Understanding Football with Joel Klatt focuses on quick-game passing concepts, providing viewers with insights into the terminology and strategies used in the sport. This YouTube-exclusive series complements the discussions held every weekend on FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” broadcast.
The series began with a discussion on defensive pass coverages, and now it transitions to an examination of quick-game passing concepts.
The aim is not to teach specific plays but to convey concepts as if the viewer is the quarterback. In quick-game strategies, a quarterback typically drops back three steps when under center or one step in shotgun formation. To grasp this lesson effectively, understanding three key elements is essential: the concept itself, its operational mechanics, and the rationale behind its execution. Mastering these components can significantly enhance a quarterback’s performance.
Let’s get started!
Dragon/Lion
What personnel is needed for the Dragon/Lion concept?
This concept requires three wide receivers, one tight end, and one running back.
What does “dragon” signify in this concept?
The term “dragon” refers to the first call of the concept, which is always positioned on the strong side of the offense, where the tight end is aligned. In the accompanying video, the tight end executes a flat route while the strong-side wide receiver runs a slant route behind him.
What does “lion” represent in this concept?
The “lion” call occurs on the weak side of the offense, away from the tight end, and involves double slants. The inside slant is often referred to as the “lookie route” because the wide receiver does not fully bend toward the middle of the field.
What is the recommended depth for the routes?
In the Dragon/Lion concept, the tight end should not advance more than three yards downfield. Exceeding this distance can complicate the slant route for the wide receiver running behind him. The slant route should ideally be executed in three steps.
How should the quarterback approach this concept?
Before the snap, the quarterback must decide which side to focus on. The lion side is preferred against open coverage (two safeties leaving the middle of the field exposed), while the dragon side is targeted against closed coverage (one safety in the middle).
In open coverage, the quarterback should first look at the inside receiver running the lookie route, then progress to the outside receiver. This sequence is vital to avoid revealing intentions to the defense. If neither receiver is available, the quarterback should check the tailback. Conversely, in closed coverage, the focus shifts to the tight end on a drag route, followed by the outside receiver on the slant. If those options are unavailable, the quarterback should consider the tailback, and if that fails, he may need to run.
Why is the Dragon/Lion concept significant?
This concept is versatile, effective against various coverages. It provides a solid foundation for quarterbacks to read the defense and execute plays efficiently. Additionally, it creates favorable conditions for outside receivers to exploit slant windows, and it can be adapted to multiple formations.
Y-Stick (X-Tag)
What personnel is required for the Y-Stick (X-tag) format?
This format typically includes three wide receivers and one tight end or four wide receivers along with a running back. The formation may feature two receivers and a tight end or three receivers on one side.
What does the Y-Stick entail?
In this context, the “Y” typically refers to the tight end, who runs an out route on the right side of the formation.
What is the purpose of an X-tag?
An X-tag allows the quarterback to modify any route by adding a specific route for one of the wide receivers outside of the primary concept.
What should the quarterback prioritize with this concept?
The quarterback’s first task is to identify any one-on-one opportunities with the wide receiver positioned alone on one side. If coverage is clean (one-on-one), he should pursue that receiver. Conversely, if coverage appears crowded (two-on-one), he should look to other options. If the isolated receiver is running a hitch or Omaha route, he should be able to succeed against jam or bump coverage.
Typically, the receiver in isolation is the team’s top performer. This scenario may also present opportunities for fade routes, which are quick go routes executed with a three-step timing from the quarterback. If the isolated receiver faces bump coverage, the route may evolve into a fade.
What are the options on the other side of the formation?
The strength of this formation lies in the three eligible receivers positioned on the strong side. If there is uncertainty regarding the lone receiver, the quarterback can pivot to any of the three receivers on the strong side.
The outside receiver on the strong side must utilize an outside release. If he veers inside, it draws the cornerback’s attention inward, where his teammates are also moving. This route is known as a “love of the game” or “bus ticket route,” emphasizing the need for a strong effort on the outside to ensure success.
The receiver positioned between the tight end or innermost wide receiver and the outside wide receiver should execute a flat route spanning two to three yards.
The tight end or innermost wide receiver on this side will run a stick route. Although this route may not secure a first down, it allows the receiver to settle against zone coverage or maneuver against man coverage.
If the quarterback focuses on this side, the receiver running to the flat is the primary progression. The tight end or innermost wide receiver follows as the second option, with the running back as the third progression.
*For a detailed breakdown and visual examples of quick-game passing concepts, check out the YouTube video at the top of this page.
