Theoretical Football

Theoretical football is the notion that American football is an exceedingly complex sport that requires a branch of learning. Its goal is to accentuate the cerebral, academic, and quantifiable aspects of American football. - Denauld William Brown

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Defending The Best Offensive Minds Topic: Chip Kelly Head Football Coach Philadelphia Eagles
By Denauld William Brown

This is a continued series on how to read and defend offensive formations pre-snap. We will discuss the pre-snap formations run by then Head Football Coach of the University of Oregon Chip Kelly. We will also give an in-depth look at some of the formational intent that defines this master architect.

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Pro Slot Number of running backs: 2 Number of receivers: 3 Number of Tight ends: 0 Formation Type: Female Formation demeanor: Pass

Their are so many questions lead, makes logical sense. In unique because, as that need to be asked about this case the quarterback mentioned in previous this formation. Lets us first should be considered, not just articles, his motion behind the begin with the irregular a threat to run the ball, but an running backs is significant. positioning of both running actual running back. Consider a passing play backs below the The motion by the Z or #2 scenario with this formation? quarterback. Can there be an receiver behind the running The chances of the F effective run game out of this backs, as well as, the depth becoming a receiver out of formation? If the answer is of the quarterback gives you the backfield is more likely yes than what brand of run a feel of a 4 back philosophy than the R because of the game will be employed? The by Chip Kelly. Meaning that motion behind the F. If running backs are clearly in you have the possibility of the Z were to motion in no position to receive any two independent lead front the F than the type of hand off from the blockers and two independent opposite would be true. The quarterback. The motion by backs. In this case the reason's for this are many the Z confirms this. In a quarterback and the Z or however MO, the Middle X traditional case having a lead #2 receiver should be Of the 5 offensive eligible back as a blocker, and a considered running backs of players is the key. running back to follow his opportunity. The motion is

Pro Number of running backs: 2 Number of receivers: 3 Number of Tight ends: 0 Formation Type: Female Formation demeanor: Pass

This formation like the previous formation is an inverted wishbone that features the quarterback as the focal point. Unusual but very smart and an definitely key signature in a Chip Kelly offense. Slot formations are something we talk about quite a bit in these formation evaluations. That being said there is a definite pattern with all these master play callers and it is there use of slot formations that separates them from the others. Chip Kelly is unique even among the top play callers because of his illusion of slot. He also has a knack for having

very specific game plans of coach to help him identify who each opponent he faces. the Y is. However these days Essentially the offense could be you need to have a very keen very different week to week. eye when identifying Formations are a big part of formational intent without this illusion. Slot sets are relying on the personnel defined as have Z and X group crutch. For example we on the same side. Why is that so can assume that the Y in this important when it come to diagram is a TE. In most cases studying formations from the that would likely be true and in defensive perspective? Unless the NFL, players like Rob you are in the same room when Gronkowsi or Kellen Winslow the offense is game planning, run like wide receivers. you essentially have to identify However this Y is a wide who the X and Z are receiver by scheme that we can without know the true intent of Xconfirm after the fact by the offensive play caller. watching film. A basic question Knowing the personnel group is that needs to asked about this the best way for a defensive formation is why would Chip

Kelly use spin motion by the Y player? It could simply be that he wanted to see what coverage the defense is in? Another likely reason would be to threaten motion into the backfield to force the defense to preemptively check there coverage or spin their safeties? Ask the questions and get to the heart of the formational intent of this master play caller.

Pro Number of running backs: 2 Number of receivers: 3 Number of Tight ends: 0 Formation Type: Male Formation demeanor: Run

At a first glance this formation looks that this play will be a pass rather The R back is the middle player of rather normal. However a well than a run? You dont want to guess the 5 and now the focal point of the trained eye will tell you that it is far in these situations but some formation. Many teams would have from that. Lets takes the formation formations are built for the pass and simply gone tackle over but Chip apart piece by piece. The most others for the run. In this case when Kelly decided to re-center his obvious variation on this formation is you place two players on the line of formation by covering the Y with that the Y and the Z are both on scrimmage that automatically should the Z. This is a very smart thing to the line of scrimmage. Immediate red indicate a high percentage of run. do and really puts into perspective flag for the defense! Unbalanced The Y is not an eligible receiver so how great of an architect he really is. formations are hard to gauge other than block what is Chip Kelly I would be excited to see how Chip sometime. Teams that use them often asking the Y to do? Now, what Kelly will adjust his formations to the have a specific purpose or game about this offset pistol back? The NFL Hash marks? This will be a plan. They can really make a defense offensive guard to the offset R challenge given the nature of this go bonkers without proper back has now been engaged as the college offense. But there is no doubt understanding. Now that the Y is new center for two reasons. in my mind that defensive teams covered that now engages the X as Excluding the Y X and including the versus the Philadelphia Eagles this a motion threat in this Chip Kelly Q, who is now the offensive year will need to figure out what his formation. The question that should eligible that in the Middle Of the intent will be based on the be asked is if there is any chance new 5 offensive eligible players? formations he employs.