Using Empty Protection with a Y-Stick Concept

When teams choose to use empty protection in the pass game, the offensive line is under more pressure than usual. Essentially, empty pro (also sometimes referred to as "big on big") is a pass protection concept that only involves the offensive line.

Most pass plays involve an extra blocker; teams either keep the running back or tight end in to pass protect (or have him at least chip a defender while leaving for a route), or motion in a slotted tight end to help out. There are plenty of creative ways to protect the quarterback on pass plays, but empty protection is by far the riskiest.

That's why it's nice to tie empty protection in with a good route combination that will come open early, especially if the defense blitzes. The Y-Stick concept is popular among Air Raid and Pro Style offenses alike, and it's a perfect match with empty pro. Let's take a look at why this is so effective:

The video used in making these images is courtesy of ESPN.

This is the count of men in protection versus potential rushers. The running back will be free releasing for a potential checkdown throw, so it's five on five. This count doesn't necessarily have any correspondence, meaning offensive player #1 might not block defender #1.

This count simply allows the offensive line to say, "Here are the five guys we're prioritizing in our protection." They're the most immediate threats, which is why the center (blocker #3) points out the will linebacker (defender #5) rather than the backer next to him. #5 is the innermost defender that isn't actually on the line, so he's the most dangerous of the two inside linebackers.

Here are the route combos on the play. I drew up all the routes to show the concept in full, but we're most concerned about the circled player, or the Y. For terminology purposes, the Y is a tight end (in this case he's flexed out). Some teams might call this guy an "A" rather than a Y, but that's a semantics discussion that doesn't really need to take place here.

As you can see, the cornerbacks are playing off their receivers; this means the defense could be playing man coverage or cover 4 zone, but the coverage hasn't really been tipped yet. However, they don't appear to be looking at the quarterback; rather, the corners and safeties seem focused on individual threats. This would indicate man coverage, but we can't be completely sure before the play starts.

This is called a "Y-Stick" concept because the circled Y is running a stick route. He's driving just past five yards, then making a speed break inside to face the quarterback while still moving towards the sideline. The Y-Stick and the release from the running back combine to work well with empty protection.

The quarterback's read is fairly simple. If the defense brings the house, throw the Y-stick immediately. If the Y is covered but there's still a considerable rush, throw the drag or dump the ball off to the running back. If the defense doesn't bring many rushers, wait for one of the developing routes to come open.

Just prior to the snap, the Will linebacker (who was #5 in the rush count) walks up to the line. This keeps him as a top-priority potential rusher. Had the Mike backer (the circled player) walked up instead, he would have replaced his cohort in the offensive line's presnap count.

However, the Mike's weight is pretty heavy on his toes; he definitely looks ready to blitz as well. The offensive line and the quarterback see this, but for now they're more concerned with the players in the yellow square.

The o-line doesn't have too many rules on this protection, except to block the first five rushers inside-out. This means inside rushers are a greater threat because they're closer to the quarterback. If a sixth rusher comes, the offensive line can't do anything; the quarterback has to recognize the extra rusher and throw to the (presumably) open receiver.

Here's the same play from an endzone angle right after the snap. The left tackle #59 recognizes that, in fact, both linebackers have decided to blitz. He leaves the defensive end that was lined up outside of him, because by the time that defensive end makes it to the quarterback the ball will be out.

The left guard (#73) and center (#57) are preparing to pass twisting pass rushers to each other. The rushers might have lined up in one gap, but by looping and changing their route to the quarterback, they hope to create confusion among the o-line and break one of their rushers free. #73 and #57 need to work together in order to ensure they both block the man who ends up in their respective areas.

Here is the play a split-second later, right before the quarterback makes his throw. The left side of the offensive line has done an admirable job adjusting to the blitz.

Since the defense ended up playing man coverage, the right defensive end dropped off to cover the running back. As a result, the right tackle (#70) is coming back inside to help. Pass protection is all about "bumping" your fellow offensive lineman off a player so that he can take someone else. #70 is hoping to bump the right guard (#64) off to the blitzing linebacker.

Meanwhile, the left tackle (#59) and left guard (#73) picked up the twisting players and allowed the outermost rusher to come unblocked, since he won't get to the quarterback before the ball is out. The center (#53) is passing off a defensive lineman to #73, then getting ready to pick up the late blitzing backer.

