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Did Harbaugh tip his hand as to how he'll use Kaepernick?

Fooch's Note: Thanks to Grant for putting this FanPost together. This was an extremely interesting play call and I am curious to see if it is utilized moving forward.

Everybody knows that an NFL coach's life is spent in the film room.  But the smartest coaches will use this very fact against their opposition by showing one thing and then doing another.  The photo series that I've posted as the first comment depicts the second offensive play the Niners ran against the Redskins, a simple handoff to Kendall Hunter that gains 5 yards. What interests me isn't so much the effectiveness of this run play as the effect it has on the defense, and that it just might set up a counter QB option run play that can be run out of the same set.

Star-divide

I think this play might be Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman doing exactly that--running a play that will set up a much more devastating play that utilizes the unique running ability of Colin Kaepernick.

Bruce Miller, Kendall Hunter, and Frank Gore start bunched in trips right and motion into an old-school full house backfield with Gore deep. At the snap of the ball, Gore starts right, Miller heads out left to block for Kendall Hunter, who follows blocks by Miller, Mike Iupati and Adam Snyder to carry the ball for about 5 or 6 yards.

What you also notice is that Ryan Kerrigan lines up on the outside of Anthony Davis' right shoulder, and he stays there after the shift--the adjustment is made on the second level of the defense; the strong safety that had dropped into the box bails out and the free safety drops down. This means that when Alex Smith snaps the ball the offensive line knows which 8 guys they have to account for.

If the adjustment had been made at the linebacker level (if Kerrigan had shifted to Anthony Davis' left shoulder, or dropped back off the line of scrimmage), a huge running lane could have opened up to the right side of the offensive formation.  What I want you to notice is the way Gore and Alex Smith are aligned on the 6th photo in the series. It looks like an option play, with the QB in a bootleg-type motion and the RB on the outside.  If the Niners ran a quarterback option out of this same set and play-action, faking the ball to Hunter and then running with Kaepernick and Gore to the offensive right, as long as Anthony Davis seals the edge on Kerrigan and/or the DT and the WR locks his CB up to the outside, you have Kaepernick and Gore running downfield for a potentially huge run. 

Smith has already carried the ball a number of times this season (perhaps even worryingly so), so we know that Harbaugh isn't averse to the idea of using his quarterbacks as runners.  At this point I really wonder three things:

1) what would a QB option counter to this play look like...

2) if the Niners would ever run it, and...

3) if they did run it with Kaepernick and his 4.53 speed, would it go for a 50-yard TD or an 80-yard TD?

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Poll
Would a counter option QB run using Colin Kaepernick as a runner be awesome?
Yes, I like exciting plays that are awesome.
948 votes
Maybe, but I'm afraid of exciting plays that are awesome but expose our QBs to injury.
283 votes
No, I hate Colin Kaepernick, offensive ingenuity, and long 49ers touchdowns.
149 votes

1380 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

Comment 96 comments  |  11 recs  | 

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Coach will not appreciate your giving out state secrets

But I applaud your observation and believe that you are indeed on to something.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Nov 8, 2011 7:46 PM PST reply actions  

Some of us chose that for sheer silliness.

There will always be some that go against the grain for fun. I doubt any fans truly hate long TDs. On the other hand, the poll should have an option that says. I don’t like this particular play idea because it might not work. The idea that they Niners have to run this play to get long TDs is not valid.

So take the results with a sense of humor. In case you have not guessed, I voted No for this very reason.

by Da Bum on Nov 9, 2011 7:32 AM PST up reply actions  

15 percent of nn users voted we’ll end the season having allowed negative rushing TDs on defense, this is consistent with keap’s pole results

by reedkrase on Nov 11, 2011 7:16 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions  

Great stuff man

This game showed me what this team is capable of. All the shifting, all the formations, and the mismatche’s they can create against other defenses it’s beautiful to see. Seeing this you can see why Braylon said what he said. This coaching staff is very smart in how they use this teams “athletic ability”

In the last two games we have seen our FB, 4th receiver ( Kyle Williams), LT, NT, and our 3rd TE( Peele) making plays.

D coordinators are going to have nightmares once this team gets more of the Playbook installed. Hearing Braylon say those things Sunday confirms the things he sees and runs during practice. This team can be explosive it’s all on them executing those plays.

This offense is on the cusp of exploding with a monster game and when that happens the NFC better watch out

"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."

