Inside the Mornhinweg Playbook: Kellen Winslow for 34: Week 17

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets tight end

Kellen Winslow

(81) runs after a catch against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of the game at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Time for the final installment of our series, “Inside the Mornhinweg Playbook”. Just in time too, with training camp opening up in a couple of days.

For anyone who doesn’t know, each week (except when I was sick), we have been choosing one successful offensive play, from each game, and broken down the film. Basically, we have been looking at how Marty Mornhinweg’s offense works.

We are up to the final week, week 17, when the Jets took on the Miami Dolphins. This one is a long connection to Kellen Winslow.

Geno Smith is lined up in the shotgun, with one back to his right. Two receivers are to the left and two to the right, including Kellen Winslow, circled with the #81 above. Santonio Holmes is going to go in motion from left to right across the formation as indicated. Let’s look at what we have.

Now, three receivers are lined up to the right, including the target on the play, Kellen Winslow, circled. The Dolphins are in a three deep zone, meaning that the defensive backs that are circled will drift off into sections of the field rather than guarding a receiver man to man.

Here is where Kellen Winslow makes an excellent read. Winslow reads that the backs are dropping off, so he follows the path drawn by the arrow. Winslow finds a spot just beyond the linebackers, and just in front of the defensive backs. Take a look.

Winslow is circled again. See what he did? Notice the space he has settled in. The linebackers have moved up, and the defensive backs have drifted away with other Jets’ receivers. Winslow has all kinds of room for Geno to make a throw.