Understanding The West Coast Offense Playbook

Yesterday, UK let us in on some options that the Shanahan's might be able to incorporate to help Robert Griffin feel more comfortable. Today, I have a little treat. In my research, I was able to come across a 1996 Denver Broncos Mini-Camp playbook. More than likely, if Mike Shanahan is as old-fashioned as he leads on, little has changed. This is relatively washed down for it's use in mini-camp, but more than likely nearly all of these plays can be found in the Redskins' 2012 playbook.

I've picked out a few of the pages of the book (Found Here) to help explain what Mike Shanahan's idea of a West Coast Offense looks like, as well as a few formations/plays that are already available to exploit Robert Griffin's talents.

More after the jump..

The biggest problem with Shanny's run-heavy version of the WCO, and nearly all WCO schemes, is their terminology. Someone like Robert Griffin, who is very smart and capable of learning new things, has to pick up what exactly 'Brown Right F Short 2 Jet Flanker Drive' means ('X comeback', just to put a cherry on the top).

'Brown Right': In many WCO schemes, a color is used to designate the formation type, although sometimes it's not a color. The 'Tiger' formation comes to mind. We'll discuss what both of these are later on.

'F Short': This second part is calling out any motions on the play.

'2 Jet': The third portion of the play call corresponds to the protection package. Blockers need to know who to mush into the ground. 2 Jet also happens to be the most common protection package in a WCO. Again, I'll go into this in more detail later.

'Flanker Drive': After the protection is called out, then comes the route package. This portion tells the receivers (and backs) where they need to be.

Here's a picture of some standard plays in a WCO. The third formation is what is known as a 'Tiger' formation (mentioned above). In the 'Tiger' formation, the second tight end (T) has come into the game in place of the halfback. I'm hoping to see a lot of this, as well as the 'U' formation in which the second TE replaces the fullback. Niles Paul, anyone?

Take a look at 'Brown Right 200 Jet Drag Slant'. Brown designates the formation, like I said above. In the 'Brown' formation the fullback lines up directly behind the quarterback, with the halfback lined up opposite the tight end. In this case, 'Brown Right', 'Right' designates the tight end's location (Y receiver). 200 Jet is the protection package, and drag slant corresponds to the route package.

In all three plays, notice the similarity in the routes run by receivers and backs. This is the Drag Slant route package.

I expect these kinds of 'staple' plays to definitely be included in the 2012 Washington Redskins playbook, but we can't discount the fact that it will need to be adjusted to RGIII's abilities. He's a peacock, he needs to fly.

This is more like it. If you look at the formation on the right, again we see the 'Tiger' formation with two tight ends. Picture Fred Davis there at the 'Y' position, and either Niles Paul, or Chris Cooley in the 'Tiger' (T) position.

In '(T) Solo Left Fake 35 QB Keep Pass Right', Robert Griffin would fake the gut run left (the 35 hole) to the fullback and roll to his right. He would then go through some progressions with the 'Tiger' man being his first, then the 'Y' receiver, 'Z', and 'X' being his last option before making a play with his legs.

I expect to see a vast majority of boots and rollouts this season, and those that have been to Ashburn the past few weeks for OTA's could probably attest to that. Putting Robert Griffin into the best situation possible for him to make a play with both of his talents, his arm and mobility, should be A-number 1 for Mike Shanahan & Co.

Note: For an example of what 'Brown Right F Short 2 Jet Flanker Drive' looks like, take a look at UKRedskin's breakdown here on Mocking The Draft.

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