If you visit the SportsGamer forums regularly, then you may have seen a tip that was talked about a couple weeks ago talking regarding an interesting way to utilize delayed routes. This is a tip that is great for players who love to run a no-huddle type of offense. In this example, SportsGamer's going to show you how to execute this feature to give your offense some totally fresh looks. Check it out!
Console(s)
XBOX / PS2
Playbook(s)
This is an advanced tip that can be used with any playbook. However, the example we are using in today's tip comes from the Tampa Bay playbook.
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Select a formation using the HB Slot, HB Flanker, or HB Wideout package (you must get your running back lined up at a wide receiver position).
Step 2 - Run any play once.
Step 3 - Call for no-huddle as soon as the play has ended.
Step 4 - Smart route your running back's route to change it to a blue delayed route (XBOX - Y + right analog stick down / PS2 - Triangle + right analog stick down).
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - In this first image you can see that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be selecting a play from the Singleback Slot Strong formation. First, we cycle through the packages until we get to the HB Slot package. Choosing the HB Slot package places our running back next to the wide receiver near the line of scrimmage. This package is especially beneficial if you have two fast running backs that you want on the field at all times.
Figure 2 - The play that we have chosen is the Singleback Slot Strong PA Boot Rt. We want you to notice in this image that highlighted running back Cadillac Williams is lined up in the slot as he prepares to run his corner route. However, the idea that we want to show you behind this play is the fact that you can change his route into a delayed blue route if you desire.
Figure 3 - To change Williams' route into a blue route the first thing you need to do is run a play. Quarterback Chris Simms takes the hand-off and gives the fake to the running back.
Figure 4 - Simms plants his feet and delivers the pass to tight end Anthony Becht.
Figure 5 - Becht hauls in the pass for the easy completion. As soon as the first play is ran, simply call for no-huddle to avoid entering the playcall screen again.
Figure 6 - The Bucs quickly get to the line of scrimmage to prepare to run another play.
Figure 7 - In this image you can see that we are back at our original Singleback Slot Strong PA Boot Rt play. However, because we called for no-huddle we can make an adjustment for Williams' route.
Figure 8 - When we smart route Williams' route (XBOX - Y + right analog stick down / PS2 - Triangle + right analog stick down) it changes into a delayed blue route.
Figure 9 - As we run the play this time, you can see Williams on the right side of the image dropping back to block after the snap.
Figure 10 - Williams starts running upfield as we look over our other passing options.
Figure 11 - We sit calmly in the pocket with Simms as Williams makes his break towards the corner.
Figure 12 - We lead Williams on his route as he uses his solid speed to create separation from the defender.
Figure 13 - Williams has plenty of room to make the catch.
Figure 14 - Williams makes a nice catch that ends up going for a gain of 18 yards on the play.
Final Thoughts
You can change virtually any running back route into a delayed route when following the steps shown above. Typically, delayed routes are most effective when used against opponent who like to drop 10 or 11 defenders into coverage. However, they also make for nice outlet passes when the rest of the field appears to be covered. Head on into practice mode to see what kind of new options this feature can create for your offense.