In a perfect world, everyone on the o-line would have ended up taking the man to his left; however, this is still a very good empty pass pro adjustment. #70 had no way of knowing the defensive end would drop in coverage, and in a quick passing situation the offensive line would rather block the man to the Y-Stick side so he can't jump up to bat the ball down.

Before any blitzers can arrive, the ball is already out. This is an excellent play to accommodate the blitz, because it gives the quarterback plenty of quick options without having to keep an extra player in protection. His first two choices here would be the Y-Stick and the drag coming from the left slot player, with the running back's free release established as a third choice checkdown route.

Since the defense had a man blitz on, throwing the Y-stick is an obvious decision. The defender manned up on the Y was a safety; as you can see in the above image, he's five yards away, allowing the receiver to get a first down.

Empty protection is perfect for quick passing concepts like the Y-stick, since it gives the quarterback a couple of seconds while allowing for more passing options. However, the offensive line's empty protection needs to be as good as Houston's on this specific play. The unit must be saavy enough to read pre-play keys, then react to twists and late blitzes. If the o-line is capable, this protection/route concept is a great addition to any offense.

Beyond the Wildcat: The Single Wing's Potential Role in Modern Football

The single wing is similar to the flexbone in that it allows high school and college coaches to get the most out of versatile personnel. The triple option requires a fast, smart quarterback who can make split-second decisions that are (more often than not) correct.

Likewise, the single wing requires a superstar fullback who can essentially “do it all”. Plenty of high schools still run the single wing, but it is often regarded as a gimmicky offense that relies on a defense’s inability to prepare. However, at the higher levels of football, nearly all hints of the single wing disappeared for many years.

The La Center High School Wildcats in Washington used a single wing derivative offense in the late ‘90s, which essentially began the tradition of “Wildcat” offensive formations in football. Gus Malzahn and David Lee made the wildcat fairly well-known around 2006 while they were offensive coordinators at Arkansas.

Above: The Miami Dolphins brought the Wildcat to the NFL, but they haven't done much with it since.

The formation exploded in popularity when Lee took a QB coach job with the Miami Dolphins and helped them incorporate the Wildcat. Beginning in the third game of that season, the Dolphins deployed the new aspect of their offense with great success. Since then, the Wildcat has spread across the NFL and the NCAA; nowadays it is expected of a coaching staff to have a Wildcat package to diversify their offensive attacks.

In my opinion, most coaches view the Wildcat as trendy and necessary, but they use it halfheartedly. It is a situational formation for most teams, and many NFL clubs deploy it maybe two plays per game. Thus, I believe that more Wildcat innovation could (and should) be the next major trend in football at all levels. As it stands, the base Wildcat formation looks like this for most college and NFL teams:

The play almost invariably starts with a jet sweep motion from the left wingback, or a zone read involving the left running back. The RB behind the center catches the snap, gives or fakes the jet sweep, and then runs right or left. He might have the option to throw the ball downfield, but rarely does (because he is a running back). I don’t understand why there is such a lack in creativity coming from a formation that is essentially limitless.

Teams also tend to leave their original quarterback split out at wide receiver even if they didn’t start the play with him behind center (followed by a shift). I understand an offensive coordinator would want the element of surprise – quarterback heads out towards the sideline when the huddle breaks – but at that point he becomes a useless player. I would rather sacrifice the slight advantage in making defenders react quickly to the formation change, because I prefer having the advantage of a player who can actually contribute on the play.

I believe that a more “throwback” single wing formation can be utilized in a way that also encompasses the more modern aspects of football. First off, the formation would look like this:

Above is a more traditional single wing formation. It may seem somewhat out of date even to coaches using the Wildcat, but I believe it can have a place in football. First, one of the two “running backs” behind center should be the actual quarterback; he should be able to keep the ball on passing plays so the offense doesn’t ever rely on less-skilled passers.

The quarterback and tailback are split; no one is directly behind the center. This isn't a problem, as any college or NFL center worth his salt would be able to complete a directional snap with just a bit of practice. This split look can create an advantage with an unbalanced line, placing either the quarterback or runningback into a more favorable position behind additional blockers.

This base formation can actually do quite a bit if emphasis is placed on different motions and play fakes in order to get a numerical advantage over the defense. The defense might see this offensive set and shift to account for its absurd stack to the right, but I would suggest creative motioning (wingbacks, fullbacks, even tackles) in order to outnumber the defense for power runs and jet sweeps. The zone read even fits nicely here.