Norm Sloan

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."

Weldon Drew

by EcERyda69 on Nov 8, 2011 8:07 PM PST via mobile reply actions  

sorry to burst your bubble

but there isn’t a very good chance this happens.

Come on, Alex, please be good this year..

by Jesse Reed on Nov 8, 2011 9:16 PM PST up reply actions  

sorry to burst yours

an NFC Championship game against the Packers is exactly where we’re heading.
The only question is…do we have to play in their house, as the weather will dictate how explosive we can be.

"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. "
— Napoleon Hill

by MexNiner on Nov 8, 2011 9:28 PM PST up reply actions  

yes

Come on, Alex, please be good this year..

by Jesse Reed on Nov 8, 2011 9:50 PM PST up reply actions  

I should learn how to read.

You are right. At the moment it does not look like we could play that game in SF, but it’s still early. Our schedule is relatively easy and GB could still loose at least a couple.

"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. "
— Napoleon Hill

by MexNiner on Nov 8, 2011 10:02 PM PST up reply actions  

Green Bay's schedule

is going to be a bit harder in the 2nd half. Not impossible Niners steal that 1st place. Not likely, but hey, ya never know!

by musamonster on Nov 8, 2011 10:06 PM PST up reply actions  

The important thing is beating the Giants...

… because then the only teams the Packers have a more-than-decent chance to lose to (Bucs, Lions, Giants), we will have head-to-head victories over – thus any tie-breaker should go our way. :)

Alex Smith Will Win a Superbowl
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alex-Smith-Will-Win-a-Superbowl/205058042848290

by liberty_JAC on Nov 8, 2011 10:12 PM PST up reply actions  

Tie breakers are:

Head-to-head, if applicable.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
Strength of victory.
Strength of schedule.
Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best net points in conference games.
Best net points in all games.
Best net touchdowns in all games.
Coin toss.

by musamonster on Nov 8, 2011 11:40 PM PST up reply actions  

honestly it all matters very little

The important part is getting the 2 seed. The 1 seed is relatively minor on top of it.

The Packers made their run last year on the road. They are a passing team. They are a terrible running team. They do not play in a loud stadium.

Their home field advantage a long time ago was a grind it out approach on a field that was TERRIBLE. Now that it’s a heated field, they do not have anything beyond the minor home field advantage of the other team having to travel. I think the last 5 years of NFL playoffs has proven that such advantage is basically meaningless.

The current incarnation of the packers would be best off playing on artificial turf IE, going through the Saints, Falcons or Lions. Instead, it looks like it’ll go through Lambeau and San Francisco. Muddy soft fields.

by whistlingmountain on Nov 9, 2011 7:01 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Isn't it amazing to be having this conversation at all?

But we just aced the middterm. We still have a lot of football left to play before this picture becomes clear. I am so happy that our ceiling has gone from… winning the West and getting our first playoff birth and home game in years to possibly taking the #1 slot from a very good GB team. However, we are still a long way from finishing like that. We have room to grow each week. This week is going to be a good test, so we better just keep it real until we are truly in striking distance, which can never be at the halfway point!

by Da Bum on Nov 9, 2011 7:43 AM PST up reply actions  

I think it is huge

Homefield advantage for this team would be huge because NOBODY except the center and Braylon has been to the playoffs. It might not mean much during the regular season but when in the playoffs you better believe the pressure is intense. We have almost zero postseason experience and the Packers have been there the last 3 or 4 years. To be able to play at home would be huge.

Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).

by crumpedup15 on Nov 9, 2011 8:45 AM PST up reply actions  

I meant against the Packers

They are the only team that scares me in the entire league. We can handle any other team at their house or ours but the Packers offense is playing at a level rarely ever seen.

Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).

by crumpedup15 on Nov 9, 2011 8:56 AM PST up reply actions  

the home fields are so similar that it just wouldn't matter that much

couple things about the Packers offense though

  1. They’re doing it against bad teams. Everyone already knows the best tact for slowing the Packers down. It’s a combination of a ball control offense on offense and a 4 man rush on defense. Teams can’t shut them out, but I do not agree with the media wide agreement that the Packers will just put up 35 on anyone any game.
  1. No team has ever been hitting offensively on all cylinders this early in the season and carried it into the post-season. Last season they got hot late and it was perfect. Looking back at the last 3 teams to really be hitting on offense like these guys are. The 98 Vikings, the 01 Rams and the 07 Patriots, all three offenses came WAY back down to Earth late in the season and in the playoffs.

