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QB & Offensive Communication



It is well documented that the Jets try to break down the opponents pass protection so they can bring an extra guy. That extra guy is to sack, hit or at least make the QB throw the ball early.

There are many hours spent trying to figure out the blitz zone package that the Ryan brothers like to run. We had a feel for it when I coached with the Titans. I can’t give that secret away. It will cost ya.

Generally the center is the QB of the offensive line. Although that is the case, the QB has the ability to overrule him if he recognizes something the center can’t see. They identify the Mike backer which in turn tells the offensive line who they block. After that, the line will in turn make calls to each other so everyone is on the same page.

You see most QBs In the league walk up to the line, call out the number and point to the mike backer. Payton Manning and Tom Brady are players that are the most definitive prior to the snap. The declaration is made in both the passing and run game. It makes sure that everyone knows the mike but also where the other backers are. In the passing game it let’s the QB know where he is at risk when the defense blitzes.

We are back in the Jets vs Packer game… Green Bay has the the ball just before the half. Remember, the QB generally has the control over this declaration. But is this case the QB of the line…the center has the control.

The reason this is interesting is that on two occasions I heard Arron Rogers ask the lineman “where y’all going”? I almost laughed! Arron saw a overload blitz coming and wanted to know which way he would need to slide to deliver the ball. After getting the signal from the center, Arron did a great job of sliding, just enough, to his right or left to deliver the ball. It’s eight seconds left in the first half when he last did in the first half. It ended with a strike to Randall Cobb for a TD.

Excellent job of communication between Arron and his offensive line. It shows how good plays are made when everybody is on the same page.
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Coach EB

Browns’ Runners



Two out of the three running backs that the Browns are counting on this year have had to miss time because they have soft tissue injuries.

This is a position, in my estimation, that will be counted on more so this year.

The possibility that the QB position will be inconsistent looms larger than before. (Although, they practiced pretty good Sunday.)

Two of the possible guys that can be major contributors were watching practice instead of developing their respective games.

That ruffles my fricking feathers!

(possible frustration)

Yes… injuries happens to all players at one point or another. But, from all indications, these guys failed to arrive in the necessary physical condition.

When this kind of stuff happens there is a tendency to wait for it, it’s coming. Boom! The other shoe drops.

Should their mental shape be questioned as well? Dang!

With the reduced load in training camp already lightened and the possibility that they won’t get enough reps to really be ready to carry the load, they are getting further behind and in worse shape then what they came into camp.

Shiggadee!!!! It can be a dangerous and slippery slope.

Now they are going to have to be given more milk and nursed into playing, instead of being fed the meat that would truly develop them into the leaders and studs that can galvanize an entire team.



Extra running after practice needs to be mandatory. Going in early and getting extra non-impact cardio is important so they build up their mitochondrion, which helps them recover more quickly when they get tired.

Let’s go young bucks. Take the bull my the horns and don’t let go. It could be in your wheelhouse. All love

NFL Training Camp- Then & Now



NFL TRAINING CAMP THEN-NOW

It’s the night before the final cuts of the 1984 NFL training camp. (REAL TRAINING CAMP) Cleveland Browns TC started the weekend after July 4th and lasted for almost 2 months. It was like being stuck in the twilight zone!

I’ve been balling from the beginning, so I haven’t had an uneasy feeling about being cut. But tonight is a little different. I slept well after I finally fell asleep while half expecting a knock on the door. My roommate has been gone for a week, so I’m alone.

I wake up to sunshine and no knock. I pop up and run to the door to take a peak out. QUIET. It was almost spooky. I call home to tell Granny and then call my wife. I made it!

After the call, I sat for a while to let it all sink in.

We have a team meeting at 9:00 am. I take what has become my normal seat. Mike Pruitt, Boyce Green, Charles White and Johhny Davis are the other backs. Marty is talking, but I’m in amazement now because I’m on the team with guys I’ve watched on tv.

The room is really half empty, so Marty Schottenheimer’s voice almost echoes. But once we get on the field… Wait! Where are the lines of guys waiting to get reps? This is it?! What a realization of how special it is to be on the roster and in the NFL.

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up on the game and the games played that you forget the specialness of being in the league.

Seeing those empty seats and short lines provided an “Oh Snap” moment for me. Love what you do and appreciate the constant challenge that can make you a better person and player.

