SP: The Anatomy of a Great Running Play - Why The Ground Game is Taking Off

[RedskinParadigm]

After re-watching the Washington Redskins pound the former #1 rushing defense in the NFL for 153 yards on Sunday, I came away incredibly impressed with the overall effort by every player on the field in the running game. This offensive line is jelling, the wide receivers and tight ends have bought into the dirty work that take this aspect of the game to the next level, and of course, Mike Shanahan has unearthed an absolute gem of a running back that runs equally as intelligently as he does physically and elusively. Nothing displayed the total effort of everyone on the field more than Alfred Morris’ 17-yard run on 2nd & 5 with 4:00 to go in the 1st quarter.

The Redskins originally lined up in the I-formation with Pierre Garcon split-out wide left and Josh Morgan split wide-right. Tampa Bay was aligned in their base 4-3 Under package. After the initial look, Griffin motioned Josh Morgan inside the formation to the right of Griffin. The picture below depicts the final pre-snap look.

The run is initially designed to look like a run to the left. Griffin turns to to this side off the snap and offers a pitch to Alfred Morris, who’s first step is also in this direction. Tampa Bay left defensive end Michael Bennett explodes upfield on the backside of the initial look, clearly anticipating a Robert Griffin III playaction bootleg. Tyler Polumbus did a great job of using Bennett’s over-aggressiveness against him by riding the defensive completely out of the play. Also on Polumbus’ side of the field is Fred Davis, who does an excellent job of sealing the OLB to his side of the formation. Chris Chester, Will Montgomery, Darrell Young, Kory Lichtensteiger, and Trent Williams fire off to the left side of the formation and seal a massive cutback lane for Alfred Morris, which was ripe for the picking due to Polumbus’ and Davis’ blocks. Chester and Montgomery double down on the 1-technique DT Roy Miller and generate 2-yards of push, which was key to Morris’ initial cut. Below is an overhead shot of the gaping hole Morris had staring in front of him.

As Morris cuts back against the grain, we can see the running lane waiting for him, but we also see Tampa Bay MLB Mason Foster (#59) unblocked and looking to fill the hole, which can be seen below.

At this point, Chris Chester is still on DT Roy Miller in a double-team with Will Montgomery, which was necessary to create the initial cutback lane. If things stayed as they are in the picture above, Mason Foster would get to the hole cleanly and the result of the play would come down to a 1-on-1 with Alfred Morris in a tight space. Now, I fully think that Alfred Morris has shown himself to be capable of winning that 1-on-1 battle, but more often than not, a play like that would end in a simple but useful 4-5 yard run. Luckily for Morris, Chris Chester does a tremendous job of connecting a combination block.


Read the rest here.

[darrelgreenie]

Nice break down, the counter toss (and regular toss) are 2 of my favorite running plays from the Mike Shanahan Denver WCO.
I also like the inside trap, which we don't use very often but I digress.

For me the running game all comes downs to numbers.
Robert Griffin and the read option force defenses to account for the QB in the running game which gives the running game an extra man advantage that most teams lack.

[GeoPro]

Really enjoy these play breakdowns - thanks!
There is no underestimating the value of WRs willing and able to block downfield. And some of the blocks I have seen have been strong and with a sense of urgency and purpose. I love seeing our Redskins play this well! Real teamwork and determination. We are 'ballin' out there and it is great to see!
See you at FedEx Sunday! Ready to get loud!!!
HTTR!!!

[RedskinParadigm]

For me the running game all comes downs to numbers.
Robert Griffin and the read option force defenses to account for the QB in the running game which gives the running game an extra man advantage that most teams lack.

Yep, I agree. I noticed this big-time watching Philadelphia last season, who used the trio of Vick, Jason Peters, and LeSean McCoy to destroy teams on runs to the left side. Vick would freeze the defensive end (or OLB), Peters would use his tremendous athleticism to get to the second level, and McCoy would find himself with gaping holes on that side of the field. I read somewhere that McCoy averaged over 7 YPC running behind Peters last year. Most pundits gave all of the credit to Peters (who did deserve a lot), but very few noted the impact Vick had on the numbers game.

We're getting that same type of impact from Griffin. Couple that with our own stud LT and RB; we've got a lethal running game developing.

[martytheman]

haven't seen a whole lot of zone stretch, which I figured would be tailor made for AMO, but I suspect that's more because of Griffin than Alfred.

[Saqs]

Agreed. Morgan & Garcon are HUGE in the run game. Especially Morgan. That dude is a baller. Doesnt hurt that he seems to have great hands as well.

[DogofWar1]

Very nice analysis.

I think the fact that our line has gelled is a big help. They all know their assignments and blocking lanes are becoming automatic. Hopefully, everyone remains healthy, and we can keep opening lanes like last week. If Morris is given ~20 carries a game from here on out I'd expect him to get quite a few 100 yard games.

The blocking ability of our WRs is also overlooked quite often, and overlooked in general. Normally you've got your 5 linemen, and a TE blocking, for 6 guys, and maybe a FB or 2nd tight end, depending on the formation. So the defense has 11 guys trying to stop the run vs. 6 or 7 guys blocking for the runner. If your 2-3 WRs can block though, suddenly it's 11 defenders v. 8-10 blockers, and there's a lot fewer free defenders who can catch your guy. It increases the chance of a home run drastically, which is what we saw on Morris' 34 yard TD run.

And that's before we mention the athleticism of our offensive line. How many Olinemen in the NFL run a 4.7 and can block downfield? Not too many. Trent Williams can do that. As we continue to build the line, hopefully we will be able to get blocks downfield more often as well.

Combine this with Morris' ability to power through weaker tackles, and it's a deadly combination. Morris is on pace for 1500 yards. Will he get there? Probably not. But barring injury (always barring injury) Morris is easily on pace for a 1K season, the first of any Shanahan back in his time here.

[skinnyles]

Great presentation....I am so excited to see this part of our game evolve and allow the passing attack to gel. Passing is always harder to perfect. I think the second half of our season is going to be something else!!! Just need a little "D".

[redskindan07]

Nice analysis & break down!!

[Hitman21ST]

As this is a thread about the running game, I thought I would add this tidbit:

Going into last week, the Bucs were first in rushing defense. After last week, they dropped to 4th. In one game, we added something like 30 yards to their average.

[repo_4]

Combine this with Morris' ability to power through weaker tackles, and it's a deadly combination. Morris is on pace for 1500 yards. Will he get there? Probably not. But barring injury (always barring injury) Morris is easily on pace for a 1K season, the first of any Shanahan back in his time here.

You are right, he probably will not reach 1500 yards. He will blow past it and reach 1600.
I really like this guy. He is humble and has a desire to get the job done and it doesnt seem to be all about money. He drives a clunker and I heard he cleans up after the team on the plane when they travel because "it needs to be done". This is the kind of guy that just makes your team better in every aspect. I hope he can stay healthy for years to come. We need 21 other high character guys just like him (glancing over at D-Hall...).

[pjfootballer]

If he cleans up the plane, that just a sign of OCD! But the sentiment is appreciated.

[Alcoholic Zebra]

Really enjoy these articles. I also really like how we now have 3 WR's who are physical enough to do damage in the run game.