Football 101: Pass or Run Test { With Answers}

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

This is a test where you *want* to fail. If any of us can identify keys or tendencies that signal run or pass, you can surely bet NFL coaching staffs can*.

Regards,
Chris

* Except Tomlin. Nice AFCCG defense, guy.

 

[Shockt327]

Well, you can never really know for sure....

But conventional wisdom is to play the numbers game; count the Offense's personnel vs the defenders 'in the box.' Essentially, count the blockers + HB vs how many defenders in position to stop the run? So, if we use '11' personnel for example: 1 RB + 1 TE + 5 O-linemen = 7. From there, count the defenders in the box to see if they match. Even when it's 7 vs 7 conventional wisdom is that the HB can still get you 4 yards.

1st play - I count 7 vs 6 defenders in the box (run)
2nd play - 9 vs 8 (run...but I'm thinking play action fake when I see that formation on 1st & 10)
3rd play - 8 vs 8 (pass)

 

[Tony2046]

Well, you can never really know for sure....

But conventional wisdom is to play the numbers game; count the Offense's personnel vs the defenders 'in the box.' Essentially, count the blockers + HB vs how many defenders in position to stop the run? So, if we use '11' personnel for example: 1 RB + 1 TE + 5 O-linemen = 7. From there, count the defenders in the box to see if they match. Even when it's 7 vs 7 conventional wisdom is that the HB can still get you 4 yards.

1st play - I count 7 vs 6 defenders in the box (run)
2nd play - 9 vs 8 (run...but I'm thinking play action fake when I see that formation on 1st & 10)
3rd play - 8 vs 8 (pass)

Good post. I will add that both the Ravens and the Pats play deceptively. IOW, they'll show you one thing pre snap and another post snap.

 

[lurker1965]

Um, 1) never be predictable. 2) down, distance, field position, time left, score, injuries and/or guys playing through pain - both yours and the opponent might have a bit to do with the decision.

 

[JarOfMayo51]

Great post!

I found this to be a fun, but difficult exercise.. Below is my guess and analysis/reasons why... disclaimer: I'm not a coach, my "coaching" experience is limited to the Madden video game.. but I'll do this for funsies


1st. Run (Left Side) - The Ravens have 5 DBs on the field with only 2 down lineman and the Patriots have an advantage on the left side of the formation. All you'd need to do is chip the LOLB with the RT and/or R-WR to give Brady enough time to hand the ball off to Blount and have him get moving up the left side. Bennet could crack down on the ROLB to help Solder get into him, then peel off to block the Inside MLB.. C/LG could either double team the right DT or Andrews could use his mobility to get out to the 2nd level and try to block the Left MLB..

Blount would basically be 1 on 1 against that deep safety in this scenario, and it looks like right as the clip ends, the safety appears to be taking a step backwards to cover the deep field

2nd. Play Action Pass (Right Side)- Ravens are in a heavy package and caught off guard... if even 1 guy is not where he's supposed to be or is 1 second slow getting somewhere, Brady could make them pay... they have 1 deeeeep safety, but there is a lot of green grass to cover on the right side of the field in the flat area for 1 DB or a trailing LB to cover

3rd. Run (Right Side) - Patriots are in Power I formation with strongside to the right with the TE.. 1 DB out there on Edelman, who will likely run an out route or something to occupy the DB.. Leading fullback Develin thru the 4 or 6 hole could be pretty lucrative yardage if everyone hits their blocks



Looking forward to when you reveal the answers! I will be 100% accurate because I am a GOD!!!!!



















probably not tho....

 

[Tony2046]

Great post!

I found this to be a fun, but difficult exercise.. Below is my guess and analysis/reasons why... disclaimer: I'm not a coach, my "coaching" experience is limited to the Madden video game.. but I'll do this for funsies


1st. Run (Left Side) - The Ravens have 5 DBs on the field with only 2 down lineman and the Patriots have an advantage on the left side of the formation. All you'd need to do is chip the LOLB with the RT and/or R-WR to give Brady enough time to hand the ball off to Blount and have him get moving up the left side. Bennet could crack down on the ROLB to help Solder get into him, then peel off to block the Inside MLB.. C/LG could either double team the right DT or Andrews could use his mobility to get out to the 2nd level and try to block the Left MLB..

Blount would basically be 1 on 1 against that deep safety in this scenario, and it looks like right as the clip ends, the safety appears to be taking a step backwards to cover the deep field

2nd. Play Action Pass (Right Side)- Ravens are in a heavy package and caught off guard... if even 1 guy is not where he's supposed to be or is 1 second slow getting somewhere, Brady could make them pay... they have 1 deeeeep safety, but there is a lot of green grass to cover on the right side of the field in the flat area for 1 DB or a trailing LB to cover

3rd. Run (Right Side) - Patriots are in Power I formation with strongside to the right with the TE.. 1 DB out there on Edelman, who will likely run an out route or something to occupy the DB.. Leading fullback Develin thru the 4 or 6 hole could be pretty lucrative yardage if everyone hits their blocks



Looking forward to when you reveal the answers! I will be 100% accurate because I am a GOD!!!!!



















probably not tho....

Great post. And I have to say that one of your answers is not only correct but incredibly accurate.

 

[Tony2046]

Just for the record my son's guesses are: Run, Run, Pass.

 

[Tony2046]

So the answers are: Pass Pass Pass

Play 1:


Play 2:


Play 3:

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

I failed! Woo! Well, technically I got a D so

I'm curious what the run/pass tendencies are for each of the plays you used. On play #2 in particular, it looks like Baltimore thought they were running as the pass to Bennett appeared to fool them. I suspect film would show lots of runs and the Pats went against tendencies on this isolated play.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Tony2046]

I failed! Woo! Well, technically I got a D so

I'm curious what the run/pass tendencies are for each of the plays you used. On play #2 in particular, it looks like Baltimore thought they were running as the pass to Bennett appeared to fool them. I suspect film would show lots of runs and the Pats went against tendencies on this isolated play.

Regards,
Chris

I'm not sure how much film there is for 13 personnel which includes Fleming declaring eligibility.