NFL 101

Going for a two-point conversion in the NFL creates some challenges from an offensive perspective. The field shrinks, throwing lanes are drastically reduced and defensive coverages and schemes take a major step forward in aggressiveness.

With the back of the end zone acting as a 12th defender, safeties can tighten their initial alignment, cornerbacks can be more willing to bump wide receivers on their releases and second-level defenders can come downhill hard to hit the run game right in the mouth.

So, how do you manage these two-point situations as an offensive play-caller, knowing there will be pressure looks, stacked run fronts and defenders in the secondary who are willing to jump routes given the limited space on the field?

Using the All-22 tape, let’s put together our own two-point playbook with a series of play calls and concepts that highlight personnel, alignment, scheme and specific one-on-one matchups. Here’s a rundown of what we will cover:

—Movement Passes (Sprint/Boot)

—Jumbo Play Action

—Option Series/QB Power

—TE Isolation

—Pick Routes

—WR Fade Routes

Movement Passes

Moving the quarterback is an excellent way to create throwing lanes and counter zero-pressure or man-pressure on a two-point attempt. Get the quarterback to the edge of the pocket, improve the sight lines and give him a primary read underneath on a high-percentage throw, with a receiver or back working away from coverage. This is a quick toss, an immediate target for the quarterback when executed properly.

Swap Boot

The Swap Boot is very similar to a standard boot scheme, but in this situation the receiver or back running the flat route works behind the line of scrimmage. This forces the defender in coverage to fight through traffic to match the route.

Here’s an example from a Broncos two-point play using “Posse/11” personnel (three receivers, one tight end, one running back) against the Dolphins, with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders shifting to the backfield to give Denver a split-back look out of the shotgun.