Winning at the NFL level is all about tells. The tip offs in another team’s scheme. It’s the reason why coaches and players spend so much time in the film room and the payoff it brings when you discover them. In Week One of last year, the Steelers had opportunities to see one of the Broncos’ tells along the defensive line. They missed it, and it cost them.
Above is the Steelers’ first pass of the game. 3rd and 14 completion to Mike Wallace. Straight four man rush from Denver. Very vanilla.
Forward to the next drive. Similar situation. 3rd and 12 for Pittsburgh.
Broncos cross stunt (switch) Derek Wolfe and Mitch Unrein. The Steelers’ line fails to pick it up, Wolfe rushes in free, and drops Roethlisberger for a nine yard loss. Pittsburgh forced to punt.
It was clear the Broncos were going to stunt on the play. Pittsburgh should have ready been to pass off the tackles.
The tell? Mitch Unrein’s stagger (positioning of his feet). In the first play without the stunt, his left foot is back. His “default” stagger. On the 3rd down with the stunt, his right foot is back. Go compare the pictures again.
Why does it matter? Since Unrein is stunting to his left and needs to push off with his right foot, he saves himself a step by pushing off on the right leg, letting him break on the stunt quicker. If he stays in his default stagger, he has to take an extra step to plant on his right foot.
It might not seem like much of a difference but every step and fraction of a second counts when trying to get to the quarterback. Another look at the stunt with Unrein landing on his right foot.
In the heat of the moment, it’s the little things like the positioning of a lineman’s feet that are easy to overlook but incredibly important. All the more reason to be as prepared as possible. When you’re prepared, you play fast. When you play fast, you win on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com/SteelCityHobbies
