Playbook - Danny Woodhead vs LB Barnett
Every so often Danny Woodhead looks unstoppable. As a situational player, Danny Woodhead might be one of the best in the league. If there was a player elected to the Pro Bowl under the title 3rd Down back, Woodhead would definitely compete for the spot in the AFC. Part of Woodhead's success is due to the short-range accuracy of Tom Brady, but chalk this one up to Woodhead's change of direction skills. The LB Nick Barnett just can't keep up. As soon as Barnett commits to cover the flat, Woodhead beats him to the inside.
The play as executed seems like a simple "angle route" as Belichick referred to it on The Belestrator, but there's a little more to it than that. Belichick praises Gronkowski's ability to legally create a pick play, and he basically says that Gronk just plays physical in the 5-yard bump area, and then releases slowly so that the LB is hip to hip.
This action brings Bryan Scott up field and out of the play first and foremost, but if the play to Woodhead failed Gronk releases again to the inside on a post. Likewise, Edelman creates space for Woodhead by lining up near the numbers and taking his man outside on a wheel route. Edelman is mostly a decoy, the action (and Edelman's downfield blocking) creates a seam for Woodhead to gain yards after the catch.
On the other side, Branch comes in motion behind Welker, but turns back when the defense shows their coverage. The Safety to that side has inside leverage on both Welker and Branch, and he didn't move when Branch came in motion. Brady is trying to set up the secondary to leave a seam for Woodhead becuase his match-up against Barnett is the most favorable.
Branch runs a deep out-pattern to force his man to the sideline, and to create a second option for Brady. Branch's route takes longer to develop so Brady can make a decision on Woodhead and come back across the field to make the safe sideline throw to Branch (or throw it away in that direction).
Welker is trying to get on the inside of the Safety so that he can block him. Welker doesn't really even look for a pass, but he does fake inside-outside before attacking the seam. This action forces the Safety to retreat, turn his hips and commit to Welker before he sees the ball go to Woodhead. He ends up assisting on the tackle, but not before Danny Woodhead gained 17 yards.
After this play, Woodhead went on a rampage.
The play as executed seems like a simple "angle route" as Belichick referred to it on The Belestrator, but there's a little more to it than that. Belichick praises Gronkowski's ability to legally create a pick play, and he basically says that Gronk just plays physical in the 5-yard bump area, and then releases slowly so that the LB is hip to hip.
This action brings Bryan Scott up field and out of the play first and foremost, but if the play to Woodhead failed Gronk releases again to the inside on a post. Likewise, Edelman creates space for Woodhead by lining up near the numbers and taking his man outside on a wheel route. Edelman is mostly a decoy, the action (and Edelman's downfield blocking) creates a seam for Woodhead to gain yards after the catch.
On the other side, Branch comes in motion behind Welker, but turns back when the defense shows their coverage. The Safety to that side has inside leverage on both Welker and Branch, and he didn't move when Branch came in motion. Brady is trying to set up the secondary to leave a seam for Woodhead becuase his match-up against Barnett is the most favorable.
Branch runs a deep out-pattern to force his man to the sideline, and to create a second option for Brady. Branch's route takes longer to develop so Brady can make a decision on Woodhead and come back across the field to make the safe sideline throw to Branch (or throw it away in that direction).
Welker is trying to get on the inside of the Safety so that he can block him. Welker doesn't really even look for a pass, but he does fake inside-outside before attacking the seam. This action forces the Safety to retreat, turn his hips and commit to Welker before he sees the ball go to Woodhead. He ends up assisting on the tackle, but not before Danny Woodhead gained 17 yards.
After this play, Woodhead went on a rampage.
Comments
Post a Comment