Kent Swanson: Building the Offense for Patrick Mahomes - Article Series

[Dante84]

Kent is the new "Seth" over at AP since Seth went to the Athletic, and I think he may be better from a football perspective.

He's put together this series of how he would design a Mahomes-led offense this year, and it's been a good read.

Sharing it here in the first group of posts in the event y'all want to read as well.

Series Overview:

In the flurry of offseason moves and drama surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs this year, it feels like we don’t always remember or truly comprehend a pretty important thing: Patrick Mahomes will be leading the offense this year. Not just a throw-away Week 17 game in Denver. The whole season. From day one. It still doesn’t seem completely tangible yet. We’re still in unfamiliar territory as Chiefs fans.

Sure, he’s all over the news. But have you really sat down and spent much time thinking about what we’re all about to experience? The guy that ended the Chiefs 30-plus year drought of first round quarterbacks is now the guy. Similarly to how crazed the days leading up to the road win in Denver were, I think the closer we get, the more we’ll settle into that reality. Part of it is just the unknowns about a Mahomes-led offense. The training wheels are about to come off.

I’ve spent some time thinking about the elements I want to see included in a Patrick Mahomes offense. So much so, that we’ll be building it the next few months here on Arrowhead Pride.

The Chiefs averaged about 61 plays per game last year. We’ll bump that up to 65 and breakdown the types of plays and concepts, and the frequency I would like to see them run. We’ll be doing this as if the game script is neutral, not requiring them to play catch up or protect a lead. This is about the baseline concepts and ways I would like to see the offense function.

Before we get into specifics, we need to talk about the overarching philosophy I would like the Chiefs to employ with their young signal caller. The Chiefs have built a terrifying offense. There are threats all over the field. Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill will likely frequently line up outside the numbers. Travis Kelce will be working in the middle of the field. Kareem Hunt will be carrying the bulk of the load in the run game. Defenses are already stretched thin. The Chiefs have given Mahomes every possible weapon around him to succeed.

Luckily, the Chiefs also happen to have one of the greatest offensive minds in the game as their head coach as well. He has a knack for building around a player’s strengths. Andy Reid will have plenty to work with Mahomes.

I think the plan should be to find ways to utilize his quick release, immense arm talent and touch while trying to manage the risk involved with what they ask Mahomes to do. Teams are always scheming up easy throws for their quarterbacks. Reid is the best at it. What if your quarterback can throw a ball accurately from odd platforms with rare quickness but also stretch the field with the best of them?

I have a few ideas on how to make it easy on Mahomes while letting his special talents shine through it all.

Part 1: Run-Pass Options

Part 2: Breaking Tendencies

Part 3: Empty Formations

Part 4: Two RB Sets

Part 5: Play Action From Under Center

Part 6: Condensed Formations

Part 7: Sprint Out of the Passing Game

Part 8: Screen Passes

[Dante84]

Part 1: Run-Pass Options

Spoiler!

We’ll start with the buzzword of 2017 and the foundation of the offense I would like to see Patrick Mahomes run this season: run-pass options.

As a refresher, a run-pass option (or RPO for short) is a concept that allows the quarterback to determine at the snap of the ball whether to hand the ball off to a running back or throw one of the passing options built into the play. Usually the passing concepts require that the ball be delivered quickly in order to keep the offensive linemen from getting an illegal man downfield penalty.

Most frequently used RPO of the game. The Chiefs ran the ball 6/7 of times. Here's the pass. pic.twitter.com/OuFODkNsYK

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) December 14, 2017

The quarterback has keys to determining the choice at the snap based on the rules of the play. He could be reading the number of players in the box, the leverage of a player(s), the actions of one player and more.

This is not unfamiliar to Mahomes. The Chiefs ran 23 RPOs (mostly a bubble screen tagged to a run play) in his start Week 17 against Denver. They ran only seven run plays without some kind of passing choice attached to it. That’s an incredible amount. The Chiefs had a ton of success in that game with the concept. For instance, on bubble screens, Patrick Mahomes average 8.2 yards per attempt. Just on a simple concept. That’s because the ball is out so quickly when Mahomes is the one throwing it.

Patrick Mahomes running these concepts makes them better. The quick release and throw without a great base gives Albert Wilson extra time to process the blocks in front of him. The run play is live should he hand it off. Also, imagine if it's Tyreek HIll getting that much space. pic.twitter.com/1fTBFMM2ek

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 9, 2018

As you can see, the ball is to Albert Wilson so soon that he had an extra split second in space to maximize his yardage. It’s like having an additional blocker in space it’s there so fast. A simple bubble screen is better with Mahomes throwing it. It’s a good staple concept to establish. It can help dictate what defenses will have to do to take away the easy stuff. And it’s just one small element to the play design and stress it can put on the defense.

We haven’t even mentioned the fact that the players on the receiving ends of theses bubbles screens would likely be Tyreek Hill, one of the most explosive players in football. While the bubble concept is an obvious threat, you also have to account for the NFL’s leading rusher in the backfield.

Kareem Hunt's record breaking TD run had a bubble tagged to it. The Chiefs like to run these cheap and easy RPOs from bunch sets with a single receiver isolated on the other side (often Travis Kelce) running a quick out or slant. pic.twitter.com/GGEwjUz59K

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 9, 2018

There was a live bubble attached to Hunt’s record-sealing touchdown run. So if you worry too much about the leverage of a bubble screen on the front side of the play, Hunt can run all over you. The Chiefs are a zone running team. So these simple elements can be easily combined together. A simple bubble screen and a zone run play now require more focus and attention in practice and in game prep. But there’s still another element to the problems the Chiefs can create.

Imagine Travis Kelce isolated backside instead of Demetrius Harris. So you can hand it off to Kareem Hunt, get the ball quickly and with blockers to Tyreek Hill or have Travis Kelce isolated. Spacing your stars, giving your young QB easy completions. Ball is gone so quick here. pic.twitter.com/F05jkaq9Fk

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 9, 2018

Travis Kelce is often isolated in one-on-one situations on the backside of the formation. In fact, you would frequently see Kelce isolated in these RPO looks. He can run a quick out or slant from that alignment, so you also have to make sure you’re well prepared to keep Kelce at bay. If not, you’re giving up easy completions to an exceptional playmaker.

With this one simple concept, a defense is stressed by the best tight end in football isolated on the backside, a need to keep the box heavy enough to stop runs from one of the best backs in the game and also have to worry about one of the most explosive players in football getting the ball in space. All those plays are simple, high percentage options on one play so Mahomes is given easy options for positive results. You can’t take them all away.

What’s beautiful about this is that’s it’s simple. It’s just the baseline. There’s so much that they can do from this simple spacing structure and designs. A team could have to be prepared to handle three unique issues in three different parts of the field, not just with the RPOs but also the players spaced out all over the field and all the different things they can do outside of their simple assignments in an RPO.

