Play-action is so important in football. It puts defenders in conflict. It creates space. It's also the first answer for offenses when looking for a numbers advantage in the passing game. And when executed on early downs, to mimic the base run game, play-action becomes an aggressive tool in the call sheet.
The routes haven't changed much since I played safety in the league: flood one side of the field, open a window to throw the seam, sneak a running back out on a screen pass, take the deep ball shot over the top to hit the post for six points. But in today's NFL, creative and smart offensive minds have molded those old-school concepts to fit the modern schemes that win with tempo and interchangeable parts in the playbook. More movement, more misdirection and more speed to set the bait, with quick-release QBs who can rip the ball to a manufactured throwing lane.
Let's figure out who is the best in several play-action categories. The best rhythm quarterback out of play-action? I've got that. Best deep ball receiver out of play-action? Check. Best movement tight end out of play-action? I've got that too. I'll even pick out the single best play-action concept I saw in all of 2018.
McVay, Shanahan, Goff, Mahomes, Wilson, Julio, Zeke, Kittle -- these are the NFL's play-action all-stars:
Jump to a play-action award:
Teams
Best overall | Best at screens
Most creative | Team to watch in 2019
Quarterbacks
Best deep ball | Best in red zone | More
Best of the rest
Top WRs | Top TEs | Top RBs
TEAMS
The best play-action team overall
Los Angeles Rams
Stat to know: The Rams led the league last season with 124.5 passing yards per game off play-action concepts.
What makes the Rams the best: In Sean McVay's system, L.A. can marry the outside zone run game, screen package and play-action concepts out of its 11 personnel grouping (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) with wide receivers in reduced sets. This means the Rams can lean on the run action while using pre- and post-snap misdirection to create open-window throws for quarterback Jared Goff -- and an open field for running back Todd Gurley in the screen game. And it all looks the same to a defender. McVay makes it tough to stop.
Runner-up: New England Patriots
The best power play-action team
New England Patriots
Stat to know: The Patriots led the NFL with 9.9 yards per play off play-action, and that starts with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' power concepts. Whether New England pulls a guard to give a false run key to opposing linebackers or shows a wham scheme to influence second-level defenders, this offense can create voids in the coverage. That puts Tom Brady in a position to dice up defenses from under center or out of a shotgun alignment. Check out two examples from NFL Matchup in Atlanta before Super Bowl LIII:
From @NFLMatchup - #Patriots will set up play-pass off downhill run action in #SBLIII. Here, we break down the crossing routes that allow Tom Brady to target open windows. #Rams pic.twitter.com/STA8RExGNI
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 3, 2019
Runner-up: Houston Texans
The team that best uses play-action screens
Kansas City Chiefs
What makes them so good: It's the design from coach Andy Reid that pushed me toward the Chiefs here. Sure, the Patriots' screen game is great. Same with the Rams' and Saints'. And don't sleep on the Cowboys. But in K.C., Reid meshes the best of both pre- and post-snap movement to create run-after-the-catch opportunities with the big boys out in front. Here's an example of the screen that set up running back Damien Williams for a 32-yard play against the Chargers, with an animation provided by NFL Next Gen Stats:
Runner-up: New Orleans Saints
The best zone play-action team
Los Angeles Rams
Stat to know: The Rams led the NFL with 6.9 first downs per game off play-action concepts. As we discussed above, Sean McVay's play-action system is tied into the zone run game. For a better look, check out the video below from NFL Matchup to see how the Rams can open throwing windows inside the numbers for Jared Goff to pack the stat sheet.
The @RamsNFL offense is built to put defenders in conflict with plays designed to initially look alike and work off each other.
— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) January 11, 2019
This confusion makes them very tough to defend. @MattBowen41 breaks it down.#LARams #DallasCowboys #DALvsLAR pic.twitter.com/zcekub4bj1
Runner-up: San Francisco 49ers
The play-action concept I saw most in 2018
Post-cross
What it is: The post-cross concept showed up consistently on NFL tape in 2018, out of multiple personnel groupings. Take a look at the example in the diagram below from the Rams' playbook.
