Inside the Mornhinweg Playbook: Stephen Hill Deep for 37: Week 2

Sep 12, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(84) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback

(31) who forced a fumble on the play during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a new week, so we are going to continue our series going “Inside the Mornhinweg Playbook”.

We began this series last week, showing Jeremy Kerley on a crossing pattern during the opening game against Tampa Bay.  Each week, we are looking at one of the more successful plays from each game, and talking about how it worked, and then hope as a group that we see more plays like the chosen one in 2014.

This is the second week of the series, so we move to week two.  This was the first Thursday night game of the season, September 12 of last year.  It was Geno Smith‘s first taste of the rivalry, as the Jets opened the 2013 season series against the New England Patriots.

This week’s play took place in the fourth quarter, as Geno Smith connected on a big play with an unlikely source, second year wide receiver, Stephen Hill.

There are two receivers to the left of Geno Smith. Stephen Hill, circled, is lined up in the slot to the right, but will come in motion to the outside position on the left.

The play is a classic West Coast offensive play as it has many options. However, this one is set up to isolate Stephen Hill (green circle) one on one against Alfonzo Dennard (red circle).

To so so, the Jets run several routes here.  Konrad Reuland, inside receiver to the left, runs a post pattern down the field to attract the attention of the safeties.  Kellen Winslow, second receiver to the left, runs a crossing pattern to draw more attention to the opposite side of the field.

That leaves Hill against Dennard.  He runs a sideline route against Dennard, looking a pass to his outside shoulder.  Roll the tape!

Look inside the black circle. Do you see how much is going on in the middle of the field? Some are faced away from Stephen Hill and Alfonzo Dennard, but nobody is set to provide any help.  The free safety is too far away to get there to make an impact on the play.

Geno Smith see his chance, unloads, giving his tall receiver the chance to make a play.  How did it turn out?

37 yards later, and a big first down for the New York Jets.

You see? This West Coast offense can be successful, even when the weapons aren’t the best in the sport. Good accurate route running and accurate passes do a lot. It’s not rocket science.

A few more weapons, and this offense will be moving right along.