Super Bowl Domination

Chapter 49
Fifty-five seconds, 26-yard line at the front of the end zone, 2nd and 8 yards.

Faced with such a situation, what should we choose?

Obviously, the safest option is to waste game time, score a free kick, tie the score, and then enter overtime.

If this is the case, Shaban and Sweeney can be said to have hit it off, cooperating with each other, and walking into overtime shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand like brothers.

So, what does Shaban think?

Levi, change your position.

The Red Tide's offensive team has always been based on the pistol formation.

The offensive line is lined up in a row, with the quarterback standing four yards behind the center, and the running back standing four yards behind the quarterback, with the three players standing in the same vertical line; in addition, in the horizontal position relatively horizontal to the offensive line, there are two wide receivers on the left, one wide receiver on the right and a tight end.

This tactic was developed in the NCAA and is mainly aimed at running quarterbacks.

By overlapping the quarterback and running back, the quarterback can observe and choose to pass, run or run the ball himself.

The University of Nevada popularized this tactic in 2005, and in the 2009 season became the first team in history to have three players with more than 1000 rushing yards in a single season, including two running backs and a quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.

The Crimson Tide's quarterbacks, Hurts and Bateman, are both running quarterbacks, so Shaban uses the pistol formation very frequently.

However, at this time, the Red Tide Storm took up a shotgun formation.

The basic formation is the same as the pistol formation, the difference lies in the positioning of the running back.

The running back does not stand behind the quarterback, but stands parallel to the quarterback and keeps a distance from him. In other words, the running back also serves as a receiving point. Some teams even go a step further and let the running back line up near the line of scrimmage like the wide receivers and tight ends.

So, the answer is out. If the running back is regarded as the fifth receiving point, the tactical intention of the shotgun formation as the main passing formation is clear.

Compared with the NCAA, the shotgun formation is used very frequently in the current passing-oriented NFL. This is also one of the best formations to bring out the traditional pocket quarterback's ability, with full firepower.

Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning's use of the shotgun formation is unparalleled. His reading of the defense is precise and sharp, and his layout of offensive running routes is at a master's level.

In the 2013 season, Manning brought the power of this formation to its fullest with the Denver Broncos, breaking all historical records with 5477 passing yards and 55 passing touchdowns in a single season, and leading the Denver Broncos to become the first team in history to score over 600 points in a season.

His gaze returned to the Crimson Storm.

It can be seen from Levi's position that Shaban gave up the pistol formation and very rarely chose the shotgun formation. It was obvious at a glance that he was preparing to pass the ball.

put all one's eggs in one basket.

Go all out.

The Crimson Tide was not going to be conservative. On second down and eight yards away, Shaban gave it a try.

The Tigers' defense immediately became alert. The biggest feature of the shotgun formation is the five passing points, which gives it the upper hand in terms of numbers. In the Tigers' "4-3" formation, because there are only three linebackers, the positions of the middle linebackers are often not easy to form a matchup, so the offense can gain a numerical advantage.

Watkins immediately became alert and waved his hands repeatedly, signaling the entire defensive formation to disperse.

If it was the first quarter of the game, facing the shotgun formation, the best tactic would actually be to raid the quarterback and cut off the source directly. But now there are only fifty-five seconds left in the game, and they only need to cut off this pass to turn the situation around. There is not much meaning in putting pressure on the front line.

Therefore, the defense needs to play positional defense plus zone defense, covering the short pass and intermediate pass areas.

but.

Bateman strictly followed Shaban's instructions, without stopping or breathing, and everything was done quickly.

"attack!"

After lining up, he immediately announced the kick-off, giving the defense no time to adjust.

then.

Levi could see that the first reaction of the defensive players was to take a small step back, blocking their position and keeping a close eye on Bateman's passer.

The air condensed slightly. In just half a second, the Red Tide Storm used an unexpected offensive formation to catch the defense team off guard and created a split second of dislocation.

One step forward, one sideways.

Levi had already seen Bateman's light throw without any connection space, and the football was delivered straight into his arms.

Snapped.

With both hands, I could feel the leather texture of the football, and with a push of my feet, my body rushed out.

Pass the ball?

No, run the ball.

In the shotgun formation, 99% of the time the ball is passed, but there is a 1% exception.

Shaban cleverly took advantage of the changes in the Tigers' defense's mentality during these waves of offense and defense, creating opportunities and preparing to steal a ground attack.

Shaban knew that ground attack would consume time, but maybe Levi could bring a surprise? Even if they failed, as long as they could get the first attack, they only needed to use the last timeout and they would have another three offensive opportunities.

The misalignment of offensive and defensive tactics created space for Levi, and Levi still remained highly focused.

The front tight end Hunter Keith and the wide receiver No. 1 Foster are clearing the way for themselves, but they are facing the linebacker and cornerback respectively. Before cutting into the short pass area, Levi still needs to deal with the defensive front line near the line of scrimmage alone——

coming!

Lawrence, secondary reaction alert.

Offensive tackle Cotton tried to stop Lawrence, and he succeeded in doing so, putting his hands on Lawrence's shoulders and stopping Lawrence's steps.

But Lawrence caught Bateman's pass at the first opportunity, and with one push off the ground and one start, Lawrence completely left Cotton behind.

Cotton was worried that he would commit a foul and waste his carefully planned tactics, so he was a little hesitant. It was just this little hesitation that allowed Lawrence to pull away.

In terms of physical fitness and reaction ability, Lawrence is indeed outstanding, worthy of being a top rookie with first-round pick ability. Even though he is still a high school student, he has shown enough potential and strength. He held his breath and pounced like a tiger descending from the mountain.

Levi was exceptionally calm.

Pull left and lean right.

His center of gravity swayed continuously, and his steps danced dizzily, like the steps of flamenco, constantly shaking Lawrence's center of gravity.

Lawrence had no time to hesitate. He gritted his teeth, lunged forward fiercely, and covered Levi with great force. He spread his arms like a roc spreading its wings to increase his coverage area.

However, Lawrence's desperate gamble was a futile struggle in Levi's eyes.

Move left and right.

With light and flexible footsteps, he completed the center of gravity shift again. Seeing that Lawrence was about to approach, he suddenly started, slid to the right, elegantly and calmly staggered his position, brushed Lawrence's left arm, stepped up and cut sideways, and the positions of the two people were completely staggered.

Levi had thrown Lawrence away without making a sound, and tried to grab him with determination, but he pounced on the ground and missed. His waving hands were unable to control his falling center of gravity.

And what about Levi?

His smooth footsteps were completely under his control. As soon as he finished dodging, he pushed the ground with his calves and pushed his body forward.

Start, accelerate——

sprint.

Lawrence was left alone.

First update today. The new book list is in urgent need. Niche football is really too difficult. I urgently need the support of all book friends. Please don't support the book. If you support it for a long time, there may really be no follow-up. Here, I would like to thank you all!

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(End of this chapter)