Granted they all still needed to get upset, and the Packers are STILL the best team in the NFL, bu their margin over the rest of the league isn’t this amazing level that the other team would need to play a perfect game and get lucky and all that.

On turf I’d say the packers would win 8 or 9 of 10 vs the 49ers, but on grass, 6 or 7 of 10. It’s a legitimate chance. The Giants, Lions and Bears can all give the Packers good games as well because they get pressure with 4 man rushes. Giants and Lions need to vastly improve their short passing games though to make up for their lack of running games.

by whistlingmountain on Nov 9, 2011 9:32 AM PST up reply actions  

As far as the Packers...

“They are doing it agaisnt bad teams” I don’t think this is valid because you can make the argument that we have been winning against bad teams. And don’t get me wrong, I am not saying we have no chance to win the game. I think we can match up very well in our nickel package which we would use almost the entire game because the Packers base backage is 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB. We should play a lot of man under with Culliver on Jordy Nelson. I’ve heard many analysts say if you play man under then you have to worry about who can run with Jermichael Finley. Well we have 2 MLB that can run with most WR’s.
My point is that the Packers passing attack is so diverse and so effective that they are the only team that scares me. I my mind we would be even or favored to win against any other team except the Packers.

Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).

by crumpedup15 on Nov 9, 2011 11:01 AM PST up reply actions  

Happy

to see, that I am not the only “crazy” person around here.

"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. "
— Napoleon Hill

by MexNiner on Nov 12, 2011 9:51 AM PST up reply actions  

Very true

But they are virtually identical to the Patriots. Awesome QB, not much of a running game, bad defense. The big difference between the 2 is the Pats have played harder teams. The Pats have been beatable. The Packers can be beaten too.

As far as “having this conversation”.. we have a 5 game lead and get 5 more games against our awful division. It would be a major upset if we didn’t make the playoffs… So while nobody wants to get too far ahead of themselves, we are making the playoffs. The concern is How far will we go? Believe it or not, OUR NINERS ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL… THIS YEAR.

Wow.. I can’t believe I just said that…

by musamonster on Nov 9, 2011 9:32 AM PST up reply actions  

sort of...

the pats have zero outside threats. they are all about welker & the two TEs. plug the middle of the field, and you’re probably going to beat them. GB has receiving threats all over the field & sitting on the bench. that’s the scary part.

In Harbaugh We Trust.

by SoDak9er on Nov 9, 2011 10:33 AM PST up reply actions  

Pack have made playoffs the past two years

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Nov 9, 2011 7:11 PM PST up reply actions  

Check back in after they get swept by Detroit, then we'll have a damn good chance

Calvin Johnson is gonna eat them alive… And Suh will hopefully send Rodgers into the brain trauma unit at the local hospital.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Nov 10, 2011 2:39 AM PST up reply actions  

Curious why you say that

Suh was basically AWOL with us and Mega was more of a Mini.

by riderless on Nov 10, 2011 11:18 AM PST up reply actions  

GB defense does not compare...

… to ours.

At least, not how they’re playing now.

Alex Smith Will Win a Superbowl
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alex-Smith-Will-Win-a-Superbowl/205058042848290

by liberty_JAC on Nov 10, 2011 4:38 PM PST up reply actions  

Regardless of where we play

the niners will have a tactical advantage due to the style of play our offense runs… unless it’s a perfect 68* and sunny in either san francisco or green bay…. If its raining and muddy… advantage niners.

by SH0ck-D on Nov 9, 2011 4:44 AM PST up reply actions  

we already have

48-3 vs. Tampa; Harbs is just expanding the playbook each week…which I’m guessing is why we haven’t seen the same stuff.

Once it’s put altogether…lookout

by Doni S on Nov 9, 2011 9:16 AM PST via mobile up reply actions  

They've been massively expanding the personnel and formatons

but only slightly expanding the plays. I’m still waiting for them to develop 3 or 4 really hard to stop solid plays that don’t involve a lot of trickery. These are the plays that come through in big situations under pressure and win big games. Slants, back shoulder throws, fades, plays that if the defender is lined up in a certain way, they can not stop it if run correctly.

by whistlingmountain on Nov 9, 2011 9:34 AM PST up reply actions  

great play call (and a great write up)

I love this formation. One trend I’ve noticed this year in the NFL the increased use bidirectional running formations, like the one above. Basically, these formations give the team the option to overload the defense with blockers on either side of the field. The linebackers can’t cheat to one side or the other, and a good pre-snap read by the quarterback can lead to a huge run.