Off the jet sweep (Z), Jared Goff (Q) shows the ball to Todd Gurley (H) on the split-flow (Y) outside zone run action. This will draw the second-level defenders downhill, while the Rams clear out over the top on the post/go (X) with the crosser (W) working to the opposite numbers. This gives Goff a high-to-low read and often an open void in the coverage to dial up the high-percentage throw to the crossing route -- with room to run after the catch. It's easy money versus both split safety and single-high safety defensive schemes. That brings us to a great play design from Sean McVay ...
The coolest play-action concept I saw in 2018
Los Angeles Rams' throwback wheel
What makes them so good: Remember that Vikings-Rams game on Thursday in Week 4? Jared Goff hit Cooper Kupp for a sweet, 70-yard score in the second quarter. The concept? The same outside zone action the Rams always run, with McVay running off the cornerback and safety to the play side. With Kupp releasing underneath to run the throwback wheel, however, the Rams got the matchup they wanted: a wide receiver versus a linebacker. And Goff threw a dime. Check out the clip of the play:
.@CooperKupp goes 70 YARDS for the @RamsNFL TD! 🔥#LARams #MINvsLAR
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2018
📺: @nflnetwork + @NFLonFOX
📱+💻: https://t.co/DJUityQHC9 pic.twitter.com/1bbCHunPNe
The most creative play-action playcaller
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Stat to know: Despite starting three quarterbacks last season, the 49ers ranked second in the NFL with 9.4 yards per play off play-action. Just like the Rams do, Shanahan uses misdirection to manipulate coverages. He keeps it simple here, with early-down play-action calls that lead to open-window throws and screen-game chances.
The difference between Shanahan and McVay? The 49ers are a core 21 personnel team (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR), while the Rams play the majority of their snaps with three receivers in 11 personnel. The concepts can be carbon copies, however, with Shanahan creating more matchups to the tight ends and running backs.
Runner-up: Doug Pederson, Philadelphia Eagles
The team that most creatively uses its personnel in play-action
Cleveland Browns
What makes them so good: Why the Browns? Because of Freddie Kitchens and his play-pass concepts from unique sets. The Browns run the same concepts we see across the league -- flood, post-cross, backside glance and more -- but Kitchens dresses them up with personnel. For example, don't be surprised if you see the Browns run the three-level flood out of 31 personnel (3 RB, 1 TE, 1 WR) or go heavy with 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TE, 1 WR) to give quarterback Baker Mayfield specific matchups.
A player to watch here? Veteran running back Duke Johnson, who has requested a trade, could make a splash in Kitchens' play-action system as a slot target removed from the formation or as an option in the screen game, with Kareem Hunt also returning from suspension in Week 9.
Runner-up: Chicago Bears
The play-action team to watch in 2019
Green Bay Packers
Stat to know: Aaron Rodgers put up a 52.4 QBR on play-action throws last season, which ranked 31st in the league. That can't happen from one of the NFL's most talented quarterbacks. With new coach Matt LaFleur taking over the playcalling in Green Bay, I expect the Packers to run a heavy play-action/screen system with a mix of base 21 (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR) and 11 personnel. That's similar to the concepts we see from Shanahan and McVay, which leads to open windows and quick-game throws. Pair that with Rodgers? We are talking MVP-level numbers if the veteran plays with more rhythm inside the pocket. He already puts a ton of stress on opposing defenses with second-reaction throws.
Runner-up: Denver Broncos
QUARTERBACKS
The best deep ball play-action QB
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Stat to know: On play-action throws of 15 yards or more last season, Wilson led the NFL with six touchdown passes and tied for the league lead with a QBR of 99.9.
