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 Thursday, September 16
Doug Flutie's trips left sprint left flat
 
By Sean Salisbury
Special to ESPN.com

 

<img src="hhttp://espn.go.com/i/nfl/playbook99/wk2_nyjbuf_1.jpg" width=400 height=480 border=0>

About the play: Doug Flutie is great when he's out of the pocket. He can make plays to his right or left. Flutie also gets the option to run when he breaks the pocket. He has very good accuracy when on the run.

Keys to this play: Flutie must get enough depth on his rollout so he is not crowded at the line of scrimmage. His height -- 5-foot-9 -- can be used better if there is some separation from his offensive line. The H back must get his head around immediately after he clears the end, because he can get the ball at any time. The Z (trail receiver) must sit against the zone or run against man-to-man coverage. He is the third option and will get the ball plenty on this play.

Critical player: Flutie. He must be patient and be a quick decision-maker at the same time. He cannot premeditate this play or the H back will get popped by the cornerback if the defense has rolled up on the X receiver. Flutie must have the presence to hit the X receiver if the coverage takes away the easy flat route.

When to expect the play: Expect this play when Buffalo needs to change Flutie's point of attack. This play is good against a team that applies good pressure between the tackles.

Defense's key: The defense can stop this play if the outside linebacker or defensive end can get up the field and get in Flutie's face. Even a 6-5 quarterbacks will have trouble with this play if the end is in his face.



 


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