A Guide to How They Work, What Are Audibles in Football? Slow means a back or tight-end releases only if their assigned linebacker (or linebackers) does not blitz. Operation Sports Forums > Football > EA Sports College Football Offensive schemes and tactics Most Anticipated Sports Games of 2023 Five Ways EA Sports PGA Tour Can Improve Golf Career Modes Your center and guards protect the center-three defenders of the defense. In most conventional offenses, the idea is to run the ball to draw the safeties and linebackers in closer to the line of scrimmage, thus opening up . In addition to the innovation of avid dedication to precisely timed short routes, the West Coast Offense was one of the first systems to implement a complex strategy for protecting the QB, while also allowing the offense to use its tight-ends and running-backs in the passing game with almost an equal amount participation in the passing game as the wide receivers. 200: The QB takes a 5-step drop, and the protection becomes slide protection (in other version of the WCO, you see 200/300 as both slide protection, and a 3-step drop). 1-3 of 3 replies Sorted by. Hb```f``:&23 ?s4 9L*. Therefore that back attacks A-gap, and the second back attacks B-gap. Scat protection weak (TE to that side free releases). West Coast offenses love to use concepts like Lion and Dragon to get the ball into the hands of the receiver while they're on the move. Weak back free releases. Any play with a 1 in front of it (making it a triple digit play starting with 100) means the QB takes a 3-step drop. First, our offense uses "precision-timed passing, variable formations, and the exploitation of each player's skills" (quote by Bill Walsh) to attack the opposition. Default rules tell backs in protection if their defenders do not blitz (no dog), they release. In slide protection, you call a side to set the protection to (left/right, strong-side/weak-side, whatever). The West Coast offense was one of the most revolutionary offenses when it first hit the scene. The back typically does not come across the formation, or at least behind the QB. The back to the weak-side (away from the TE) scats (free releases) to their side into a route. When the backs release, the faking back who is more inside will break to the inside, and the back protecting outside will release outside. The inside receiver, runs a wheel route down the sideline. The West Coast system looks to establish the pass, to set up the run. Outstanding breakdown. Slide Protection: This one can get a little complicated, so take your time. This route combo is generally effective against most zone coverages. The following are three of the most basic plays to pair with a three-step drop back: The offense builds upon these three basic plays by adding layers of disguise through players in motion, quarterback rollouts, and play-action plays. We break the sections down with quick pass, medium pass, and deep pass. Once gains separation or leverage he is will be open. Using a numbering system and relying on mostly pocket and slide (half-slide) protections, Bill Walsh and his coaching staffs compiled a system that would allow them to flood the field with receivers from all sorts of different angles and personnel groupings, while also giving them multiple ways to protect the QB from the wide range of defensive schemes and blitzes. Rip/Liz only applies to the weak-side (so 54 is TE to the right, meaning weak side is left, so Liz is ran. The two pass routes are designed create a two-on-one isolation on a defender dropping back in a hook zone. Walsh used a traditional hole-numbering system: Evens right, odds left. Concepts Efficient language. When executed successfully, the defense would start playing more conservatively, trying to close and prevent those short passes, which would open up both the deep passing game for those gut-punch plays (tanks using speed to overwhelm defenses and get behind enemy lines), then the running game (infantry). What do all of those terms mean, and why is West Coast Offense said so often? In the 1970's, Darrel "Mouse" Davis began having tremendous success with the offense at Portland . The West Coast Offense is a passing ball control offense. 54/55: Rip/Liz only applies to the weak-side (so 54 is TE to the right, meaning weak side is left, so Liz is ran. We know that on first down our ball-control passing is vital. The West Coast Offense is an innovative horizontal passing offense based on timing and route running. Coach Vigen explained what concepts fans should look for that are tell-tale elements of . 