What to look for in 2019: More of the Wilson-to-Tyler Lockett combo. In 2018, Wilson completed 20 of 21 play-action targets to Lockett for 384 yards and five touchdowns. With Doug Baldwin heading into retirement, Lockett should see a noticeable uptick in overall targets from Wilson. Lockett's speed, plus his lateral shake on double moves, can threaten the top of any secondary in the league. Take a look here at Wilson's play-action touchdown throw to Lockett from last season's matchup with the Rams in Seattle:
Wilson to Lockett, Touchdown #Seahawks! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/DjrMQ7l57k
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 7, 2018
Runner-up: Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers. Rivers attempted just 23 play-action throws of 15 or more yards (18th in the NFL), but he completed 69.6% of those passes and averaged 20.9 yards per attempt. He can sling it down the field. Look for Mike Williams to cash in here this season with free agent Tyrell Williams joining the Raiders.
The best rhythm play-action QB
Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams
Stat to know: Goff led the NFL with 204 pass attempts and 15 touchdowns off play-action concepts in 2018.
What to look for in 2019: Goff played lights-out in the play-action game last season outside of two matchups: the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots and the Week 14 defeat in Chicago. I want to see how Goff, McVay and the Rams adjust to the film from those two games being passed around the league this offseason. What's the answer for the split- safety coverages that can take away the frontside skinny post, backside dig and post-cross concept? I'm betting McVay has the answers that allow Goff to get to the top of the drop and rip the ball -- on rhythm -- to a clean window.
Runner-up: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. Cousins completed 78.5% of his play-action throws in 2018 (No. 2 in the NFL), with eight touchdown passes and a QBR of 86.9. Those are top-tier numbers, and the Vikings' play-action system should expand even more under new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.
The best red zone play-action QB
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Stat to know: Newton tied Jared Goff for the league lead with 25 play-action throws in the red zone in 2018, and he racked up 13 total touchdowns inside the 20-yard line.
What to look for in 2019: A mesh of modern spread concepts and old-school football from offensive coordinator Norv Turner when the Panthers move the ball into the red zone. That's where Newton's rare dual-threat ability creates major problems for defenses. Along with the QB-designed runs, the Panthers have a slick run-pass option/play-action package, plus the classic boot schemes that give Newton the option to target the tight end sneaking out or to tuck the ball and run for six, like you can see in the NFL Next Gen Stats animation below. He's a weapon.
Runner-up: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts. Luck threw eight red-zone touchdown passes last season, and I love his fit in Frank Reich's system. Go to the play-action game, get the ball out with speed and use tight ends when you have a shot to punch it in the end zone.
The best anticipatory play-action QB
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Stat to know: Brady ranked second in the NFL with 178 play-action throws, averaging 10.1 yards per attempt. Anticipate where the window will open, and deliver the ball.
What to look for in 2019: With Rob Gronkowski retiring, look for Julian Edelman (21 play-action receptions in 2018) to see an increase in targets, and don't sleep on rookie wide receiver N'Keal Harry. The Arizona State product could jump into the mix quickly as a middle-of-the-field target while the Patriots sift through options at the tight end position.
Runner-up: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. Brees led the league with a 78.9% completion rate on play-action throws. Surgical stuff in Sean Payton's offense.
The best movement play-action QB
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Stat to know: Mahomes threw for 1,579 yards on play-action attempts last season while tossing 12 touchdowns (tied for second in the NFL).
What to look for in 2019: Mahomes is outstanding on the boot, sprint and dash out of play-action. That's because he has elite arm talent and the ability to throw from almost any possible platform. That's stuff you can't teach. Given the uncertainty surrounding the status of Tyreek Hill this season, Sammy Watkins could see a major bump in targets with rookie Mecole Hardman jumping into the fold too. The Georgia product has true track speed. He can fly. That gives Mahomes a big-play option to pair with Watkins and Travis Kelce.
Runner-up: Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans. Watson threw for 1,182 yards off play-action last season, and his 10.0 yards per attempt ranked sixth. With a blend of power play-pass and movement schemes, Watson can attack second- and third-level windows in the Texans' system.
