A few weeks ago, we took a look at one of the rollout passes Coach Will Stein has implemented into the Oregon Ducks offense. Today we are studying a constraint play that the Ducks also showed in the spring game. Constraint plays are play built to look like one play at first, but then turn out to be another. These types of plays are a great way to keep defenses on their toes, and off balance.
Fake Rollout Throwback Screen
This constraint play is the Fake Rollout Throwback Screen. This is one of quite a few plays that showcase how important the slot receiver is in Coach Stein’s system. The slot in this offense is asked to do a little more than we’ve seen in the Oregon offense the last few years. It’ll be interesting to see who mans that spot come fall, as Coach Stein’s slots are usually a RB/WR type.
At the snap of the play, the offensive line starts off as if they are blocking Outside Zone. After a beat, three of the OL will break for the sideline to setup blocks for the screen. The slot receiver will go in motion before the snap and then head for the sideline post-snap, settling behind the blocks of the OL.
The quarterback fakes a handoff and then rolls out opposite of the SR, with the TE arcing to block for him. Both wide receivers and the running back will work routes to the side of the rollout to sell the pass play to that side. After the QB reaches a certain point, he’ll turn back and throw the ball back across the field to the slot.
In the clip above, you can see just how well the threat of Bo Nix rolling out affects the defense. All of this was set up earlier in the spring game with effective rollout passes. Here Traeshon Holden gets the ball and follows his blockers for a pretty nice 18-yard gain.
This is just one of many constraint plays that we can expect to see Coach Stein call this season to keep defenses guessing.
Coach Eric Boles
Newark, Ohio
Top Photo Credit: Eugene Johnson
Phil Anderson, the FishDuck.com Volunteer editor for this article, is a trial lawyer in Bend Oregon.
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Eric resides in Central Ohio, just outside the capital city of Columbus. He is a former offensive assistant and return game coordinator for the Ohio State – Newark/Central Ohio Technical College Titans football program.
He is an OSU-N graduate, having completed a Bachelor of Arts program in psychology.