4 Scores and 7 Downs Ago... A Quick Look At Lincoln

What's up y'all!? This post is intended to provide a quick and dirty look at the Sooners' new offensive coordinator. What you'll see below are embedded draftbreakdown.com videos of Justin Hardy vs USCe and UF, two semi-powerful SEC foes. I included these two games mainly because it showed how Lincoln's offense performed against defensive units that may have had more talented personnel than ECU's own. Of course, that's certainly up for debate as the ECU offense was able to move the ball very well against a schedule that included the above two, as well as Bud Foster's famed VT defensive unit. Also, if you're not familiar with this format, let me explain. I'm terrible at editing and embedding video and have limited time. Instead I like to take notes about what I'm seeing and then discuss them in general terms. You can watch the videos before and/or after the descriptions. Let's get started.

I became familiar with Lincoln Riley's offense last year, when he was rumored to Texas. Many Texas fans, including myself, had our fingers crossed for the potential hire. However, it never came to be. So now, we get to hate him instead, fun! Lincoln's offense strikes me as a coherent and integrative approach to combining classic "Air Raid" concepts to the run, play-action, and read-option game. The pass game integrates with the run game in that the base zone and power (gap) schemes are primarily utilized in the read-option, play-action, and quarterback movement game. This can be a headache for defensive players as the majority of standard down and distance plays will all appear the same, especially if keying on OL steps and/or movement. Adding to that, I was surprised how multiple the offense can be. I noted personnel that ranged from "20" (2 RB, 0 TE), empty, to "12" (1 RB, 2 TE). With regard to formations, it ranged from your typical 2 X 2 spread set to I-formation aligments with the QB under center. Base runs include zone (inside, outside, slice, and lead) and a Power-style gap scheme with the backside gaurd pulling around the center and leading into the A-gap. The beauty of those schemes are that they tend to be excellent for use in read-option and play-action. As far as the pass game is concerned, you may note shallow crossing routes (good vs man), deep crossing routes (think Y-Sail), a lot of flat combination routes (slant-flat, curl-flat), deep out routes, and of course 4-verticals some of which contain option routes like seam-read. So, let's watch some football.

What stands out most to me from the USCe video are the packaged plays. Many quick-game pass concepts will be paired with base run schemes with the read player being one of the linebackers, 2nd-level reads. What I really like about read integrated offenses is that the consistent alignment and quarterback-running back mesh gives the defense the same look without tipping a read or more traditional play-action concept. Of course these will tend to be quick-to-intermediate level passing concepts paired with base run schemes. When Riley wants to attack deep he'll change the mesh and the quarterback will take more steps on his drop. Also notable, I like that some traditional bootleg concepts are adapted to the shotgun alignment. These often help to manipulate the linebackers with run aciton one way while bringing a crossing route behind them the opposite way. A couple of plays that stood out in this video are the delayed wide receiver screen paired with run-action at 1:30 and the packaged double screen at 2:16, a wide receiver screen paired with a running back slow-screen. Also note the offensive line releases and blocking, well designed and coached. These constriaint plays need to be well-coached and executed with attention to detail. They serve to protect the offense's base concepts as well as punish defensive over-play. Let's move on to the Florida game.

In this game we see a bit more multiplicity. For instance, the use of the I-formation in short yardage. It's good to see a spread football coordinator carry this set in his overall approach, a contingency often lacking in spread offenses. At 0:43 you'll see "Spot" paired with a quarterback sweep. This is another 2nd-level read on the linebacker who opens to take away the quick-game pass concept, so the quarterback pulls it down and follows his pulling lineman on the backside, well-conceived. A  lot of this is made possible by Lincoln's understanding of basic defensive assignments as well as how formations distort defensive structures. At 4:01 you'll see a play I don't even know what to call, out of a split back shotgun formation, the left gaurd and tackle pull and lead around the center through the A-gap while the "fullback" arc blocks the unblocked defensive end. What I suspect here is the end is the read man and if he attacks the running back, he will be bypassed by the arc blocker and the quarterback will keep and have a lead blocker on the backside of the play, another well-conceived play. What do you call it!? Speaking of the split back shotgun formation, Lincoln will utilize this, as opposed to the diamond formation, to create favorable match-ups outside or in the box. Depending on the safety look, 1-high or 2-high, the quarterback can easily check into a read-run or pass. Another motif I liked is the movement of the TE, motioning him out wide. Again, it's all about distortion and creating numbers advantages from sideline to sideline, forcing the defense to pick it's poison. Lastly, I've been impressed with the way Lincoln will attack in the red zone, he will be aggressive. As seen on the first touchdown, he calls a back shoulder seam. Lincoln is a former wide receivers coach, so it doesn't surprise me that this goup excelled at ECU. Also, it may be part of the reason Stoops let go of Norvell, though I can't be sure. Another example is at 6:47, look at the receiver releases, fake blocks, and the rub on the corner-flat, dropped! 