Throw in the fact that you can run these plays easily from 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) and also just as easily 13 personnel (one running back, three tight ends) you’ve also created tough personnel decisions for the defense. Depending on if they go too heavy or too light on the bodies they put on the field to defend this group, the options can become more clear for Mahomes in determining the decision to make, and near impossible for a defense to correctly choose. It can also make the job of the offensive line much easier with the potential to be dealing with lighter boxes or lighter personnel. We have yet to even mention the shiny new toy the Chiefs just acquired in wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

By simply adding a few elements to the run plays they were already going to run anyway, the Chiefs can put a lot of stress on a defense with the personnel they have on the field. Three of the biggest threats at their respective positions can easily be spread all over the field with a near certainty that one of them will have a favorable matchup. It’s simply up to the young quarterback to correctly determine what the rules tell him to do. He probably can’t be wrong.

If I were the Chiefs, I would continue to make the RPO the base element of my run game. It will require Reid to trust that Mahomes will correctly hand the ball off when the situation presents itself and not get too aggressive throwing. Mahomes fared well in the regard in his first exposure to a real NFL game. He handed the ball of on 15/23 RPOs he was entrusted with, and was remarkably efficient when choosing to throw. I’d make 23 of the 65 play calls in a game a simple RPO and take the profits all over the field from your best players. Also, the game can dictate the choice to run with RPOs as well. If it’s a blurred line between run and pass, the Chiefs may be more inclined to run if they have they lead.

I’d also include 10 run plays without a pass option to keep some of the control for the run game. The formations and looks the Chiefs run those 10 plays will be run out of the remaining looks we will discuss the coming weeks. The Chiefs would need to be able to keep defenses honest to the run game in a variety of looks, those 10 run plays would help that.

Breakdown:
33/65 plays
RPOs (23) and called run plays (10)

[Dante84]

Part 2: Breaking Tendencies

Spoiler!

A lot of play calling is built on tendencies. Coordinators on both sides of the ball are poring over their own tendencies and those of their opponent. You can’t line up every week in the same formation, run the exact same play every time. You have to keep defenses honest. Anything you run needs to have tendency breakers to go with them.

If the Chiefs only ran run-pass options (RPOs) out of certain looks, teams wouldn’t feel threatened enough in other parts of the field to account for other things. The RPOs obviously become predictable and easier to plan for. That’s why the Chiefs should make sure to throw in some plays can compliment their run-pass options.

RPOs are unique because there are typically three choices on one given play. There’s most always going to be a solid solution to what the defense throws at them. Especially with the personnel the Chiefs can utilize. The Chiefs can space their stars to make it very difficult for defenses to honor them all. They can be run over and over with different choices and profits to be had. The Chiefs don’t need to run a ton of non-RPO plays out of those frequently used looks, just enough to let teams know that they can. That’s not to say the change ups can’t be lucrative.

Create fear deep and in the easy things and Mahomes can succeed, defenses will not be able to get as exotic, and the Chiefs will line up the scoreboard.
The looks the Chiefs typically run these series of plays out of enables the Chiefs to spread their stars. If the Chiefs run these same looks in the future, Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins will line up on one side and Travis Kelce isolated. The same concerns defenses have with having good numbers to stop Kareem Hunt and the run game, worrying about Watkins and Hill on bubble screens and paying enough attention to Travis Kelce on those simple RPOs can be translated to some of the pass concepts the Chiefs can use as tendency breakers. There’s a ton of solutions for the Chiefs all over the field in all areas of the field.

The Chiefs need to break tendencies of their 3x1 looks if they keep running RPOs out of them. Kelce isolated at the bottom of the screen is such a problem. He runs routes like a receiver. pic.twitter.com/I9VtLxagdr

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 20, 2018

The Chiefs dialed up a pass play out of the look they frequently run their RPOs, a 3x1 bunch set with Kelce isolated. Smith and Kelce have the freedom to work together to adjust the route based on what they’re seeing most of the time. Here they hook up on well run out route, with the running back occupying the flat on Kelce’s side.. Notice at the top of the screen Hill is simulating the bubble look from the inside of the bunch. It looks like the other two receivers were running a dig/curl. The Chiefs could even build off that if they so choose.

This is a build off the Kelce played I just showed. The first step or two is the same for every player. Spacing needs to be better on the vertical routes up top, but they could have a lot of talent in those bunches. Imagine Watkins, Hill and Conley. Could be fun. pic.twitter.com/2K1vI5xooC

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 20, 2018

The spacing at the top of the screen from the two vertical routes could be better, but I would love to see this look utilized in the near future. It’s the same formation as the play before, but with a few adjustments. Instead of the bubble, Hill is unleashed from the inside of the bunch on a post. Hill being the fastest player in the NFL allows for that to be possible from where he’s lining up. The point man of the bunch, Chris Conley, runs a deep cross to clear space for the shot play. De’Anthony Thomas and HIll are too close together on this play. The spacing needs to be worked. Imagine instead of Thomas it’s the Chiefs new offensive weapon Sammy Watkins. So better spacing between those two receivers and there’s a chance the Chiefs can hit paydirt on this look with two excellent talents running out there. You could also use Watkins to decoy as the crosser if they chose as well. We saw the Chiefs break their RPO tendencies in week 17.

The Chiefs were running RPOs out of this look in Week 17. Here they break the tendency with a vertical play. I think Harris at the top of the screen is running an out all day and Wilson is aiming for the opposite hash every time. pic.twitter.com/FOWxfGWm2e

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 20, 2018

Here the Chiefs are using one of the looks they have used a lot for RPOs. Now they stretch the field vertically. Tight end Demetrius Harris is likely running the out to create more space for the two verticals in the middle of the field. The Chiefs have now established that they can and will stretch the field vertically out of their basic staples. Demarcus Robinson at the bottom of the screen likely would have run a go had the corner been in press. If defenses don’t honor this, the Chiefs have the firepower to make them pay. They can’t just line up to try and take away the run-pass option the Chiefs frequent. Here’s the same look against press.

Same play as before but against man. Wilson identifies it and crosses the face of his defender for a sharper angle across he field. I'll never get sick of this throw. pic.twitter.com/O8WY0vYDgb

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 20, 2018

I’m sure no one reading this hasn’t watched this play a thousand times. Definitely not me. Because the Chiefs identified press, Albert Wilson took a sharper angle across the field to green grass. Excellent throw, great play by Wilson. This wasn’t anything new to Mahomes.

I could be wrong, but I don't remember seeing receivers getting to the opposite hash on these verticals in 2016. It could have been inspired by Mahomes' tape in 2016. They got their #3 over there a lot. pic.twitter.com/qN2uddHCZt

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 20, 2018

I don’t remember seeing as many vertical looks out of this trips look with such a sharp angle by the inside receiver from the Chiefs in 2016. The Red Raiders got their inside receiver to that opposite hash a lot in watching Mahomes’ college tape. This looks similar to what we saw against Denver. I expect the Chiefs to help Mahomes by carrying over some of the things he did in Texas Tech.

Mesh out of 3x1. Crossers with a middle curl/middle route behind it. Mahomes eventually hits the middle curl after scramble, it was open early if the ref wasn't in the way. pic.twitter.com/FzRNV8YSBg

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 19, 2018

The first play of the game against Oklahoma, they dialed up one of the staples of the Air Raid offense, the mesh concept. It’s two receivers crossing snugly across the field, creating natural rubs in man coverage and space behind underneath defenders in zone. Here the Red Raiders have a spot/curl route coming behind the mesh. Had the referee not been in the way, Mahomes could have hit the receiver for a nice gain.

