Running RPOs from 12 and 21 Personnel
As promised, my RPO series culminated with a look at how Michigan can utilize their existing personnel and still maximize their mileage out of installing RPOs.
Summary: Michigan isn't only going to be an RPO team. They aren't going to be a full on spread. They won't over-utilize the QB run threat. That said, Harbaugh has utilized RPOs before (LINK) albeit with more of a running QB. He knows his base concepts, and won't abandon them, but he doesn't have to. He can utilize all his base runs without moving away from his preference.
Finally, I wrapped up the Football Fundamentals series on RPOs, so if you're interested in the various routes that can be run to create the RPOs, or if you're interested in the pass first options, they are all here.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:06 PM ^
Appreciate the in depth look into these concepts. Here's to hoping they're effective next Saturday!
August 27th, 2018 at 4:06 PM ^
Always love your stuff.
I know he is known for his elusiveness in the pocket, but as far as stats go, Patterson isn't much of a designated rusher is he? Looking at his stats, he appears to have only accumulated 153 total yards on 87 carries in his career so far. Includes sacks, of course.
I cannot wait to see his first game action in a winged helmet. Trying hard to temper expectations.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:10 PM ^
Your assessment of Patterson is correct. He can be used as a runner, but it should be more of a "keep the defense honest" method, not in the Denard mold. He may be able to be used similar to how Texas used Colt McCoy, but even that is stretching it. Much more Tate, but probably less designed run to keep him healthy and avoid taking so many hits.
That said, what I've laid out is not a set of RPOs that require the QB run. RPOs often utilize a single read with no QB run threat. While the QB run threat can add to RPOs and allow you to do more things with personnel, it really isn't needed.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:18 PM ^
You're the man, err... coyote?
Once again thank you for the football content!
August 27th, 2018 at 4:34 PM ^
Yeah, I think in this offense, Harbaugh will want Shea to go through his progressions before taking off. I don't believe there are many QB run designed plays in their repertoire. Last thing we need is any potential for injury from running with Shea. Of course out of pure competitiveness, when a play breaks down, he will try and make something happen. With that being said , we may see some read option. I prefer to use the backs or WR on sweeps, they are more than capable.(Even though depth on WR is getting low)
August 27th, 2018 at 4:29 PM ^
Just keeping the defense honest could be worth a few hundred yards this year.
Michigan actually got pretty good at IZ towards the end of the season, which is encouraging for this year because they ran it mostly from the gun without any semblance of that QB run threat.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:46 PM ^
That's why I think we will use some read option. When we face teams with elite DE's it will help keep them from crashing down every play....it will force then to play contain. With a few of these plays it will allow receiver's to get open down field for Patterson to hit on a designed roll-out. Forcing the opposing teams Safety's to play honest and not load the box.
August 27th, 2018 at 5:12 PM ^
I hope they don't use him at all as a runner vs sparty because they'll try to take him out
August 27th, 2018 at 6:11 PM ^
they'll pull a Calhoun and try and snap his neck.
August 27th, 2018 at 7:33 PM ^
I'm expecting Shea Patterson to run when he has to. But his passing will keep defenses honest.
The run game is going to be better this year, which changes life for QBs. :-)
August 27th, 2018 at 4:07 PM ^
I just quit my job today. Really looking forward to reading this in my upcoming downtime before my next gig! Thanks, SC.
August 27th, 2018 at 5:44 PM ^
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August 27th, 2018 at 6:01 PM ^
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August 27th, 2018 at 4:14 PM ^
Looking forward to reading these. Thanks, SC.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:14 PM ^
Real football info! Good stuff, thank you.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:21 PM ^
Great stuff Coyote. I can't wait to see how Michigan deploys its personnel this year.
With these TEs, Evans and perhaps VanSumeran (probably too early for more than a package) they can do so much formationally with 12 and 21 personnel to pick on mismatches. If Mason is a plus runner that opens up even more when he and Evans share a backfield.
Zentry split out wide alone should make for incredible poor damn cornerback gifs.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:25 PM ^
Patterson will be effective in both RPO and Pro Sets. The key will be to keep the D guessing.
I would save the designed runs for special games and down and distance.
Against ND I would come out with a heavy look only to shift out with Gentry and Evan's and give it a spin downfield. Sending a message from the get go...
So ready for an Offense with a quality QB who has the moxi to get the job done.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:54 PM ^
I think you will see many, many heavy looks. We have too many talented TE's to keep off the field...Your correct in seeing them shift out to the outside.(especially Gentry and Eubanks) and stay in on designed run plays to help out the tackles. To me it seems we will be doing a lot of shifting during plays due to the amount of weapons other defenses have to account for.
August 27th, 2018 at 4:33 PM ^
Would it be fair to say that running RPOs with 12 and 21 personnel groupings is a schematic advantage vs running a more straight up spread system, given the ability to present the defense with looks from both play styles?
August 27th, 2018 at 5:05 PM ^
There are aspects that are to your advantage and aspects that aren't. Certainly, have traditional spread personnel on the field puts more speed on the field and allows for other threats. The other aspect is that you are now asking personnel to do some things that aren't typical for their position, so you are expanding what they do, and sometimes execution isn't as good when you do that.
But if you can get the execution where it needs to be, it's why a ton of NFL teams do just that. Now, how well can a college team do it regularly