K-Raid Staple: L “Snag” Pass Left, T Flare Left, F Tunnel Screen Middle

Shotgun Formation: Single WR left (“L”), Trips Right (“F”, “Y”, “R”), RB (“T”) to left of QB

1st Option: The “L” Snag Route Left

* The “L” runs a 45 degree slant under the safety and past the OLB, to where he stops in the gap.

* QB read (2-3 step drop)---the OLB---if he is not drawn inside---BANG---THROW IT NOW!

2nd Option: The “T” (RB) Flare Pass Left

* The RB flares out to the left keeping his eyes on the QB.

* QB read (2-3 step drop)---the OLB---if he has been drawn inside by the “L” snag route---he is leaving the flat open---BANG---THROW IT NOW.

3rd Option: The “F” Tunnel Screen Middle

* The “Y” and the “R” receivers block the CB.

* The OL fan blocks for a 1-2-3 count and then release upfield to create a blocking wall.

* The “F” WR runs three steps straight ahead, two steps to right faking an “out” pass”, then pivots and runs a tunnel route over the middle. Upon catching the pass, he runs hard laterally and then bolts upfield through the first flash of daylight.

* The QB needs to use his feet to create a clear passing lane to the “F” on the tunnel screen.

K-Raid Philosophies:

* Spread the field---in this case---overloading the right side of the formation with trips---but having good numbers options on the left with the “L” WR and the RB lined up left of the QB. What this does is it tempts the defense to shift more defenders to the 3 receiver side---but that makes them vulnerable to the 2 receiver side. Note: this is why most defenses prefer to play balanced zones.

* Take what the defense gives you---if they don’t cover the snag route, take it now. If the defense leaves the flat open, throw the RB flare pass now---otherwise there is a surprise third option.

* The more athletic the OL can be, the better---on this play they need to fan block for a 1-2-3 count, then disengage from their blocks and get upfield to create the tunnel screen wall.

* The more athletic the QB, the better---the K-Raid screen game is dependent on the QB being able to buy time and space with his feet to find open passing lanes.

* Typically the QB is given 2-3 clear options per play. On this play, for options #1 and #2 the QB is reading the OLB and is going to pass opposite of where he is---and if somehow the QB doesn’t make the read fast enough, he now has the tunnel screen as option #3. And, as always, the QB has the freedom to escape pressure. On this play, knowing that the OL is releasing, if the pressure on the QB is too hot, he can easily turn this play into a QB draw.

* This play epitomizes what Kliff Kingsbury means when he says he wants to get the ball to his playmakers in space. Imagine this: L---Larry Fitzgerald running the snag route (big sure-handed target, sitting in the gap); T---David Johnson running the flare where he would have one defender to beat if the OLB bites toward Fitzgerald; F---Christian Kirk running the tunnel screen with blockers in front of him at his speed and home run ability.

* The elements of misdirection and surprise. This play draws all of the initial attention to the left side, and thus a tunnel screen as a 3rd option is very difficult for defenses to shift their attention to.