Another concept Mahomes is familiar with is the snag concept.

I want the Chiefs incorporating this variation of snag with Mahomes running the offense out of their Y-Iso looks. Free release for the RB in the flat, snag by #3 (I call it a spot), wheel/post is your vertical stretch. Can draw a triangle with either of them. Kelce iso backside. pic.twitter.com/vS8TmC0T8h

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 19, 2018

This design typically involves a vertical stretch (normally a corner route), a receiver to the flat and a receiver going against the grain towards the quarterback on a snag (slant and stop) route. The concept creates triangles between three receivers, creating optimum spacing and good options against a variety of coverages. The flat and snag are typically good options. On this play, Texas Tech gets the effect of the vertical stretch with Wheel/Post look from the two outside receivers. The running back free releases to the flat, widening the defender with him, creating a space for Mahomes to throw the snag route. They hit the flat later in the game too.

Same snag look as earlier. Mahomes is decisive, sees the flat free, gets the ball out quick. Simple play, well executed. pic.twitter.com/OwVT6S0lMa

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 19, 2018

Easy decision for Mahomes to make. The defender might have not been anticipating a throw to the snag so he didn’t drive on the flat. Good easy completion. Mahomes’ time at Texas Tech even provided the Chiefs with some potential counters of their usual RPO looks.

The Chiefs run a lot of bubbles attached to their run plays. This would a be nice change up to incorporate a pop pass to #3. The Chiefs mix up the recipient of the bubble some anyway so this would be an organic change up to add. Hopefully Pat completes it in KC. pic.twitter.com/26SuuCWNpx

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 19, 2018

The Chiefs would mix up the recipient of the bubble screens like to keep things fresh. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that now more now that Sammy Watkins is likely lined up on that side now as well. Here is a pop pace to the furthest inside receiver. This is actually an RPO as the run play is live, but the Chiefs could incorporate this change up to help them as well. They should also try to stretch the field vertically out of these looks.

If the Chiefs keep running 3x1 RPOs with a bubble/Kelce backside, they need to keep defenses honest with a pump action, shot play. There isn't a ton of risk for a young QB throwing a pick in this situation if Mahomes doesn't underthrow, which...isn't happening. pic.twitter.com/shN0krs0P9

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 19, 2018

Here’s a little pump action to the bubble and a shot play to the receiver downfield. This may seem a little risky, but this isn’t that risky of a play in regards to the threat of a turnover. Unless Mahomes underthrows this pass there isn’t a strong chance a defender will be on top of the receiver, especially if the RPO game is working well, defenders will be driving on the play. Mahomes can utilize his insane arm talent by chucking the ball downfield where only one player has a chance to catch it and that’s the receiver. If he does that, he won’t run the risk of throwing an interception. The Chiefs should just be finding ways to maximize his arm talent in general.

Mahomes hitting this field comeback from the college hashes like it's nothing. Great anticipation, probably needs to be a tad more toward the sideline. Expect we see him hit a lot of these this season. Definitely more than we have in recent years. pic.twitter.com/Ni6TFJJPZH

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 19, 2018

There’s nothing special about the concept, I like it. I just want to see more field throws and comeback routes from the Chiefs this year.

The Chiefs goal should be trying to create as many easy throws with Mahomes as they can while stressing the defense in as many places on the field as they can. Create fear deep and in the easy things and Mahomes can succeed, defenses will not be able to get as exotic, and the Chiefs will line up the scoreboard. Being able to make longer throws can be an asset. Hopefully Mahomes will be able to hit some of these comeback routes and other field throws in the future to create more square yardage for defenses to worry about.

I would call 3x1 tendency breakers 6 of the 65 plays the Chiefs will dial up. They can pull from a variety of concepts like the plays I just showed, and stress people all over the field with them. Some of these can be staples, some of these require good timing and infrequency. These plays are a combination of things Mahomes is familiar with and plays that can be easily managed by a young signal caller.

Breakdown:

• 33/65 plays - RPOs (23) and called run plays (10)
• 6/65 plays - Tendency breakers out of the 3x1 looks the Chiefs run RPOs

[Dante84]

Part 3: Empty Formations

Spoiler!

Part of what makes Andy Reid a great offensive coach and quarterback whisperer is that he tries to tap into the comfort of his players. He works to try and incorporate the things that they’re familiar with and what they’ve had success with. It’s smart for a variety of reasons.

There’s a sample size of these players being able to execute these certain plays at a high level. Trying to recreate what got someone selected in the NFL Draft is just way too logical. Reid’s structure and complexity are notorious. It requires immense focus and effort to build comfort around. Rewarding a player by incorporating what he is already comfortable with can be seen as a helpful compromise in some regard.

Reid always talks about players adding their personality to the offense. There’s a structure to work within. The structure is demanding and requires much time and effort. What better way to add a player’s personality to a system than to give him some ownership by incorporating what he likes? That’s part of what the Chiefs have been doing through OTAs. Reid mentioning being OK with interceptions during this period so Mahomes can see what he can get away with.

This quote from Mahomes from OTAs shows the ownership they all have in this process:

The Chiefs are going to try to tap into Mahomes’ comfort zones. They already showed signs of it in Week 17 with a variety of looks and concepts that we’ve already started unpacking. One of the elements they should tap into is emptying out the backfield.

I think Pat can thrive with empty looks. No idea why though... pic.twitter.com/QxjZAxL8Xv

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 28, 2018

The downside of empty-formation plays can be the five-man protections required to run them. There is no help coming from skill players in protection. You need to have quick solutions for pressure packages the defense may throw at you. If pass rush can get home, you’re going to struggle to develop plays.

There are a ton of benefits to incorporating empty looks into the play calling. First, it’s a comfort zone for Mahomes. He’s used to being lonely in the backfield at Texas Tech.

Playing out of empty sets can help a young quarterback identify what a defense is trying to do to him. The defense is spread thin across the field, so it’s harder for it to try and disguise things. It’s more defined as less ability for a defense to disguise where pressure could be coming from and what coverage it is in. Some teams have empty checks on defense they lean on, so you could better anticipate some of the coverage looks you expect to get. The other benefit to this is that the Chiefs can do this from a variety of personnel groupings and create personnel mismatches for defenses. They can easily empty the backfield out of 11, 12, 13, 21 and 22 personnel and still have the appropriate talent on the field to have success.

The Chiefs can go with a variety of personnel groupings and still run good offense out of empty. Love this play with 12 personnel. Kelce and Demetrius Harris running a Dig/Whip right in the front of the QB. Smash in the boundary. Still good spacing, but easier throws for Smith pic.twitter.com/og3fjRHekS

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 28, 2018

Travis Kelce has a gravitational pull on defenses. The space behind him and in front of him can allow for plays to be made. Kelce runs a whip route (sells crosser, whips back out), and Demetrius Harris is running a dig route behind it. It’s a great concept that works against a variety of coverages. In the boundary is a basic smash concept (hitch and corner).



The spacing on this concept is excellent. You can draw a box from the boundary to the opposite hash between the four pass catchers. All four of the receivers are positioned so that the distance of all the throws is cut down for Smith. That’s not to say Mahomes necessarily needs throws cut down for him.

