37+ NFL Play Call Examples & Jargon (Real-Life Examples)

Have you ever heard Red Right 22 Texas or similar football play calls and wondered what they meant?

Understanding NFL play calling is essential for players and fun for fans to get an inside look at football lingo and play call jargon.

Play calls in the NFL consist of various elements, including formation, play type, offensive line protection scheme, and cadence.

While the language and terminology may vary, grasping the basics of this football strategy is important.

Key Takeaways – NFL Play Call Examples

• NFL play calls include formation, play type, protection scheme, and cadence.
• Each coach may have their own terminology, but the basics remain the same.
• Understanding play calling helps players execute strategies and allows fans to analyze the game.
• Offensive and defensive play calling is integral to the NFL playbook.
• Various offensive and defensive schemes are used to outsmart opponents.

Overview – NFL Play Call Concepts

Football plays can vary significantly across different offensive systems.

Here are some examples of foundational concepts and plays within various terminologies or systems like West Coast Offense, Erhardt-Perkins, Air Coryell, and others:

West Coast Offense

1. Sluggo Seam – A play combining a slant and go route (sluggo) with a tight end seam route.
2. Texas Concept – A running back’s angle route combined with an in-route from a receiver.
3. Y Stick – A quick out route by the tight end, often paired with a flat route from the backfield.
4. Flanker Drive – A play where the flanker runs a drive (in) route across the field.

Erhardt-Perkins Offense

1. Power I Lead Dive – A running play with the fullback leading the way for the tailback through the A or B gap.
2. Quick Out – A timing pattern where receivers run quick out routes.
3. 66 Cross – A play calling for double crossing routes by the outside receivers.
4. Razor – A post route from the outside receiver with an inside receiver clearing out underneath.

Air Coryell Offense

1. 999 – Verticals concept with three receivers running go routes.
2. Deep Dig – A deep in-route by the outside receiver, usually at 15-20 yards.
3. Bang 8 – Quick post route by the split end.
4. Comeback – An intermediate to deep route where the receiver runs upfield then turns sharply back towards the sideline.

Spread Offense

1. Inside Zone Read – A play where the quarterback reads a defensive end and decides to hand off to the running back or keep it.
2. Bubble Screen – A quick pass to a receiver behind the line of scrimmage with blockers ahead.
3. Four Verticals – All receivers run straight go routes down the field.
4. QB Draw – A designed run where the quarterback drops back as if to pass and then rushes up the middle.

Run and Shoot Offense

1. Switch – Receivers crisscross at the snap to create confusion and mismatches.
2. Go – A play with multiple deep routes, often with options for receivers based on coverage.
3. Choice – A route where the receiver has the option to break inside or outside based on coverage.
4. Seam Read – Receivers run seam routes with the option to break off based on the safeties’ coverage.

Pro Style Offense

1. PA Power O – Play-action off a power run look, with a pulling guard.
2. Counter Trey – A misdirection run play with the guard and tackle pulling to the opposite side.
3. Post-Corner – A route where the receiver fakes a post and then breaks to the corner.
4. Wheel Route – Typically run by a running back or tight end, starting with a flat route and turning upfield into a vertical pattern.

Pistol Offense

1. Triple Option – The quarterback can hand off, keep, or pitch the ball based on defensive reads.
2. Spider 2 Y Banana – A play-action pass with the fullback running a flat route (banana route).
3. Zone Stretch – A running play where the offensive line moves laterally at the snap, and the running back looks for a seam.
4. Slant Bubble – A combination of a quick slant from the outside receiver and a bubble screen from the slot.

Each of these plays reflects a philosophy within the respective system, whether it’s getting the ball out quickly, stretching the field vertically, or creating mismatches through complex formations and motion.

Example Football Play & Meanings

Creating full play calls involves a combination of formation, motion, play type, and sometimes even specific player instructions.

