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 Friday, January 7
Johnson keeps Lions defense honest
 
By Sean Salisbury
ESPN.com

 

<img src="hhttp://espn.go.com/i/nfl/playbook99/wkwc_detwas_1.jpg" width=400 height=480 border=0>

The Redskins are a good play-action team. They can run the ball with Stephen Davis, and you have to respect the ability of quarterback Brad Johnson, who is going to the Pro Bowl.

Charlie 40 Steeler ("Steeler" refers to strong side) is a play fake to the strong side to hold the middle linebacker and not let him get in the throwing lane where Michael Westbrook, the X receiver, is running his crossing route. Johnson will make a good play fake and get his head around quickly to find coverage. His first look will be at the Z, Albert Connell. If the corner is lazy, Johnson will fire the deep ball to Connell. But the real throw is to the crossing Westbrook, who will push up to turn the free safety and run away from the corner. Johnson will lead him with the throw and give him a chance to run under the ball.

The key to this play is Connell. He must take an outside release and run so the corner will turn his back to Westbrook. The 'Skins do not want the corner looking and waiting for Westbrook.

It is critical that Johnson makes a great fake to hold coverage. He must allow Westbrook to clear and fill the space vacated by the corner covering Connell.

This is a very good play on first down and right around midfield. Johnson's sell of the fake will make this play work.

 


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