Empty looks can be fun with Mahomes because the defense is stretched thin and there's no patch of grass you can't worry about. This is a ridiculous field throw from the college hashes. pic.twitter.com/rZAmez2k3S

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 28, 2018

The hashes are wider in college than the NFL, so this is a throw Mahomes won’t have to make the exact same way, but it shows how much stress his arm can put on a defense. This is a rare throw. It’s well timed—having the right amount of touch and is perfectly placed over the shoulder of the receiver. Mahomes requires you to cover a lot of square yardage. Add good spacing via empty looks and it’s going to be hard for defenses to blitz. But even when they do blitz, Mahomes has shown the ability to handle pressure coming against their five-man protections.

This has nothing to do with my article this week, but this is exceptional. TCU sends six, Pat knows where to get the ball vs 0, only one who can catch it is his guy, gets drilled and it doesn't matter. Not as risky as it looks. Great job. pic.twitter.com/4m1bB03Qvi

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 19, 2018

I found this last week and decided to use it this week. This is a basic staple of the Texas Tech offense. The three-receiver set at the bottom of the screen is running snag concept. Mahomes knows he is facing cover zero with six rushers. He knows he has a little more wiggle room for more loft because the chances of a second defender being able to contest the throw aren’t great. He throws the ball up with anticipation to the corner route and places it where only his receiver can make the catch. He still worked within the structure of the play but navigated the pressure. There’s some structure I want to see the Chiefs utilize from Mahomes’ days in Lubbock.

I like this use of space. You've got mirrored concepts on both sides of the ball (Whip and Corner) with a middle/post splitting them. I like the idea of putting Kelce in the middle of the field. Have Hill or Watkins running one of the whips as an easy outlet. pic.twitter.com/QgynJwheoX

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 28, 2018

This is a mirrored concept. Both sides of the ball are running the same concept. Both sides have a corner route and whip route. Splitting the middle of the field is a middle/post route. It’s likely a route with options for the receiver, so the receiver can split the middle of the field vertically against split safeties, sit down against middle field closed zone coverage or have the freedom to win against man coverage.

I wouldn’t hate to see Kelce working that responsibility in the middle of the field. I’d want one of Tyreek Hill or Sammy Watkins running a corner route to the field, and the other one running a whip as an outlet should the defense get stretched too vertically. The truth of the matter is, empty is a means to utilize space for your stars.

Spread defenses thin and give Travis Kelce options to win. He and Alex are reading the play here. Easy play for a young quarterback. pic.twitter.com/DXj5m6SJ0u

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 28, 2018

Kelce likely has the freedom to break in or out here, which is why Smith pumped. Kelce is messing with this defender. It’s up to him and Smith to connect and deliver on the play. Smith held up on throwing enough to let Kelce win for a nice gain. I would expect the Chiefs use Watkins similarly at times as well. Part of the reason this play works is because of HIll running a go to create space. That doesn’t mean they can’t exploit that matchup from time to time.

Rule Number One: You're not allowed to call a receiver a clear out to his face. You politely call him an "Alert" vs certain coverage. Tyreek Hill is a legitimate alert here. Better account for him at all times or you'll pay. Now imagine Sammy Watkins on the other side too. pic.twitter.com/r9WHwxaV4M

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 28, 2018

This is a simple concept out of empty. The outside receivers on both sides of the field are running outside release vertical routes. They’re effectively clear outs for the other three inside receivers to have space to work the shorter concepts: matching outs to the field side and likely some kind of option route for Kelce at the bottom of the screen. The outside receivers are alerts throws for certain coverages.

They aren’t effective against everything a defense can throw at an offense, but on this play, Casey Hayward is locked on with Hill and isn’t getting much help behind him. The safety can’t get there in time to help, and Hill wins his matchup. Smith exploits it for six. The boundary go route is a much more likely place to hit an alert route. I wouldn’t be stunned if Mahomes took a chance on a field throw like this at some point. He has the arm talent to do it.

There are some concepts I haven’t seen the Chiefs run that would be fun to see mixed in at times as well.

I'm imaging Kelce isolated at the top of the screen, Hill the motion man coming in behind that bunch look. Seen this work for bunches and diamonds. One breaks, one breaks out, one run shallow, there should be a void for Hill to work in. They send pressure, find Kelce up top. pic.twitter.com/3Wpfidh5jD

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 28, 2018

The Chiefs toyed around with diamond formations last year, but mostly ran screens out of them. I’d like to see the Chiefs run a similar concept to this. I’d isolate Kelce on the backside of this play. If he gets a favorable one-on-one, take it. If the defense brings pressure, Kelce can be your hot receiver. I’d make Hill the motion man into the diamond. He has the unique ability with his speed to be able to get at landmarks from unfavorable locations easily. Being the bottom of a diamond formation wouldn’t keep him from getting in position downfield. You can create a void for Hill to work in with the other three receivers. Have one receiver run a vertical in-breaking route, one receiver run a vertical out-breaking route, and another occupying shallow space. Hill could be sent downfield to curl into the void or get behind underneath coverage. It’d be hard to account for Hill amidst all the movement. If the key on him, alert to the routes around him.

If the Chiefs can get the elements they have within the building to function at a high level, they can mitigate the risk of five-man protections, empty pass plays by stressing defenses out of being exotic. The Chiefs have the firepower to put pressure on defenses. They can spread them thin and all but guarantee a special talent can be put in a favorable matchup. If Mahomes can navigate these looks successfully, it’s going to lead to big rewards. I’d try to incorporate empty pass plays six times a game assuming a neutral game script.

Breakdown

• 33/65 plays - RPOs (23) and called run plays (10)
• 6/65 plays - Tendency breakers out of the 3x1 looks the Chiefs run RPOs
• 6/65 plays - Empty formation, five-man protection passes

[KChiefs1]

Swanson is very good.

[Dante84]

Part 4: Two RB Sets

Spoiler!

Any time you can have three running backs on your roster with the last name Williams, you have to do it. The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of building a separate wing of the practice facility to accommodate their bevy of ball carriers.

They’ve given themselves a lot of potential directions they can take the position group in Week 1 of the regular season. Some of their aggressiveness in acquiring running backs could have to do with the injury recoveries of Spencer Ware and Damien Williams. The other could be that they plan to utilize multiple running backs as new position coach Deland McCullough has been known to do.

The group the Chiefs have assembled has plenty of versatility to what they’re able to do. Some are physical runners like Kareem Hunt, Spencer Ware and Darrel Williams. Others provide more dynamic ability in the passing game like Damien Williams, Kerwynn Williams and Charcandrick West. That’s not to say Hunt, Ware or Williams are slouches in the passing game either. All of them have shown functional ability.

Whatever running backs the Chiefs elect to go into the start of the season with, they should look to utilize (as Gary wrote a few weeks ago) something Patrick Mahomes is comfortable with: two-running back sets.

Where last week we talked about five-man protections with empty formations as an element to the offense I want Patrick Mahomes running, this week we discuss one of the benefits of two running back looks: seven-man protections.

