Anatomy of A Play

harvey1

Great post. Thanks for taking the time

Xanthros

Wow...thanks for the education. I love these threads as I never played organized football and quite frankly got my education playing 2K football and watching it on TV It's really nice to see a little deeper in these guys heads to understand how it all works. Keep em going!!!!

Earl34

@xanthros said:
Wow...thanks for the education. I love these threads as I never played organized football and quite frankly got my education playing 2K football and watching it on TV It's really nice to see a little deeper in these guys heads to understand how it all works. Keep em going!!!!

Thanks. I'm still trying to learn it myself but sometimes trying to explain it is just as educational.

57BelAir

Glad to see such a post. I had just been thinking that I'd like to learn the mechanics of the modern NFL game, so to better appreciate what IS happening and then later what HAD happened, in replaying the game.

I had also been thinking for a long time now, that the public is exposed to all kinds of X's and O'x talk during the game and afterwards (ESPN), but where does a novice to the game learn the complete vocabulary of the game and a fine understanding of how both sides of the ball are playing -- to a man -- on any given play?

Does a Madden-type game on XBox deliver that level of demonstration, including FB 'speak' and vocabulary?

Without this knowledge, even listening to post-game pressers is--for me--like listening to an explanation of how the experiment went at the Large Hadron Collider.

Jibz

Your breakdowns are one of the first things I look for on this great site.

Thank you!

Grippe

Excellent stuff - really enjoying your 'Anatomy' series of posts.

tampadawgs

Love it

Earl34

@57belair said:
Glad to see such a post. I had just been thinking that I'd like to learn the mechanics of the modern NFL game, so to better appreciate what IS happening and then later what HAD happened, in replaying the game.
I had also been thinking for a long time now, that the public is exposed to all kinds of X's and O'x talk during the game and afterwards (ESPN), but where does a novice to the game learn the complete vocabulary of the game and a fine understanding of how both sides of the ball are playing -- to a man -- on any given play?

Does a Madden-type game on XBox deliver that level of demonstration, including FB 'speak' and vocabulary?

Without this knowledge, even listening to post-game pressers is--for me--like listening to an explanation of how the experiment went at the Large Hadron Collider.

Thanks everyone. I have been interested in this sort of thing for a while;

I would offer a couple of resources for those interested in learning more:

1) For those of you with Sirius satellite radio, the "Moving The Chains" show from 3-7pm EST with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan really is great. Tim is a former player and Pat is a former coach, scout and GM. The show isn't always about X's and O's but they usually infuse a lot of information into their shows that I can't say you get anywhere else. Not every show on NFL network is THIS informative but I love the show and listen to as much as I can. Since the two of them have covered most of the positions available in a football organization, their insight is really great. They also don't allow some of the bull that goes on other shows from the callers. They keep it pretty high level. This show is the only reason I keep Sirius. It alone is worth it to me.

2) Pat Kirwan (above) has written a book called "Take Your Eye Off The Ball" which is really great. It's a "how to watch football" kind of book for someone who wants a deeper understanding. If you played a ton of football or have a lot of knowledge in the area...it's possibly not detailed enough (another book is apparently on the way) but it's really quite good. It breaks down what everybody does and it also has a great chapter about what a week is like for coaches and players. He also goes through different position groups and describes what they do and how teams look for them. You could probably read the whole thing in a weekend. I am considering giving this away as a Christmas present this year.

3) There is a website that I love (but doesn't get updated too often) called "Smart Football" at http://www.http://smartfootball.com/. Sometimes it's a bit over my head but I have a good time trying to figure it out

While these resources won't necessarily make you an expert, I think they'll get the interested fan a little deeper in knowledge and would be a good start.

kshutchins

@earl34 said:
Thanks everyone. I have been interested in this sort of thing for a while;
I would offer a couple of resources for those interested in learning more:

1) For those of you with Sirius satellite radio, the "Moving The Chains" show from 3-7pm EST with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan really is great. Tim is a former player and Pat is a former coach, scout and GM. The show isn't always about X's and O's but they usually infuse a lot of information into their shows that I can't say you get anywhere else. Not every show on NFL network is THIS informative but I love the show and listen to as much as I can. Since the two of them have covered most of the positions available in a football organization, their insight is really great. They also don't allow some of the bull that goes on other shows from the callers. They keep it pretty high level. This show is the only reason I keep Sirius. It alone is worth it to me.