Well that was way back when…training camp was actually about training and competing. It was where more uncertainty loomed regarding final roster spots. It felt like guys had a real shot at competing for a spot on the roster and veteran players could battle for the job another player was drafted for.

No more real training…well it’s still training but not at the levels of before. We were battle tested before we got to another team.

The evolution of the game has taken away the grueling aspect of camp. Salary caps have made it where there is more concern regarding safety and getting guys to the season as opposed to truly developing the roster from top to bottom.

Yes development still happens while keeping an eye on how much exposure the top tier players get. In some situations, I noted the player was being coached down as opposed to coaching him up or truly developing him and making him better.

Yep… Training camp is long gone never to return. There may still be some sleepless nights, but none like 1984. What a blessing for the chance a lil ole’ 10th rounder out of East Carolina from Milledgeville got just being in a true training camp.



NFL Motivation

NFL Motivation

 

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Motivation

Picture this: It’s a really nice crisp morning here in Jacksonville and I am riding my bike alone on Baldwin Trail west of Jacksonville. I, all of sudden, have this feeling that someone is coming up on me to my left. Now for a bike rider, that is someone faster than you about to pass. Now the problem with this is, I don’t like that. I feel like I can ride with, well some of the best, but I know the reality is that I am probably in the lower middle caste of bike riders. But anyways, the thought comes to me that if I don’t want anyone passing me, then I should ride like it. I should work on my speed intervals, my one leg strokes and my full stroke technique with passing other bikers in mind.

To become one of the best at riding, I have to go get it. Reacting to someone riding up on and passing me is not the time. I have to do my bike riding due diligence.

This is nothing novel, new or ground breaking but, sometimes stating the obvious is the right thing to do.

We have the draft every year and new blood, rookies or newborns are brought into the league to hopefully improve the team. Each year players on all levels face a possible challenge for their position on the team. The recognition is not there at times, but it is a consistent. This is the cycle of NFL life and the thing that will keep the right type of players motivated. You see, no one can or should be overly secure about where they are on the team, but they are secure with who they are.

If you are driven and want to be the best, then you will prepare with that in mind. You don’t wait until someone is drafted to perhaps take your spot. You work with being the absolute best in mind at all times. It will affect how you work in the off-season, how you practice, how you meet, how you get your rest and how you relax. It’s a lifestyle that drives you even when you are not really thinking about it. It becomes innate.

To be the best and being driven to play perfect is sometimes a curse. It is filled with uncertainties and fears. It can also ward off those potential replacements that are a constant in this profession.

You should always push yourself no matter whether someone is drafted in your area or if they don’t bring in a soul. When they draft someone to challenge where you are, it doesn’t change who you are. Well, unless it makes you or takes you to a new and higher level.

Oh yeah, on the bike trail, just so you know, it wasn’t anyone there. It was just my ethereal body pushing me. I did pick it up, worked on my one leg stroke and focused on my technique. I didn’t get passed today, but Eddie is out there looming. I am getting ready Eddie. That’s another story for another time.

 

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Quarterback Elevation

Quarterback Elevation

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Evolution of the game…

The QB has always been an important part of football teams. The league seemed to make a conscious decision to protect them because they had a vision of what they wanted the game to look like. Points sell tickets?

Elevation of the QB position and the attempted evolution of the game both coincided. I can remember distinctly a quote by Jim Brown. “The running back position is the premier position in Football.” I believed it then, but have adjusted my thought according to how the game has been ruled.

On yeah! You dam skippy, I still believe the position is crucial to the success of the team, even with the constant talk of devaluing. Don’t believe the hype. The teams that win late in the year know. The last line of defense for the QB has to know what all the lineman do in pass protection and in the run game, he handles the ball, on most days the second most. I could go on…but digression may ensue.



Rule changes regarding when and how the QB could hit. If you pay attention, you will see some of the bigger QBs taking advantage of the new and evolving no hit zones. They are holding onto the ball longer, staying up in the pocket and not running out of bounds as readily.

The rule changes for the QB also started the process of trying to make the game safer for other players. Hopefully, the rules don’t rule out a good thing.

It started with taking away the launch or the ability to hit the QB in the head. The launch was inevitably taken away from the defensive player, especially, when a receiver can’t see the defender that is about to tackle him. They now call him a defenseless player.

He has a defense…Don’t take your ass out or in there. Ok, you are right, that’s old school.

