Here we go with another Three and out column! If you’ve not read one of these columns before, the concept is simple. Each week I pick out three notable plays from the previous weekend and break them down.
These could vary from big highlight reel plays to simply some special play calling and scheme design.
This week we have a creative pressure from Baltimore, a clever RPO from Shane Steichen and the Colts, and a special catch from Puka Nacua.
Baltimore’s simulated pressure
The Ravens defense has been a revelation this season and we got to witness them at their pinnacle against the Lions in Week 7. Detroit came into this game with a red hot offense, and Baltimore managed to hold them to just six points.
In truth I could have filled this week’s column with a trio of Ravens plays. That’s how good this team was playing on both sides of the ball. Instead though I’ve chosen to focus on one play in particular – a creative simulated pressure dialed up by Mike Macdonald.
Before we get into the film it is worth explaining briefly what a simulated pressure is. In essence it is a pass rush that brings a non-traditional rusher (a defensive back or off-ball linebacker) in exchange for a defensive lineman, who drops back into coverage.
The aim of simulated pressures is simple – to create confusion for the offensive line and the quarterback and, if possible, generate an unblocked rusher for the defense. That was crucial in this game for Baltimore given how good Detroit’s offensive line is.
The Ravens come out in a BOSS front, with three linemen over the right side of the Lions’ offensive line. This forces the Lions into a man protection scheme. They then have Kyle Van Noy (#50) on the other side, whose sole job is to occupy the left tackle.
Baltimore then sends Roquan Smith (#0) as blitzer, thereby occupying the left guard. All of Detroit’s linemen are now committed to a defender – so far so good for the Lions. This is where the chaos starts though.
After threatening with a pass rush, the Ravens drop back both of their defensive tackles into coverage. By doing so they leave the Lions’ right guard and center wasted in pass protection, whilst also covering the underneath zones to prevent Jared Goff from beating them with quick game.
The last piece of the puzzle comes in the form of slot cornerback Anthony Maulet. With the left tackle occupied, Maulet has a clear path to the quarterback. By the time Goff realises what is happening it is too late, and Maulet brings him down for a sack.
Indy’s return motion RPO
We’ve featured the Colts’ creative use of RPOs in a previous edition of Three and out, and we’re diving back into that well again this week.
Anyone who has watched Shane Steichen’s offenses in Indianapolis or in Philadelphia will know how much he likes RPOs. Steichen’s Eagles led the NFL with 185 RPOs in 2022 and his Colts team rank fifth so far in 2023.
This play came in their Week 7 matchup against an excellent Browns defense. The Colts come out in 11 personnel, with the Browns matching with nickel.
Before the snap, they send wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie in motion across the formation. He goes in orbit motion, crossing the quarterback’s face before returning around the back of the backfield.
The first part of this RPO is the box count. If the Colts are even or have the numbers advantage in the box, then Gardner Minshew will hand the ball off on a split zone run. With the Colts having just six blockers to the Browns’ seven box defenders, that isn’t happening. Minshew then moves to the pass part of the RPO.
The concept the Colts have called here is known as “slant-flat” or “Dragon”. As the name suggests, this combines a slant route and a flat route. The job of the quarterback is to read the flat defender. In this instance that is cornerback Greg Newsome (#0). If he flows downhill to the flat, the quarterback should hit the slant. If he sits under the slant, the throw should go to the flat.
This is a multi-layered play from Shane Steichen that gives his quarterback easy decisions and makes the Browns defense wrong no matter what they do. It isn’t hard to see why Indy gave this much vaunted Browns defense more problems than any other team this season.
Puka Nacua’s motion wheel route
The Rams have been one of the best teams in the NFL at using motion to cause problems for opposing defenses this season. This play against the Steelers is a perfect example of that, but that’s not the only reason I included it.
This play also shows the incredible connection that Matthew Stafford and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua have developed this season. Nacua has been a revelation and the former BYU man is deservedly in conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
On this play the Rams come out in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends). The Steelers match with base personnel, with two safeties and two cornerbacks on the field.
Before the snap the Rams sent Nacua in motion across the formation, with Pittsburgh responding by bumping over linebacker Elandon Roberts. That creates a favourable matchup for the Rams, with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua going up against Roberts and Levi Wallace.
With Nacua releasing outside, it is vital that the Steelers pass off these routes to avoid getting picked. You can see how the motion creates a split second of hesitation though, with Wallace getting caught flat footed and beaten by Kupp.
What happens next isn’t great schematics as much as it is a great throw and a truly elite catch from Nacua, who somehow manages to get both feet down in bounds for a big gain. When they are making plays like this the Rams truly are a joy to watch.
