BK's System of Route Running

[tommyIRISH23]

I believe it was Nick Saben whom developed the defensive strategy of reading the recievers first few steps to determine the pattern and break. This idea has been adopted by many different coordinators throughout football.

Brian Kelly has his reciever release from the line using the same steps as one would use while running a fade? I understand why he does this. But can someone explain further in depth on how this works. Its purpose is to keep the defense on its heals until the last second, and give the offense control. I am sure there is more to it, and it is not that simple. Like how far are the players running before they break? (5 yards, 7 yards) What kind of patterns will we be seeing? What are the weakness' of this system? Does that effect the QB's drop?

Any info would be awesome. Thanks!

[tommyIRISH23]

Spread and Pass, Brian Kelly’s (Somewhat) New Irish Offense » Archive » Clashmore Mike

Not to answer my own question, but this article is a good read.

[NeuteredDoomer]

I am not all that educated on BK's offense, but many times a route can be determined by sight adjustments on the LOS or during the route. The Run N Shoot, which could be argued is somewhat of the granddaddy to many of the current offenses, used sight adjustment often.

One very simple example would be if a receiver is called to run a fade, but sees the CB is playing back. The QB can signal to the receiver to cut short. Once the DB turns to sprint with the receiver, the receivers cuts the route and does a "comeback."

So many variables to describe...

Try this site and go down to the Run N Shoot section.

Examining NFL offensive philosophies - Buffalo Rumblings

[WabashFalcon]

The reason you want to have vertical release off the line, (i.e. "fade" steps) is to get the CBs hips to swivel upfield. It is MUCH easier for a WR to cut, pivot, twist, etc. than a DB backpedaling. But if that CB is no longer pedaling, but has opened his hips to run with the "fade", WRs can plant, cut, and have a nice cushion after catching the ball to run downfield.

Thus, this is why you want to try and show a vertical release with every route you ever run. Ever. (Except for swings and arrows... especially into the boundry).

[BestBIrish47]

Wabash is 100% correct, the object for the coverage is to stay in a position to defend on the ball, as soon as the defender commits his hips... he has limited his range drastically, a WR that runs good routes makes routes look very much the same until his "play cut"..IE: WR runs a Corner route sells the Post first...if the safety commits to the post the corner route becomes open. This also depends on the coverage as well, if they are in Cover two, the DB knows he has deep help from the seam to corner...so he may jump the post bc he knows he has deep help etc. This is why route running is just as important as speed.