Playbook Hut

Top Plays from NFL Week 6

Deep passing plays out of a power run formation? Yes, three of them in one week!

Playbook Hut

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Football Playbook Maker for Coaches

Oct 14 • 4 min read

The NFL has been moving away from power running formations for the past few years in favor of a more spread out shotgun passing game approach. Even the entire position of Fullback is slowly dwindling in popularity while less and less teams even field a Fullback on their roster.

This past week, however, three separate teams successfully implemented long passing plays out of the I-Formation while utilizing both a Halfback and a Running Back with the Quarterback under center.

By examining how the Browns, Vikings, and Jaguars implemented successful passing plays out of the I-Formation, we can learn by example and see how we can implement similar passing concepts within the I-Formation plays in our playbooks.

1. Viking Deep Post

Kirk Cousins had another statistically significant passing game while using this play design to secure a 62 yard touchdown pass. This play resulted in the first of three receiving touchdowns for WR Stefon Diggs.

Use a fast receiver to streak deep down the center of the defensive backfield on the deep, skinny post route.

If the deep post is not open, this play design features multiple check down options at varying distances downfield that provide the Quarterback with a simple progression:

• Firstly, check if the deep post route is going to open up behind the defensive secondary.
• Secondly, there is a deep crossing route from the right slot streaking horizontally across the middle of field, in front or the QB's line of site.
• Thirdly, the outside right receiver is running a deep dig across the outside of the play.
• Fourthly and fifthly, both backs are spreading out with shallow routes as two separate check down options for this play design.

2. Brown Deep Smash

Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns implemented a Corner/Stop combo with Odell Beckham in the slot position running the deep corner route.

Beckham made one of the best catches of the week by jumping over a defender and remaining in bounds by the sideline.

3. Jaguar PA Deep Corner Comeback

The Jacksonville Jaguars only sent two players down field with this play design in order to provide a simple read and decision for their rookie sixth round backup quarterback.

The play provides an easy read for the QB who only has to read the defenders on the sideline in order to select where to throw the ball. Gardner Minshew hit the comeback route on the sideline to secure a big first down.

In addition to the simplified passing concept, this play design also features a max protection, utilizing pass blocking from both the Fullback and the Tight End in order to give the Quarterback sufficient time in the pocket to make the read.