69 H Option-Lavelle Edwards.pdf. The three-step and five-step drop back each had their own role in Walshs system. Play action means the offense will fake a run, then throw a pass. Watching their highlights from with the 49ers almost certainly means you are watching the WCO. The Ultimate Guide, How Much Do NHL Refs Make? Have the ability to run many plays from multiple formations, meaning the defense shouldnt be able to predict what the offense will run. Defenses have found the best way to do so is by attacking the element that makes this offense elite the timing. The Drive concept has an outside receiver running a shallow cross, while the inside receiver next to him runs a a dig route. Generally one of them gets open once they cross each other. However, this is an efficient offense that has proven to be more than capable of winning championships. Throughout this article, well cover the origin of the system, positional roles, different variations of the West Coast offense and much more so stick around! YT. link to 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List, link to What Is a Secondary in Football? Since the West Coast system has so many pass catchers on the field, when a defensive player blitzes, the quarterback just needs to find the open, unguarded player. The 'West Coast Offense' is not easy to define. This default/watered down play action system is a slide protection (so half-slide in modern terms, just like 2/3 Jet). Most protections have two numbers. In the West Coast system, there are countless formations to run the offense out of. Against man coverage, their pass routes create a rub or natural pick on defenders covering. The West Coast Offense has a simplified play action pass protection system to easily incorporate run fakes on almost any play. If the OLB does not blitz, the back releases. This is almost the exact same as the 20s, but the Rip/Liz rules are now applied. means a back or tight-end does not release (they block for the whole play). This phrase is a football standard and is the mindset of using the run to set up big plays downfield. If the OLB blitzes, the back then becomes the hot receiver, and replaces the OLBs position to get open. Walshs offense consists of 3, and 5-step drops by the QB with routes that rely on the Tight Ends Running Backs, and Receivers. Rip/Liz to the strong-side only. Swap: When there are two backs in the backfield, they essentially cross each other off the snap. use. 0/1: Off the centers left/right butt-cheek. 100: Any play with a 1 in front of it (making it a triple digit play starting with 100) means the QB takes a 3-step drop. When there are two backs in the backfield, default rules have both backs going to the same side. The two outside receivers next him both run short in routes. The Smash concept has a two route combination, which are a corner (high) and the other runs a hitch (low). Walsh's original West Coast offense was built around Joe Montana's specific strengths and the players he had to work with. 1. If you have an I-formation, the strong back is the closest back to the TE, so its the fullback. Receivers, tight ends, and running backs will go in motion to try and draw a slower linebacker in coverage to create a mismatch. The quarterback is looking to see what the defense gives him and looks to take advantage of it. The Passing Game II: Slants and Flats. If the OLB blitzes, the back then becomes the hot receiver, and replaces the OLBs position to get open. Some of the most notable are the following: With all of the advantages of the West Coast system, it can be hard to imagine a way to stop this type of offense. If the ILB blitzes, they sneak a peak at the outside linebacker (OLB) to their side. The inner most receiver runs a flat route. With a passing attack based on short throws, there is a smaller chance of homerun-type plays. A popular way offenses like to attack zone coverage is flood one side of the field with mutiple receivers. Before the introduction of the West Coast offense, defenses would simply play man-to-man defense and send an extra pass rusher at the quarterback. Below are some more features of the system: Finally, if you have more questions about the West Coast Offense, let us know below! The West Coast Offense Walsh used primarily relies on numbers to call pass protections. The Shake has a receiver making a quick fake before running a shallow crossing route. The pass route the receiver runs during the play is based on the type of pass coverage called. If the safety does not bite on the dig route, then quarterback would look to throw to that receiver underneath. It worked; the Packers won Super Bowl XLV. In both protections, the default rule for all running-backs and tight-ends is to execute an assignment called check-release, which means they are assigned to a defender (or two), and if that defender blitzes (blitz is called dog in the playbook), they block them. If you were to compare this to warfare, think of the running game as your infantry, and the forward pass as planes, tanks and armor support. BOB means big on big/back on backer. That means offensive linemen block the nearest defensive lineman, and any backs in the formation block linebackers (or linebacker-types) to that side. Backs free release and both TEs block the OLB/OLB-area to their side. 2019 X's O's Football. I will write another article that does a deep dive into slide protection, because its arguably the most popular and favored pass protection in football today. CoachingKidz.comis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. Romo will turn out to be an all time announcer for CBS. Feel free to use this page as quick reference if you are confused about these type pass combos, pass concept, and pass routes are designed for. Snagis a great passing concept that is used at all levels. The West Coast Offense is an innovative horizontal passing offense based on timing and route running. This style also limits the defense from stacking the line of scrimmage to stop the run as they are spread across the whole field. In American football, the West Coast offense is an offense that places a greater emphasis on passing than on running. 