Spotlight on impact & explosive plays

[StatTiger 2,975]

Often the difference between a play of 15-yards or more and 30-yards or more is the blocking down field. In terms of a running play, it is likely the offensive line performed well enough to spring a 15+ yard run. In order to extend the play even further normally requires blocking down field, which means receivers and tight ends. While the Auburn OL is still searching for a level of consistency, the receivers and H-backs have struggled in their blocking assignments as well. This is one of the reasons why Coach Dameyune Craig has been so animated at times on the sideline this season.

The play...

On this play Auburn has the ball at their own 8-yard line with a 1st & 10. Auburn elects to run Cameron Artis-Payne between the tackles against 7 men in the box. CAP takes the hand off and initially takes to the outside of the center's shoulder. The LB shifts to that gap and CAP cuts back to the inside shoulder of the center. This quick-decision springs CAP to the second level.

Note in frames 4 & 5 the movement of Marcus Davis, who is blocking down field. In frame #5, CAP is coming up behind Davis and observes the safety coming down. Because Davis stops to square up with the safety rather than engage him, CAP must decide which side of Davis to continue his run. CAP decides to push to the outside shoulder of Davis and cut back inside to cut back inside of the safety.

Because Davis never engaged with the safety, the safety is able to catch CAP darting inside of Davis. It is enough to slow CAP down to where he is gang tackled for a 17-yard gain. The play results in a positive play or an impact play but could have been more. Had Davis initiated contact with the safety, CAP would have taken a more decisive lane. This could have sprung CAP for another 10-15 yards down field or even more.

From 1992-2014, Auburn is 105-20-2 (.835) with at least 8 impact plays (15+) and 77-9-1 (.891) with at least 3 explosive plays (30+).

[AU64 10,122]

Thanks for the detail and explanation...and unfortunately, that's happening a lot this season.....but still time for the WRs to improve their blocking skills.

[AUbritt 571]

Thanks for illustrating so well something that has been frustrating me to no end, We need everyone pulling together for the offense to run at peak efficiency! Come on, WRs! Block!