The Bump and Run
By Steve O’Reilly
There are many different types of Coverages in NFL secondaries and each one is predicated on the type of Defensive Package, the type of play-call and the type of Cornerback the Defense has. One of our readers, Allen H. posed the question, “What are the Hip Positions for Cornerbacks while playing Bump and Run, while reading the QB?” Let’s first look at this technique of coverage and then get to Allen’s question. Read more
Erhardt- Perkins Offensive System!
In this episode of “Check the Technique” we are going to look at the traditional Erhardt-Perkins Offense, how it came about and what it’s known for. To begin this we first must look at the men who this style of offense is named after – Ron Erhardt and Ray Perkins. Read more
Only as Strong as the Weakest Link
In the NFL the game is subtle subterfuge of concepts in order to succeed. Let’s look a little closer at how one flaw in the system offensively can defeat the entire unit and how everything is tied together. If one piece is missing, the whole structure doesn’t work. Let’s begin. Read more
The Cover 2!!
There is one defensive alignment that every team knows well and that is the Cover 2. This style of defense, along with it’s close derivative the “Tampa 2″ is a very successful style that is mostly used to defeat the West Coast Offense that spread defenses out and attacked all over the field. Let’s look closer at the Cover 2. Read more
Just for Kicks!
Often times the rules of the Kicking game can be confusing. In this article we will look at the reason why it’s called “Football” and also look at the rules and regulations of the Kicking game. Let’s begin! Read more
Protection Schemes – Talking O-Line
Often times when watching football, fans will hear one of the commentators say… “the Offensive line needs to communicate and get their protection schemes down.” What does that mean exactly? In this segment of Check the Technique we are going to look at the Offensive Line, the differences in the positions and what “protection schemes” mean exactly. To help with our understanding, we have reached out to Roman Oben, a 12 Year NFL veteran who played for 4 different NFL teams. Roman was the starting Left Tackle for the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. Read more
Running the Rock!
There are a few things in the NFL that are sacrosanct…having an efficent Quarterback, having a solid Defense and being able to Run the football. In this segment we will look at the art of running the football and the different sizes and styles that certain backs have and ultimately what attributes are important for all running backs to share! Read more
The Zone Blitz!
Football is often a game of deceit and trying to create the illusion that are you doing something that you aren’t or not doing something that you are. Defenses often rely on disguise, for example – in our first Check the Technique article we discussed that in the 3-4 defense teams often disguise where the 4th pass rusher will come from in an effort to confuse the QB. It can come from the Inside Linebacker or Outside Linebacker and that element of mystery can create confusion which can lead to an error on the offense. Today we are going to breakdown the “Zone Blitz” which is the master of disguise and confusion for NFL defenses. Read more
The West Coast Offense
The West Coast Offense was mastered by Bill Walsh with the San Francisco 49ers. Let’s look at some of the basic philosophies of this league altering system that Walsh created. He took knowledge learned from the offensive minds of Don “Air” Coryell as well as Paul Brown, Sid Gillman and Al Davis. Walsh blended those philosophies and created the West Coast Offense to win multiple championships with the Niners. What is the West Coast Offense? Let’s take a look and see what makes this system so unique from other systems used in the NFL. Read more
40 Fodder – A breakdown of the Dash for Cash!
In 2003, Anquan Boldin ran a 4.72 forty yard dash at the NFL Combine. He was considered slow for a Wide Receiver and even though he played well at Florida State, he fell to the second round of the draft and was labeled a “possession receiver”. After a few Pro Bowls, I wonder how many coaches would pass on him now.
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