Welcome to Coach’s Corner. I’m Coach Mitch. Here, we are going to break down some the interesting plays in the NFL from the past week. I’m not only going to break down the X’s and O’s, but from a coach’s standpoint, what might’ve been the purpose of the plays. Hopefully, I can give you a little insight into the minds of football coaches.
Giants-Redskins
On what would become the game winning drive for Washington, we have a 2nd & 8 play from the Giants 16-yard line. This is a beautifully called and executed play action designed to get the defense to commit to stopping the run. Late in the game, Coach Jay Gruden and Offensive Coordinator Matt Cavanaugh knew New York would commit to stopping the run.
Putting the offense in a heavy tight end wing set emphasized a perceived ground attack on a typical rushing down and distance. The ‘Skins even put the wing in motion to appear to be a blocker to the left side of the line. The Giants bit and Kirk Cousins had Josh Doctson one-on-one against Janoris Jenkins. Doctson made a move to the outside, and there was the opening he needed for the score.
Patriots Fake Punt
Bill Belichick, football mastermind and owner of the AFC East, gave late and post season opponents one more thing to worry about. With a fake punt play on the team’s opening drive against the Dolphins, the Patriots picked up a first down and then some. Even though the game was only a few minutes in, this was a huge swing in momentum and a tone-setting play.
Nate Ebner was the up back in the punt formation and took a direct snap. Rushing out to the right of the formation, Ebner was able to pick up the first down. Unfortunately, Ebner’s season ended on that play. However, that call was important. You may ask “why not keep that a secret for when you need it?” Well you could, but now scouts know that you can run that play and convert the first down. Belichick just gave his opponents one more thing to worry about and to actually have to prepare for, no matter who steps into Ebner’s roll. I’m looking at you Rex Burkhead.
Jimmy G For the TD
In his first appearance with the San Francisco 49ers, Jimmy Garoppolo threw a touchdown. Starter C.J. Beathard went down with an injury, and Garoppolo rose to the call. He went 2/2 for 18 yards and a touchdown as time expired.
After being forced out of the pocket by the Seattle pass rush, Jimmy scrambled left, quickly set his feet, and threw a dart to Louis Murphy. His ability to move and throw effectively was on display. This is exactly what fans and coaches want to see from Jimmy G. Perhaps more importantly, the Niners coaching staff saw that Jimmy stayed calm when being thrown into the mix. If the 49ers can re-sign him, this may be where they turn the franchise back into an NFC West contender.
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