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AFM Magazine


Bunch it Up - Part 2 of 2

The Bunch Package offers a wide variety of plays, advantages and mismatches
by: Gunter Brewer
Passing Game Coordinator, Oklahoma State University
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In last month's issue I discussed the philosophy and strategy of our Bunch Package. Included in the article was our Boom-Boom Screen, Green Bay series, and the Alley Toss play. In this segment we'll concnetrate on two additional plays: the Weak Side Run Counter and the Play Action Sting Route.

Weak Side Run Counter
(See Diagrams 1 & 2)
This is an off-tackle run to the open-end side with veer / gap blocking scheme at the point of attack and counter backfield action. The Backside Guard will pull for the end man of the line and either kick or cut. The FB will follow the Guard and lead on the playside LB.

Diagram 1. Counter

Diagram 2. Counter (variation)

• The first Backside WR will release inside and cut off the first, second level defender inside.

• #2 Backside will release inside and cut off first defender inside.

• #3 Backside (FB or TE) follows the pulling guard and read his block; Leads on the first defender in the box (usually a LB).

• QB reverse pivots opposite playside and fakes the ball to the RB. Stay off the midline so ball carrier can see the A Gap; Naked away on fake.

• The RB aligns at seven and one half yards; he takes a short shuffle away. Plant and aim at inside leg of playside tackle. Look at A Gap first (if open, take it). Follow lead blocker and read his block (inside and outside). Find seam and explode through it.

The OL will vary:

1. FST – If FST is covered, tag defender to BSLB with vertical movement. If FSG is uncovered, veer to first LB backside and protect FSLB run through. You can flash set to insure a good trap angle with a shade and a five tech. We won’t flash set if there is a three tech to his side.

2. FSG – If covered, tag defender with FST to BSLB with vertical movement. If uncovered, block back on nose tackle with cover call or gash with Center to BSLB versus 30.

3. Center – Block back through A to B gaps to first down defender backside. If blocking back is covered with DL, cover call to FSG to also block back.

4. BSG – Pull to point of attack and kick out end man. Get downhill and inside out with leverage. Log defender if he tries to wrong arm the block.

5. BST – Protect backside B gap threat with funnel call to the center or gap/hinge technique; then wall backside end man.

6. TE/FB – Get in a one by one phase with the pulling guard so you can read the block. Key the block on the EMLOS – underneath or around. Block first LB outside in off the LOS.

Coaching Points:
Wide Receiver Backside
• Don’t allow anyone to cross face
• #2 – don’t allow anyone to cross face

Play Side WR
• Block man on

Running Back
• Hit the A Gap if it shows. Read pullers after looking at A Gap
• Hit downhill with speed

Offensive Line
• Pulling Guard work inside out
• Eyes up for run through
• Must get vertical movement at POA

Adjustments
• Can run out of Gun
• Can run play action off this
• Use motion and multiple personnel groupings
• Align FB in a Near-I set to cheat him to the play
• CP – Alert with TE runs for four weak problems
• CP – Hit the play downhill with speed

Play Action – Sting Route
(See Digrams 3, 4, and 5)
This is a play action pass to attack leverage downfield; it has the potential to be a big time play. You will need a QB who can throw on time and with some zip on the ball.

Diagram 3. Sting vs. 1 high safety

Diagram 4. Sting vs. 2 high safeties

Diagram 5. Sting vs. play action protection

Outside Receiver to the playside will release towards outside shoulder of coverage defender. Take a good angle outside to create separation between you and the second receiver. On fifth step, plant and take three steps to the corner. On that third step, plant the outside foot and drive vertical up the field. Expect ball quickly.

#2 receiver to the call will run a skinny post. Versus one high safety: on seventh step, plant and stay skinny. Try to occupy the single safety. Versus two high safeties: on seventh step, plant, stay skinny while trying to split the safeties (versus two high). He must get a free release off the line. If he gets jammed then the play is not as successful.

#3 receiver (usually a FB/TE in play action) will show run then settle three by five outside the OT. If the coverage is man, break outside and stay on the move. Check playside LB for blitz first. The FB/TE and the RB are safety outlets for the QB.

The backside WR will run a comeback route (18 back to 16 yards) versus soft coverage. If facing cover two, convert to a corner route at 26 yards deep.

The QB will run the play fake and then on the seventh step set his feet and throw a strike. He should be looking for the #1 WR to the play side first and then to the FB/TE to the RB. The ball must be thrown on time and not hung up so the safety can redirect and make a play.

The RB will fake the run (he is most responsible for run action) and then proceed over the ball at six yards (safety outlet). If the RB reads blitz, give a token fake and protect. The RB is responsible for the MLB.

The OL will execute play action protection. The center will set the protection on the third LB of the defense to the weak side. The line is responsible for the four linemen and the Will LB.

Coaching Points:
Wide Receivers
• Playside #1 attack leverage of DB. Force him to widen so you can cross his face
• #2 read one high safety or two-high safeties. Versus one, high stay deep and occupy safety. Versus two, high stay thin and cross face of near safety (let the ball lead you)

Running Back
• Be able to react to blitz and abort the fake

Fullback
• Protect against playside LB blitz and be ready for the ball. You are the check down WR

Quarterback
• Think #1 WR to the call. Read the near safety. Versus two high, #2 has a chance at being open
• QB may have to get the ball over LB defenders and in front of safeties
• Timing, Timing, Timing, Timing!

Offensive Line
• The protection is set by the center
• Center points out focal point and the rest of the OL works its way out

Adjustments
• This route can be run out of several formations.
• You can switch the responsibilities of the FB and RB
• Motion to bunch by bringing #1 across the ball.
• Tag the backside WR with another route.






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