After devoting my previous three “Previewing Flip’s Offense” post to pass concepts I want to pivot and look at the run game. We’ll look at some IZ, OZ, power, and counter over the course of our run-game analysis, but I want to kick this off with a play that merges the “old school” Iso with the “new school” “wham” block.
Ohio State fans will immediately recognize the “wham” block as it became a go-to concept in the Buckeye’s running game during their national championship run. Focus on the TE (#81 aligned on the inside leg of the right tackle) as he “whams” the RDE:
The “wham” block is an inside trap block in which an interior defensive linemen is left unblocked to be “whammed” by a TE/H-Back coming across the formation. Trap plays have been around for decades (The Fullback trap is an OLD Wing-T staple) but many people associate “arc”, “slice”, and “wham” blocks with the “new school” inside zone schemes that read the backside DE (note that the “wham” block works great in power-blocking schemes as well; the “wham” was a big part of Jim Harbaugh’s run game in San Francisco).
I’m a BIG fan of integrating trap blocking into the run game for three reasons:
1. The “wham” block lets the center immediately climb to the 2nd level and stick on a LB. “Clean” LB’s can flow and make tackles in the run game. LB’s that must consistently shed blockers are rarely threats.
2. Well-designed “wham” blocks create great blocking angles on defenders. I cannot overemphasize how important angles and leverage are to delivering consistent movement in the run game.
3. The “wham” block punishes interior linemen who shoot their run fits aggressively and get too far up field. By bringing the block across the formation, the D linemen is put in a position to be “ear holed” by the whammer. An ear holed D linemen will slow down, making the Oline’s base reach and power blocks more effective.
The play we’re about to look at caught my eye for two reasons. First as mentioned above, I like the concept of marrying the ISO play with the wham block. Next, the play was very clever from a personnel/match perspective as the concept allowed the offense to double-team JJ Watts while still putting a hat-on-a-hat at the POA.
The Iso…
This is the basic old school “Iso” (man-blocking) out of 21 personnel (2 RB’s/1TE). The blocking is relatively straightforward. The OLine will base block, with the C/G generally double-teaming the shaded nose and climbing to the 2nd level to pick up a LB. The FB will lead through the hole and attack the MIKE (generally) as he fills.
The FB and RB will both make reads on the ISO.
The FB will first read the MIKE’s run fit into his gap. If the MIKE attacks the gap using a “spill” technique (attack the inside of the gap to force the ball outside) teh FB will “wall off” the MIKE from the play by attacking his outside shoulder, allowing the RB to slide on behind him. If the MIKE takes the gap head on get ready for a collision; the FB’s job is now to clack the MIKE in the hole.
The RB must read the first playside D-Linemen to determine what gap he will hit (we’ll call him the DT from here on out). If the DT attacks the playside B gap or widens, hit the playside A gap. If the DT squeezes inside hit the B-gap he just vacated. As always, the RB must “press the hole” (looking at you Trent Richardson) by showing speed to AND through the hole.
From there the RB will read the FB’s butt as he fits on the MIKE to determine what path to take.
First the play from two views.,,,
The Formation….
-Notice the H-Back motions to the center and back, settling outside the tackle’s outside leg. This motion and reset reduces the distance the H-Back must cover to get to his block. If the distance is too great the NT will blow up the play before he can be trapped.
-Count the box numbers for the offense and defense. Although the Raider’s running game was pretty bad, they SHOULD run the ball here as they face a “light box”. If the offense can’t get it done with an 8 on 7 advantage in numbers it may be time for a visit to the CFL.
The Blocks…
-Here’s the creative play design that caught my eye. Because the offense has a numbers advantage they can out-leverage the defense at the POA, allowing a double-team on JJ Watts.
The blocking assignments:
LT – Base block the “Jack” (stand up LB)
LG – Base block the 3-technique
C – Release the NT and climb to the WILL
RG/RT – Double-team Watts. If Watts is secured, the O-Linemen in the best position to do so should climb to the second level and “look for work” (attack the first defender seen, reading inside-to-out).
TE – Base block the SAM
H-Back – Arc across the formation and “ear hole” the NT. If done properly, the angle of the block will clear out the playside A-gap
FB – Read the MIKE
RB – Aim for the outside hip of the BSG; read the playside DT and FB
WR’s – Stalk block the safeties, make the CB’s tackle
The Center Releases…
-Notice the Center releasing through the backside A-gap to clear the “tilted” NT. He will climb to the WILL and attempt to seal the backside of the play at the second level.
-You can see the H-Back coming parallel to the LOS with a full head of speed. This will be a good collision.
-So far the RT is holding his own with Watts. The RG is preparing to engage Watts as well, although if Watts is already sealed the double-team will be unnecessary. Because it’s JJ Watts, assume you will need two blockers to control him if you are running at him.
-The timing of the play is very important. First, the QB must get depth in his drop before handing the ball off to give the blocks time to get there. Also, the H-Back must be able to clear over the FB to hit his wham block.
Whamming the NT….
-The H-Back does a great job of “ear holing” the NT. If you go back and watch the play in real time you’ll see the violence of the block. Great job by the H-Back not giving ground against the biggest guy on the field.
-The RT has sealed JJ Watts single-handed, a daunting task for any offensive lineman. Because Watts is secure the RG (#77) climbs to the 2nd level “looking for work”.
-The H-Back and LT have created a huge lane for the RB. He knows he is hitting the B-gap at this points. His next task is to read the FB’s block on the MIKE.
-Because the MIKE fits to the inside of the running lane, the FB attacks his outside shoulder.
-As the NT and MIKE have been sealed inside with Watts sealed outside, the RB’s read is the playside B-gap.
-As Watts continues to push up field through the C-gap, the tackle “logs” him by rolling him around so the play can hit behind his back.
Finishing a Play Strong….
-The RB does an outstanding job of finishing the play by laying out the CB. Props to the CB for having the heart to fill, but he’s outmatched. This is a great example of “running behind your pads”. Get low, secure the ball, give the defenders nothing but shoulder pads, elbows, and knees to hit. Complete the run by falling forward for extra yardage. Go back and watch the hit on the CB again, the image doesn’t do it justice.