Well, there are my thoughts in a nut shell. Given the Sooners penchant for finding wide receiver talent, not to mention tight end and running back, Lincoln stands to field an aggressive offense, one able to attack from sideline to sideline as well as all three zones of coverage. One thing I didn't get into much is the quarterback position, but from what I see, there are plenty of easy reads in this offense and often times there is only one player the quarterback is reading. The offense is coherent with all the "bells and whistles" of a modern spread-option attack. I hope you enjoyed. Please share your thoughts.

The Watson Propagandist.., Why We Don't Have A Bad OC.

There's been a lot said about the 2014 "Watsline" Texas offense, much of it criticism of the Assistant Head Coach of Offense and Quarterbacks Coach, Shawn Watson. So, I decided to play devil's advocate and explain why I think much of the criticism has been hyperbolic. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the scheme, it was the players. When I first set out to do this I planned on creating cut-ups of Texas' offensive snaps in a couple of games, but that wasn't working out. Instead, draftbreakdown.com happens to have a great video of Paul Dawson terrorizing what I contend to be a poorly executed Texas offense. Below I have characterized the first 20 plays of the video. I'm not sure how well this format will work, but feel free to review the video or play descriptions first. Then we're set to begin the scheme-personnel kerfuffle.



The rest of this post will be generally bland. I will place a number for the play it is in the video in sequence (1st 20). Also, I'll try to mainly highlight crucial factors in the plays, so don't be overly critical if my untrained eyes miss something.

1) Lead Zone-Bubble packaged play is run w/ the HB missing a critical block. I for one liked what the bubble screen offered and w/ QB under center, can throw it out there pretty fast. 2) Lead Zone-Slant, another packaged play. The ball seems to come out a bit slow, maybe slightly tipped, but behind the WR. "Watsline" clearly asking QB to make quick post-snap decision in order to get the ball out early. 3) The QB makes a late high-low read on Mike, ball is late to released RB, tackled short. 4) Double-Screen run here, releasing OL fails to block Mike, Daje down! 5) Power-Bubble-Hitch, another packaged play, though QB doesn't appear to have a read on the "Cloud" CB. DL beats OL here, ugh! 6) 3rd & 14 vs obvious Cover-2, don't like route grouping, but checkdown is obvious play here once the underneath coverage vacated. QB, let the RB make the play. You are not Vince Young! 7) Split-Zone w/ reverse, the RB misses cutback lane on a play blocked at a mediocre level. 8) Sprint pass throwaway that ended badly for the QB. This didn't seem effective at all, but the QB made correct play. 9) First INT, ball out late, it needed to come out at or slightly before the break. If not, progress to the release player, on QB. 10) Lead Iso w/ decent blocking, but LT fails to seal his block outside and the RT fails to reach Mike, as if! 11) Bunch set w/ a better read from QB, Mike holds, RB makes great play. 12) Power out of spread set, RT cannot hold up, busted. 13) Spot concept from empty, great job of splitting the field to gain #s in the passing game. 14) Split-Zone + quick game, the speed-out wins w/ leverage on the safety. 15) I can't make out the concept, but QB is late, needs to progress to "3rd Fix". Also, checkdowns tend to be low-risk high-reward vs Cover-2. 16) This play would make for a great "Snuff-GIF". OL (G) fails to get in front of blitzing LB, let alone seemingly being unable to check out of this play. Also note, the QB may have had a "hot" read, the slot running a hitch. 17) Power+Quick, read Will, he stays out equals a "give" read for the QB, great concept from a spread formation. 18) QB holds ball too long on concept, eyes go down, but behold! The 3rd Fix is open! QB needs more composure in the pocket (eyes up progressing and moving to his help). 19) Pistol read-option, a killer! The DE bites and something funny, the strong safety doesn't want to tackle big Ty, lol! 20) RB flare protects QB from LB blitz, simplicity at it's finest. Also note the decent pass-pro and the Spot concept again.

