Islolation Series, Kirk Cousins
Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins is one of the better touch and anticipation throwers in the league, here we take a look at a throw from the Detroit game.
Author: QB Film Room
All 22 – Alex Smith to Demetrius Harris
Alex Smith Throws the “Corner” Route to Chiefs TE Demetrius Harris- who gives his route away due to his lack of seasoning as a route runner
Drew Brees All 22 INT Analysis
Drew Brees misfired against Kansas City resulting in a momentum changing pick six for the opposition.
Inside the Design – Marcus Mariota to Delanie Walker
Author- Bryan Trulen
Mike Mularkey may be one of the more underrated offensive designers and play callers in the league. Mularkey has a history of success in developing quarterbacks and utilizing his Tight Ends in a highly creative fashion. Lets take a look a look at the Titans 2nd play of the game against the Jaguars as we go inside the design. (All screen shots courtesy of NFL Game Pass)
Tennessee comes out in TE dominated version of “Base” personnel. Their X Receiver is in a Tight Split and the strong side of the formation is condensed “trips” which forces the Jaguars to play an 8 man box with a single high safety.
With the Jaguars only rushing four this is an ideal situation for a drop back pass. Mariota turns and sells play action to Demarco Murray, which does just enough to influence the Jaguar linebacking corps to at least think about a run possibility. 
Mariota quickly gets his head around after selling play action as the Jaguars remain true to their pre snap coverage look playing cover 3 zone. 
As the play develops the Tennessee receiving threats are really pushing vertical down the field in a hurry. This is made possible by the tight alignment which allows the receivers to press the cushion of the defensive backs in true straight line fashion. Mariota has ample time to survey and with Demarco Murray releasing into the flat puts extra stress on the SS who is forced to cover him. 
We can now clearly see the Mularkey play design coming to fruition as Mariota releases the ball into a defined window that was created by stretching the defense both horizontally and vertically. The (X) WR runs a deep 30 yard corner route which essentially opens the window for the “Over” route ran by Delanie Walker underneath at 20 yards. Demarco Murray is the last piece of the puzzle as he continues on his route trajectory to the sideline at 5 yards maximizing even further the window for Mariota to throw the football into.
The pass is complete to Walker for a chunk play on 2nd and long and proved to be the first of many explosive plays in the passing game for Tennessee, many of which came out of “Base” personnel packages.
QB Film Room Podcast episode 5
Jared Goff, Blake Bortles and Marcus Mariota are discussed
The Kevin Hogan Inexperience
Cleveland QB Kevin Hogan saw the field for the first time against the Bengals. On his last drive of the game there were however some missed opportunities for the Signal Caller that may attributable to not having great feet as well as an inability to throw with anticipation outside the numbers.
Stafford strikes again. Late game magic from rising MVP candidate.
Analyzing Matthew Stafford’s game winning Touchdown Drive to beat the Redskins.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford again showed why he is a legitimate MVP candidate as he engineered yet another 4th quarter comeback victory over Washington. Stafford effortlessly moved the Lions down the field with under 2 minutes remaining in a drive that showcased traits such as awareness, a quick release,functional mobility, accuracy, timing and sheer arm power. Let’s go to the tape and take a look.
All Video Capture courtesy of NFL Game Pass.
With just over 1:00 to play, Detroit comes out in 10 personnel and the Redskins are deploying a two high safety shell pre snap with their cornerbacks 5-7 yards off the ball. 
As the ball is snapped Josh Norman (CB, Top of Screen) begins his back pedal and is now 10 yards away from WR Marvin Jones who is a legitimate down field deep threat. Washington still has their two high safety look in tact. 
Stafford sets up in the pocket we begin to see excellent route spacing and design taking shape. Washington has now (Post Snap) retreated into a Single High Safety look as their SS is now playing a hybrid robber/deep curl defender. 
After Stafford’s initial setup, he is forced to step up and out of the pocket to his left as defensive end Ryan Kerrigan rushes up-field and creates a void for Stafford to buy more time to throw. 
As Stafford buys more time, the Lions receiving threats are doing an excellent job of horizontally stretching the Redskin defense with a concept specifically designed to beat this particular defense. Marvin Jones is running a deep in breaking route and the WR at the bottom of the screen – Anquan Boldin, is running a deep comeback to the outside.
Stafford releases the ball with a flick of the wrist while not setting his feet, this clearly is a special throw by a special quarterback. Also notice how he is throwing somewhat across his body and into a window he expects Marvin Jones to eventually be. 
The pass is complete and the Lions are rolling into Washington territory. 
With momentum on their side but time running out, the Lions need a big play. Detroit deploys trips to the field side of the formation with their TE attached to the LOS. Attempting to decipher the Washington coverage at this point is tough to do. Stafford most likely has his eyes focused on the SS at the snap of the ball as that will be his coverage indicator. 
At this point, we begin to see elements of the SS coming down into the box. This will signify to Stafford that there is a high probability of single high safety coverage with the “weak” safety rotating to the middle of the field.