Here are some examples across various offensive schemes:

West Coast Offense

1. “Brown Right F Short 2 Jet Flanker Drive” – This call indicates a formation (Brown Right), a motion (F Short), a pass protection (2 Jet), and a primary route (Flanker Drive).
2. “Zebra Left 80 All Slants” – ‘Zebra’ indicates a personnel grouping with three wide receivers, ‘Left’ the formation strength, ’80’ the protection, and ‘All Slants’ the route concept.
3. “Trips Right 22 Z In” – ‘Trips Right’ is the formation, ’22’ is the protection call, and ‘Z In’ indicates the primary route for the Z receiver.

Erhardt-Perkins System

1. “King Right 52 Trap” – ‘King Right’ is the formation, indicating a single back with a tight end to the right, ’52’ is the blocking scheme, and ‘Trap’ is the run play called.
2. “Ace Left Fake 394 Dragon Smoke” – ‘Ace Left’ sets the formation, ‘Fake 394’ calls for play-action, and ‘Dragon Smoke’ is a quick pass play with a smoke route by one receiver and a dragon (slant) by another.
3. “Doubles Right Gun Far 678 F Choice” – ‘Doubles Right Gun Far’ is a shotgun formation with the back to the far right, ‘678’ is a pass protection, and ‘F Choice’ is a route combination with an option route for the F receiver.

Air Coryell System

1. “Blue Right F Short 2 Motion 989 Switch” – ‘Blue Right’ is the formation with an F-back alignment, ‘F Short 2’ a shift in positioning, ‘Motion’ indicates player movement before the snap, and ‘989 Switch’ is a route concept with a switching release by the receivers.
2. “Flex Left Stack 324 F Angle” – ‘Flex Left Stack’ implies a specific receiver stack alignment, ‘324’ is the pass protection call, and ‘F Angle’ signifies the primary route.
3. “Rip 60 Texas” – ‘Rip’ is the formation call, ’60’ the protection, and ‘Texas’ is a route concept involving a running back’s angle route.

Spread Offense

1. “Trips Left 33 Belly” – ‘Trips Left’ sets the formation, ’33’ indicates a specific blocking scheme or protection, and ‘Belly’ is a quick-hitting inside run.
2. “Empty Gun Z Short 400 Jet Screen” – ‘Empty Gun’ is a no-back shotgun formation, ‘Z Short’ is a motion call for the Z receiver, ‘400’ is a quick pass protection, and ‘Jet Screen’ is the play.

Pro Style Offense

1. “I Right Tight 34 Iso Lead Strong” – ‘I Right Tight’ is a formation with the I-formation and a tight end on the right, ’34’ is a run play number, ‘Iso’ indicates an isolation play, and ‘Lead Strong’ signals the fullback’s lead blocking to the strong side.
2. “Strong Left U Slot 72 Bob Flat X Up” – ‘Strong Left U Slot’ sets the formation, ’72’ is the protection, ‘Bob’ indicates a type of run play, ‘Flat X Up’ describes the passing concept with the X receiver running an up route.

Pistol Offense

1. “Pistol Trips Right 36 Power Read X Bubble” – ‘Pistol Trips Right’ denotes the formation, ’36’ the blocking scheme, ‘Power Read’ is a read-option play, and ‘X Bubble’ signals a bubble screen option to the X receiver.

Each of these play calls can be further modified with audibles and hot routes at the line of scrimmage depending on defensive looks.

These are just templates and would be adapted to each team’s specific playbook and terminology.

What Does an NFL Play Call Sound Like?

NFL play calls can vary greatly depending on the coach and the offensive system they use.

One example of a play call used in the NFL is Green Right X Shift to Viper Right 382 X Stick Lookie.

This play call is from the West Coast system, which is known for its complexity and detail.

The terminology used in play calls can be complex, but it is designed to communicate specific actions and responsibilities to each player on the field.

It’s like a secret language that only the players and coaches fully understand.

Each play call is carefully crafted to convey information about formation, play type, offensive line protection scheme, and cadence.

This ensures that every player knows their role and executes their assignment correctly. The play call sets the foundation for the play and allows the offense to coordinate their actions and outsmart the defense.

Professional coaches develop their own systems of play call terminology. These systems can be complex and unique to each team.

