What’s good everyone, welcome to ‘Coaches Corner: Make The Call’ – the series where we get into the nitty-gritty of play calling like never before! We’ve got the four NFC South PML coaches in the house, and we’ve thrown a random football scenario at them to see what they’ve really got. Check out the snapshot and scenario of the game we’ve got for them, and get ready to dive headfirst into their thought processes. They’re breaking it down, giving us the lowdown on their strategies, and showing us how it’s done in the big leagues. Whether you’re a football junkie, a strategy geek, or just here for a good time, you’re in the right place. This series is all about getting inside the game, making those tough calls, and having a blast while we’re at it. So grab your snacks, settle in, and let’s get this show on the road – it’s time to Make The Call!
The Scenario.
It’s 3rd and goal with 2:08 to go in the game, down 24-21. Opponent has scored 21 straight unanswered, and has the momentum. You just hit a big run to get inside the 10 and your RB is a stud. You have zero timeouts and your opponent has all 3. The QB is not mobile at all. What’s your call?
The Calls.
I’m subbing in a fresh back and going with an RPO Alert Lookie and hoping my opponent plays the run after getting gashed on the previous play. If my opponent has been using man defense a lot I’ll motion the slot over to help play off the run because I’ve typically used motion blocking earlier in the game to get my opponent thinking it’s going to be a run when he sees a WR in motion. If the DB follows the slot, I should have room to throw the slant for an easy TD.
– JT
I’m scoring immediately. I’ll even run a read option. If I’m not mobile I could sneak one in there with a QB keep knowing my opponent isn’t expecting it. I have to trust my defense to hold them to 3. cause with a 4 point lead we should be able to keep them from scoring a touchdown at all costs.
– Nef (who clearly didn’t understand what I was asking for lol)
I’d run a rpo bubble with how that corner is shaded on the inside. I’d use the bubble as my first progression then hand the ball off if the bubble isn’t there.
– Cammy
Defensive line looks really weak, I’m motioning my wide TE over to a split back look and having him lead my RB into the endzone and trusting my defense. To me the worst case scenario (outside of fumble which ends the game) is a small loss which sets up a still short 4th and goal. I think my original playcall against this defense is good enough to get the TD but if it isn’t I’m coming out in gun bunch right with the HB on the strong side. I’m then calling a designed rollout to the right where the HB goes and chips the edge rusher to make sure there isn’t any early pressure. I’m having the outside bunch guy take out the slot and TEs defenders with a drag as the slot guy goes straight to the flat and the TE goes deep corner. The RB can also release and follow the flat. The immobile QB prob won’t run but I trust the route combo to get a TD
JC