Harbaugh and Roman have been on the forefront of this trend, with the “sopoaga in motion” formation and the two TE, offset I. This is another great formation — pre-snap, can you tell which way the the offset backs are going? Defenses have to even account for Miller sweeping right. And right after the snap, can you tell which running back is going to get the ball? With so many blockers, one aggressive safety or linebacker is all it takes to make this play go for 20+ yards.

by ninerspride on Nov 8, 2011 9:45 PM PST reply actions  

I like this post, but...

… am I the only one who doesn’t see any particular reason to run it with Kaepernick? I mean, Smith is an effective runner. He’s much more tough and athletic then a lot of people give him credit for (not saying anyone here is necessarily in that camp).

Smith/Gore option off the bootleg? I like it. Smith can take a hit, and he’s not afraid to wait till just the right moment to pitch it to Gore – or to wisely choose to run it himself if the play demands it.

I do like what you wrote here though, regardless. They got 9 guys crowding the line, and all 9 of them go to the right side of the field immediately. An effective bootleg option of the formation could leave Gore/Smith alone with a wide receiver blocking and only two to three guys to beat.

Good eye, sir.

Alex Smith Will Win a Superbowl
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alex-Smith-Will-Win-a-Superbowl/205058042848290

by liberty_JAC on Nov 8, 2011 10:07 PM PST reply actions  

The reason why Kaepernick could be really effective at this...

is that he did almost exactly this a ton in college. Dude ran for 4,000 yards, and he has 4.53 speed. Alex Smith is mobile enough, and tough, but he just doesn’t have the kind of breakaway speed that Kaepernick does.

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 8, 2011 10:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Either one would be fine with me.

As long as Kaep gets to launch it 70 yards and we score.

Come on, Alex, please be good this year..

by Jesse Reed on Nov 8, 2011 10:37 PM PST up reply actions  

You know what's funny?

I didn’t even realize that it actually would be a 70 yard toss until I scrolled back up to look after I wrote it. It just seemed like a feasible distance for a monster throw. Kinda like that Nate Davis bomb to Ginn a couple of preseasons ago.

Come on, Alex, please be good this year..

by Jesse Reed on Nov 8, 2011 10:39 PM PST up reply actions  

That was a ridiculous throw.

Everybody was impressed…except for Mike Singletary.

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 8, 2011 10:41 PM PST up reply actions  

actually you're right, it was Crabs on the near side

This actually reinforces my point; if you look at the pics again, Braylon is running a crossing pattern from the offensive left to right; he doesn’t really block. This shows that they want to have pass action with 4 options for the QB (after faking the ball to Hunter): 1) run
2) option pitch to Gore
3) bomb to the Z receiver (Crabtree) down the sideline if the CB comes up.
4) pass to the X receiver (Braylon) crossing the field left to right

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 9, 2011 6:23 AM PST up reply actions  

So did Alex at Utah.

He ran options, inside pitches… all the little quirky plays.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Nov 10, 2011 2:42 AM PST up reply actions  

Well, he mentioned how fast Kaep is, too. I think the idea of using Kaep instead of Alex is to throw off the opposing team, do something totally unexpected. Opposing teams have seen what Alex can do with his legs, but not Kaep, not yet.

Win or lose, at the end of the day I'm just happy to see the Niners play well... Okay, winning is good. I prefer winning.
"Yeah, I do get emotional. It fires me up. It fires me up a lot. I'm not going to apologize for that. If that offends you or anybody else, then so be it."

by El Dorado on Nov 8, 2011 10:46 PM PST up reply actions  

I think they'd likely think it was a run play for sure.

Which would allow Braylon to “miss” his block and leak out downfield, and when the CB and the SS drop down to play the option, Kaep could actually hit him with a pass down the sideline. There are a ton of ways this play could be awesome.

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 8, 2011 10:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Great post BUT

I want to take this opportunity to bring up a question I had. Did anybody else notice that we kept bringing Kyle Williams in on one receiver sets in which we ran it every time? He lined up wide.