There it is. This offense is comprised of many modern elements, read-option and packaged plays. It's my contention that it only needs improved execution to succeed, by the OL and especially the QB. I think, for the most part, the tape shows well-conceived concepts vs the defense and personnel presented to it. The staff appears to have put the players in a position to succeed. From there, it's up to them to execute and finish. This group simply could not. That's my case. I hope the formatting of this post wasn't too strange. Now, let's argue!!!

Putting The Hog-D On A Spit...

The Arkansas defense is an over-shifted 4-3/4-2 defense that plays with 2 high safeties. They are a physical and disciplined unit capable of making life miserable for 1-dimensional teams. The strength of the Hogs defense is run defense. They are very disruptive and effective without having to "game" their fronts very often. This is due to a powerful and athletic defensive line. The Hogs pass defense is respectable, but as we'll see, there will be opportunities to aggressively attack their coverages, which tend to be a mix of cover-2, quarters, cover-1, and cover-3. They are not as aggressive with their safeties as Longhorns fans are accustomed to (TCU, BU), but they are well-disciplined in their reads and run fits. Let's take a look at how Auburn attacked them with an inexperienced QB. If I recall, Texas has one of those too.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4354445

Here, they are in a 2-high S (safety) look vs "20" personnel (RB, HB offset). Notice the FS (to the field) come down as soon as he reads run via the receiver to his side blocking or the HB arcing across formation to block instead of attack the flat. That S would also be responsible for pursuit to the field if the QB keeps on the read play.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4359675

This is a peculiar blitz. You'll note the boundary side DE drop into the short middle zone while on the field side, the Mike and SS blitz. What began as a 2-high safety coverage shell has morphed into a cover-1 look. A key to attacking this defense is quickly recognizing the S rotation in order to make quick decisions with the ball and avoid pressure. The QB receives good protection and does a great job of reading the above route concept.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4360590

2-high S coverage is shown above and it's taken advantage of with a post route. Again, note the quick recognition of the S's as well as the timely ball delivery, an area Texas has struggled. Auburn created explosive plays with the same route concept multiple times against 2-high S coverage. Expect Texas to attack downfield in a similar fashion.

The Hog defense is very formidable against the run. In order for Texas to approach the kind of efficiency needed to win on offense, the passing game must force the Hog defense into more of these 2-high coverages. This will improve Texas' chances running the ball against a very good defensive front. Given Texas' recent struggles at the QB position, this seems like a lot to ask. We will see if there has been any real growth from both the QB and the beleaguered OL come the 29th. On to some more of what Auburn did.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4360092

I chopped this play to illustrate how simple concepts can be included in the game plan. There is nothing special here, just a well thought out RB screen. I liked it because it punishes the leverage tendency of the defense against bubble screens. It's simple, yet effective.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4360162

Now, Auburn lines up heavy to the field and runs split-zone with a read on the boundary CB. They catch the defense with a "Cloud" call to the boundary, meaning the CB is the force player in the boundary alley. The "POP" pass proves effective here and results in a TD after the S misses the tackle. This is a key I'd expect other teams to attack, whether it's pulling and leading blockers to the "Cloud" CB or keying him as the flat and force defender in the pass game.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4366325

Here's a scheme that will give the Texas offense a chance to control the ball and succeed in setting up play-action opportunities, Power. This set and motion are things the Texas offensive brain trust can easily scheme into the game plan along with building a few other concepts from it. Make no mistake, Texas wants to be a zone running team, but timely use of gap schemes and lead plays are meant to punish defenses overplaying zone schemes. Auburn, of course, is very good at this. Whether Texas will be is a good question, the OL needs to step up!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4366427

I really loved the above pass play. Auburn utilized the slant to the field and grants a receiver a free release to the boundary to run the drag vs a 1-high S coverage with man underneath. Notice if somehow the slant is taken away via leverage or quicker bracketing by the S, the drag is open with plenty of grass in front. Again, much of the pass concepts I'm seeing are easy reads for the QB. Also, like Auburn, Texas has the ability to be very effective from "11" personnel and the receivers to take advantage of shabby coverages like the ones above.

