto the practice field to find out what secrets your playbook still holds.
