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Vikings Field Position Football

Offensive Line Coach, Minnesota Vikings
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It is our belief that for our offensive team to function aggressively as a unit without hesitation and with maximum efficiency, we must have a systematic scheme.

Our philosophy is first to avoid losing, and secondly, to win. By this we meanto avoid mistakes and, at all times, maintain field position. We know that wemust not, if at all possible, relinquish the football to our opposition in ourterritory. We must force the opposition to drive 50 yards or more for their score.We will consider that any time our opposition has to move only 30 yards, or less,a cheap score was handed to them on a silver platter with yielded FIELD POSITION.

We have divided the football field into zones which we will attack systematicallyand with purpose. We know that cheap touchdowns come after a fumble, a pass interception,a blocked punt, or a losing gamble; all of which the offensive team assumes responsibility.As an offensive team we must assume our responsibilities and carry out our objectives.We have eight goals which we believe will help carry out these objectives:

Our Eight Goals
1. Win
2. 50% run efficiency
3. Have 35 yards or less in negative yards
4. Score every time we're inside the 20
5. End each drive with a score or kick
6. Outscore the opponent's offense
7. 40% or better 3rd down conversion rate
8. 55% or better completion rate

Common Mistakes That Will Beat Us
1. Let the other team out-hustle and out-fight you
2. Fumbles
3. Interceptions
4. Missed assignments
5. Missed blocks
6. Not converting on 3rd down situations
7. Poor play selections
8. Not studying football on and off the field
9. Not scoring inside of the 20 yard line
10. Failure to take advantage of sudden change
11. Blocked kicks
12. Poor punting and improper coverage of punts
13. Poor preparation
Eliminate the above mistakes, and we feel that we will make a big step up intrying to reach our goal.... SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!

Here is a listing of our goalsand objectives depending on our field position:

1. GOAL to the 4 yard line (MUST ZONE)
a. In this zone, we must move the ball out at least to the 5-yard line so itwill be possible to kick from our normal punt formation
b. Use straight ahead plays
c. Our objective is nothing more than to advance the ball into a position sothat we can safely kick it out of our danger zone.
NOTE: One mistake in this zone can be fatal

2. -5 to the -10 yard line (DANGER ZONE)
a. Think of getting the ball out as safely as possible.
b. Use straight ahead plays
c. Our objective is to advance the ball to the critical zone. Scoring is notthe #1 priority from this zone
NOTE: One mistake in this zone can deliver a paralyzing blow

3. -10 to the 35 yard line (CRITICAL ZONE)
a. Everything is the same as in the danger zone except:
i. Use only running plays that do not require intricate timing.
ii. When passing, don't throw short over the middle. This is an interceptionarc. Throw into short flats or run possible out- breaking patterns.
b. Our objective is to hold the football until we get past the 35 yard line wherewe can put the opposition in their critical zone with a 40-yard kick
NOTE: One mistake in this zone can give our opponents a cheap score.

4. -35 to midfield (1st DOWN ZONE)
a. We must make a first down in three plays
b. This is our run, pass and kick zone, keeping in mind the closer we get toour opponent’s territory, the more “free wheeling” our offensecan operate
c. Use game plan offense
d. Our objective is to make a first down so we can continue to control the footballinto our opponent’s territory.
NOTE: One mistake in this zone can contribute to giving our opponent a “cheap” score.

5. Midfield to the +35 yard line (MUST ADVANCE ZONE)
a. We must make a first down with three plays
b. Use game plan offense. Any play may be used in this zone
c. Our objective is to advance the football into the scoring zone, in which casewe will have four plays to make a first down.
WE MUST ADVANCE TO THE SCORING ZONE.
NOTE: One mistake in this zone will stall our offensive attack.

6. +35 to the +10 yard line (SCORING ZONE)
a. Always be looking for situations where we can go all the way
b. We must make a first down with four plays
c. Keep using successful plays
d. Anticipate blitz or LB dogs
e. Use game plan offense or any play necessary to advance the ball into the redzone or end zone. Any special plan may be used
f. Our objective is to score or advance the football into the red zone
NOTE: One mistake in this zone can keep us from scoring

7. +2- to the +4 yard line (RED ZONE)
a. We must “out gut” the opposition
b. We cannot lose ground
c. Use plays that got you there
d. We must SCORE, SCORE, SCORE
e. Our objective is to be physically tougher, mentally stronger
and SCORE

NOTE: One mistake will undoubtedly hinder our opportunity to score a touchdown.

Steve Loney is now into his 28th year of coaching in the collegiate and pro ranksand in his third season as Offensive Line Coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Lastfall the Vikings ranked #1 in NFL total offense for the first time in team historyand finished 2nd in the NFC in rushing. A graduate of Iowa State, Loney has coachedcollegiately at his alma mater as well as at Missouri Western, Morehead State,the Citadel, Colorado State, Connecticut and Minnesota. You can reach him atloneys@vikings.nfl.com






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