I believe that as a football philosophy, the Wildcat is underutilized and lacking in creativity. Considering that teams have used draft picks on athletic quarterbacks that could be "a wildcat guy," startlingly few of these players are used with any effectiveness when they truly could be effective. Why spend a draft pick on a guy who plays maybe a snap or two, and doesn't even play on special teams units?

A formation such as the one above could be advantageous for offenses, but only if teams buy into using it as a significant aspect of their offense. Part of the problem with Wildcat packages now is that they receive little practice time, and therefore little trust during a game’s crucial moments. I hope and expect that this will change fairly soon.

Goodell's lengthened reign will be littered with tough decisions

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison told Men’s Journal last July he wouldn’t piss on National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell if the man was on fire. Harrison’s teammate, Ryan Clark, recently told CBS Sports “I’m not going to sit across from [Goodell] unless they handcuff me. Which is probably the next step anyway.”

Goodell is clearly reviled by the players he oversees, but apparently that doesn’t bother team owners in the slightest.

Above: It could be a long road ahead for Goodell and Player's Association leader DeMaurice Smith.

The NFL recently announced it would extend his contract through March 2019. Although he was incredibly unpopular with fans and players during the 4 ½ month lockout, Goodell helped the organization through difficult times to see of its most financially successful seasons ever.

The league’s triumph this year was evident in its TV numbers. 23 of the 25 highest-rated television broadcasts last fall were NFL games, and as a result total NFL national media revenues might reach $7 billion annually thanks to a 60% price hike for rights to televise games. Not too shabby from our boy Roger.

There’s a blindingly bright economic future in store for the NFL, but if the next seven years sound like a breeze for Goodell, they won’t be.

Assuming that America isn’t ruled by the Chinese and/or cyborgs by March 2019, the NFL could potentially have much more trouble at hand than another looming collective bargaining agreement.

Though the league will most likely continue to teeter on borderline class warfare between highly compensated athletes and grossly overcompensated owners, the biggest issue threatening the league’s future prosperity is its ambivalence about player safety.

Above: James Harrison was fined and suspended one game for this hit on Colt McCoy. Should he have been?

In an attempt to promote player safety, the NFL recently began fining pros for what it sees as violations of its “Player Safety Rules.” These fines include, but are not limited to, horse collar tackles, late hits, spearing, blindside blocks, low blocks, hits on defenseless players, and “Impermissible Use of the Helmet.”

The problem with many of these fines is that their corresponding violations are not black and white. For example, a facemask penalty is easily definable; the offender either grabs another player’s facemask or he doesn’t.

Hits on defenseless players aren’t so clear-cut, since “defenseless” is a relatively subjective term. When a defender gets ready to hit a receiver coming across the middle, the receiver might reach and miss the ball a split-second before the defender arrives. That defender cannot be expected to change his course of action within an impossibly small time frame.

Furthermore, many of these calls are at the referee’s discretion.  Defensive players are often found guilty of “impermissible use of the helmet” penalties and fines for hitting a running back head-on. This is an especially serious problem, since many times the defender’s helmet is placed properly; the running back lowers his helmet to strive for a few more yards, yet his team gets a 15-yard advantage for the “penalty”.


Fines are levied if the league reviews a play and finds that an athlete is violating their safety rules. Most players find Goodell's paycheck cleaver unjust, and none seem determined to change the way they play.

Above: Ray Lewis says his $20,000 fine won't affect how he plays football.

I think the thing is, you definitely respect them trying to protect players' safety, but at the same time, it won't change the way I play in this league, no matter what the fine is," Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis told the Baltimore Sun after he received a $20,000 fine. "If the receiver has the ball, it's your job to disengage him from the ball."


The problem at hand is that Goodell et al want to stave off any criticism from those who believe football is dangerous by dispensing annoying (but not livelihood-threatening) punishments. Football can be hazardous, but NFL players aren't held in the league against their will. The game is high-risk with vast rewards, and every last athlete understands the tradeoff.


Slapping fines on players won't do anything but anger them further. Either make serious, sport-altering rule changes -- which would most likely hurt football's popularity -- or let the game be played the way it was before Goodell arrived as commissioner. The NFL is a big business with willing participants. Like any healthy corporate environment, there shouldn't be any grey areas.

