The NFL’s Latest Evolution

Thinking Football
30 Sept 202315:29
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script delves into the strategic use of motion in NFL offenses, highlighting how it creates confusion and deception against defenses. It explains the difference between pre-snap motion and shifts, and how they force the defense to reveal its coverage. The Miami Dolphins are featured for their extensive use of motion, with a 59% rate compared to the league average of 4% in the 2017 season. The script also discusses how motion can uncover man or zone coverage, create advantageous matchups, and provide momentum for both passing and running plays. It concludes by noting the increasing trend of motion in the NFL and the potential need for rule adjustments to maintain fair play.

Takeaways
  • 🏈 The Miami Dolphins are using motion at an unprecedented rate (59%) compared to the league average of 4% in 2017, which significantly impacts defensive strategies.
  • 🔄 Pre-snap motion and shifts are crucial for offenses to deceive defenses, with motion showing a strong correlation to scoring for top offenses.
  • ⚖️ Motion forces the defense to reveal its coverage, making it easier for quarterbacks to identify man or zone coverage pre-snap.
  • 🚀 Offenses like the Dolphins use motion to create mismatches and exploit man coverage, as defenders in man coverage are obligated to follow the moving player.
  • 🤫 Clever offensive coordinators can use motion to counter defensive rules like 'banjo' calls, which are designed to pass off coverages based on route direction.
  • 🔍 Motion helps in identifying zone coverage by forcing defenders to show their positioning, providing the quarterback with an easier read.
  • ⛹️‍♂️ Against the blitz, motion can create confusion and open up throwing windows for quarterbacks by setting up screens and other quick passes.
  • 🏃‍♂️ Motion adds momentum to the offense, which can be particularly effective in the running game, as it offers an additional advantage against static defenders.
  • 🎭 Misdirection using motion is a powerful tool in both running and passing plays, as it can create space and keep defenders guessing.
  • 📚 Teams need to be well-drilled on how to label and respond to motion to avoid confusion and miscommunication on the field.
  • 🚨 There is a fine line between legal and illegal motion, and some teams, like the Rams and Dolphins, are pushing the boundaries, which may require officials to be more vigilant.
Q & A

  • What is the significance of motion in NFL offenses?

    -Motion in NFL offenses is significant because it creates confusion and deception for the defense, allowing the offense to gain leverage and momentum. It can reveal defensive coverages and force mismatches, making it easier for the quarterback to make effective plays.

  • How has the use of motion in the NFL evolved in recent years?

    -The use of motion has increased significantly in recent years. For example, in the 2017 season, only 4% of snaps contained motion league-wide, whereas the Miami Dolphins in a later season used motion on an impressive 59% of snaps.

  • What is the correlation between motion and scoring in the NFL?

    -There is a strong correlation between motion and scoring for the league's top offenses. The added movement can force the defense to reveal its coverage, making it easier for offenses to score.

  • What are the two types of pre-snap movement in an NFL offense?

    -The two types of pre-snap movement are 'emotion', where a player moves laterally or backward to the line of scrimmage as the ball is snapped, and 'shift', where the offense changes its formation by moving multiple players before the snap, with all players getting set for a full second.

  • How does motion affect a defense in man coverage?

    -In man coverage, a 'Man in Motion' will be followed by a defender, revealing the coverage. This can create mismatches and open up the field for the offense to exploit.

  • How can motion be used to counter zone coverage?

    -Motion can help identify zone coverage by forcing defenders to move and show their positioning. It can also build up momentum for the offense to attack static defenders and create space to exploit in the passing game.

  • What is a common defensive call to handle motion?

    -A common defensive call to handle motion is 'Banjo', which helps defenders swap assignments based on route direction, but clever offensive coordinators can use motion to force mismatches and take advantage.

  • How does motion impact a defense facing a blitz?

    -Motion can create confusion and open up throwing windows for quarterbacks when facing a blitz. It can also add momentum to the play, making it harder for defenders to react and maintain their positions.

  • What are some examples of creative play design using motion?

    -Creative play designs using motion include the orbit motion for screens, counter plays with misdirection, and plays where the motion man becomes a lead blocker or receiver, adding an element of surprise and momentum to the play.

