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Week 9 of 2019: Shanahan calls the 49ers’ offense @ Arizona
On third and long Shanahan calls one of his dagger concepts.
On third and long Shanahan calls one of his dagger concepts.
The Cardinals use a common third and long coverage, cover 3 buzz. This is standard cover 3 but with the safety coming down to be hook-curl defender rather than the curl-flat defender (sky).
It’s used a lot in these situations because offenses like to run concepts like dagger which attack the hook-curl, which is where the safety will be. This leaves Sanders’ spot route as the only viable option.
Shanahan calls stick dragon (slant-flat).This puts Dwelley on a flat route. He looks wide open when Garoppolo goes to throw it but the safety rotates down and makes the stop.
Shanahan calls his four verticals from 2X2, Aggie. This play pairs Aggie with a now slant from Breida. It’s a reliable way to pick up some easy yards as the vertical routes create space for the now.
Shanahan calls a spot/arrow concept, which consists of a flat route, a spot route, and a corner route. The Cardinals use man free, which is man coverage with a free safety in the MOF, and a five man rush. The LB on Kittle has heavy inside leverage so the corner is a good option
The key is for Garoppolo to hold the FS. He throws it accurately under pressure but stares it down, allowing the FS to break it up. Missed opportunity.
Shanahan calls a trap run on 3&4. Coleman picks it up easily. He likely called a run as it’s four down territory.
On third and two Shanahan calls one of his Arches variations, cougar. The Cardinals again play cover 1, but this time have the extra defender sit in the underneath MOF (low hole) rather than blitz. It would make more sense to have him drop towards the trips side.
Kittle uses a throw-by technique to separate from Baker and then scores a TD by stiff arming him to the ground.
Shanahan calls a read concept.. Like with drift, read revolves around the read route itself. Like drift it’s a concept that is used by almost every NFL team. If the WR running the read route can win high and inside he runs skinny post. If he cannot he sits it down at roughly 20
After realising that he was bracketed, Sanders correctly sits it down and makes the catch. Good example of why it’s important to catch with your hands extended as otherwise the ball would likely fall out when hit.
The Cardinals again play man free. Shanahan calls a double slant concept with a flat underneath. On the other side they run their flag concept (will get to later). Sanders wins easily and adds great YAC.
The play breaks down and Garoppolo makes a great play on the run.
Shanahan calls a play that he likely got from the Eagles or the Chiefs. The Eagles were the first team to use as it was one of Wentz’s favorite plays at NDSU, which is why it’s called bison. It’s almost always used in the low red zone (~5-10 yard line).
The read for Garoppolo is essentially to throw it Kittle if he can and if he can’t throw it to Bourne. Garoppolo places it very nicely but it gets tipped, but Bourne still makes the catch. Great call and execution.
If you want to learn more about the play read this- https://alexbyrne.substack.com/p/the-chiefs-bison-concept
Shanahan calls a toss play from a cluster (two WR’s close together but not stacked), which he calls taxi. Richburg steps on Garoppolo’s foot but he still manages to get the ball to Breida. All the 49ers win their blocks and Breida uses his speed to take advantage.
With 4 seconds left Shanahan calls a slide protection (spider) pass with Sanders as the fullback. On a spider pass the FB runs a quick flat route while the HB blocks. The first read is always the flat, and then usually some type of corner route (banana).
On 3&4 Shanahan calls his flag concepts, which is a variation of the common smash concept. He adds a clear out from Pettis, but that’s inconsequential. The read for Garoppolo is Sanders down to the drag China route. Kittle does a good job blocking Jones.
Garoppplo throws with incredible anticipation, not allowing the DB any chance to break it up. He also places it perfectly. A truly elite throw.