The above examples represent minor parts of Auburn's plan to attack the Hogs' defense. However, they illustrate what type of concepts may be effective in creating explosive plays for Texas. Texas (Watson) must begin creating simple plans to get the ball into playmakers' hands in space. Think back to the abysmal TCU game, the one truly explosive play of the night was a well-blocked WR bubble screen. Sometimes it's that simple. For whatever reason, the staff has seemed to fall short in this department. I'm curious, given the team's recent performance, what plan the staff puts into practice. What think you?

Fronting Heavy-Set Arkansas

A hat-tip to @WarRoomEagle on Twitter for editing the Arkansas-Auburn game. It sparked some interest in the Arkansas offense. So, I put together some clips to see what Texas' defense is faced with defending. This will all be centered around what Arkansas likes to do and how that tends to unfold in the trenches. I wanted to focus on OL and run schemes, so I don't really pay too much attention as to what's happening on the back end. For starters, let's take a look at how Auburn started the game against Arkansas.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346267

Auburn aligns in an under front. Arky double-teams the 3-technique, the FB trap blocks the NT, and the OL release quickly to the 2nd level. Aggressive DL play set up by the Arky zone run game can make things difficult since they look to "screen-off" penetration with huge men, Bielema not included.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346315

Here's toss sweep vs an under front, the TE blocks down on weak side DE, the RT "folds" around the down block. Now you have an OT and HB leading in the alley, buckle your chinstraps! Again, much of this is set up by Arky's zone run scheme. It's almost as if they prefer defensive fronts hell-bent on stopping zone runs via backfield penetration. This enables them to call their favored gap run schemes as counter punches. Also notice how quick the C reaches the 2nd level. Arky's gap scheme wrinkles are what enables Bielema's philosophy to shine. I'll address that some more in a bit.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346405

This! This is what looks like a double-trap play. The RG and FB "screen-out" the DT's and the other OL quickly climb to the 2nd-level, sheer gap terror! Again, Auburn's in an under front, one of Texas' base fronts. So, those expecting Texas to just line up in their base defense and have their way with the Arky OL are dreaming. What is needed is a sound plan to neutralize the initiative created by Arky's zone scheme and the myriad of gap scheme counter punches they can deploy to punish aggressive penetrative DL play.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346490

Now, the coverage completely loses it's mind in the scoring zone. SHAKING MY HEAD! This Arky offense is all about baiting. Defenders must resist the urge to over-anticipate against this Arky offense or suffer the consequences. Texas has a Texas-sized tall order come the 29th!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346618

So, Auburn turns to the over front and widens the DE's a bit to help set the edge vs the run. Texas plays out of multiple fronts and will often utilize leverage to funnel the run game into a more finite space. I expect to see some of this philosophy come the 29th. Nevertheless, Arky gains their much desired 6 yards on 1st down. This allows them more freedom to use the pass and play-action, which still happens to include the Draw run game, great.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346672

Have Texas DB's had trouble with double-moves this year, I don't remember? Duke better be ready to suck up his pride and not give up the big play. The Arky pass game isn't menacing, but how it fits into their overall approach is what makes it a threat. DON'T GET BEAT DEEP!!!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346715

Aaaand here comes the dreaded Draw play, on 1st down no less. That is just hog heaven right there. One motif that recurs in the Arky offense is the climbing of that pesky center. He needs to be taken out! Not in a bad way of course, but there needs to be a plan in place that causes the Arky OL point-man to start second-guessing his assignments and worrying about a rabid DT or Mike making his life miserable.

So, how in the hell does Texas defend all of this!? Well, for one, Texas must intermittently bring pressure vs the Arky run game early and often. The Arky offense seeks to consistently create manageable down and distance opportunities on 2nd and 3rd downs. So, the goal is to create as many 2nd or 3rd and long opportunities as possible to pit Texas' strength against Arky's weakness, the pass game. Since I doubt the Texas offense can build a lead that forces Arky into a more pass-heavy offense, there will need to be counter-measures employed on both sides of the ball. Texas does not need another TCU-like debacle on the offensive side of the ball. At certain points this season, it seemed better to just "sit on the ball" or punt on 3rd downs.., seriously!