  • How does motion benefit running plays in football?

    -Motion benefits running plays by adding a cloak of distraction, making it harder for defenders to maintain their gaps, and providing added momentum for the offense to attack a hesitant defense.

  • What challenges do referees face when it comes to legal motion in the game?

    -Referees need to ensure that the motion adheres to the rules, which can be challenging due to the evolving and creative ways teams use motion. They must be vigilant to catch any illegal forward motion that may give the offense an unfair advantage.

Outlines
00:00
🏈 NFL Offense and Motion Strategy: Deception and Momentum

The first paragraph discusses how NFL defenses need to adapt to the increasing use of motion in offensive strategies. The Miami Dolphins are highlighted for their high percentage of motion plays, which has a strong correlation with scoring for top offenses. The paragraph defines two types of motion: pre-snap emotion and shifts. It also explains how motion can reveal defensive strategies, force mismatches, and create opportunities for quarterbacks to exploit man or zone coverage. The effectiveness of motion is emphasized, particularly in the context of man coverage and when facing the blitz.

05:01
🏃‍♂️ Exploiting Defenses with Motion: Zone Coverage and Play Design

The second paragraph delves into how motion can be used to counter static defenders within the 10-yard line, using the wheel seam flat play as an example. It also illustrates how motion can help identify zone coverage and exploit it, as seen in plays by the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams. The paragraph further explains how motion can force defenses to reveal their coverage, leading to advantageous matchups. It also touches on how motion can be used to counteract aggressive defensive shifts and how it can be combined with other tactics, such as reverse plays and misdirection, to create confusion and openings in the defense.

10:01
💥 The Impact of Motion on Running Plays and Misdirection

The third paragraph focuses on the benefits of motion in running plays, emphasizing how it adds a layer of distraction and momentum against a hesitant defense. Examples from various teams, including the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins, are provided to show how motion can cause defenders to misalign and create advantageous running lanes. The paragraph also discusses how lead blockers in motion can add an element of surprise and how certain play designs, such as orbit motion and counter plays, can effectively use motion to achieve touchdowns. It concludes with a note on the potential for pushing the boundaries of legal motion and the need for referees to enforce the rules more strictly.