BEST OF THE REST
The best deep ball play-action WR
T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
Stat to know: Hilton caught 23 passes off play-action in 2018, averaging 25.4 yards per catch and 8.2 yards after the catch.
What to look for in 2019: The numbers here speak to how Hilton is used in the Colts' offense. Yes, he can get down field in the vertical game. But he can also create explosive plays on intermediate routes. That's the over route and crosser: catch the football, and take off. He's the prime target for Andrew Luck in an offense under Frank Reich that will create open field for the No. 1 target. Want an example? Check out this 68-yard bomb from Luck to Hilton in the Week 11 win over the Titans:
👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻 pic.twitter.com/GMFAJMy9dq
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 18, 2018
Runner-up: Brandin Cooks, Los Angeles Rams. On his 28 play-action receptions (fourth in the NFL), Cooks averaged 21.2 yards per catch and 19.0 yards per target. It's speed for days with Cooks in the L.A. play-action system running the deep over route, post and post/corner.
The best intermediate play-action WR
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Stat to know: Jones led the NFL with 51 play-action targets in 2018, and he ranked second with 29 receptions on those throws, racking up 550 yards and two touchdowns.
What to look for in 2019: Former Bucs coach Dirk Koetter takes over as the new offensive coordinator in Atlanta this season -- the same job he had from 2012 to '14 -- and I see it as a positive for Jones. Now, Jones is a fit for any system when we focus on his route running, speed, size and catch radius. But with Kotter, I anticipate a balanced offensive attack that will lead to high-volume play-action targets for one of the league's best wideouts. Jones can press over the top of the secondary or own the second level of the field.
Runners-up: Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns; DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans. I had to go with a tie here because both OBJ and Hopkins are so good.
Beckham averaged 17.8 yards per reception on 21 play-action grabs with the Giants last season, and his air yards per target registered at 14.8. While he could see more deep ball throws from Baker Mayfield in the Browns' offense this season, I love the idea of OBJ running that backside glance/skinny post or the seam off play-action in Kitchens' offense. And that's a throw Mayfield can dial up all day.
Hopkins finished right behind Jones with 27 receptions off play-action, good for 18.7 yards per catch. In the Texans' offense, we should expect Hopkins to see monster volume again in 2019. Hit the intermediate cuts and post-up defensive backs on weak side isolation routes. That's guaranteed with Hopkins.
The play-action small sample All-Star (WR)
Robert Foster, Buffalo Bills
Stat to know: Foster didn't post many play-action grabs as a rookie, but he made the most of his opportunities. He can create explosive plays -- he averaged 30.8 yards per catch on play-action catches, with an air yard per target average of 26.7 yards. The Alabama product can get down the field with his 4.41 40-yard dash speed, and Josh Allen has the arm talent to push the rock over the top of defenses.
The WR who needs a major boost in play-action targets
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stat to know: Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (15 play-action receptions last season) and new Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (13 receptions) could both fit here as players who need to see more play-action volume this season. But I'm going with Smith-Schuster.
After Smith-Schuster hauled in just 16 play-action receptions, the Steelers can boost that number on slot targets. Show downhill power, and drag Smith-Schuster across the field on an over route. That's a lay-up throw for Ben Roethlisberger too.
The WR who could be a play-action breakout star in 2019
DJ Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers
Stat to know: Moore caught 24 passes off play-action as a rookie in 2019, but I'm expecting even more this season. In addition to how Moore is used on RPOs in Norv Turner's system, look for play-pass opportunities to get the Maryland product the ball with space to run after the catch.
Think quick game and higher-percentage throws for Cam Newton. And that's where Moore can cash in using his sudden burst of speed, plus the physicality to bust through tackles.
The best QB-WR/TE play-action combo
Jared Goff to Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams
Stat to know: Cooks and Woods combined for 55 receptions and six touchdowns off play-action throws from Goff a year ago.