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List. If man coverage is called, the tight end will generally matched up against slower linebacker or a smaller defensive back. Linemen in the slide protect the gaps to their back-side/weak-side (the left side in this example), and are also responsible for the Will linebacker. If both blitz, they block the inside defender. If the number called is even, it means the TE is to the right. The Curl Flat route combo has the outside receiver running a curl, while inside receiver runs a flat route. In the Spread, the fullback is replaced by another receiver; the running back is also used to block more. Walsh ignored the critics and at the end of his career Walshs system started a new era in the NFL with the passing attack being the focus of offenses. Max means all backs and tight-ends release, and the protection always becomes pocket protection (so if slide was called, max turns it into pocket protection). Bill Walsh helped changed the offensive playing field with his West Coast offensive system. Can I buy on ebay or otherwise a United or Lufthansa lounge pass for Frankfurt intl airport ? For those that dont know MOFO simply means "middle of the field open," or no deep middle safety. On all play actions, if the faking back sees their primary blocking assignment blitz, they come off the fake immediately to make the block. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-4)","hsl":{"h":206,"s":0.2727,"l":0.01,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"val":"rgb(57, 163, 209)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.62,"l":0.52,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"f3080":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"f2bba":{"name":"Main Light 10","parent":"f3080"},"trewq":{"name":"Main Light 30","parent":"f3080"},"poiuy":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"f83d7":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"frty6":{"name":"Main Light 45","parent":"f3080"},"flktr":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)"},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, Bill, Coach, Dwight Clark, football, Joe Montana, Offense, Philosophy, Strategy, The catch, Walsh, WCO, West Coast Offense, What Is The West Coast Offense? More like you only need two or three at most. In order to fully grasp such an intricate philosophy, one must be able to appreciate how a play-caller schemes his receivers into space. If you look at the playbook link, the best description of the pass protections begins on page 251. New York went from a vertical concept with elements of the old run-and-shoot implemented by Kevin Gilbride to more of a West Coast offense, in which the emphasis was put more on short to . They pay Tony Romo about 17 million dollars a year to tell you this on Sunday, and Thursday Nights. Runs to a back at 6-7 yards behind the QB (so a tailback). The second and more common passing concept is the five-step drop back. Weak back free releases. It emphasized the short passing game, although the system has always . 2/3: A-gap (between center and guard), 4/5: B-gap (between guard and tackle), 6/7: C-gap (between tackle and TE), 8/9: Outside. A Complete Overview, What Is a Pick 6 in Football? They then would blitz the quarterback using a zone blitz in an attempt to disrupt their timing. 76/77: Weak flow with scat protection to the strong-side: The TE is now free releasing. TE free releases by default. The idea of the Snag passing concept is to horizontal stretch the defense by creating three on two isolation. 24/25: The back to the weak-side (away from the TE) scats (free releases) to their side into a route. If you have any requests you would like to make, please reach out and comment below. The weak back and guard double read ILB to OLB to the weak side, and the back check-releases vs. no blitz. From. For clips of this version of the concept try here and here. There will be two wide receivers on the line of scrimmage on either side of the field. %PDF-1.2
