Diagramming The Resurgence

Detecting Coverage

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis said the key to the Blue Devils' success on offense is simply taking what the defense gives them. In order to discern what coverage the opponent is in, he said: "The safeties will tell you. If both of them go to the hash out wide, I know it's cover two. If they sit on the hash, I know it can be cover four or cover eight. Or if they rotate (to the right)... I know it's cover three." In cover two, Lewis said he'd look for receiver Austin Kelly in the slot or Eron Riley at the X. Against cover eight, he said Raphael Chestnut has a chance running his post on the far right. When it comes to reading the defense, look to the safeties for the answer.

Protection Packages

Typically, defenses will feature seven men in the box-three linebackers and four down linemen or vice-versa. In this play, Duke has the ability to use a five-, six- or seven-man protection depending on the defense's blitzing choices. If the linebacker on the left blitzes, the tight end bails on his route and picks up the defender. If the linebacker on the right blitzes, the running back stays in the backfield to make the block. If the middle linebacker blocks, the offensive line shifts in order to compensate for the extra pass rusher. On paper, Lewis should never have to worry about a sack. Of course, protecting the quarterback is easier said than done.

Option Routes

Starting tight end Tielor Robinson and slot receiver Kelly run option routes in this play, meaning they do different things depending on the defensive coverage. If the opponent is in man coverage, Robinson and Kelly will break their routes outward toward the sideline after five to seven yards. If the defense is in zone coverage, they will "settle down" in a curl between the zones. This allows the offense to react in real time to whatever their opponent tries to throw at them, making it difficult for the defense to stymie the Blue Devils with various schemes and coverage decisions.

Hot Routes

Lewis will make a protection call at the line before every snap to prepare for a possible blitz, but sometimes there are not enough blockers to go around. If this happens, one linebacker will be left unaccounted for, and, if he blitzes, will have a clear path to the quarterback. If Lewis sees this, he'll point to the receiver closest to the unmarked defender, and they silently understand each other. "If he comes, I've got to throw it to you," Lewis said. The blitzing backer leaves a temporary void in the defense, and the receiver breaks off his route to go straight for it. Threat neutralized.