Baltimore Ravens Football 101
Hello Baltimore Ravens fans and welcome to football 101! Every weekend I take a simple concept or concepts of the game and break it down for you. Many of you don’t need football 101, but some fans really dig it. So today we’re digging into route combinations.
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The idea behind most rout combinations is usually pretty simple. Some concepts are there to take advantage of a defensive look. Some are to get your best player open deep down the field. Many concepts simply make a simple progression for the quarterback. Here are 3 simple route combinations and how they work.
1. Smash Concept
This may sound more like a running play but I assure you it’s a clever route combo. The outside receiver runs a hitch route. (They run five yards and turn towards the QB). The slot or tight end runs a corner route (Up straight and then diagonally toward the sideline). What does this accomplish?
The cornerback is often put into peril on this play. He has a deep route and a short route going right at him. If he takes the corner route the hitch is open. If he takes the hitch the corner is open.
2. Mesh Concept:
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Crossing routes are great man coverage beating plays. So a mesh concept is a killer play against man to man. You have two shallow crossing routes going in opposite directions. The running back typically does a swing route. The idea here is that one of the receivers coming across the field will create separation and get yards after the catch.
3. Over and Under
Imagine the outside receiver running a slant or an in route. Now imagine the slot running a wheel route. This is another man coverage gem.
In man coverage the cornerback goes with the outside receiver on the in. The slot takes the outside that has been vacated by the outside receiver. Moving out and up allows the slot receiver to create seperation with the nickel or to create a tough angle for the safety.
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These are just three simple concepts that have a rhyme and reason in the passing game. Tune in to Ebony Bird for analysis on the Ravens, insights and opinions and football 101 every weekend!