Thread: Play-action scheme gives QB options

Play-action scheme gives QB options

Key for 'D': Force McNabb to go underneath

The Redskins will use a variety of passes on the run (boot, sprint, dash, play-action) to create open throwing lanes for Donovan McNabb.
The idea is to use misdirection to move the quarterback out of the pocket and away from the defense's flow. To illustrate this, let's look at one of Mike Shanahan's favorites: the swap boot.

The Redskins come out in their base Pro personnel (two wide receivers, one tight end, two running backs) with a strong I formation. The Bears are in their standard 4-3 over front playing Cover-2.


Play action

The swap boot is a play-action pass. The Redskins will set this up by running their top two-back schemes: the stretch and outside zone. Washington will show the Bears a run action and roll McNabb away from the flow of the defense with multiple options downfield.

Run/pass keys
The Bears have to trust their eyes. A vertical release by the receivers (X,Y and Z) and the high-pad level of the offensive line tells the defenders to play the pass. The Redskins want the defenders to attack the line of scrimmage — which only happens if you are looking into the offensive backfield, a tough read on the swap boot with the fullback (F) coming across the formation behind the line of scrimmage.

The open-side defensive end
The LE (Israel Idonije) has to rush with contain principles. McNabb is expecting to fake the handoff to the R and roll to the open side with a run/pass option. He will scan the secondary with a high-to-low read (X on comeback, Y on shallow crosser, F in the flat) or tuck the ball and run. Idonije (who will be unblocked) has to read the boot action, get up the field and force McNabb to unload the football.

The safeties
The safeties must "push" their coverage. The SS (Danieal Manning) will play over top of the Z receiver on the deep cross. The FS (Chris Harris) will widen from his landmark and drive downhill on the comeback by X. Versus boot action, the safeties will come off of their landmarks (top of the numbers) in Cover-2 and move with McNabb.

The open-side cornerback
The left cornerback, Tim Jennings, has to sink to protect Harris on the comeback and react to the Y on the shallow crosser and the F in the flat, essentially playing three routes. If his feet are set and he reads McNabb on the boot action, Jennings can come downhill hard on a ball thrown to the Y or F and make a tackle. The Bears want to force the ball underneath.

The deep ball
McNabb will try to hit the Z (Santana Moss) on the deep cross if middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (M) is slow to react to the inside vertical seam. Even with Manning coming off of his landmark to play over the top of Moss, McNabb will throw downfield if he sees an opportunity.

After playing at Glenbard West and Iowa, Matt Bowen spent seven seasons in the NFL as a strong safety with the Rams, Packers, Redskins and Bills, including playing for Lovie Smith and Mike Martz in St. Louis.