Buccaneers

Offensive strategy: Attack with pass and option conceptsPass plays: Create confusion and exploit zones

• Mesh concept: A classic man-coverage-beater, mesh is highly effective from a bunch set. Two receivers from the bunch run shallow crossing routes over the middle, forcing the Lions' linebackers to either get picked off or collide as they chase receivers across the field.
• Snag/Spot concept: In this play, a receiver runs a quick flat route, a second receiver runs a "snag" or hitch route in the space vacated by the flat receiver, and a third receiver runs a corner route. This forces the middle linebacker to choose between the flat or snag receiver, leaving the other open for a quick completion.
• Spacing concepts: By having all three bunch receivers run routes at different depths, the offense can "flood" an area of the zone. This forces the middle linebacker to cover multiple receivers at once, creating open space for a throw underneath or over the top.
• Vertical releases: Have the bunch receivers run vertical routes. This forces the linebackers to drop deep in coverage, which they are not well-suited for. It can also create an opportunity to hit a receiver on a deep post or dig route as they cross behind the linebackers.
• Rub routes: The tight alignment of the bunch makes it easy to run rub routes that get a receiver open on a quick out or whip route. This is particularly effective against man coverage, which the Lions do use, especially on third downs. [https://www.cover1.net/nfl-film-room-defense-trips/&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw3Gu30PIRYNXckxR9BAxFm 2">6, https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-game-preview/144994/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-preview-7-keys-victory&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw3xhLzNlIQyLEmb9nL1Tcj O">7, https://www.matchquarters.com/p/defending-quads-bunch-formations&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw3rhNqEb2l1PGHsz5zzBTm I">8, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DggfLIf5g0qU&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw3trTaDjD85iKh6GBiVOtF C">9, https://coachtube.com/football/articles/4-plays-that-benefit-from-bunch-formations1&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw3N_qf_XD4lJfK9sJ9yQrn A">10]

Run plays: Manipulate defensive alignments

• Power read: This play forces a tough choice for the Lions' backside defenders. The bunch formation can condense the defense, making it easier for the offense to block the perimeter. The read option can exploit the linebackers' assignments, as they must defend both the quarterback keeper and the running back sweep.
• Toss sweep: Running a sweep to the bunch side can confuse the defense. The tight alignment of the receivers can serve as a wall of blockers, allowing the running back to get to the edge before the linebackers can react and shed their blocks. The Lions' linebackers are used to playing aggressively downhill, which can be used against them with the sweep. [https://coachtube.com/football/articles/4-plays-that-benefit-from-bunch-formations1&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw3N_qf_XD4lJfK9sJ9yQrn A">10, https://youthfootballonline.com/offense/bunch-formation-plays/&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw1gvEalyip7OrbbLK7tPHV 1">11, https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/07/07/detroit-lions-amon-ra-st-brown-game-film-slot-receiving-data/84484401007/%23:~:text%3DAs%2520I%2520reviewed%2520the%2520tape%2520from%2520last,snapshot%2520of%2520that%2520prior%2520to%2520the%2520snap.&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw2PT466bcsz3Jyrj616M3j 8">12, https://quizlet.com/gb/992621696/1-football-flashcards-dimi-flash-cards/&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw1aeYHvegfJ_HKQ7jLME7K 8">13, https://www.viqtorysports.com/what-is-an-offensive-lineman-in-football-explained/%23:~:text%3DRun%2520Blocking%2520Clearing%2520running%2520lanes%2520is%2520achieved,defensive%2520backs%2520at%2520the%2520point%2520of%2520attack.&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw0J78vWBXj1yBiSd1xT7I1 n">14]

Personnel mismatches to exploit

• Linebacker vs. wide receiver: The most significant mismatch you can create is with a linebacker covering a fast slot receiver. Linebackers are generally slower and less agile than receivers, making them vulnerable to quick cuts, rub routes, and vertical releases.
• Size mismatch on the edge: If the Lions keep a linebacker on the field to defend a tight end or bigger receiver in the bunch, you can use the strength and blocking ability of that receiver to your advantage. This can open up running lanes or create a quick pass option on a pick play. [https://www.reddit.com/r/footballstrategy/comments/ade35u/how_to_create_mismatches_on_offense/&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw2sdn-cZ2rUe-BQpgh5vQq o">15, https://assets.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/davie/1463998.html&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw1Jz8DJKWj1Ac3uRFGmEBE f">16, https://www.reddit.com/r/NFLNoobs/comments/1jm3yyb/why_are_linebackers_good_in_coverage_so_rare/%23:~:text%3DI t's%2520usually%2520a%2520mismatch%2520with%2520the%2520people,and%2520less%2520agile)%2520than%2520RBs%2520and%2520WRs.&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw00FtvL6EjOG2lTAn7xUFJl">17, https://fantasysixpack.net/the-importance-of-each-drill-at-the-nfl-combine/%23:~:text%3Dand%2520seen%2520as%2520a%2520liability.%2520Quarterbacks%2520are,feel%2520we%2520need%2520to%2520mention%2520that%2520here.&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw1IQlHeS0pcOCp4_dBa9KJ O">18, https://lbchalktalk.substack.com/p/linebacker-pre-snap-checklist%23:~:text%3DThe%2520best%2520Linebackers%2520are%2520able%2520to%2520cut%2520loose%2520and%2520play%2520fast.&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw1kDEsJCv5p8QkA_CTTxqA Q">19]

Putting it all together

1. Start with a quick pass to the flat: Start with a quick pass to the receiver on the flat route to get the linebackers thinking about stopping the short pass.
2. Come back with a rub route: After establishing the quick flat pass, use a mesh or rub route to cross up the man coverage and get a receiver open over the middle.
3. Go deep with a vertical route: Once the linebackers are drawn in to defend the short and intermediate routes, use a vertical release from the bunch to test their ability to run with a receiver deep down the field.
4. Use the run game to punish over-aggression: Finally, if the linebackers start getting too aggressive in their pursuit, use the power read or toss sweep to attack the perimeter or cut back inside against their momentum. [https://youthfootballonline.com/offense/bunch-formation-plays/&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw1gvEalyip7OrbbLK7tPHV 1">20, https://markbullock.substack.com/p/how-dan-quinns-aggressive-play-style%23:~:text%3DSo%2520the%2520Commanders%2520will%2520need%2520to%2520be,Daboll%2520has%2520a%2520diverse%2520run%2520game%2520installed.&source=gmail&ust=1760906391793000&usg=AOvVaw1i5VPZKnz9jWgB87IuWWn g">21]