Simple, Yet Sophiscated

Expanding the 3-Level Concept with Lenoir-Rhyne
by: Dan Gonzalez
QB/WR Coach, Lenoir-Rhyne College
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In order to effectively overcome the myriad of problems presented by modern defenses, a complete passing game must possess both diversity and learnability. These two factors result in a highly sensitive balancing act for offensive coaches. The passing game must be able to attack a defensive structure on all levels, yet be learnable enough to yield a high degree of efficiency; the pass offense installed at Lenoir-Rhyne represents an attempt to simplify a sophisticated offense that incorporates easy learnability and diversity. The overall scheme utilizes multiple personnel groupings to go along with pre-snap movement; simplicity in teaching this system is of prime importance.

Each pattern taught falls into one of eight reading concepts for the quarterback. There may be over 100 pass variations in any given game plan; however, these passes will fall into one of our eight basic concepts. A concept refers to the coordination of the of the receivers’ routes with the quarterbacks eyes and steps. There is a specific correlation between the quarterback’s vision and the time in which each receiver “comes open.” In other words, the quarterback’s eyes will hit a specific area of the field in coordination with his drop. The topic of this article is what is referred to as the 3-Level Concept.

TEACHING THE 3-LEVEL CONCEPT:

As with the rest of our eight basic pass concepts, teaching the 3-Level Concept incorporates numerous visual aids to show players how the concept adapts to formation and coverage variations. The featured receiver and the direction of the prime read depict the play (Ex. Z FLOOD RIGHT/ LEFT). All other receivers complete the pattern according to the direction of the play.

INSIDE RECEIVERS:

• The featured receiver executes a “FLOOD” route in the given direction. This is a 14-yard route that may be a “deep out” or “deep cross.” The route is dependent on the receivers’ position in the formation and the direction of the call.

• The other inside receiver executes a 5-yard route in the direction of the call; this could result in a shallow cross or a flat route.

OUTSIDE RECEIVERS:
• If the flood route moves toward an outside receiver, he will execute a landmark post aimed two yards outside the near upright, 40-45 yards deep.

• If the flood route moves away from the outside receiver, he executes a square in, utilizing a “burst” release vs. two-deep looks.

PROTECTION RECEIVER(S):

• Check release based on the protection call, N/T, execute called flare control – usually a “delay” with this pattern concept (flare control accompanies every pass call).

QUARTERBACK:

• Big five-step drop. Progress deep to short on 3-level (featured receiver) side. If coverage rotation forces your eyes to go backside, progress eyes from square in to outlet route.

Many of the concepts involve “route conversion;” however, the quarterback’s eye movements are the same within each concept. This type of muscle memory is what keeps our passing game in rhythm. Also, the explanation used in teaching is simplistic, and the terms used are descriptive, enhancing the speed in learning – and thus execution.

BASIC VARIATIONS:

To the strong side of a 3x1 set (Diagram1):

Diagram 1.

To the weak side of a 3x1 set (Diagram 2)

Diagram 2.

Diagrams one and two represent the initial installation of the 3-Level Concept. The first provides a means for attacking a defense that remains balanced vs. a 3x1 set. The second attacks overcompensation to the three-receiver side. It should also be noted that the quarterback has a complete pattern on both sides of the formation.

From a 2x2 set (Diagram 3)

Diagram 3.

Diagram three represents a variation that provides a shallow cross as the underneath route. This a much better pattern versus man coverage schemes because of the enhanced “runaway” routes. It also prevents a good combination to counter defenses geared to look up our shallow crossing routes.

Draw fake with “BACKS CROSS” (Diagram 4)

Diagram 4.

Diagram four depicts a capitalization on overzealous linebacker play as well as the possibility of opening up the lane for the “flood” route with the draw fake.

Slot/Wing (Diagram 5)
Diagram five demonstrates how the wing set away from the slot prevents unusual adjustments on the weak side. With the TB as the third receiver on the weak side, this provides an unusual configuration to the defense.

Diagram 5.

With Waggle action by QB (Diagram 6)
Diagram six envisions a balanced set, providing a potential “audible” opportunity for the offense, running the waggle away from the strength of the coverage.

Diagram 6.

With 5 man protection scheme (Diagram 7)

Diagram 7.

Four releasers to a side (Diagram 8)

Diagram 8.

Diagrams seven and eight provide examples of how to match the 3-level pattern concept with five-man protection schemes. The ability to free release five receivers, along with the ability to protect with 8, is an essential element in having a fully diversified pass offense. Making the defense accountable for all eligible receivers is a key component in protecting the passer.

In conclusion, the 3-Level pattern concept is an example of how we attempt to show countless “pictures” to the defense, yet provides a relatively light learning burden to our players. It reaps numerous benefits, not just with formation and personnel variations, but from the standpoint of QB actions and protections as well. Most offenses, regardless of philosophy, possess this basic concept. We feel that our style of teaching expands this concept; the way we teach is a major propellant of our offensive execution.

Inside the Numbers
(2001 Regular season)

363.8: Number of total offensive yards.

241.7: Overall passing efficiency rating

2,417: Number of passing yards

11.4: Average yards per catch

1907: First year of football

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