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However, since both backs are going away from the TE off the snap (weak flow), the TE is now check-releasing by default on all 70s plays, primarily to block the OLB to their side. BYU Offense.doc. The Switch concept is a popular Run-&-Shoot passing concept that has outside receiver running a post route with an inside receiver. The first was using the timing of the quarterback dropbacks to set the pace for the play. Before the West Coast Offense and other pass-first systems, the forward pass was used as a compliment to the running game. Walsh believed so firmly the importance of the three-step or five-step drop back by the quarterback and there are specific reasons for this. He gives us top analysis through his experience of being a franchise quarterback, and happens to be an entertaining voice, name another announcer who can do that. 300: Remember, this book does not use 300 like modern WCO terminology uses it. There are always 22 football players on the field at once and they all have their own specialized roles. The concept exploits the aggressiveness of the defense, as the passing plays are based on faking the most successful running plays. Scheme: The use of 10 . Hot: When a back or tight-end is assigned a hot responsibility, it means if their assigned defender blitzes, they bypass them and look for a quick pass from the QB. Still, Reids offense led the NFL in yards after the catch in the 2020 season due to the extremely talented pass-catching duo of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. 0000001747 00000 n
Backs protect inside-out, meaning they block an inside rush threat first, then work outside if there is no inside threat. During these years, BYU regularly led the nation in passing offense. This allows the quarterback to understand the timing for each play and know where to look to pass. 9,884 posts . Weak flow is another pocket protection series normally ran from two-back sets. This includes swing passes to the Running Backs and hitches to the Tight End with a regular route tree for receivers. They release, because that defender theyre assigned to is not a threat to sack the quarterback, so rather than wasting a blocker, they want those players to get involved as receivers incase the primary receivers on a play are not open. The weak back and guard double read ILB to OLB to the weak side, and the back check-releases vs. no blitz. The Flood concept does this by having three receiver running pass routes towards the same of the field. This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. . (Image courtesy of Bruce Eien; check out more notes on their version here .) In the last three seasons under Moore, the Cowboys offense ranked 14th in 2020 when Prescott missed 11 games with a fractured ankle, first in 2021 when Prescott set franchise record for passing . This is necessary, because both backs are going strong-side, giving the O-line no potential help to the weak-side. One of the most important elements in this system is the quarterback dropback. Against zone coverage, look for the tight end to be open as he crossing the field, especially if another receiver is running pass route underneath or over the top of him. Bill Walsh, who was the offensive coordinator at the time, had to step back and completely redesign the teams offense. The first number indicates the type of backfield action/movement the backs will take, and the basic type of protection. First digit indicates whos carrying the ball, and the second number is the hole, or point of attack the ball carrier takes it to. But, two statements do help explain what it is all about. This makes it a quick pass, where the line and backs will block aggressively and hold the defense at the line of scrimmage. The West Coast offenses core elements are rhythm, timing, and ball protection. Cornerbacks can take advantage of this by playing underneath the receiver or looking to jump the passing lanes to beat the receiver to where the ball is being thrown. Updated on 02/21/19. Even numbers mean the TE (strong-side) is to the right. Walsh preached that at the end of the drop back, the quarterback should know exactly where the pass catchers are in their routes and be able to predict where to go with the ball. When first introducing the system, Walsh was criticized as trying to finesse the defense or playing too conservatively. The final aspect of the West Coast offense is the use of pre-snap motions to create mismatches on the defensive side of the ball. The West Coast was, at the time of its inception, known for being very pass heavy, which helped revolutionize offensive football during the 80's and 90's. McCarthy always fully embraced those. X's O's Football is not affiliated or associated with EA Sports, the NFL, or their license. The West Coast offense is a fast-paced system that relies on short and quick throws to sure-handed receivers who run precise horizontal routes. Doing so spreads the defenders, making them each responsible for more area to cover. I don't have status on either airline and have a 5 hour layover in Fra for a Fra-Dulles flight. Along the way, Ill also answer general sports related questions. The TE is not blocking at all, and both backs go weak, so there are only lineman blocking to the strong-side, requiring the scat protection. If he is unable to complete the correct number of steps for his drop back or is moved out of the pocket, he will have a tough time finding an open receiver. Rather than using tanks and planes (the passing game) to support the infantry, attack head-first with your planes first, tanks second, then let the infantry bat clean-up. They release, because that defender theyre assigned to is not a threat to sack the quarterback, so rather than wasting a blocker, they want those players to get involved as receivers incase the primary receivers on a play are not open. A Complete Overview. Run Passes: If a run is called with pass tagged onto it, like 16 power pass, or 19 BOB pass, the offense executes the running play, but blockers do not go downfield so that a pass can be thrown. 