2) Pat Kirwan (above) has written a book called "Take Your Eye Off The Ball" which is really great. It's a "how to watch football" kind of book for someone who wants a deeper understanding. If you played a ton of football or have a lot of knowledge in the area...it's possibly not detailed enough (another book is apparently on the way) but it's really quite good. It breaks down what everybody does and it also has a great chapter about what a week is like for coaches and players. He also goes through different position groups and describes what they do and how teams look for them. You could probably read the whole thing in a weekend. I am considering giving this away as a Christmas present this year.

3) There is a website that I love (but doesn't get updated too often) called "Smart Football" at http://www.http://smartfootball.com/. Sometimes it's a bit over my head but I have a good time trying to figure it out

While these resources won't necessarily make you an expert, I think they'll get the interested fan a little deeper in knowledge and would be a good start.

Thanks! If anyone else knows good resources, these pre-holiday days are a great time to offer them so they can be put on our lists for Santa.

next2nothing

Great stuff as always Earl, I really look forward to these threads every week. Keep it up!

Hawgdawg

@earl34 said:
Thanks everyone. I have been interested in this sort of thing for a while;
I would offer a couple of resources for those interested in learning more:

1) For those of you with Sirius satellite radio, the "Moving The Chains" show from 3-7pm EST with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan really is great. Tim is a former player and Pat is a former coach, scout and GM. The show isn't always about X's and O's but they usually infuse a lot of information into their shows that I can't say you get anywhere else. Not every show on NFL network is THIS informative but I love the show and listen to as much as I can. Since the two of them have covered most of the positions available in a football organization, their insight is really great. They also don't allow some of the bull that goes on other shows from the callers. They keep it pretty high level. This show is the only reason I keep Sirius. It alone is worth it to me.

2) Pat Kirwan (above) has written a book called "Take Your Eye Off The Ball" which is really great. It's a "how to watch football" kind of book for someone who wants a deeper understanding. If you played a ton of football or have a lot of knowledge in the area...it's possibly not detailed enough (another book is apparently on the way) but it's really quite good. It breaks down what everybody does and it also has a great chapter about what a week is like for coaches and players. He also goes through different position groups and describes what they do and how teams look for them. You could probably read the whole thing in a weekend. I am considering giving this away as a Christmas present this year.

3) There is a website that I love (but doesn't get updated too often) called "Smart Football" at http://www.http://smartfootball.com/. Sometimes it's a bit over my head but I have a good time trying to figure it out

While these resources won't necessarily make you an expert, I think they'll get the interested fan a little deeper in knowledge and would be a good start.

Do you know where I might find a source that defines football terms commonly used by commentators (something like a dictionary of football terms)? The descriptions have changed a lot since I played football. My son can help me out if we are watching a game together (less frequent since he is now married with children). This terminology thing is difficult because the commentators seem to assume that all listeners/watchers are fluent in football-speak. That is one of the major reasons I like your analytical posts. You make it understandable.

But ain't it great that our too short qb with a weak arm can complete a pass to our receiver who is covered by one of the top cover players in the NFL?!!!!!! Just think what he could do if he fit the "description of a REAL quarterback." (Right! That's like "Just think what Bill Gates could have done if he had finished college.") It was no accident that McCoy completed that pass. That entire series to tie the game with time running down was an act of a REAL quartergack. I think he is in THE place where he needs to be playing for fans who (I hope) appreciate him.

Earl34

@hawgdawg said:
Do you know where I might find a source that defines football terms commonly used by commentators (something like a dictionary of football terms)? The descriptions have changed a lot since I played football. My son can help me out if we are watching a game together (less frequent since he is now married with children). This terminology thing is difficult because the commentators seem to assume that all listeners/watchers are fluent in football-speak. That is one of the major reasons I like your analytical posts. You make it understandable.
But ain't it great that our too short qb with a weak arm can complete a pass to our receiver who is covered by one of the top cover players in the NFL?!!!!!! Just think what he could do if he fit the "description of a REAL quarterback." (Right! That's like "Just think what Bill Gates could have done if he had finished college.") It was no accident that McCoy completed that pass. That entire series to tie the game with time running down was an act of a REAL quartergack. I think he is in THE place where he needs to be playing for fans who (I hope) appreciate him.