Base protection with two running backs. Washington sends double-A pressure, Charcandrick West has to stay in. Sherman tries to chip the end but releases when he realizes the EDGE is man-to-man with him. Nice throw by Alex vs. 2-man. pic.twitter.com/0P3Smjex5u

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 3, 2018

Two running backs stay in the backfield to help protect. They scan for blitzes from linebacker depth, chip the ends and will release into their route if the protection allows it. Typically base protection will end up with the running backs releasing into the flats. On this play, West had to stay in the backfield to help with the double-A pressure. Fullback Anthony Sherman chipped the EDGE until he realized he was man-to-man with him and then released to the flat. Chris Conley ran an outside release vertical, Travis Kelce had space to work within the middle of the field, and Tyreek Hill was coming on a dig route underneath. This was great ball placement by Alex Smith. He worked through the three-man route concept downfield and found a completion.

When it comes to Mahomes, utilizing seven-man protections is a logical addition. You’re all but guaranteed to have the numbers to protect your young quarterback, but you only have three receivers as locks to be out running patterns. Luckily, that’s not a problem for Mahomes.

This is a basic sticks concept on a third and long. Three receivers out on routes, getting past the sticks and finding space to work. Harris chips and releases to the flat. Sherman releases to the flat but would've chipped as well if the EDGE wasn't man-to-man with him. pic.twitter.com/lwEddHndVs

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 3, 2018

This is similar to what the Chiefs could do with two running backs, and the play we profiled earlier.

Demetrius Harris gets a chip on the defensive end before releasing to the flats. Sherman has no one to hit so he releases. Had the Denver Broncos brought pressure, one or both of them would have been involved. The receivers are running a basic sticks concept on third and long. They run past the line to gain (or sticks) and work to find space. Mahomes needs to work with the receivers and find a place to put the ball. He shows good anticipation and chemistry with Albert Wilson to pick up a first down on one my favorite plays of the game.

What makes this such a good way to use Mahomes is that you can allow him more time to use the special abilities he has as a passer to find a way to make a big play. Give him the time, and he doesn’t always need more than three receivers.

Two running back looks can afford you the opportunity to take some shots. The backs aren't releasing, staying even though Oklahoma only sends four. Despite awful protection, Mahomes makes a big time play. Imagine Hill and Watkins on the double post. pic.twitter.com/VThZ1mfbMF

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 3, 2018

The running backs could have very easily released into their routes on the play, but they have them stay in for a true seven-man protection. Mahomes has a chance to hit paydirt on a shot play. Even the Oklahoma only sends four players here, the seven-man protection barely holds up, but not before Mahomes has a chance to hit the outside receiver of a double post for a touchdown. I would imagine that Hill and Sammy Watkins should be able to win running double posts.

The Red Raiders had their backs cross pretty frequently.

Texas Tech would cross their RBs before they released. Pat throwing this out route without a hitch and with that much velocity is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/0glNi327mD

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 3, 2018

It could’ve been to help free them up in man-to-man coverage, but you’ll see them cross and release into the flats pretty frequently. If it occupies underneath coverage, it can help free up those throws on the outside like the play we just saw Mahomes make. This throw is yet another example of the arm talent that allows Mahomes to make plays on time. The Chiefs can get away with asking individuals receivers to win because the ball can get on them quick. Just because the backs in post-protection are relatively limited to where they can get downfield that doesn’t mean they can’t be an asset still in the passing game.

The running backs in the flats can be effective. Still have to honor the outlets. Especially if the Chiefs are able to threaten defenses vertically out of these looks. pic.twitter.com/duuD3M1WUo

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 3, 2018

Because they’re crossing, there isn’t a blocker to pick up the blitz of the edge. Instead, Mahomes attacks the new void created after the blitz with his running back in the flat. It was good poise and anticipation by Mahomes to find a solution. These outlets in the passing game can be helpful and the Chiefs have plenty of talent you would want to see in space. The Chiefs can get these guys on the move pre-snap as well.

Back leaves early on the swing, widens the backer, creates a window for the slant. pic.twitter.com/iWIJ4zQSJz

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 3, 2018

The running back moving before the snap becomes the flat in the double slant/flat look. The running back widens the linebacker, helping open up space for the inside slant. If no one goes with the running back, he’s out in space. Just another way you can utilize the look. There’s one other, very important reason that these two running back looks should be incorporated in the offense. The three receivers on the field can be Kelce, Hill and Watkins.

The build off these two back looks: hit them with a double move. Kelce, Hill and Watkins have a lot of space to win in. pic.twitter.com/Mt7OsYJBtC

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 3, 2018

Whether or not the running backs have to stay in and protect, the three weapons the Chiefs can space across the field are some of the best in football. This excellent pump-7 (deep out and up) from Hill is just a prime of example of what this trio of offensive weapons can do on the field. Kelce in base looks will typically have a lot of space to work in—the same with Hill and Watkins outside the numbers. This could end up being a way to help isolate these three while giving the young quarterback time to find them.

Utilizing seven-man protections and two-running back personnel groups can do a lot to help a young quarterback develop. It has everything you want: the numbers to protect your quarterback, easy outlets in the passing game and a chance to give space to your best players. Mahomes and receivers like Kelce, Hill and Watkins don’t always need route combinations to make a play. Mahomes can put balls in places other can’t. All three pass catchers can win in unique ways and could have freedom within a third of the field to get open on some of these concepts.

The two-running back sets are something I would try to make balanced between run and pass. Of the 10 run plays we have earmarked to be dispersed throughout the game to help keep defenses honest on certain looks, I would use five on two-running back sets, which means that I’d incorporate five passes a game from this concept.

Breakdown:

• 33/65 plays - RPOs (23) and called run plays (10)
• 6/65 plays - Tendency breakers out of the 3x1 looks the Chiefs run RPOs
• 6/65 plays - Empty formation, five-man protection passes
• 5/65 plays - two running back pass concepts (also 5/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)

[Dante84]

Part 5: Play Action From Under Center

Spoiler!

Patrick Mahomes has come a long way in the year plus development he’s went through in Kansas City as the future of the quarterback position for the Chiefs’ franchise. It should not go unappreciated the lengths he’s gone to be mentally and physically prepared for what is required to be a signal caller in the league.

You think about all of the small details he didn’t have exposure to before being selected in the NFL draft and you realize how far he’s come along. Mahomes’ footwork within the pocket required attention, as did familiarizing himself with new concepts and play structure. There are little intricacies he was understandably green with entering his professional career. The hottest phrases around Mahomes had to do with his unfamiliarity with being under center. There is some truth to the requirement to be functional in the space. It’s not just as simple as taking a snap. The ball handling required to time up jet sweeps off the edge and the footwork and subsequent play fakes stemming from those plays. Things like eye placement off of naked bootlegs and play action are important subtleties to learn and improve your ability to process.

If I had my way, Mahomes would need to continue working on these things for the offense I want to see him in. Even in Alex Smith’s final season in Kansas City, the Chiefs weren’t spending much time under center. I still think the offense in 2018 should incorporate some under center looks, specifically play action.

Play action will only work if the run game is honored. It’ll require some success on run plays, but also balance. There can’t be a strong tendency when Mahomes is under center. I normally wait to reveal the frequency of which I’d use what we’re profiling this week, but today it’s important we talk about it now: I would like to see the Chiefs run three play action passes and three (of the ten plays we have earmarked to disperse) run plays from under center on average each week. An even balance between run and pass.

Early on in the preseason, the Chiefs were using under center play action with Mahomes to take some shots.