So, how might we slow down the Arky OL? I pulled a bit from the Mizzou-Arky game to illustrate a few things. Granted, the Mizzou defense is different, but I wanted to view the front-play of a team that possesses quickness on the DL and is also a 1-gap defense.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347007

Mizzou is aligned in an over front in the above video. What I find very instructive are the DT's play in the A-gaps. Both DT's attack the A-gaps, use the C as an "anchoring" point and turn their asses into both G's. This effectively occupies 3 OL with 2 DL, takes care of Arky's pesky C, and allows the Mizzou defense 2nd level a clear path to read and pursue the play. Also note, this is what I'd consider more "stand up" play form the DT's. This makes me curious as to whether these techniques are effective counter measures against trap plays similar to the ones above. Will Texas deploy similar techniques, I don't know, but I'd like to see something similar.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347261

Now, Mizzou stunts their DT's. Very early on, Mizzou's plan is clear, occupy the G-C-G grouping of the Arky OL. I think this is sound, but as seen above, Arky can attack the perimeter rather well. That seems to be a motif, Arky will attack the edge and alley if the defensive front begins to pinch in on inside runs.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347206

Here Mizzou shifts into a "Bear" front to deny the inside run, but Arky attacks the boundary perimeter. Arky will often send their "bigs" wherever the defense's edge and force support is. They truly believe and follow the "big people beat up little people" dictum. This was not a long gain, but notice the alley defenders fighting to get around blockers. This yields initiative. It made me question if it would be better to attack the blockers vertically with sound leverage rather than spending valuable time trying to outflank them.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347463

Above is an interesting front that seems to be an over front, but with the NT shaded to the opposite side of the C. From here they DL will slant. Again, they want to control the "center of the board" by occupying the G-C-G. Also note how aggressively they set the edges on these run plays, very important to "funnel" plays and to buy time for pursuit.

That was just a little bit of what I noticed regarding what I would consider a sound defensive response to the Arkansas OL and run game. Notice how Auburn was continually gashed early-on. Texas cannot afford that as the offense will not be able to pace the team as Auburn's offense does. Texas' defense will have their hands full no doubt, but are one of the more talented units Arkansas will have faced all season. Given that Texas has faced shotgun spread offenses all season long, I'm curious as to how Strong and Bedford will match personnel and scheme with the Hogs. So, I pose the question to you. How often might we see Texas' hair-raising 3-3-5 "Flex Front" defense against a heavy-set run game and coach? Lol, I kid I kid. I hope you enjoyed, I'm more curious now than I was before.

The Next Great Texas QB Kerfuffle

I wanted to highlight a little of what the QB position at Texas entails and how the existing framework on offense may lend itself to the most heralded position on the Texas depth chart, the backup QB! I'm here to argue that this time it's different. Texas' backup QB is freshman Jerrod Heard, two-time state champion and known burner out of the backfield. To get a little bit of a grasp for what Heard will need to have mastered to become the starter or overtake Swoopes, I've included some examples of the QB play Texas received this season. By no means is this an indictment of current Texas starting QB Tyrone Swoopes, but instead a perusing of the issues the position is faced with as well as how those issues relate to Heard. So, please allow me to play devil's advocate and incite the next intensely debated Texas QB kerfuffle.

The Texas offense is oriented around a mix of ball-control quick-game passing concepts as well as the zone and power run game. Texas wants to execute in a fashion to minimize negative plays and create advantageous 2nd and 3rd down and distance opportunities. To do this, it needs a steady stream of 4 to 6 yard gains on 1st down. So, let's take a look at some of the things we saw this season and discuss how some of the concepts within the Texas offense relate to a talent like Heard.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293405

A simple "Snag" concept with QB sprint-out is the type of quick-game staple Texas should continue to see. It can also be run without the QB sprint-out or from under center. This is "quick-game: 101" and should be something both Swoopes and Heard can execute in their sleep. Above, the ball comes out a bit late, something that has remained an issue throughout the season for the young QB. I don't know how many concepts Watson installed and practiced throughout the season, but it'd be wise to keep them to a "minimum effective dose" for both QB's on the roster.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293485

Slant-flat is another staple from Shawn Watson's quick-game arsenal. This is straight run-action pass all the way as the QB's read key is the flat defender. Also, slant-flat mimics the WR stems of the bubble screen. Again, very simple read-key and something Texas should consistently run given the talent at WR. It's my opinion that concepts similar to this were a Swoopes strength in 2014. Sometimes it seemed calls like this were too few and far between. Nevertheless, this is a basic read and should be something both QB's do well.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293548

Above is a drop-back off of play-action, probably of the 7-step variety that is meant to attack the deep zone of the defense. The QB takes the sack on this play, but the ball is supposed to come out on the last step or the hitch step (depends). A QB must know if it's there (the route) or not, and then must execute a throw-away to prevent the sack. Here, that doesn't happen.