What to look for in 2019: Cooper Kupp can be added to the mix here, as he caught 17 play-action targets in just eight games last season. That speaks to the Rams' aggressive approach on early downs out of 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR). They led the NFL with 959 snaps out of 11 personnel last season, almost 200 more than the second-ranked team (Packers with 776). Yes, Sean McVay will have to make adjustments after the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots, but that system can create productive situations for Goff and the Rams' top three wideouts off the run action.
Runner-up: Carson Wentz to Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles. In 2018, Wentz ranked seventh overall on play-action QBR (82.8). When he's on the field, Wentz is a top-10 quarterback. The system under Doug Pederson will continue to put both Wentz and Ertz -- the league's best route runner at tight end -- in winning matchups.
The best play-action TE overall
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
Stat to know: Last season, Ertz led the league with 36 receptions off play-action throws -- on 41 targets -- putting up 360 yards and two touchdowns.
What to look for in 2019: The Carson Wentz-to-Ertz combo is money. Eagles coach Doug Pederson can set the table for Ertz to use his elite route-running skills as a primary target off play-action. In short, Philadelphia has a plan to attack every coverage with specific concepts that put both Wentz and Ertz in favorable positions to carve up defenses.
Runner-up: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce could have been the pick here too. With 29 receptions off play-action (tied for second in the NFL), he has the makeup to shred coverage and physically win after the catch. Plus, that K.C. offense -- with Mahomes throwing the rock -- leads to productive play-pass opportunities for Kelce on flood routes, seams and more. Expect Kelce to be near the top of total play-action receptions again in 2019.
The best movement play-action TE
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Stat to know: Kittle had 25 receptions off play-action last season, averaging 12.5 yards after the catch. The big man from Iowa can move in the open field.
What to look for in 2019: What do I mean by movement? That's the boot/misdirection schemes in the 49ers' offense. Show the run action, then bring Kittle back across the field. This gives the quarterback a quick high-low read while putting Kittle in position to separate from the coverage. It's a key aspect of Kyle Shanahan's system. Kittle has star potential in this league. Just watch him run after the catch here on an 85-yard score versus the Broncos:
GEORGE KITTLE JUST WENT 85 YARDS! 😯
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2018
📺: CBS #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/C2FhgyOi5W
Runner-up: Trey Burton, Chicago Bears. I wouldn't call the Bears a heavy play-pass team in Matt Nagy's first year as coach in Chicago, but Burton did post 23 grabs off play-action. With the formation flexibility to align in multiple spots -- and the traits to run after the catch -- look for Burton to be a top target for Mitchell Trubisky off both play-action and RPO concepts this season.
The play-action small sample All-Star (TE)
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Stat to know: With only 14 receptions off play-action in 2018, Andrews isn't going to pop up in the same discussions with Ertz, Kelce and Kittle. But the rookie Andrews led all tight ends with 21.7 yards per catch off play-action throws. Check out the Next Gen Stats animation below on Andrews' 68-yard touchdown grab versus the Chargers last season.
What to look for in 2019: The Oklahoma product will continue to produce on play-action in Greg Roman's offensive system in 2019. Run the crosser, seam, over route -- he could be a prime target for Lamar Jackson in scoring position too.
The best play-action RB
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Stat to know: Elliott caught 21 passes off play-action, which ranked second among running backs in 2018. This is all about the Dallas screen game.
What to look for in 2019: I love the misdirection the Cowboys show before the snap to get defenders moving. That leads to Zeke getting loose in the open field, where his combination of speed, power and shake is tough to stop on screens. Here's an example of Elliott and the screen game in last season's matchup against the Lions:
FEED ZEKE!@EzekielElliott takes the short pass 38 yards to the HOUSE. #DETvsDAL
— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2018
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/PynRpmF957
Runner-up: Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams. Gurley led all running backs with 24 receptions off play-action throws in 2018. Like Elliott, this is all about the Rams' screen package. That's where Gurley can use his straight-line speed and finishing power to tack on numbers in the open field.