Super Bowl XLVI: O-Line/D-Line Preview

The Super Bowl always receives significantly more media attention than necessary for any football game, so I don't even plan to talk about the rehashed plot lines. The Tom Brady et al are out for revenge story is incredibly lame, since (as Deadspin already pointed out) "There are precisely seven players on New England's roster who were there in 2008, and 16 on New York's." Most people just play along with the media crazies, enjoying the ride and preparing for Sunday.


On this blog, however, most of the anticipation comes from seeing a battle between two teams' offensive and defensive lines. These groups are incredibly skilled, but in different styles of play. Let's take a look at what makes these four units special, and what keys they'll be focusing on Sunday:

Above: Chris Snee and company will need to minimize Vince Wilfork's impact to maintain drives.

First up, the New York Giants' front five. These guys are (and have been, for years) all about the power running game. New York has a very blue-collar attitude on the o-line, which is fitting considering the fact that their jerseys indeed have blue collars.


They're quick enough to execute pulling blocks, but big and strong enough (average weight: 308) to make their down blocks effective. This combination of strength and speed in a power scheme gives the G-men's bruising running back tandem enough room to rip off huge gains.


This unit has played exceptionally well, considering they cut tackle Shawn Andrews, guard Rich Seubert, and center Shaun O'Hara in the offseason. Will Beatty stepped up at left tackle this season after starting only two games in 2010, and New York landed a major free agent in former 49ers center David Baas.


The Giants will be looking to their o-line to chew up clock and keep the explosive Patriots' offense off the field. They also should expect blitzes from New England to overcompensate for a dreadful secondary. Give #10 enough time and he should be able to pick them apart.


The two star o-linemen for New York are guards Chris Snee and David Diehl (right and left, respectively), who will attempt to stop the Patriots' best defensive weapon:

Above: If the Pats make a play on defense Sunday, chances are Wilfork will have had a hand in it.

Vince Wilfork is the Patriots' d-line. He had a monster season in 2011, with 52 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and two (two!) interceptions. However, most of his dominance lies outside the stat line. 


Even on plays where he doesn't make the tackle, Wilfork can absolutely demolish an o-line's blocking scheme by driving the center and/or guard into the backfield immediately. He doesn't have an amazing overall pass rush, but when he uses his bull rush move he can be devastating to opposing offenses.


Baas will have his hands full the entire game trying to deal with Wilfork, and it's a matchup I've been anticipating. It's always interesting to see how centers try to minimize Wilfork's impact, but based on the big-time game Wilfork had in the AFC Championship, Snee and Diehl will also need to share the workload.

Above: They might look a bit grungy, but the Patriots o-line is exceptional at pass blocking.

Next up, the Patriots o-line. This is one of the best pass blocking units I've ever seen, led by a virtually impenetrable left side consisting of Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins and tackle Matt Light. Mankins can legitimately do it all, as he showed in the AFC Championship Game when he pulled around to the right side and cleared out two linebackers for a Patriots touchdown. Right guard Brian Waters was also voted into the Pro Bowl this season.


This o-line runs the zone fairly well, but their primary job is to give #12 time in the pocket. This became painfully evident to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round, when their Pro Bowl pass rush tandem of Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil didn't manage a single sack. Of course, Denver's hapless Brian Dawkins-less safeties allowed New England to use their quick game passing the entire night. But even when Denver brought the house on blitzes, the Patriots o-line managed to create enough time for completions.


The matchup I have been looking forward to the most for Super Bowl XLVI is the New England o-line's pass protection against the New York Giants' d-line. 

Above: Look for Jason Pierre-Paul to take advantage of Nate Solder's inexperience.

New York's only Pro Bowler other than Eli Manning is second-year phenom defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. JP-P is mirrored by a productive Justin Tuck, and the two have combined for 21.5 sacks this season. Add in Linval Joseph and Chris Canty on the interior, and you've got an o-lineman's nightmare.


I expect Light to be able to manage either one of these ends, but Pats rookie right tackle Nate Solder (a first round pick, but still inexperienced) has been somewhat inconsistent this season. He notably struggled against Cameron Wake when New England played Miami early this season, and Wake's pass rushing style is similar to that of Pierre-Paul.


If Solder can't protect in the game's crucial moments, the Giants' d-line will be able to put a damper on New England's hypersonic offense (much like what they did to Green Bay in the NFC Championship). The same will occur for the Giants' offense if Snee, Baas, and Diehl cannot contain Wilfork. Either way, the o-line/d-line matchup this week is definitely one of super proportions.