The I Line Screen

I've been thinking and recently I fancy myself, as well as a maestro of prediction, but as an Offensive Co Ordinator also. So here is my play, entitled "The I Line Screen" so called because of the initial line-up.

I will describe the play fully and then illustrate it in diagrams below, so do bare with me if it gets a little complicated.

The Formation


1. The line up is in the typical I-Formation, with two Tight Ends, with two running backs, as opposed to a full back and a running back.

2. The offensive line consists of a centre, two guards and the aforementioned two TE's.

3. Two WR's are lined up on the very edges of the playing area, with another lining up in the slot on either side, this being a feature which can be flipped depending on the defense.

The Play


1. Pre snap the quarterback makes a signal, which sends both running backs out of the backfield, whereupon they split. They then run towards the line of scrimmage, where they effectively assume the position of two extra WRs, thus giving the pre snap formation of a 5 wide formation.

2. The front running back, the quickest of the two, lines up on the strong side with the slot receiver, but crucially must be between the two WR's, outside of the slot receiver.

3. The other running back lines up on the side with one WR, between the TE and the WR.

4. The snap is then made to the QB, who by this time has himself moved back into the shotgun position.

5. The QB makes the read as to which outside receiver he is to throw it to.

6. The RB and TE on each side sprint in front of the respective outside WR and effectively create a shield for him to operate behind.

7. The one player left unmentioned is the slot receiver. Ideally, the slot receiver would be someone like Victor Cruz, who is the offense's target man. He runs a crossing route through midfield, bringing the safety, and hopefully bracket coverage along with him.

8. This means that the outside WRs only have to gain a step on their covering men, because they will then have one of the HB or TE to block for them.

9. This then means that once the WR has caught the ball there is a lane for him to run in because there is blocking by both the TE and the HB in front of him.

General Comments


1. This play would be best against zone coverage because it allows the WR who catches the ball to have a step on the CB, whereby the TE or HB will block, leaving the WR with a clear running lane.

2. Depending on the awareness and flexibility of the QB, this play can be used as an alternative to running for short yardage gains on third down, as long as the ball is released quickly.

Variants 


1. One or even both TEs or RBs can stay back if the QB senses a blitz, as any combination will still make the play work, because the blocking exists both downfield and by the QB at the time of the blitz.

2. Only one HB moves in motion, and from there an off tackle run to the side with the most blockers can be made.

3. Alternatively, where only one HB has moved in motion, play action can be made and then the play goes ahead as usual.

The Diagrams

1. This is the traditional line up before the snap.

2. This shows after the motion has been made, but before the snap.

3. This shows all the blocking and receiving routes when the play has begun.

So there we have it, The I Line Screen. I hope you all like it, do comment below, and please share with your friends, it means the world to me, it really does.

Until next time, where I will be talking about the NFC North, thanks for reading, comment your thoughts, and share share share.

Thanks a lot for reading,

Chris