I was and continue to be critical of Watson and less-so the QB regarding these type of deep drop-backs. I personally don't like the idea of a young QB, slow in his reads and footwork, turning his back to a defense on a pass play like this. That doesn't mean the scheme is bad, just that Texas doesn't have a great OL or a highly qualified passer at this point. Nevertheless, it's also on the QB to throw the route or away and not take a sack. Moving on...

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293689

The sprint-out "waggle" is a staple and will continue to be featured by Texas QB's under Shawn Watson. Notice Swoopes' late read and shoulders "squaring-up" late to the throw. The ball should be out just before the WR's break. Moving forward, the Texas QB's will need quicker recognition of the read and pattern as well as better body control.

I understand that these are just "snap shots" of Texas' QB play within the offense, but what is desired from the position is consistent execution of QB fundamentals. Read keys, recognition, eyes/footwork-to-progression, body control, and ball security are the orders of the day. Texas was sorely lacking in the aforementioned early on as well as throughout the season. Also, the OL failed miserably on many occasions to provide adequate protection. So, what we've seen is a QB very inconsistent in fundamentals AND an inconsistent OL in blocking and protection. It's bad enough when it's only one, but when it's both, there is very real potential for sacks and TFL madness.

As we move forward I'd like to change the framing of this discussion a bit. How might soon to be redshirt freshman QB Jerrod Heard "fit" into the Texas offense given what we've seen? To answer that question, let's examine a bit more from the Texas offense. Some will be similar to the above, but I'll provide more of how I see Heard impacting some similar concepts and schemes. Let's take a look.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277033

Here is a 2-TE twins set, Swoopes displays good "scramble timing" on this play. Whether his job is to step up in the pocket, then scramble or scramble right to scan the backside of the play is not known, but it's easy to see how a more athletic and much faster QB can further challenge a defense in off-schedule situations.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277065

Here is a concept I like very much. It's a split-zone sprint-out concept. I can't be certain if a read is on here, but it looks like there is one on the usual suspect, the DE. This places him in a very disadvantageous position, there are two to his one, winning. Now, imagine having an speedster like Heard. Now you have two very dangerous players on their feet in the open field, good luck!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277174

Now this, a similar concept to the one above, but from under center and the backside WR is coming across formation. Notice how "lumbering" Swoopes is executing these concepts, he needs to improve his footwork and body control. Heard is likely to possess the needed quick feet and elite body-control to execute this concept a "click" or two faster, leading to more consistent accuracy and bigger 1st-down gains. Of course the jury will be out regarding Heard's recognition and ability to make accurate throws on time. That is, right before the receivers break-off their routes, a much needed improvement in the Texas passing game.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277134

Now, here is Lead Draw. Let's imagine a scenario where the RB properly executes his 2nd-level block and instead of Swoopes on the draw play, it's Heard.., Touchdown Texas!!! Well, at the very least the play is transformed into an "explosive" gainer.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277198

Where I suspect Heard, like Swoopes, needs to improve, is in tying footwork to the timing of a play. This also aids in accuracy by not "hurrying" throws. Notice the late read of the flat and corner route pattern, but also the sloppy footwork. It's bad enough having one thing go wrong, but two puts the concept in further jeopardy. This is also an area where Shawn Watson doesn't cut corners with regards to QB development. Since we are not a near 100% shotgun-spread offense, the QB is tasked with executing a greater number of drop-backs that all require footwork and timing in relation to the concepts. Nevertheless, from what I see, the Texas offense is QB-friendly, but as of now, may not have a suitable passing talent at the position. Whether that remains the case is what has many Texas fans both anxious and eager about the future.

Lastly, the run game is the most obvious area Heard will be able to impact the game. I don't need to belabor this idea, but suffice to say, there were schemes that left many Texas fans scratching their heads. The two that stand out the most, zone-read and the option.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4294147

I think it's safe to say Heard does not get "walked down" on a play like this. Given that Heard's high school offense centered around many read concepts similar to the one above, it's fair to say he will acclimate to the read-based run game quicker than Swoopes has this season.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4294273

Above is everyone's favorite 2014 most-dreaded play, the option. Again, I don't need to belabor the point here. Heard provides a much needed legitimate run threat in many of Texas' base schemes in both the run and pass game. Defenses will be forced to play the Texas backfield very honest and downright fear packages like the two above.