15:03
📈 The Future of Motion in Football and the NFL's Copycat Nature

The final paragraph predicts an increase in the use of motion across the NFL season, as teams observe the Dolphins' success and incorporate similar strategies into their offenses. It suggests that while it may take time for other teams to match Miami's level of motion usage, the trend is likely to grow. The paragraph also encourages viewers to explore more about modern defenses and the Miami Dolphins' offense, offering additional video content for further insight.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Motion
Motion in football refers to the movement of a player or players before the snap of the ball. It is a strategic tool used to create confusion and gain an advantage over the defense. In the video, the Miami Dolphins are highlighted for their extensive use of motion, with a rate of 59%, which is significantly higher than the league average of 4% in the 2017 season. The Dolphins use motion to build momentum and to deceive the defense into revealing their coverage schemes.
💡Pre-snap Motion
Pre-snap motion is a specific type of motion where a player moves laterally or backwards to the line of scrimmage as the ball is snapped. It must be a player who is not on the line of scrimmage and only one player can be in motion at a time. This concept is central to the video's theme as it is used to force the defense to show their defensive alignment and coverage, providing the offense with valuable information before the play begins.
💡Shift
A shift in football is when the offense changes its formation by moving multiple players before the snap, but all players must come to a complete stop for a full second before the ball is snapped. Shifts are mentioned in the context of the video as another method to deceive the defense, similar to motion, but involving the entire formation rather than a single player. The San Francisco 49ers are shown using a shift to change from an 'I' formation to a five-wide receiver set, forcing the defense to reveal its coverage.
💡Man Coverage
Man coverage is a defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to cover a specific offensive player. The video discusses how motion can be particularly effective against man coverage, as it can force defenders to follow moving players, revealing the defense's assignments and creating mismatches. An example given is Tyreek Hill's quick out route against safety Kyle Dugger, where Hill's speed and the motion created by the play design allow for an easy completion.
💡Zone Coverage
Zone coverage is a defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to a specific area of the field rather than a particular player. The video explains that motion can also be used effectively against zone coverage by creating confusion and leveraging the offense's momentum. An example is the Dolphins' wheel-seam flat play, where the motion from the running back helps to outflank the defense and create an easy throw for the quarterback.
💡Banjo Call
A banjo call is a defensive communication tactic used when the offense uses motion. It helps defenders to swap assignments based on the direction of the route run by the player in motion. The video describes how clever offensive coordinators can use motion to force the defense into a banjo call, creating mismatches and exploiting weaknesses in the defense.
💡Orbit Motion
Orbit motion is a specific type of pre-snap motion where a player, typically a running back, moves in a circular path around the quarterback before the snap. This motion is highlighted in the video as a way to create confusion and open up throwing lanes for the quarterback. An example is shown with the Los Angeles Rams using an orbit motion to set up a screen play, creating a clean throwing window for the quarterback.
💡Counter Play
A counter play in football is a type of play that goes in the opposite direction of the initial movement or action. The video discusses how teams like the Miami Dolphins use motion in combination with counter plays to deceive the defense. For instance, a running back may execute an orbit motion that suggests a run to one side, but the play is actually a counter run in the opposite direction, effectively using the defense's own momentum against them.
💡Play Action
Play action is a football strategy where the quarterback fakes a handoff to a running back while preparing to pass the ball. This is done to deceive the defense into thinking a run play is happening, thus creating open passing lanes. In the video, play action is mentioned in the context of using motion to sell the run fake more effectively, with examples including the Dolphins using motion to set up play action passes.
💡Misdirection
Misdirection in football involves using various tactics to deceive the defense about the true intention of the play. The video emphasizes the use of motion to create misdirection, which can lead to defenders being in the wrong gap or taking a bad angle, resulting in big gains for the offense. An example is the Miami Dolphins' use of misdirection with an orbit motion that suggests a sweep play, but is actually a pass play to the opposite side of the field.
💡Push Call
A push call is a defensive adjustment made in response to motion, where a linebacker or cornerback is shifted into the flat to negate the speed and leverage advantage of the offense. The video discusses how teams must be in sync when making a push call to avoid confusion and potential mismatches. An example is shown with the Kansas City Chiefs using a rocket motion to cause a push call, then exploiting the defense with a well-timed route combination.
Highlights

NFL defenses are preparing for increased levels of motion, which can create confusion and deception.

The Miami Dolphins are using motion at an unprecedented rate of 59% of snaps, compared to the league average of 4% in 2017.

Motion in football helps offenses to show the defense's hand, making it easier to identify man or zone coverage pre-snap.

There are two types of pre-snap movement: 'shift', where the entire formation changes, and 'motion', where one player moves.

A strong correlation has been observed between the use of motion and scoring for the top offenses in the league.

Motion can force a defense to reveal its coverage, creating easy throws and advantageous matchups for quarterbacks.

The 49ers use versatile skill players and shifts to confuse linebackers and create favorable coverage.

Man in motion is often followed by a defender, indicating man coverage, which can be exploited by the offense.

Clever offensive coordinators use motion to force mismatches and take advantage of defensive rules like 'banjo'.

Motion can help offenses attack static defenders in the red zone and create easy scoring opportunities.

The Rams and Dolphins are pushing the boundaries of legal motion, sometimes causing confusion among referees.

Motion can be used to set up screens and other deceptive plays, making it harder for defenses to maintain their assignments.

The use of motion is not only effective in the passing game but can also be highly beneficial in running plays by adding momentum and distraction.

Teams like the Dolphins are using misdirection and motion to create space and opportunities against aggressive defenses.

The NFL is a copycat league, and the increased use of motion by successful teams like Miami is likely to be adopted by others.

Motion can cause defenses to make mistakes, such as miscalculations or being on different pages, leading to open throws for quarterbacks.

The future of football is likely to involve even more use of motion as teams continue to push the limits of the rules and find new ways to exploit defenses.

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Related Tags
NFL OffenseFootball StrategyMiami DolphinsMotion TacticsPre-Snap MovementPlay DesignOffensive SchemesDefensive CoverageTactical AnalysisSports DeceptionAmerican Football