The Packers, The Bears and PA Boot...again
or, we really might just do this every week
Last week we dug into the Packers usage of the PA Boot passing concept against the Bengals. And hey! We’re gonna do it again. Meet the new boss, etc.
And listen. If all I really use this spot for is to write about PA Boot once a week, I’d be happy with that. You all? Well, I hope you’ll be happy, too.
There’s a reason I’m doing this. PA Boot is such a core concept of any team running the wide zone running scheme, of which the Packers certainly are. I talked about it last week, but here’s a short refresher for why it works. After all, it looks so simple. It can be easier to look at some crazy concept and figure out why it works than it does something simple. Because usually the thing that is more simple requires more context.
It all starts with the offensive line. On wide zone runs, the line releases laterally and blocks a zone. They’re not always looking for a big push: they’re looking to create gaps in the line for the running back to knife through.
The lateral movement is key. Unless you’re calling an RPO, you can’t really pass off a downfield-pushing blocking scheme or you’ll get called for ineligible receiver downfield. The other reason is that it can help defensive keys stay the same. If the line is blocking the same way and the quarterback/running back are carrying out their same assignments, the defense can get pulled up a little longer. Keeping keys the same allows the deception to carry out for longer
By carrying it all out in the same movement, the defense hesitates. And PA Boot preys on that hesitation.
The Packers ran PA Boot - or some variation off of it - 4 times against the Bears, averaging 7.25 yards per attempt. When they ran this last year, Rodgers would usually get a free release on the boot. From there, he would have his choice of receiver to hit. So, something like this, which they ran late in the 4th quarter against the Bears.
Play 1
The line blocks laterally to the right, Rodgers fakes the handoff then boots out the other way, looking for the best receiving option running parallel to him. Easy money.
It hasn’t always been that easy this year, though. Teams have been keeping the backside tackle home on the edge and pushing into the backfield, ready for a boot. By doing that, the defense is in a good position to pressure the quarterback before he can get set up and survey the field. So the Packers have been tinkering with this core concept. Let’s look at the 3 different ways they ran it this past weekend.
Play 2
The overall movement of this one is the same, but the timing is different. Instead of faking the handoff and immediately booting out the other way, Rodgers holds it a beat. Rodgers has always been terrific at selling the handoff and hiding the ball, and this version uses that skill.
Holding the ball and selling the run a beat longer gets the bootside edge defender crashing down on the run, which frees up the edge. When Rodgers finally breaks the illusion, he has a free edge and clear view/throwing lane.
Play 3
This is always one of my favorite variations because it can catch the defense off-guard and lead to the potential for some big plays down the field. Everything looks like it’s going to be a PA Boot, but Rodgers pulls up in a half-boot as the receivers reverse field. To add protection, Marcedes Lewis pulls under the line to block the left edge.
The Bears aren’t fooled. They cover it up well and Rodgers ends up throwing it away. Still. a variation we’ve seen them have success with in the past. Against a less disciplined - or more aggressive - team, this can work to spring open a receiver deep down the field.
Play 4
I love this one not only because of the concept itself, but also where they call it. Running screens or misdirect plays can get defensive bodies running into each other, opening up the ability for a big play off a short pass.
Once again, everything about this screams PA Boot. Lateral blocking, playfake, starting a boot, etc. Just after turning on the boot, Rodgers pulls up and throws a screen to Aaron Jones away from the boot side.
The defense flows with the boot while the blockers leak out in front of Jones. It ends up going for 9 yards.
When the Packers were rolling with this last year, they’d dial up PA Boot multiple times a game and wouldn’t change up the mechanics unless they felt like going big game hunting. This year? We’ve seen more variation than the actual core concept. They realize how teams are stopping it, and are being proactive in looking for solutions. I love it.
See you next week at Dusty’s PA Boot Corner, I guess.