Then of course remains the ubiquitous zone-read.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4294308

Above you see how the defensive front has expanded, thus opening a bigger running lane for the RB. Once an offense begins having success on the perimeter, the inside run game is often granted bigger running lanes, this goes both ways. Heard will provide the type of threat that forces the backside edge defender being read to expand, thus completely granting the "hat-on-hat" blocking the read-option seeks to achieve.

This coaching staff was both unlucky and lucky this season. Ash's injury and Swoopes' serviceability enabled them to protect Jerrod Heard from needing to play as a true freshman while also spending time developing Swoopes. Whether he remains the starter or becomes the back up, the QB depth chart is sure to be a strength due to the time afforded by Swoopes' 2014 campaign. A couple of welcome changes to the 2015 edition of the Texas offense are an upgrade in talent and experience on the OL and also added quickness and explosiveness to the RB position. We shall see what the future holds for this heralded position, but all fans can ask for is much needed improvement is what was seen in Swoopes and what was unseen in Heard. I hope you enjoyed and as always, feel free to take the red marker to the post. Hook'em!

Defeating TCU’s 4-2-5

The famed TCU 4-2-5 is coming to Austin yet again. I won't be going into detail about it, but if you'd like to delve deeper, google it. Most football geeks are  familiar with what originally made Patterson's defense unique, it's split-field coverage and a divorced coverage and front. Texas will need a simple plan to account for the front's different alignments (techniques) and the variety of slants and gap exchanges they can employ. They will also need to account for the aggressive filling of the strong and weak safeties in the run game. Also, the route combinations, especially in the quick pass game must account for man and the variety of zone coverages TCU plays, Cover-2 Robber, Blue, and Cover-5.

The generic answer to all of these considerations is to formulate a game plan that stresses the strong and weak safeties' assignments and responsibilities in both run and pass defense. I don't intend on that meaning the other defenders are no worry at all. If the TCU front alone can continually defeat Texas' run blocking and pass protection, it'll be a long night! I suspect that will not be the case. So, what might we see?

Let's take a look at the Frogs' defensive alignment vs a "pro set" and spread set.

In the first picture it seems as though TCU is in a 1-high safety alignment. This is due to the distortion caused by the offensive formation, requiring the SS on the line, FS to drop down (on DKR), and the WS to come over the top to account for the gaps to the run strength and or help with coverage over the top of the #2 receiver. It also shows the type of numbers TCU can place in the box (9 players!) to defend the run. The second picture is the polar opposite of the first, notice the 2-high safety alignment here. In this case the slot shifts into the backfield to create a 3 X 1 look in which case TCU will often make one of their Solo or Special coverage calls. In Solo, the weak side CB is in man while the WS comes over the top to help with the #3 receiver. In Special the strong side CB will be in man with the SS and FS in Blue coverage while the weak side CB, WS, and Mike have their own call. So, no matter the formation, TCU effectively divides the field into smaller parts, all the while allocating numbers to areas of the field that offer higher success rates for the offense.

It's important to note the area and or space shared by the strong side SS, Mike linebacker and FS as well as the weak side CB, WS, and Sam linebacker. Texas must attempt to distort and attack these "complexes" via a quick-hitting inside and perimeter run game, horizontal and vertical stretch concepts, and the use of both run and pass action fakes to keep these players "flat-footed".

What concepts may we see? For fun I pulled some pictures from the 2012 Harsin-Patterson match up. In them I'll highlight a few ideas.

In the above picture we see motion into a bunched WR set (important motif). The #1 WR runs a stop route with #3 running an out route right underneath. Notice how the stop route creates the space necessary to throw the out route, a good combo. I like the use of stack and bunch WR sets as they grant free releases, tend to trigger zone coverage, and create novel angles of attack, whether it be in the run game or in pass patterns.

In the above picture we see something many should be familiar with from this season. "21" personnel aligned strong with a 5 yard cushion on the #1 to the boundary. Run action and the cushion yield an easy pick up on the weak side with a quick out route. Did you notice the "complexes" I referred to?