60s: Runs to a back behind the QB at a depth of 4-5 yards. Odd numbers mean the TE is to the left. The terminology you will see in this article are being borrowed from this 356 page, 1985 49ers Playbook that can be found on Google. In the E-P system, there are no requirements, except for a competent quarterback. These series also require a 2nd TE to be in the game to the weak-side (so theres a TE on both sides, or the TE is actually to the weak side, or away from the call side). A look at common quick pass routes, passing concepts, and route combos. Offensive schemes and tactics This is a discussion on Offensive schemes and tactics within the EA Sports College Football forums. Unlike the west coast offense which has landmarks of exactly, to the inch, where a receiver should end their route- the Air Raid lives on spontaneity and adjusting based on space. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest trends! don't try to compare it to any other offense. From Bill Walsh's San Francisco 49ers juggernaut, to Brigham Young University's record-smashing Cougars, to the 1997 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers, this passing attack is a proven winner. The back faking with the QB attacks the inside A-gap (between center and guard) and check releases reading Mike to Sam linebacker, and the non-faking back attacks the B-gap and check-releases reading Sam to the next outside threat. The slide begins at the first offensive lineman to the strong-side/play-side that does not have a defender in their play-side gap. If a run is called with pass tagged onto it, like 16 power pass, or 19 BOB pass, the offense executes the running play, but blockers do not go downfield so that a pass can be thrown. Let's . Walsh then added more layers by sending players in motion to create mismatches and used the passing game to set the tempo of the game. Personnel Preferences: Kingsbury runs modified/evolving Air Raid passing concepts with Andy Reid run game concepts. The schemes are often based in West Coast or Air Coryell concepts, but incorporate a lot more options in the run game, quarterback reads are minimized, and routes are simplified. What exactly is the West Coast offense in football? This typically involves getting a linebacker in coverage on a running back, wide receiver, or tight end. O-D Kick Game Install 2021. Watch for defenders dropping back in buzz zones as they do a good job at defending corner routes. Additionally, Roger Craig, Dwight Clark, and Tom Rathman were among many Pro-Bowl caliber players on offense during this era. Due to innovations in offenses, the WCO has also been implemented for shotgun-based offenses. . In this case, the protection is set to the right, so the first offensive lineman to the right of the center with no defender in the gap to their right is the first offensive lineman in the slide. The TE to the weak-side check-releases. In your summary, you say that an odd number means that the TE is on the left! Strong back and guard double read the ILB (Mike) and the back check-releases. This makes it a quick pass, where the line and backs will block aggressively and hold the defense at the line of scrimmage. MOFC means "middle of the field closed," or is there a deep middle guy. 86/87: Scat protection strong-side with both backs free releasing. This is similar to the idea of "concepts" in the West Coast Offense, except the West Coast terminology sometimes names plays after the primary receiver's route, like "Y Spot". 1985 BYU Passing Offense.pdf. For this article we show several common pass routes and route combos that you will find in real football and video game football. The offense splits the outside wide receivers in "plus splits", which means outside the numbers. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to write more articles in the near future. It's all about the feet The best way to define the West Coast offense may be to start with what it isn't. The traditional passing game, which NFL teams ran for years, is based on deep drops . 0000001608 00000 n
NEW System Evolutions. we call plays in the following series: a) teens: all runs. Hi-Lo Credit: NFL Game Rewind - Anytime you see receivers in a stack look. The Verticals passing concept sends 3 or 4 receivers on vertical passing routes. For quarterbacks, these backs and tight-ends often serve check-down roles, meaning if the primary receivers in the progression arent open, the QB finds these players for an easy release valve rather than holding onto the ball and risking a sack. In todays NFL, you can find the West Coast Offenses influence within almost every team, and find legacies of the Bill Walsh coaching tree on almost every coaching staff.