As Stafford sets up into a clean pocket it becomes evident that Washington is electing to play coverage and rush three which in theory tightens any potential throwing windows down the field. Meanwhile we see again how Detroit has perfected the use of WR spacing as their receivers use angled releases which stresses the defense horizontally. Detroit also runs their TE on an “Under” route which will further stress the under-coverage of Washington.
As Stafford begins his throwing motion the picture is now clearly defined. Washington is in a single high safety look and Anquan Boldin who is in the slot, is creating leverage to come back into the weak area of this defense. Golden Tate is now running across the FS face in this modified four vertical concept. 
The Window to place the football to Boldin is indeed very small but Stafford is one of the few QB’s who can actually make this throw happen. Stafford is essentially betting on his arm to fit the ball into a very small window. Also notice how the TE is in Stafford line of sight and actually influences the Will Linebacker just a bit. 
Inside the Design- Eli Manning to Odell Beckham Jr.
Author- Bryan Trulen
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning has an intuitive feel for timing and touch within the passing game. We take a look at a momentum changing connection with OBJ from the Ravens game. (All Video Frame Content Owned by NFL Game Pass)
New York comes out in 11 personnel deploying 1 RB and 1 TE with Odell Beckham Jr (X WR) stationed at the top of the screen. OBJ uses a tight split alignment which will allow him to use all 53 yards of the field to his favor later on in the play. We are able to clearly see that Baltimore has devoted themselves to playing OBJ in pure man coverage with their Weak Safety ten yards deep from the LOS. Upon Receiving the snap, Eli Manning immediately starts to deceive the Baltimore defense by positioning his body and eyes to his left. 
As Manning reaches the top of his drop we can see that he has now effectively manipulated (WS) Eric Weddle. Weddle is now running down hill and looks convinced that Manning will be throwing the ball to the strong side of the formation. In reality though Eli being the nuanced veteran QB that he is, already knows he is throwing to Beckham and is simply baiting Weddle to open up space down the right side of the field as Beckham is in the midst of running a double move pattern.
Eli has now successfully fooled Weddle and is now in the process of pump faking a 6 yard stop route to Beckham (Top of Screen). Notice how the Baltimore pass rush is non existent due to only rushing four on 1st down.
The six yard stop route the Ravens defense thought Beckham was initially running proved to be an illusion-which has now turned into a full blown stop and go route against man to man coverage. Manning continues to position himself comfortably within a clean pocket as he plants his back foot in anticipation of throwing a deep ball to Beckham. 
Beckham clearly has a step on the cornerback which in pro football means you are open. At this point the ball is already out of Manning’s hand. Crowd anticipation and excitement comes to climax within seconds as everyone in the stadium holds their collective breath awaiting the result of the pass. 
The ball is perfectly placed into the hands of a streaking Beckham and the play results in a game changing Touchdown for New York. Beckham was able to showcase his route creativity, speed, and change of direction on this play which put him in prime position to make a big play.
All-22 Review – Deep Ball Perfection utilizing Run Heavy Personnel.
Situation- Beginning 2nd half play against New York, Minnesota lines up in 21 personnel on 1st and 10 from the 25 yard line. This base offensive look limits what the Giants can do defensively as they clearly deploy a single high safety look with press man coverage on the outside with 8 defenders in the “Box”. (All Content courtesy of NFL Game Pass)
As Sam Bradford receives the snap from under center, the Giant defense does not know if it is going to be a pass or a run. Notice how their Linebackers are fixated on the backfield in this run heavy Viking offensive formation. 
Upon receiving the snap, Bradford immediately places his eyes hard to the right with the intention of manipulating and freezing the FS in the middle of the field. At the Bottom of the screen, the WR uses a “Tight” which is needed for this play to work. 
As Bradford is nearing the top of his five step drop his eyes are still locked on the right side of the field as he attempts to fool the Giants Single High free safety. At the bottom of the screen the WR is beginning to gain separation from the man coverage while still leaving Bradford extended space to drop the ball into. 
As Bradford sets up to deliver the throw we can clearly see the FS has been frozen and there is considerable green grass to throw the football to at the bottom of the screen. 
The ball is released on time by Bradford within a clean pocket. Notice how the WR continues to run straight even though he has room to the outside – this allows Bradford to throw him open with touch. 
Bradford drops the ball into the bucket as the Vikings take advantage of great formational design coupled with veteran eye level discipline and ball placement by Bradford to complete the fade pass. 
Marcus Mariota Deep Ball
Beautiful Play Design by Tennessee allows Marcus to unleash his natural deep throwing ability on this play.
Deep TD Pass from MM, beautiful design. pic.twitter.com/Z9HZohJpVu
— QB Film Room (@QBFilmRoom)
Geno Smith Scouting Report
Geno Smith has admitted to getting antsy as he continues to reside on the bench even with the Jets in the middle of a losing streak. It brings us back to 2014 when Geno Smith performed at a Pro Bowl Level albeit in spades for a then Marty Morningwegh led offense.
Update – (November 2017) The New York Giants have elected to give Geno his chance as he has been named the Giants starter for the rest of the year
For an In-Depth Tape Based Report on Geno Smith, Be sure to purchase our 2017 Pro QB Almanac
Chicago Bears All-22 Run Game Analysis
Chicago was able to spring a long run with stellar execution within their offensive line group vs Indianapolis.