Taking care of the QB and the defenseless player has made the passing game more finesse. The players that have realized the particular advantage, take it and run with it. Literally! The bigger more brazen QBs don’t even duck when some defenders come at them. Receivers that would normally have to muster up courage to go across the middle, now do it with heart. The records gained after rule changes should be separated.

By understanding and taking advantage of the rule changes, offensive coordinators can come off the bus throwing the football. The QB position has increased in importance, thus becoming what Jim called ” the premier position in football.

 

 

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Power of Adaptation

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1987 play-off game…Colts vs Browns in Municipal Stadium. It was one of Cleveland’s familiar wind off of Lake Erie cold days. It had been so cold, the field was frozen. For the most part, the green that was on the field was painted.

So, what does a running back wear on this type of field? There is no penetrating it with traditional cleats. Tennis shoes may work, but I may slide where grass is actually present.

Luckily, I have been playing hard firm and fast tracks in a pair of Pony shoes. They were a mixture of astro shoes and mini cleats. I decided to go with them.

That adaptation enabled me to play one of the finest play-off games, from a running backs perspective, in Cleveland Brown’s post season history.

The power of adaptation is a remarkable tool! As humans, we have a choice how we view each day. Each experience is a chance to exercise our decision making ability.



Granny use to say ” if they give you chicken sh_t make chicken salad.” Luckily I haven’t actually had to eat that type of chicken salad, but I have used that metaphor in all aspects of my life.

Adapting to the circumstances and situations we are provided in life, is a constant choice!

When you are in a position where you have no choice in making the situation like you want it, make the situation work out anyway. The ability is within you to make the necessary adjustments.

It’s a decision!

If you feel you don’t have the wherewithal, it’s no shame in seeking advice. My advice from Granny provided a lifetime of knowledge. That knowledge ultimately turned into wisdom.

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Loyalty…where is it

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Has free agency affected the length of players career? It has definitely hurt the overall development of the players on and off the field.

Earning your way or veterans taking young guys under their wings has become more difficult because the deck of players are constantly shuffled.

The sense of team or family can’t be a talking cry.

There had to be continuity some where in the organization. A certain way of doing things or a certain type of player being sought or acquired.

The constant shuffle of coaches and players has made it more difficult to have lasting and continued success.

Loyalties are limited because ties have to be cut shorter and shorter based on monies or the lack of microwave success.

The better player developers in form of coaches, are at a premium. John Fox & Harbaugh will be missed at their former places of employment. Marty Schottenheimer and Tony Dungy were difficult to replace.

After Marty and Tony left their respective teams, there was short success because of the culture that was built, but it was short lived.



When you have good coaches in house, find a way to make it work. Replacing them, almost assuredly, will cost.

Microwave success is short term, but may be a necessity in this modern day football. It may show deficiencies more quickly while providing short careers for players and constant turnover within the coaching and front office ranks.

Game Within The Game…Passing Game

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In all of the passing play designs, the route depths, pass protection and QB drops(3,5/7 steps) are tied together. It doesn’t take much to throw off the timing. If someone is not on the same page, disaster looms. But, sometimes when they break down, players make plays. That’s what Hoyer and Gabriel did for a TD vs Tampa.

Excellent job by Hoyer and Gabriel on this play. It initially started out as a three step hitch to TG. As you can see in the picture below, he ran about a six yard route and Hoyer is about 5yds deep. Hoyer may have felt the line backer so he didn’t throw the hitch. Both he and the receiver adjusted and the protection held up long enough to make the play. Let’s take a look at the pass protection.

 

The pass protection starts out being a three step protection. The fullback motions out of the backfield and leaves West (34) almost 7 1/2 yds deep. That’s toooo Deep! for a three step pass. West should be no deeper than 6yds… 7yds max… He should take his alignment first or make the FB move up so he can get to an appropriate depth. He can use the fullback as camaflogue, so the defense can’t pick up his alignment.

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I break down the pass protection responsibilities below. The lineman have the 4 down lineman and the weak backer (Will #51) and the back has the middle (Mike #59) and the strong side backer (Sam#54) One to two. The Sam backer is the most dangerous in this situation because he’s on the line of scrimmage (L.O.S.) and is an immediate threat. The runner needs to go get him right away, so he doesn’t meet him right at the QBs heels. #34 didn’t seem like he expected the Sam to come. He should be cocked and ready to explode to the blitzer.

