The Long Ball - question for you football gurus

[DC Vol]

Complete a couple deep and then run a draw out of the shotgun.

 

[Thrasher865]

They will probably play cover 2 the whole game lol

 

[1974Vol]

Like most have posted Gators will be deep and trying to keep everything underneath. Two ways to get deep are 1. Catch the ball short break tackles YAK 2. Give Bray enough time for WR's to make double move.

Patterson in particular is a load so look for Vols to run plays to get him the ball any way and everyway possible - reverses, screens, option, direct snap - he can run away from people 20 lbs smaller - image a 220 lb Demps or Rainy - I'm smiling just thinking about it.

 

[Thrasher865]

I don't know that I would run anything fancy like a reverse against FL. That's going to either be a big gain, or a loss of 5.

 

[Ashevillevol]

Generally, if Hunter and Patterson command double team with corner underneath and safety help over the top, that leaves Rivera, the slot receiver (Rogers or Pig maybe?), and Neal or Young to be covered by maybe one more corner or linebackers. Bray has to recognize the mismatches and get the ball to the right one, which he has been very good at so far this year.

 

[Ashevillevol]

I don't know that I would run anything fancy like a reverse against FL. That's going to either be a big gain, or a loss of 5.

They are probably too fast on D to have a play that takes that much time to develop be successful

 

[jamoke19]

You always take what the D gives you. With multiple route-runners, its a good idea to have a deep route to complement the other combo routes. As a former qb (just hs so I'm definitely no Peyton Manning) our reads were usually a primary route underneath, then the deep ball, and then the other routes.

The deep ball is, in my opinion, one of the easier routes to throw. There are so many places you cannot miss, like over the middle and short. Always miss long and towards the sideline and give your receiver a chance to run under it.

And there are multiple things that can set up the deep ball. Obviously Play Action. Underneath routes, multiple uses of hitches, slants, ins, outs can also get a defender to bite or cheat up.

 

[JohnWardForever]

Before this season, I generally considered throwing the ball vertically to be a toss up/gamble. Really just a way to make the safeties play back 5 more yards, just in case. Almost like a fake punt/kick - probably not going to happen, but have to be prepared just in case.

Suddenly, this offense looks poised to actually be able to make this a legitimate weapon instead of just tossing it up for grabs. Every bomb Bray has thrown thus far has been immaculately placed and of course our WRs have the height/speed to create separation.

So question for the gurus out there:

Is it possible to lineup against teams like Florida, UGA, Bama, and USCe and realistically grab multiple TD's over the top and expect to do so consistently without interceptions? Or are we still 'gambling' with the long ball , just with better odds because of our talent?

Long as the Oline can protect Bray; yes. Still, you need to mix in some runs---and if you can't run, throw some short outs and dumps to the backs---to keep the defense from doubling the receivers and bringing the house on every down. Screen to Pig this week might just be a really good play call.

 

[Thrasher865]

They are probably too fast on D to have a play that takes that much time to develop be successful

That's what I'm saying.

 

[PalardyLikeARockstar]

So question for the gurus out there:

Is it possible to lineup against teams like Florida, UGA, Bama, and USCe and realistically grab multiple TD's over the top and expect to do so consistently without interceptions? Or are we still 'gambling' with the long ball , just with better odds because of our talent?

The intangibles are endless.

If you start chucking it deep right out of the gate, you are statistically more likely to score, mainly because teams typically open the game with something simple, like off-tackle right/left.

However, say you do call, 121 Sling for instance. You have X on the fly, Y on the hitch, and Z on the post. your post man would have to draw in the safety attention that he needs to, so you're looking at a 10 yard post. With that, you are spread out enough to expect man to man, or tail coverage on your fly-man, and your hitch man will be your safety valve.

Keep adjusting for the defense to jump routes, like sending receivers on crossing routes and one man on a hitch-fly.

In conclusion:

Yes it's possible if you set up the right play.

 

[YorkVol]

The reason the deep ball worked against NCState was they used ZR instead of Hunter. The Gators will be focused on Hunter, CP and, after that, ZR to some extent. So the question is, who does Chaney send deep early? I bet it will be Carter, but could also see Pig or Q on that route.