Football analysis and strategy from Chris B. Brown
Downfield passes as the “pitch phase” of the read-option, as run by Russell Wilson, Gus Malzahn and many, many, others
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Downfield passes as the “pitch phase” of the read-option, as run by Russell Wilson, Gus Malzahn and many, many, others
Since the invention of the zone read from the shotgun, coaches have dabbled with creative ways to add a third option for the quarterback. Early on, teams added a second runningback or receiver looping around for a traditional pitch, while others have added bubble screens where the receiver can either get the ball right at…
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My favorite method for running a reverse to a wide (or slot) receiver
This method is very simple. I like it because it is not a reverse in the sense of being a true “trick” play, but instead you can actually count the blockers and evaluate your numbers at the point of attack and the associated leverage and numbers at the point of attack. The points are simple:…
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What is the Inverted Veer / Dash Read?
In fall 2009, a reader emailed me about a spread run scheme TCU used to close out a tight victory against Clemson. The scheme featured a runningback and the quarterback running to the same side — as opposed to the traditional zone read, where the two ran in opposite directions, along with playside blocking from…
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Did Cam Newton flunk the Jon Gruden test?
Setting aside whether there is (or should be) a Jon Gruden test, many on the interwebs have pointed to this video and decided Newton can’t make it: The argument is that Newton just passes on the long verbiage call and, in not answering, fails the question. Now, it’s clear that Newton’s offense in college was…
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Thoughts on Auburn’s 22-19 win over Oregon in the BCS title game
Four thoughts on last night’s game: Nick Fairley gets the game ball. As I predicted, the differences in the game were Cam Newton’s ability to do things no one else can do — convert short yardage plays, scramble for big plays on third down, and generally as reader/decoy to open things up for McCalebb and…
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Deconstructing: Oregon’s and Auburn’s offenses as spread revolution
My breakdown of Oregon’s and Auburn’s offenses in anticipation of tonight’s BCS title game is up over at Yahoo!. Check it out. Also, hat tips and thanks to Brophy and the Offensive Breakdown site for some great info (especially to Brophy for the image on the power scheme). Check out great info from both sites…
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Deconstructing: The search for the perfect spread QB
I have a new bit up on Yahoo! (belatedly, after I sent the wrong draft… I owe the good Doctor mightily) comparing how Gus Malzahn uses Cam Newton to how Rich Rodriguez is using Denard Robinson. Hint: Newton’s favorite play is the inverted veer or dash package, while Denard’s is the outside zone. Check it…
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Of Malzahn and Miami, a look backward and forward
A couple of stuff from me from around the web: Check out my breakdown of Gus Malzahn’s up-tempo offense over at Yahoo’s Dr Saturday. Thanks again to the Doc. (And for more on Malzahn, read this very good piece from Stewart Mandel about Malzahn’s wider influence.) And here is my guest-bit on EDSBS answering the…
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