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Any delay by the runner will give the rushing defender an advantage. You can see below, David is almost to the QB. West has a right to cut on a three step and in case of emergency, but this is real iffy here. West false stepped coming out of his stance and gave #54 a head start. Cutting this close to the QB is dangerous to the QB and the play. West should be cutting the defender now as opposed to where he ends up. On this occasion he gets away with it. I heard the commentator say great job and good block, but in actuality, he was lucky this wasn’t disasterous.

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Players making plays is a great thing. Love to see it when it comes together. I hope this gives you more insight into the “game within the game.” Hoyer felt the pressure, rolled to his left and found the open receiver. Win!
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Coach EB

Shelton and Browns Mentality

Shelton and Browns Mentality

 

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The talk leading up to the Cincy game was Johnny football. The talk has been since is…of course all about Johnny football. It was all about his first start and his lack of efficiency. No fairy or I should say, “Johnny dust,” to sprinkle and make it all good.

My thoughts at this point go back to the defense. I’m looking at two plays that gave the tone of the day for the Browns.

The Bengals get the ball first. Opposite of what I had envisioned as the beginning. Anyway, they get the ball and STEAM roll their way down the field. The first four run plays go 3,7,8 and six yards. A dominant way to start.

The picture below shows the blocking scheme that the Browns’ D had to face. It’s a play we use to call 36 BOB. B.O.B. means back on backer or from a defensive perspective Backer on Back. The fullback and the linebacker have to go man to man in the hole.





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This is where “Big Shelton” can be of assistance from the nose or the three technique. These type of holes should be fewer.

In the picture below you can see the play has started and the action is on. The blocking scheme is taking full flight and Bam!! the full back is underneath the linebackers chin. No go on the technique by #53 Craig Robertson. He should be delivering a blow to the fullback. Same foot-Same shoulder, then separate to make the tackle. Look where his hands are. If you can see, it’s like he is hugging #89’s head. At this point in the season and with the season on the line, more discipline and a better mentality is needed by CR. Trust me 89 was tough the rest of this drive too.

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This is a tone setter for what’s to come. An ass waxing is in order!

Shifting to pass Defense…

In the next picture, which was later in the first drive, Bernardo is about to release out of the backfield to run a wheel route. The two receivers will run shallow routes to shield/pick the defenders. Circled in black are four of the Browns defenders. Who should have the flat area? Well they don’t cover it.

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The ball has been snapped and the shallow routes have begun and #25 is releasing on his wheel route. “Scott Free.” Circled in red are four Browns defenders. I ask again, WHO HAS THE FLAT??? Everyone is fixated on the receivers. Look at their heads. No one is looking at the runner. Pass complete for a big gain and a BS horse collar call on top of it all.

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So the the topic can be on Mister football but the defense has a bunch to get right. Johnny has motivation to get his butt in gear as does the defense. They took a real physical butt whooping.

The draft gives new blood and brings with it excitiment from the young and motivation to the vets. This which should challenge and make all better.

Let’s go Dawgs

Game Within the Game

Game Within the Game

Even within a game there is a lost and there are some victories that happen. For the Redskins vs the Colts, the very first defensive play produced a win for the defense and a lost for the Colts offense.
In the first picture below it can be seen that Kerrigan has gotten off on the snap and is ready to attack Cherilus. Kerrigan has his hands up in a position to slap Cherilus’ down. Cherilus is already in trouble. Good basic pass protection starts with your hands up in a position ready to punch the defender.

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In the next picture I have circled the shoulders of both players. Kerrigan has slapped the right arm of the tackle and gotten his left shoulder past the right shoulder of Cherilus. Another sign of trouble. The next step for #91 is to work his swim move to get past.

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Ok…we can really see the trouble that Cherilus is in. Look at his feet. His feet are almost touching each other. You can see that the other pass protectors have their legs about shoulder width apart. Big trouble for the QB. WATCH OUT ANDREW! Kerrigan is ready to accelerate to his sack.

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Got ya! You can see that Kerrigan has left the tackle behind. Cherilus has tried to cut the rusher in shear desperation. A last ditch effort to slow down the pass rush. Futile!…especially with the type of technique displayed.

The sack/fumble is made and the ball is out. It’s circled in yellow or Gold and ready to be pounced on.

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The Game within the Game “win” for the Redskins has gotten the team exactly what it needed to start the game, especially in a hostile environment. The next step is to get the offense to punch this thing in.

Coach EB