The less talked about throw to Demarcus Robinson in week four of the preseason vs. Tennessee. Middle field safety driving on the deep out gives space for Robinson on the post with a corner playing outside leverage. Mahomes' throw maintains the leverage. Big play. pic.twitter.com/7bxKDnDzAj

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 11, 2018

This is the less talked about play-action bomb that Mahomes connected with Demarcus Robinson on in Week 4 of the preseason. It’s more or less a one-sided read for the quarterback with all the routes coming off the action from the right hash to the left. The tight end lined off the right tackle is staying in to protect. The two receivers to the right side of the field are running a deep out and a dig, with running back Devine Redding leaking to the flat after the play action. The Titans are playing cover three. The middle field safety drives on the out route and the outside corner drives on the dig. This leaves Robinson one-on-one with a corner playing outside leverage on him and an advantage to the middle of the field. Mahomes delivers a perfect ball, allowing Robinson to maintain the leverage he has on the corner and they connect for a big gain.

This was early in the year. Mahomes’ eyes should continue to improve off of the action. He’ll be better at flipping his hips, being efficient with his drop and getting his eyes more efficiently to the read of the play. Not that he wasn’t on time here, but more so that he’ll continue to improve as a processor, and these kinds of plays are no exception to that. After watching and reading about that play, the most popular play action shot from Mahomes’ preseason might look familiar.

Very similar play structure to the post to Robinson, but a different formation. Whole read from the right hash to the left sideline. Scramble rules initiated after Mahomes didn't pull the trigger within structure, still leads to a big opportunity. pic.twitter.com/lXF9hMdc9J

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 11, 2018

The formation and players aren’t the same but players end up in about the same place they did on the first throw. The Chiefs are this time in a balanced, double tight, single back formation (I call this Ace) this time around. A tight end stays in to protect, Robinson still runs a post, a deep out by the left tight and a dig (he throttled down in a hole over the ball so might’ve been a read here) by the receiver at the bottom of the screen and a running back in the flat after the play action. Another one side read for the young quarterback. Just because the play didn’t work within structure doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing.

This play, and the vertical nature of it, allowed for a scramble opportunity that netted a big reward. Believe it or not, team’s have what they call “scramble rules” which is what they use to get open when the original structure of the play can’t be completed. Typically you’ll see deep receivers working back towards the ball and shallow receivers working upfield. In a situation where the receivers are away from the scramble, the receivers are going to be working more laterally. The quickest distance between two points is a straight line, and that’s no different for a receiver working on a scramble across the field. They have to still be able to be in position for the quarterback to deliver the throw, so trying to get across the field fast enough that they can be presentable to the quarterback is still most important to these kind of plays.

If it were three months later, Mahomes may just take the profit and the throw to the running back in the flat. Instead he works away from his receivers and scramble outside the pocket. Robinson’s original line is more back towards the quarterback. When Mahomes releases the ball, he adjusts back to about the same line he ended his route on. You hope you can minimize the kind of hit that Mahomes takes, but the finish on this play was special. Even though the play action shot didn’t work originally, the space the offense had to work with as a result of the receiver depth down field made for a lucrative opportunity that you would like to see in or out of structure.

We’ve looked at two different plays that Andy Reid dialed up for young Patrick Mahomes with the play structure the same, but different formations and two different results from them. One of the things that makes Reid such a good coach is his ability to get into the looks he wants to with different “window dressing”. The Chiefs ran a one-side route concept with a post and two deep routes working to the sideline, underneath the post and a leak in the flat after play action/protection responsibilities. They did it with different formations and players running the routes.

When Mahomes made his regular season debut, Reid went back to the well to get into the same play.

Andy Reid dialed up the same play from preseason week four that Mahomes hit Robinson on a post with. Post isn't there, back had to stay in. He steps up against pressure, manipulates underneath LB and delivers a ball off platform. The growth he showed to process and play is great. pic.twitter.com/9PDUG2En7u

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 11, 2018

The running back, Anthony Sherman would have been leaking to the flats had the safety not blitzed off the edge. This is the exact same concept the Chiefs ran twice in the preseason for big gains. They found similar success in the regular season, with the same structure and a different solution. This is the same play call we saw earlier on the post throw. This time, no one from depth drives on the first crossing route, Albert Wilson.

The underneath coverage loses sight of Wilson. Mahomes handles the pressure, steps up, manipulates the movement of the underneath defender with his eyes and shoulders and calmly delivers a (dare I say no-look?) pass to a wide open Wilson. This play shows Mahomes’ growth to process the information, get through the progression and have the poise to bring his own subtle improvements to the play. When you see more subtleties and personality shining through the play, that’s an indication that the player isn’t thinking. I think we saw less thinking and more reacting in moments like this.

One other addition based on what Mahomes did in his pre-season/week 17 sample size was naked boots.

I'd like to see Mahomes continue to get opportunities with naked bootlegs. Could be a fun add to the offense with his athleticism and ability to throw off platform. pic.twitter.com/XQAzXshrsf

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 11, 2018

He’s only going to get better at this. Eye discipline off the boot action will continue to improve as he grows. Mahomes’ talents to move well and throw off platform should allow him to succeed with naked looks like this.

As for some carry overs from what Reid dialed up for Alex Smith, there are some concepts they used I would like to see thrown in.

Get a defense in heavier personnel with three tight ends, move Kelce around, get an explosive play. Kelce and Smith are probably reading this. Kelce settles in the slot, reads zone, runs a 7-stop route. Stops his corner route, sits in the soft area. Nice PA in 13 personnel. pic.twitter.com/ey0jG2iWYX

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 11, 2018

There are a lot of things I like this play. Using three athletic tight ends can put defenses in difficult personnel decisions, which can help you predict the coverage and checks the defense can realistically execute. Moving Travis Kelce around allows the Chiefs to get him into the most favorable match up. Kelce and Smith might be reading this play. Against zone, Kelce runs a 7-stop route, selling a corner route and then stopping and sitting in the soft spot of the zone. The running back releasing to the flat is an important part of this play. Notice how the underneath coverage gets held and caught in between, creating a bigger void for Kelce and Smith to work within. Another key piece of what I like about this play is that the concept is being run to the field. Mahomes has the arm talent to throw a ball to the field like others can in the boundary. Use that extra space to your advantage.

The Chiefs found ways to better protect the quarterback but still get into the Post/Dig look they used with Mahomes.

7-man protection for the Chiefs. Post with a dig coming into the boundary. Smart by the Chiefs to use a seam stem to get him more into the line of sight. One sided read for Smith, great ball. pic.twitter.com/uiYrhFrxW3

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 11, 2018

This is a similar play the ones we saw Mahomes running earlier in the article. This time, the Chiefs use a 7 man protection and only three receivers out on routes. However, when one of those players is Tyreek Hill, you have the benefit of his speed to help your design. Hill runs a seam stem on the dig to get him farther across the field so he gets into the read and eyesight of the quarterback quicker. I like the idea of protecting Mahomes and making up for the lack of receivers out on routes by using some of the special talents in your building to get places not every one easily can. Same can be said for this play.