 Here we have "ghost motion" with a quick draw called to the weak side. Again, note the distortion and space where the weak side #1 receiver vacates, catching them in a call where the CB is man-covering the weak side #1.

Now we have jet motion and inside run double play-action meant to single-up a WR on a deep route. Again, the combination serves to distort and stretch the SS, FS, and CB to the passing strength.

Here we run the jet sweep paired with an inside run. This flips the passing strength while also challenging the weak side safety and corner in open space against physical blockers, another theme I anticipate.

Here is a "21" personnel strong I-formation with a twins set. The FB takes the flat, helping clarify the read of the CB and FS over the twins receivers pushing vertical.

Another perimeter run play with a lead blocker and a puller, I-formation football y'all! Again, attacking the passing strength edge and challenging defenders in space with big physical blockers.

This one is a passing concept I liked from a spread 2 X 2 set. TCU looks to be in Cover-5 and the route combination to the boundary are a short in paired with a deep in. Here, the deep in comes open.

Lastly, we have what looks like a "Scissors" concept. This is great because the quarterback reads the deep safety's leverage and throws away from it (didn't happen above). Notice the corner route WIDE OPEN.

Anyhow, I hope I've provided a few examples of how Texas may again attack Patterson's defense. Through the quick game, stacked and bunch sets, quick-hitting inside and lead perimeter runs, play-action "both ways", and seeking to distort and stretch the above mentioned "complexes" with versatile route concepts, Texas may be able to ruin the Frogs' dreams of College Football Playoff glory. Hook'em y'all! 

Texas' Journey Midway...

It's been a while since I've blogged about the Longhorns. Needless to say, it's been a roller-coaster ride thus far and has seemed to me that the emotions evoked by this Texas team has been enough for an entire season. Nevertheless, let's revisit some things regarding what we've seen thus far.

What have Watson & Co shown us to this point? Well, it seems the offense has since been stripped-down and "repurposed" for use with new starting quarterback Tyrone Swoopes. Upon watching the season-opener, the offense was "trending" in appearance similar to what Watson installed at Louisville. Watson seemed comfortable with allowing David Ash to largely control the action regarding pre-snap checks and adjustments at the line of scrimmage and for good reason. David Ash was an experienced player with above-average recognition and "eye-skill". Fast forward to Swoopes taking over, the offense was stripped-down and a different subset of the playbook has been utilized since to suit the big man's strengths, a big arm and mobility. The focus early-on was on the quick passing game along with Texas' base run game. Though very limited, I suspect the staff sought to repetition this aspect of the Texas offense to help Swoopes improve in comfort, confidence, and recognition. Also, the run and quick passing game forms the back bone of the Texas offense and is something that a quarterback must be proficient in before becoming a difference-maker. The staff then began to expand the intermediate and deep passing game over the course of the Kansas, Baylor, and Oklahoma game. The execution in attacking these zones hasn't always been satisfactory, but the fact that it has shown growing competency is what's important. So, how would I describe Watson's offense now?

An interesting thing happened with Ash's season-ending injury. For better or worse, I believe it forced the staff to stumble upon an offensive identity that I personally had hoped for since they were first hired. There is still plenty of Watson's stamp on this offense, but make no mistake, this is a fair departure from what many fans expected from Watson after watching old Louisville games. The Texas offense is a zone-based, ball-control, variable tempo, and multiple offense. Wow, that was a mouthful! Watson's "surface games" are still present, but the offense has taken to spread tactics much more than originally expected while also avoiding the seemingly over-logical approach most spread teams take regarding passing and running the football based on box numbers. This team will line up and attempt to distort and smash your front. It may also utilize box counts to guide the run, pass, or packaged play read-option call as well. It is a nice blend of "pro" and "spread" based tactics and strategies. For instance, Texas will often place the quarterback under center in order to run the football or execute the quick passing game with quarterback movement. The variable formations and quarterback-running back backfield relationships helps to protect the offense from defenses keying in on run-pass tendencies. All that is needed from here is meaninful and purposeful practice in order to obtain the critical amount of repetitions necessary for high-level execution.

I'm now okay with the Texas offense taking the necessary time to develop and grow. When it does and the environment whithin which it exists begins allowing talented players to continually grow and cycle through it, it will be diverse enough to enable a myriad of different athletes to thrive. Hook'em Horns y'all!