They create a shorthand way of communicating intricate plays and strategies in the heat of the game. It’s a testament to the level of detail and precision required in NFL play calling.

Understanding the West Coast Offensive Play Call

The West Coast offensive system is known for its complexity and precision.

The play call in this system utilizes specific terminology and references the X, Y, and Z receivers to dictate their routes.

This system offers flexibility and allows for adjustments to routes based on the defensive coverage.

An example of a West Coast play call is Scatter to West Right Tight F Left 372 Y Stick Z Spot.

Let’s break it down:

• Scatter – This indicates the formation, with the receivers spreading out to different areas of the field.
• West Right Tight F Left – This describes the alignment of the players on the field, specifying the positions of the offensive linemen and tight end.
• 372 – These numbers represent the routes that the X, Y, and Z receivers will run. Each number corresponds to a specific route in the West Coast system’s route tree.
• Y Stick Z Spot – These are specific instructions for the Y and Z receivers, indicating the type of route they should run.

The West Coast play call provides detailed instructions for each player on the field, ensuring precise execution of the offensive strategy.

It allows for adjustments based on the defense’s positioning and coverage, providing the offense with flexibility and options.

Play Adjustment Example

“372 Y Stick Z Spot!”

Quarterback: “Y, adjust your route! The defender is playing tight coverage. Run a quick slant instead!”

Receiver Y: “Got it! Changing my route to a slant!”

The West Coast system empowers players and coaches to make route adjustments on the fly, reacting to the defense’s positioning and taking advantage of any weaknesses in their coverage. It emphasizes precise timing, coordination, and quick decision-making on the field.

The Air Coryell Play Call System

The Air Coryell play call system, developed by Don Coryell, revolutionized the way play calls were communicated in the NFL. Instead of using lengthy terminology, the system utilized a route tree with numbered routes. The numbered routes allowed for concise and efficient communication between the quarterback and receivers, making the play calls faster and easier to understand.

The route tree in the Air Coryell system consists of both out-breaking and in-breaking routes. Even numbers are assigned to out-breaking routes, while odd numbers are used for in-breaking routes. This system simplifies the play call process by providing a numerical reference that players can easily remember and execute on the field.

“The Air Coryell system allowed quarterbacks and receivers to be on the same page without having to memorize lengthy terminology. It streamlined the communication process and led to a more efficient and explosive passing game.”

By utilizing the Air Coryell play call system, teams were able to execute complex passing plays with precision and speed. The numbered routes on the route tree provided a clear framework for receivers to follow, allowing them to make split-second decisions based on the defensive coverage.

Table: Air Coryell Numbered Routes

The Air Coryell play call system revolutionized the way teams communicated and executed passing plays in the NFL. By utilizing a route tree with numbered routes, teams were able to streamline the play call process and improve the efficiency of their passing game. This system continues to influence and shape offensive strategies in modern football.

The Erdhart-Perkins Play Call System

The Erdhart-Perkins play call system is a popular and effective method used in the NFL to simplify play calls. This system relies on one or two-word concepts, allowing for fast-paced and efficient communication on the field. Unlike other play call systems that use complex terminology, the Erdhart-Perkins system streamlines the process, making it easier for players to understand and execute the plays.

With the Erdhart-Perkins system, each play call consists of concise instructions that encompass the formation, routes, and assignments for the players involved. For example, a play call such as “Deuce Left Mesh” provides clear guidance for the formation and the specific routes to be run by the receivers. This simplicity enables players to quickly process the information and make split-second decisions on the field.

The use of one-word concepts in the Erdhart-Perkins system allows for a faster tempo and greater flexibility in offensive strategies. The simplicity of the play calls frees up valuable time for quarterbacks to read the defense, make adjustments, and effectively manage the game. This fast-paced approach can catch opposing defenses off guard and create mismatches that can lead to big plays.

In summary, the Erdhart-Perkins play call system revolutionizes the way plays are communicated in the NFL. By utilizing one or two-word concepts, it simplifies the play calling process, enabling a fast-paced offense and efficient execution on the field. This system is a testament to the creativity and innovation within the realm of play calling in professional football.