Well designed play here. Got the right guys thinking naked, Robinson/Kelce stems sell it, Kelce wide open pic.twitter.com/OpQS3EHKK0

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) December 5, 2017

I profiled this play in my weekly 45 seconds series, where we break down one play every week from the previous game (you can see a list of every play I profiled during the season here). The Chiefs used play action and the stems of the routes to sell a play crossing the field, only to flip Kelce back into the boundary for a wide open touchdown. He is one of the few tight ends who has the hip fluidity to do these kinds of things. I want to continue to see creative plays like this for the young quarterback.

Mahomes has shown growth in this aspect of the game. The Chiefs have unique personnel that could create some opportunities downfield for their best players. Play action from under center seems like a match made in heaven. It’s still a small piece of what the Chiefs will be doing, but I’d like to see it continue to be incorporated. I would love to get three play action shots from under center and balance them with three run plays of the ten we have for discretionary distribution.

Breakdown:

• 33/65 plays - RPOs (23) and called run plays (10)
• 6/65 plays - Tendency breakers out of the 3x1 looks the Chiefs run RPOs
• 6/65 plays - Empty formation, five-man protection passes
• 5/65 plays - two running back pass concepts (also 5/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)
• 3/65 plays - under center, play action passes (also 5/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)

[Dante84]

Part 6: Condensed Formations

Spoiler!

The early stretch of offensive performances from the 2017 Chiefs offense were some of the more enjoyable moments of the Andy Reid era in Kansas City. The Chiefs were dictating the game, stressing teams all over the field. Teams were scared. One of the things the Chiefs leaned heavily on early was condensed formations, meaning keeping all skill players closer to the tackle box.

There are a lot of benefits to these formations. They can, among other things, make it more difficult to press receivers and get easy crossing action in the pass concepts. Some zone-drop angles can be less natural for defenders and these formations can provide better blocking angles on outside runs like this one.

Chiefs loved themselves some outside runs out of condensed formation (as they should). One of Hunt's defining plays from a tight bunch. pic.twitter.com/WTe80VeC0L

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 17, 2018

When the formation condenses, the defense has to condense with it. The Chiefs run a toss play out of a condensed bunch with three tight ends. Demetrius Harris and Ross Travis both down block, with the athletic Travis Kelce looping to take the cornerback and Eric Fisher pulling for first threat. Fisher cuts off the linebacker, and Kelce cut blocks the corner, giving Kareem Hunt the edge for a 58-yard gain to seal the victory. This formation was one of the looks they ran shovel pass plays out of as well.

Chiefs ran some shovel passes out of condensed formations. Space to bounce for Kelce because of it. pic.twitter.com/6qkveBDyv0

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 18, 2018

The pitch to Hunt is probably live here as well. Because the play started in a tight formation and the action was to the right, Kelce had space to bounce the play outside. Even after breaking a tackle, Kelce is still able to get the edge for a gain of seven yards. One of the advantages the Chiefs have with condensed looks is the speed of Tyreek Hill. Hill can make you pay if you try and disguise too much.

Patriots tried to get cute against the twin stacks look sugaring the A-gaps, showing pressure. Great acceleration out of the double move by Hill on a Pump-7 route. Safety looks uncomfortable getting depth from the disguise. Chiefs leaned on condensed formation in 2017. pic.twitter.com/G7jf3l1mVX

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 17, 2018

The Patriots show double-A gap pressure and middle field closed coverage. They bail out of it, sending three down lineman and a blitzing nickel with cover-2 (with the corners sinking underneath the outside verticals) behind it. The disguise was cute, but cornerback Stephon Gilmore is dropping both for depth and an angle that makes it hard for him to read the quarterback. Gilmore loses sight of Hill as he accelerates out of the corner route and into the vertical. The safety is held by the post from Kelce and Alex Smith had space to drop a ball over the top for a 78-yard touchdown. Condensed formations can also be a good look to run mirrored concepts out of.

Condensed formations are a good place to run mirrored concepts (same concept to both sides). Curls by the outside receivers, slow release to the flats from the inside receives, spot route by the RB. Also, look how terrified that safety is of Hill. pic.twitter.com/500HxKsoXA

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 18, 2018

Both sides of the formation run the same concept in mirrored looks. The Chiefs’ outside receivers are running curls with delayed, slow releases to the flats by the slot receivers. The running back releases to a spot route with no blitz assignment. I think Hill might have got a little too much depth here based on where Smith was looking to place it (yes, I know he was about to get hit as well, but I still think he was looking to throw about the same depth Chris Conley was).

Hill’s subtle sell of a corner-post gets the safety to flip his hips, although that seems like it might have been a slight improvise. The slow releases to the flats were to hold the underneath coverage to make space for the curls. They succeeded. Mirrored concepts are typically “pick and stick” plays. You pick a side of the field and stick to it. The personnel, hash mark the play is on, depth of the corners and leverage of the backers, among other things, can help a quarterback decide what side he’ll pick. Hill with Kelce holding underneath in the flats, is a good choice.

It’s not all balanced formations that these looks can be good out of.

Chiefs run a lot of bubble RPOs out of this look. Inside of the bunch runs a bubble, Kelce and Hill high-low the underneath defender. Good eyes and anticipation by Smith. pic.twitter.com/dBi8QYeGco

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 18, 2018

The bunch sets the Chiefs like to run their RPOs out of are condensed at times too. Inside receiver of the bunch runs the bubble, Kelce runs a hitch with Hill running a curl behind it, both with vertical releases. The safety and both corners at the bottom of the screen get a depth and widen just a little, enough that Kelce and Hill can high-low the linebacker. With the linebacker flat-footed, Smith shows great anticipation to throw the curl.

The Chiefs can hit some plays crossing the field out of these condensed looks as well.

Another condensed formation. Vertical stretch by Hill opens up space for Kelce coming underneath it from across the field. pic.twitter.com/bBIA1rox1C

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 14, 2018

We profiled this play among others last week when talking about Sammy Watkins and Hill’s impact on Kelce and others. The athletic tight end can get to that landmark with ease. The vertical stretch from Hill creates the space for Kelce to run underneath. The timing of the play was perfect with Kelce not wasting much time after Hill clears out. Smith again showed great anticipation.

I’d run two pass plays and 2/10 run plays we have designated for discretionary usage to keep balance out of these looks. There are both shot play and easy completion opportunities out of condensed formations. The Chiefs should find a way to do both in a game with a neutral script.

Breakdown:

• 33/65 plays - RPOs (23) and called run plays (10)
• 6/65 plays - Tendency breakers out of the 3x1 looks the Chiefs run RPOs
• 6/65 plays - Empty formation, five-man protection passes
• 5/65 plays - two running back pass concepts (also 5/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)
• 3/65 plays - under center, play action passes (also 5/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)
• 2/65 plays - condensed formation pass plays (also 2/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)

[Dante84]

Part 7: Sprint Out of the Passing Game

Spoiler!

We’re nearing the end of the Building the Offense for Patrick Mahomes series. There are three more pieces to add. The philosophy of this series has been simple: find ways to generate easy throws for a young quarterback, reduce the number of plays you have to load up his plate and take advantage of his strengths.

Mahomes is a unique talent. I don’t have to tell you that. He’s able to do things that others are incapable of. He has the ability to make easy things better. In Week 17 of the 2017 season, Mahomes averaged 8.14 yards per attempt on bubble screens. Drew Brees led the NFL with 8.1 yards per attempt for the season. You can have success even with simple things. That can be a huge help for a developing quarterback. The less you have to demand, the better. If you can execute simple things successfully, you’re in good shape.

