Playbook: BOB Pass Protection

For the offensive line, pass protection comes in many flavors.  "BOB" (Back-on-Backer or Big-on-Big) is a favorite of many NFL teams because it keeps running-backs from attempting to block elite pass rushers (thus, back-on-backer) and gets these backs into patterns more often.

"BOB" protection against a six-man front

The standard implementation asks either the center or quarterback (whichever player calls protections) to point out the "MIKE" 'backer.  This designation does not always coincide with that defensive player's given title, though many times it does.  The MIKE is the player who will receiver a "combo" or "read" call.
In the above image, it means that C Gradkowski and RG Yanda will work together to block both the defensive tackle and MIKE linebacker.  LG Shipley is blocking his head-up defensive tackle (2-technique) and the two tackles are blocking the edge rushers.

A particular MIKE is selected pre-snap because he is either a) the second-level player most likely to blitz or b) the player that the QB prefers to not be responsible for.  This varies from situation-to-situation. 

HB Pierce in this scheme, has a dual responsibility.  If the weak-side inside linebacker blitzes, Pierce will pick him up.  If that linebacker drops into coverage, Pierce will opt into a pattern.  The term for Pierce's responsibility is "check release."  For clarity, HBs do not always block the 'backer lined up in front of them.  To disrupt blitz schemes, the HB will often "cross the QB's face" in order to block the opposite interior linebacker.

The QB using BOB protection against a 6-man front can feel at ease, as each rushing threat has at least one assigned blocker.  This is not always the case:

BOB protection against a seven-man front

With the MIKE walked up to the line of scrimmage, there is no "combo" in this scenario.  C Gradkowski will block the MIKE on his own.  HB Rice is "dual reading" LB Rey and SS Crocker.  If they both blitz Rice will pick up the immediate threat and QB Flacco will need to throw "hot", meaning he is responsible for a blitzer and must get the ball out.

BOB rules change depending on the offensive philosophy or the defensive front.  Defenses have numerous ways to defeat BOB protection such as using twists/stunts to take advantage of the man-blocking principles in this type of protection.  Additionally, "overload" blitzes can force distant blockers to attempt to pick up rushers from poor angles and/or linebackers can "snatch blitz" or rush simply to keep a versatile pass-catcher from entering into a pattern.

Outside References

1) Air Raid Playbook: Pass Protection Schemes

2) What are the basic principles of dropback pass protection?

3) Pass Protection for Beginners

4) Concepts of Big on Big Protection

5) Is Eugene Monroe worth investing in?

6) Pass Protection 101

7) Inside the Playbook - Pass Protection Schemes

8) X's and O's: Pass Protection

9) Football Fundamentals: Pass Protection Schemes

Playbook: Cover-1

This coverage scheme relies on a single high safety and underneath defenders in man coverage. If executed properly, Cover-1 is good against both the pass and the run, as it has the advantage of being able to use an eight-man front (should the strong safety drop into the box).

Cover-1 relies on sound technique from the corners and a smart, fast free safety with great range. The corners play with outside leverage and attempt to funnel their assignments into the middle toward the free safety.

In man coverage, the corners often play press-man, though in the image above they're shown in off coverage. The outside linebackers will cover the running back(s) or use a "green dog" technique (man coverage, add to the rush if their assignment blocks).

Finally, the MIKE linebacker will typically drop into the underneath hole (below the free safety) or occasionally blitz. Dropping into the underneath hole (typically called Cover-1 Robber) gives the defense two levels of zone coverage in the middle, where the corners will be forcing the receivers by using an outside shade. Here's another look at Cover-1 Robber on the chalkboard:

Outside References

1) NFL 101: Introducing the Basics of Cover 1

2) Why Pressure Sells for Patriots on 3rd Down
3) Cover 1 Robber Defense 
4) Football Fundamentals: Cover 1 Defense
5) Football Fundamentals: Cover 1 Defense Adjustments 
6) Press Man Coverage Technique 
7) 4-2-5 Cover 1 (Man Free) Coverage
8) Cover 1 (Man Free) Technique
9) Cover 1 (Man Free) Versus Action Passes
10) Cover 1(Man Free) Versus Mesh Route

Playbook: Cover-0

Cover-0 (also known as Zero-Man) is a coverage designed to pressure the quarterback and cover with the minimum number of defensive backs.  As the defense is relying on the pass-rush to disrupt timing, it is a risky play-call and is generally reserved for red-zone usage.

The eight box players will show pressure to force max-protect.  Linebackers use a "green dog" technique on  the two inside eligible receivers (man coverage, add to the rush if assignment blocks).  Rushing the QB off the snap will force the ball to come out.

Corners will play "Solo" technique (i.e. man-coverage with no help).  Corners align head-up, will drive the up-field shoulder on a slant and play through the receiver's hands on a fade. No need to play the double-move, if the pressure doesn't get home, this play is sunk.

Some defenses prefer to "press" their corners in order to interfere with the timing between QB and receiver.

Outside References

1) Playbook: Drawing up Cover-0 blitz scheme

2) How Oregon’s Secondary Protects the Nest with the “Cover Zero” Defense!
3) 4-3 Lightning Cover 0

Playbook: Bubble Screen

The bubble screen, as a route, is simply a flat out-ward breaking route from a slot or reduced (tight to the formation) alignment.  Running a bubble screen from the slot allows an agile play-maker to follow his block(s) on the perimeter in order to get up the field.

Here, the Eagles have WR Desean Jackson aligned in the slot.  A simple break toward the outside gives QB Michael Vick a quick-hitting option.

Catching the ball behind the line of scrimmage gives Jackson time to create a play once the ball is in his hands.  Following his blocks will lead him up the field.

Generally, the bubble screen is used as a "run-game replacement."  In other words, getting a play-maker in the open field.

Among teams whose quarterbacks read defenders (e.g. Redskins, Eagles, Panthers), the bubble screen is often packaged with an inside zone run.  Reading the leverage of the bubble screen's defender allows the QB to decide which decision will lead to a larger gain.

"Bubble screen" should not be confused with "smoke screen" or "now screen."

Outside References

1) Oregon's bubble screens vs. Stanford
2) Football 101: Screens
3) TAKE AND GIVE: Oregon’s Bubble Zone Read Philosophy
4) Football Fundamentals: Flare Control