Anybody have any idea why? Was it just to get him on the field, or is it Harbaugh being sneaky again? After all, he’s absolutely the fastest receiver on our team (yes, faster than Ginn in that he has better burst and gets up to speed faster). He’s also the guy opposing teams wouldn’t suspect us to chuck it deep to…Maybe there’s an option to pass it on those plays? Maybe that’s a set we could run the FLEA FLICKER out of…ooh, that’d be sick…everybody commits to the run on the right, then Gore pitches back to Smith who bombs it downfield to Williams who is streaking open down the left sideline…I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it…

Not a troll

by Riding The F Train on Nov 8, 2011 10:57 PM PST reply actions  

Also

Forgot to mention, but when he lined up wide it was always on the opposite side we ran it to. Also, as far as a gamble like a flea flicker goes, Kyle Williams has some of the surest hands on the team. He’d absolutely be the guy picked over Ginn because of that.

Not a troll

by Riding The F Train on Nov 8, 2011 10:59 PM PST up reply actions  

If he is the fastest guy on the team

And has some of the best hands on the team why doesn’t he play more?

Why didn’t he do anything before Edwards came back?

Why? Why?

I’ve been so pumped to see this dude break out and was stoked to see him in the game last week. I guess it is just learning curve. I thought the silver lining of the Morgan injury was going to be Kdub but so far nothing.

by Tyler50 on Nov 8, 2011 11:04 PM PST up reply actions  

Simply Put

Our team doesnt use receivers very much. We run most of the time, and when we do pass it’s mostly to Vernon, Crabs, and Walker. We rarely have more than two Wrs on the field at one time. Kyle did catch a touchdown pass though!

Not a troll

by Riding The F Train on Nov 8, 2011 11:13 PM PST up reply actions  

I have to disagree with these guys being the fastest on the team because...

It’s got to be between Coach, Roman and Fangio who have to call the plays! Whoops, you guys mean physically, don’t you? Lol! Great post!

Enough said above! I can't believe the "t-raiders" are going to play in OUR stadium! Bastards!

by 23mjheart on Nov 10, 2011 7:21 AM PST via mobile up reply actions  

I'll have to go back and look again

but they ran the same play a few times which appeared to have a flea-flicker look to it. I was actually surprised it didn’t happen at some point in the game, but it’s more for the NYGs to prepare for and guess about this week…

In Harbaugh We Trust.

by SoDak9er on Nov 9, 2011 7:50 AM PST up reply actions  

What's with the barrel roll "blocking" technique of #76 Davis?

That’s pathetic and a good way to hurt somebody. Surely he’s not coached that way?

by whatsURdeal on Nov 9, 2011 12:01 AM PST reply actions  

Was that supposed to be a chop block?

it looks like he dove straight to the ground and just tried to roll into the guy’s legs.

by whatsURdeal on Nov 9, 2011 12:07 AM PST up reply actions  

#76 ain't finishing his plays.

That what nearly killed Alex last game.

by Mindless on Nov 9, 2011 12:34 AM PST up reply actions  

I'd say the big hit on Alex was the responsibility of the QB

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Nov 9, 2011 1:03 AM PST up reply actions  

Yes it was.

Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killa | KeMVP #BEASTMODE

"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner

Ball So Hard University

by mikeinsp on Nov 9, 2011 7:28 AM PST up reply actions  

Davis should not have given up on the block.

If he did not, there would be enough time to complete or trow away. It is on Davis.

by Mindless on Nov 9, 2011 3:02 PM PST up reply actions  

Right, because 7 seconds is not enough time to throw it.

Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killa | KeMVP #BEASTMODE

"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner

Ball So Hard University

by mikeinsp on Nov 9, 2011 3:58 PM PST up reply actions  

No.

Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killa | KeMVP #BEASTMODE

"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner

Ball So Hard University

by mikeinsp on Nov 9, 2011 5:36 PM PST up reply actions  

I did

I saw it live. Alex held the ball for too long

Maslow's theory of higher needs does not apply to Patrick Willis. He only has two needs: tackling people and finding people to tackle.

by 49erLou on Nov 10, 2011 6:23 AM PST up reply actions  

He held it for 5.61 seconds, unofficially.

It seemed like longer but still plenty of time to have gotten rid of it.

Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killa | KeMVP #BEASTMODE

"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner

Ball So Hard University

by mikeinsp on Nov 10, 2011 7:22 AM PST up reply actions  

Ironically, the “help” Adam Snyder tried to offer hurt Davis on the play, who had Kerrigan more or less locked up until Snyder came and knocked into Kerrigan’s side. Snyder’s hit freed Kerrigan from Davis’ block.