One of the simple concepts the Kansas City Chiefs can add to the offense is the sprint out passing game. Mahomes should be able to have success with the concept. Sprint outs are beneficial for a variety of reasons. The concept allows the quarterback to only have to read one side of the field. The read is typically a simple high to low read. The pocket is moved away from the majority of the defense. You can mitigate pass rush by moving the landmarks. The throws become shorter distances.

Mahomes is an above-average athlete for the quarterback position. He’s more than comfortable throwing from a variety of platforms. He is good throwing on the run and has rare arm talent to boot. The concept is a great fit for his ability and experience.

Here’s a basic smash concept run with a sprint out protection:

This is a pretty common sprint smash concept. Sprint plays typically read high to low, working down to the shortest route. pic.twitter.com/PV6M373H3U

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 24, 2018

Smash concept is a corner route coming over the top of a shallow route to the sideline. It often times will allow you to high-low an underneath defender, putting him in a situation where he can’t be right. On a sprint protection, you’ll often see a running back chipping the outside man on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback is working to get outside of the end man on the line of scrimmage and reading the play from high to low. He looks to identify the leverage the safety over the top has on the corner route and if any underneath coverage gets depth or carrying with the vertical route.

On this play, Alex Smith doesn’t seem to like the leverage of Travis Kelce on the safety. The slot defender gets depth with Kelce, and the corner is playing a bail technique with his hips and shoulders opening to get depth. Tyreek Hill does a good job of pressing the corner vertically and breaking his route off back toward the quarterback for an easy completion.

Andy Reid should be able to use the sprint concept to scheme some easy completions for Mahomes.

I like the design of this sprint pass. Snap quick after Hill is in position, gives defense little time to adjust and process, created a natural rub. Quick hitter on the out. I really like the subtle nod inside that Hill gives with his hips and shoulders. Easy completion. pic.twitter.com/qcYN64i78f

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 23, 2018

There is no read involved in this play. This was pure design to give Hill space on a catch and run. Smith snaps the ball as soon as Hill is in position, leaving no time for adjustments or communication. Against stack formations, like what Hill and Chris Conley are in, defensive backs will typically play at different depths based on their stack checks and to help them sort through rub routes and switch releases. The defensive back on Hill plays deeper, so he is susceptible to the quick-breaking out route underneath Conley’s vertical.

The play creates a natural rub, forcing Hill’s man to go over the vertical. With the pocket moving, Smith throws on Hill’s break, giving him time to turn upfield after the catch for a nice gain.

You’ll see teams utilize sprint outs in the red zone.

Sprint passes in the red zone can be effective because you're cutting down the distance of the throw in tight spaces. You can get a short throw to the flat on the run, or you can just use your best weapon on a comeback to the front pylon. Easy throw, short throw for 6. pic.twitter.com/8r8EnqEPQx

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 23, 2018

This is another one-man read. The Chiefs are sprinting out with Smith to shorten the distance of the throw for this quick hitter in condensed space. The Chiefs have their best weapon in Kelce isolated on the outside. He’s going to run a quick comeback to the front pylon. Smith is moving toward Kelce and throwing the ball on his break to the pylon. The ball is on him quick since the throw has been shortened. The timing of this concept is much easier with the ball spending less time in the air.

Even with shorthanded personnel, the sprint out game made an appearance in Mahomes’ Week 17 start.

The Chiefs dialed up a sprint out for Mahomes out of a tackle over look in week 17. Yes, that's Anthony Sherman trying to run a deep cross. If this gets called in 2018, it'll be with better weapons than Wilson, Chesson and Sherman. pic.twitter.com/VN5MXhaSo4

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 24, 2018

This is the same tackle over formation the Chiefs used on the first play of the game, an incomplete pass to Demarcus Robinson on a play-action boot. This time they’re working to the other side of the field with a sprint out. Jehu Chesson runs a corner/sail route with a slight inside stem, Albert Wilson runs an out route with a hard inside stem and Sherman is running a deep cross from the other side of the field.

The personnel for this look doesn’t exactly give the play a great chance to succeed. The break out from Wilson is confusing. You’ll normally see that type of route with more of a pivot (some call it a pivot route) off a foot and back out. It’s more of a choppy, segmented route. Chesson probably has the option to flatten the route or take it high depending on the leverage and takes the flatter angle. The timing seems a little off. Sherman is never a viable option as he tries to work across the field. I imagine with Kelce, Hill and Sammy Watkins running this concept, they’d be better positioned.

As for Mahomes’ college years, he has had success with it:

For a young quarterback like Mahomes, implementing a few sprint outs can be beneficial. One sided read, cutting down distance of the throw. The Chiefs can call sprints that account for his arm talent though, with deeper concepts like this one. That throw.... pic.twitter.com/NgfvsNOQ1k

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) June 23, 2018

I’d like to see the Chiefs dial up deeper concepts out of sprint like this one. Texas Tech runs a switch release with two receivers, the slot defender runs with the inside receiver who pushes upfield and breaks his route of at 12 yards on a comeback.

It looks as though this is a one-player read, as the vertical from the outside receiver isn’t really in position to be thrown to. Mahomes’ arm talent allows for throws on sprint concepts to be deeper if the Chiefs choose. He can get the ball on them with correct timing at greater depths. This was well designed and Mahomes executes it perfectly, placing the ball where only his receiver can catch it.

There are several benefits and designs the Chiefs can use with the sprint out game to help a young quarterback. I would look to implement these concepts twice a game if the script is neutral.

Breakdown:

• 33/65 plays - RPOs (23) and called run plays (10)
• 6/65 plays - tendency breakers out of the 3x1 looks the Chiefs run RPOs
• 6/65 plays - empty formation, five-man protection passes
• 5/65 plays - two running back pass concepts (also 5/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)
• 3/65 plays - under center, play action passes (also 5/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)
• 2/65 plays - condensed formation pass plays (also 2/10 discretionary run plays mentioned in part one)
• 2/65 plays - sprint out pass concepts

[Simply Red]

at a glance this guy seems to bring some interesting perspective and insight. I'll continue looking at these after I'm done watching Steve Duncan search for a giant rat under Times Square.

[Simply Red]

oh and thank you for sharing these.

[rabblerouser]

Nice, great reading. Thank you for sharing.

[Bowser]

I'll say it again - Mahomes lined up in shotgun with Hunt and Ware flanking him, Kelce and Watkins split wide and Hill in the slot. Where do you focus? How do you defend all the avenues in that formation, considering the abilities of all those players on the field? Zone? Run it with either Ware or Hunt. Cover 2? Let Hill roast that shit up the seam. Cover 0? Good luck with that linebacker 1-on-1 with Kelce. Cover 3? Watkins will feast over the middle.


This shit is going to be fun this year. This is the offense Vermeil and Saunders wanted considering what we have at wide receiver now, and that is no small statement considering what they rolled out.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Big improvement in football knowledge...wow

[Simply Red]

Seth is the Athletic dude right? If so - why's he releasing so much free YouTube content lately w/ that Ryan dude?