Decoding an NFL Play Call

An NFL play call involves a series of instructions that the quarterback relays to the offense before each play. It is a complex system that includes various components such as the formation, motion, play type, pass protection, route assignments, and snap count. Understanding how an NFL play call works is crucial for players and fans alike to gain insight into the strategies and tactics deployed on the field.

The play call starts with the formation, which refers to the way the offensive players line up before the snap. Different formations can dictate the spacing and positioning of the offensive players, influencing the defense’s alignment and reaction. The motion component involves any movement by the offensive players before the snap, such as a wide receiver shifting from one side of the formation to the other or a running back going in motion.

Once the formation and motion are established, the play type is communicated. This can include a run play, where the quarterback hands the ball off to a running back, or a pass play, where the quarterback attempts to throw the ball to a receiver. The pass protection aspect of the play call determines how the offensive line will block to protect the quarterback from the defense’s pass rush.

Route assignments are another critical element of the play call. Each receiver is given a specific route to run based on the play type and defensive coverage. The quarterback must quickly read the defense and make decisions based on the route assignments to determine where to throw the ball. Finally, the snap count indicates the timing of the snap, dictating when the play begins.

Decoding an NFL play call requires an understanding of these mechanics. By analyzing the formation, motion, play type, pass protection, route assignments, and snap count, both players and fans can gain deeper insight into the strategic decisions made by coaches and quarterbacks during each play.

Why Starting Quarterbacks Stay in the Game

In blowout games, it is a common tradition in the NFL for starting quarterbacks to remain in the game until the end, even when the outcome is secure. This practice differs from college football, where backups are often given playing time in such situations. The decision to keep starting quarterbacks on the field is rooted in the unwritten rules of the NFL and the unique demands of the quarterback position.

Starting quarterbacks stay in the game during blowouts because their presence allows for continuity and stability. As the leader of the offense, the starting quarterback possesses a deep understanding of the team’s play calls and game situation. Their experience and knowledge of the playbook enable them to manage the game effectively, ensuring that the offense continues to execute plays efficiently and maintain a rhythm. This cohesion can be particularly important in blowout games, as it allows the team to control the tempo and minimize potential mistakes.

Additionally, keeping the starting quarterback in the game provides valuable playing time for them to further develop their skills. Even in a lopsided contest, the quarterback can use the opportunity to refine their decision-making, develop chemistry with their receivers, and work on specific aspects of their game. This playing time allows them to continue honing their craft and improving their overall performance.

The Importance of Tradition

The tradition of keeping starting quarterbacks in blowout games also reflects the respect and reverence for the position. In the NFL, the quarterback is often viewed as the face of the franchise and a symbol of leadership. Allowing them to finish the game showcases the team’s trust and belief in their abilities. It also serves as a sign of respect for the quarterback’s contributions and importance to the team’s success.

In conclusion, the tradition of starting quarterbacks staying in blowout games is deeply rooted in the unwritten rules of the NFL and the unique demands of the quarterback position. By keeping the starting quarterback on the field, teams aim to maintain continuity, stability, and control over the game. Furthermore, this tradition recognizes the significance of the quarterback role and signifies respect for their contributions.

Conclusion

Understanding NFL play calling and terminology is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. Despite the complexity and jargon involved, breaking down the structure of play calls can make them more comprehensible. Whether it’s the West Coast system, Air Coryell, or the Erdhart-Perkins model, each play call serves a purpose in executing the team’s game plan.

NFL play calls consist of specific elements such as formations, play types, protection schemes, and routes. By deciphering these components, players and coaches can effectively communicate and execute the plays on the field. Additionally, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the game by understanding the language of play calling.

With a basic understanding of NFL play call breakdown and terminology, individuals can better follow the game strategy, analyze plays, and appreciate the importance of each player’s role. Whether you’re an aspiring player or just a passionate fan, grasping the fundamentals of play calling will enhance your overall enjoyment and knowledge of the game.