Schematic Breakdown

The run-and-shootArchitect: Darrell “Mouse” Davis, Portland State offensive coordinator Personnel: Quarterback, fullback, four wide receivers and five offensive linemenObjective: Gain gobs of yardage and score lots of points on relatively short, quick-hitting pass plays that set up the rushing attack perfectlyIntricacies: Davis has installed several quirks to give the offense the upper hand.- Offense wants to alter its formation based on which play it expects the defense to run, resulting in lots of pre-snap motion and route shifting occurs at the line of scrimmage. – Receivers typically run medium-to-short routes that result in fastballs from the quarterback. – Quickness, speed and intelligence are the three characteristics most valued in wide receivers. – Davis believes that passing the ball sets up the rushing game, not the other way around. Glanville’s 3-4 defenseArchitect: Jerry Glanville, Portland State head coachPersonnel: Nose tackle, two defensive ends, two inside linebackers, two outside linebackers, two safeties and two cornerbacks Objective: To stop the opposing offense and possibly create a turnover by bombarding the offensive line and quarterback with lots of personnel, especially blitzing linebackers and defensive ends. Intricacies: At each of his NFL stops, Glanville has employed a tailored version of this defensive scheme based on the personnel available.- Expect to see lots of pressure from the Vikings’ defense, as Glanville is apt to blitz early and often. – Defensive ends are responsible for stopping the run and pass rushing, while the nose tackle should be a large-bodied player for shutting down opposing running backs.- Inside linebackers must be strong, quick and versatile, as they may have to cover a running back or tight end in passing situations. – Depending on the defensive call, safeties play either man coverage on a wide receiver or a deep zone.