Matt Ryan to Julio Jones All-22
Matt Ryan Throws Deep to Julio Jones for a big gain.
Sam Bradford to Stefon Diggs Throw
Bryan Trulen of QB Film Room takes a look at the All-22 Tape of a particular Bradford to Diggs completion from the NYG game.
Bruce Arians Play Action Design
Bruce Arians is considered the best Deep Passing Concept Play Designer in the league. Here we go to the 2015 Film Vault with a Classic BA concept. Arians uses 11 Personel but Keeps the TE staying in to block for Palmer and runs a deep out post concept with an extra wrinkle. John Brown, Starts as if he is running a Deep Over or Deep Crosser but bends the route back to the outside, losing the defender. This double move concept is only made possible with Play Action and Palmer avoiding pressure. At this level of Football, it is paramount for WR’s to make their route look like something else and deceive the Secondary.
Early Sleeper College QB – Philip Nelson, ECU
Author- Bryan Trulen
Phil Nelson, a Fifth Year Senior QB who played for the Minnesota Gophers from 2012-2013 is first in completions and fifth in passing yardage for all of Division 1 through the first four weeks of football as the triggerman for a pass centric high octane East Carolina offense. Nelson is completing nearly 75% of his passes and has thrown 9 Touchdowns with 3 INT thus far. Nelson 6’2″ 215 brings with him a quick release and a natural inclination be very decisive with the football and the ability to manipulate a defense with pump fakes and his eyes. We take a look at a throw Nelson made from the South Carolina Game.
Here we see ECU in the shotgun with three WR’s to the left of Nelson. South Carolina is showing a two deep coverage with their Inside Linebackers side by side with their SS in man to man coverage. 
Just before the ball is snapped, East Carolina sends their running back in a Jet motion across the field which is done to open throwing windows for Nelson. 
Upon receiving the snap, Nelson immediately gives a quick pump fake to the RB running horizontally across the field. This action widens the South Carolina OLB as we will see in the next frame. The token pump fake by Nelson gives the inside WR for East Carolina just enough leverage get into the vacant area and make himself a viable target for Nelson.
Nelson delivers the ball from a clean pocket in a very decisive manner. There is not much room for error as we can see but Nelson has enough confidence in his ability to make “Window” throws to ensure completion. South Carolina is playing Zone Coverage with their LB’s which classifies this as an anticipation throw for Nelson. 
The ball is in the air with enough arc to get over the South Carolina defenders. This is a very specific of throw that requires touch, a quick release and anticipation as well as accuracy. 
Nelson places this pass at the face-mask level for his WR making this an easy catch as East Carolina picks up chunk yardage with their passing game deep in South Carolina territory.
Early Sleeper College QB – Phil Nelson, ECU
Author- Bryan Trulen
Phil Nelson, a Fifth Year Senior QB who played for the Minnesota Gophers from 2012-2013 is first in completions and fifth in passing yardage for all of Division 1 through the first four weeks of football as the triggerman for a pass centric high octane East Carolina offense. Nelson is completing nearly 75% of his passes and has thrown 9 Touchdowns with 3 INT thus far. Nelson 6’2″ 215 brings with him a quick release and a natural inclination be very decisive with the football and the ability to manipulate a defense with pump fakes and his eyes. We take a look at a throw Nelson made from the South Carolina Game.
Here we see ECU in the shotgun with three WR’s to the left of Nelson. South Carolina is showing a two deep coverage with their Inside Linebackers side by side with their SS in man to man coverage.
Just before the ball is snapped, East Carolina sends their running back in a Jet motion across the field which is done to open throwing windows for Nelson.
Upon receiving the snap, Nelson immediately gives a quick pump fake to the RB running horizontally across the field. This action widens the South Carolina OLB as we will see in the next frame. The token pump fake by Nelson gives the inside WR for East Carolina just enough leverage get into the vacant area and make himself a viable target for Nelson.
Nelson delivers the ball from a clean pocket in a very decisive manner. There is not much room for error as we can see but Nelson has enough confidence in his ability to make “Window” throws to ensure completion. South Carolina is playing Zone Coverage with their LB’s which classifies this as an anticipation throw for Nelson.
The ball is in the air with enough arc to get over the South Carolina defenders. This is a very specific of throw that requires touch, a quick release and anticipation as well as accuracy.
Nelson places this pass at the face-mask level for his WR making this an easy catch as East Carolina picks up chunk yardage with their passing game deep in South Carolina territory.
Isolation Series, Andy Dalton to AJ Green.
Creator- Bryan Trulen
At QB Film Room, we are introducing a new series for our viewers called Isolation. The objective of this undertaking is to scour the tape and “isolate” one play that we best feel exemplify a strength or a weakness of a specific player.
Today we Discuss The duo of Andy Dalton to AJ Green. This throw encapsulates the essence of their on the field chemistry for another and is achieved by and large through elite play design.
Falcons OC Kyle Shanahan using Creativity with Red Zone Passing Game Design.
Bryan Trulen of QB Film Room analyzes a red zone scoring play for Matt Ryan and Atlanta.
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