HD, I agree that some football commentators use too much jargon that isn't really in a lot of people's vocabulary. That's why some of the better ones are good. Tim Ryan whom I mentioned above is also an analyst on Fox on Sundays teamed up with Sam Rosen. He usually does west coast games but if you ever listen to him, the style is much like what he does on his radio show. He likes to educate the listener and take you deeper into the game. On the radio, some of the long time listeners really get the jargon down and they're good enough to say things like "Whoa, whoa...let's review for the listeners..."11 personnel", first number is the number of backs, second number is # of TEs in the game."

Do you want a glossary that defines basic things like "fumble" or do you want something that defines more esoteric stuff? Could you give me an example? Perhaps we could set up our own glossary. Between all of the posters on here we possibly could answer each other's questions.

Hawgdawg

@earl34 said:
HD, I agree that some football commentators use too much jargon that isn't really in a lot of people's vocabulary. That's why some of the better ones are good. Tim Ryan whom I mentioned above is also an analyst on Fox on Sundays teamed up with Sam Rosen. He usually does west coast games but if you ever listen to him, the style is much like what he does on his radio show. He likes to educate the listener and take you deeper into the game. On the radio, some of the long time listeners really get the jargon down and they're good enough to say things like "Whoa, whoa...let's review for the listeners..."11 personnel", first number is the number of backs, second number is # of TEs in the game."
Do you want a glossary that defines basic things like "fumble" or do you want something that defines more esoteric stuff? Could you give me an example? Perhaps we could set up our own glossary. Between all of the posters on here we possibly could answer each other's questions.

I am really looking for something that describes such things as various defensive line and back activities (various rush strategies and coverages) and descriptions of the "activities" of offensive linemen (blocking strategies), pass routes, etc.

Thanks for help!

samoth

Great breakdown, I'd love to see more of these week to week.

Tim Couch Pulls Out

Great breakdown. I've been doing some on my own for the past couple games, but I'm too lazy to screencap them and draw what I see on them. Besides, you've got it on lockdown pretty well.

I just wanted to add my two cents just to get some good chalk talk going:

- I don't think the formation was necessarily a two tight as much as it was just Evan Moore playing as a backup receiver since Cribbs was injured. He's done that a couple times this season, coming in as a slot receiver or even playing as the #2 if needed. It doesn't matter either way, though.

-With that said, I think the circumstances played out perfectly for that play. Evan Moore is a physical receiver, and a big guy. Those body isolation routes are his forte, being that he's a TE. The only reason I think Revis bit on the fade like he did was the situation. Two minute drill, rookie QB, driving down the field for the tying score, no big time receivers, inexperienced offensive coordinator... it all adds up to us playing the sideline throws. Granted, I know all that didn't go through Revis's head. But I'm sure he felt there was no way we'd play the inside post in that situation.

-That was a spectacular play by Colt, the timing was perfect and it was spot on perfect. Colt throws that a tad late, or with a little flutter on it (Ring any bells, Brady Quinn?), Revis undercuts the route and it's a big play the other way. But Colt plants his foot and drives the ball home, and that's something we haven't had in a while. And what's amazing is... Colt throws on the run even better.

- I think this shows the need we have for a legitimate #1 receiver. We've got the QB who can deliver the throws, but our backup TE is the most physical receiver on the field. Don't get me wrong, that's awesome. But Evan Moore isn't going to be stretching the field or beating out a DB on those stop fades or jump balls in the endzone. I was completely against getting a receiver in the previous drafts. But I do believe now is the time.

Earl34

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:
Great breakdown. I've been doing some on my own for the past couple games, but I'm too lazy to screencap them and draw what I see on them. Besides, you've got it on lockdown pretty well.
I just wanted to add my two cents just to get some good chalk talk going:

- I don't think the formation was necessarily a two tight as much as it was just Evan Moore playing as a backup receiver since Cribbs was injured. He's done that a couple times this season, coming in as a slot receiver or even playing as the #2 if needed. It doesn't matter either way, though.

-With that said, I think the circumstances played out perfectly for that play. Evan Moore is a physical receiver, and a big guy. Those body isolation routes are his forte, being that he's a TE. The only reason I think Revis bit on the fade like he did was the situation. Two minute drill, rookie QB, driving down the field for the tying score, no big time receivers, inexperienced offensive coordinator... it all adds up to us playing the sideline throws. Granted, I know all that didn't go through Revis's head. But I'm sure he felt there was no way we'd play the inside post in that situation.