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 11, 2011 11:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Exactly

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Nov 9, 2011 7:14 PM PST up reply actions  

No, this one was Davis' poor technique and athleticism again

Alex Smith has just hit his drop depth. Davis is already facing his end zone, has failed to make and maintain early contact with Ryan Kerrigan, failed to push him wide and around the pocket, and instead has dropped straight back towards the QB drop point and then given up the corner.

Snyder comes back to help Davis and chips Kerrigan out of the backside pursuit, and then Davis turns away from Kerrigan and stands there looking around for the remainder of the play.

by Ougadas on Nov 9, 2011 8:08 PM PST up reply actions  

It was actually a version of the Wish bone or for some that might remember the double wing ...

…. but i don’t invision Kaep coming in any time soon to do what’s been stated , on this play I see more of a fake to the power side and a quick flip to the weak side …!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Nov 9, 2011 2:56 AM PST reply actions  

That's what I was thinking

or a naked boot….option… over the top pass to braylon.

by SH0ck-D on Nov 9, 2011 4:43 AM PST up reply actions  

I don't see Harbaugh being an "option" guy in the NFL

too much value on the consistency of the QB position

If Alex kept the ball it’d be a quick pitch to Gore or a delay pattern by a route runner on the left side, or on the line on the right side, just waits and then sprints right. The latter is a pretty popular play in the NFL right now, dragging a TE across the play opposite the line’s blocking direction.

by whistlingmountain on Nov 9, 2011 7:06 AM PST up reply actions  

This is a play I can see him sprinkling in, though.

I agree with you that the TE (or in this case, WR) drag would be an option Harbaugh wants to work with this play. Focus on Braylon, who lines up at X and doesn’t block, but rather ends up over the LOLB at the end of the play.

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 9, 2011 7:28 AM PST up reply actions  

Kaep would also have to outrun the OLB on that side of the field, or Gore would have to provide blocking. And Edwards (or Crabs or whoever) would have to hold that block for a fairly long time to buy that kind of time.

If you could get that OLB to bite on the PA (based on game situation and offensive tendencies) then it would leave Gore and WR to take out 1 DB. You might even have an entourage to help take out the pursuing SS.

I like the idea of an option play here though. If the OLB doesnt bite on the PA then option to Gore. If he does, but WR fails his block keep it and turn upfield, or have Gore try and make the block. If the OLB doesnt bite and WR fails his block, flip to Gore and let him try to make the 1-1 play

by uspsuperman on Nov 9, 2011 7:28 AM PST reply actions  

I forgot to mention that the RT needs to seal his man for this to work. If the DE/LB can string this out then its toast. If you look at pic 5, you will see the DE staying home in case of the counter, and he would have to be sealed off.

by uspsuperman on Nov 9, 2011 7:36 AM PST up reply actions  

My writeup mentions that if the defense had reacted to the shift from trips right to the full house backfield by adjusting the linebackers left (Kerrigan drops back into a cover-linebacker role) rather than dropping the FS and letting the SS bail out into coverage, I’m almost certain that they would’ve run the option play.

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 9, 2011 8:01 AM PST up reply actions  

My pleasure. I’m glad that people have been willing to smell what I’m smoking.

So far, 2011 has been Harbaugh-some!

by grantmp on Nov 10, 2011 10:04 AM PST up reply actions  

This would work

if Kaepernick is as awesome as he is in Madden.
Don’t know about real Kaepernick just yet. He seems like he’s got great tools but there is so little to judge him by so far.

Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).

by crumpedup15 on Nov 9, 2011 9:00 AM PST reply actions  

The ball is clearly at the 30...

Making it a 70 yard touchdown for Kaep. People just don’t do math anymore…

by mrg80 on Nov 9, 2011 9:22 AM PST reply actions  

Yup that bootleg type play can go for big money easily

and having it be an option is even better. Love it!

Ninjames on Anthony Dixon's Tweeting:
"He’s going for the ‘T’ key, he should probably turn to it, but he stops and checks out the ‘R’ key first, then doubles back for a look at the ‘Y’ key, then by the time he decides to go back to ‘T’ to get some words typed, he’s brought down for a two-yard loss, ending up with the ‘G’ key."

by See Jay on Nov 9, 2011 1:55 PM PST reply actions  

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