The NFL’s offensive masterminds are constantly innovating and seeking new advantages, while defensive coaches are always looking for ways to counter these innovations. This ongoing chess match plays out every offseason.
One popular offensive trend, the cheat motion, was heavily discussed among defensive coaches heading into the 2024 season. This motion, popularized by the Dolphins and Tyreek Hill, involves a receiver starting in a tight split and sprinting outside to get a running start before the snap, catching the defense off guard.
The Dolphins’ cheat motion
Offensive coordinators have found creative ways to use cheat motion to create mismatches and confusion for defenses, making it a challenging trend to defend against.
Another area of concern for defensive coaches is the pace of motion and snap points used by offenses. Varying these factors can make plays more unpredictable and difficult to defend, as highlighted by several examples from recent games.
Pace of motion
In addition to cheat motion, teams are also using the pace of motion to their advantage, causing confusion and hesitation among defenders. By varying the speed and timing of motion, offenses can create additional challenges for opposing defenses.
Moreover, the concept of four-strong formations, where offenses overload one side with receivers or routes after the snap, presents a unique challenge for defenses, as they must quickly adjust and respond to the offensive alignment.
Four-strong concepts
Finally, the resurgence of gap scheme plays, such as the counter, has defensive coaches reevaluating their strategies to defend against physical runs in light of the emphasis on pass defense in recent years. This old-school concept remains effective in today’s game.
Counter
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, defensive coaches are constantly adapting to stay ahead of the latest offensive trends and innovations. By analyzing and preparing for these developments, they can better equip their teams to succeed on the field.