-That was a spectacular play by Colt, the timing was perfect and it was spot on perfect. Colt throws that a tad late, or with a little flutter on it (Ring any bells, Brady Quinn?), Revis undercuts the route and it's a big play the other way. But Colt plants his foot and drives the ball home, and that's something we haven't had in a while. And what's amazing is... Colt throws on the run even better.

- I think this shows the need we have for a legitimate #1 receiver. We've got the QB who can deliver the throws, but our backup TE is the most physical receiver on the field. Don't get me wrong, that's awesome. But Evan Moore isn't going to be stretching the field or beating out a DB on those stop fades or jump balls in the endzone. I was completely against getting a receiver in the previous drafts. But I do believe now is the time.

Tim...just to clarify,...I wasn't implying that this was "2 tight" which would be two TE's lined up on next to the tackles.. When coaches talk about "12" personnel or "10" or whatever,...they're ONLY talking about WHO is on the field. It has nothing to do with where they line up. Per PK, the TE in the backfield still counts as a TE, not a back. This formation was more 2x2 than trips (because Watson isn't on the line). Either way the point is that the matchup is determined by who is on the field and also where they line up. Realize that if a DC sees Reggie Bush run onto the field, he's going to send players into the game based on who he is rather than where he lines up. Matchups! Good points. I agree. Nowhere did you see the loss of Cribbs more of a problem than in this game.

Tim Couch Pulls Out

@earl34 said:
Tim...just to clarify,...I wasn't implying that this was "2 tight" which would be two TE's lined up on next to the tackles.. When coaches talk about "12" personnel or "10" or whatever,...they're ONLY talking about WHO is on the field. It has nothing to do with where they line up. Per PK, the TE in the backfield still counts as a TE, not a back. This formation was more 2x2 than trips (because Watson isn't on the line). Either way the point is that the matchup is determined by who is on the field and also where they line up. Realize that if a DC sees Reggie Bush run onto the field, he's going to send players into the game based on who he is rather than where he lines up. Matchups! Good points. I agree. Nowhere did you see the loss of Cribbs more of a problem than in this game.

I got what you were saying, I was just trying to shore things up for other people on here who might not know too much about the terminology. It can get confusing for people who don't know what the difference is in two tight as opposed to jumbo, or what a "12 on" is in comparison to an "11 off".

I like what we are doing, it's almost similar to what the Pats are running up there in Foxborough with Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Alge Crumpler. The TE is the most important position to a QB, and they are severely underrated. A TE is a matchup problem for DC's in the redzone because they can eat up the linebackers in the hook zones, isolate DB's in the flats or on 2's and 4's, or stay in as a blocker to eat the blitz. Our TE's have proven to be amazing not only in the redzone but in the open field too, and that's an amazing asset.

And Evan Moore is providing some DC's with serious matchup problems. The acquisition of Ben Watson has helped Moore out tremendously. It's giving Moore the option of flexing out in the slot or even stepping up to the line. In the Saints game (I think), Moore beat a press so easily he made the corner look like a JV backup. It's good to have that kind of flexibility with your receiving options, especially for a young QB. TE's are a QB's safety valve more often than not, but it could be that Moore is becoming a primary option.

Earl34

I agree Tim. Can't replace a good TE for a young QB.

Another point in this personnel grouping is that with the game on the line, they went to their best grouping. Sure, we'd love to use 4 speedy WRs but we don't have that many good WRs. They felt best about two WRs and two TEs. I think they're trying to use whatever talent they have most effectively.

Can you imagine our options if Vickers could actually catch?

Tim Couch Pulls Out

@earl34 said:
I agree Tim. Can't replace a good TE for a young QB.
Another point in this personnel grouping is that with the game on the line, they went to their best grouping. Sure, we'd love to use 4 speedy WRs but we don't have that many good WRs. They felt best about two WRs and two TEs. I think they're trying to use whatever talent they have most effectively.

Can you imagine our options if Vickers could actually catch?

I wonder if that's why they brought Hillis in in the first place. Hillis as a receiving fullback, and blocking for Hardesty? That's a pretty impressive backfield. And you can split either one out as a viable WR.

I actually did something similar to that on Madden (yeah, I know it's not realistic). I had Hillis as a deep back and John Kuhn blocking for him. It's no backfield to laugh at for sure.

I just don't want to see Hillis get screwed out of carries next season.

Hoss

That is some badass work right there, Earl. Very nice. If you've done more of these on this board I would love to see them. Again, outstanding work my man.