Coach -

What a game last night in the college football playoffs! Now it's time to begin the road to LIX!

The NFL playoffs are finally here, and the Wild Card Round promises a thrilling weekend of football. Six games, three days, and a whole lot of excitement await as the NFL's best battle for a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. 

From divisional rivalries to potential upset bids, this weekend has all the makings. To preview the entirety of the playoffs, let's get the inside scoop on the schemes you will see on the field straight from some of the coaches' mouths.

AFC

1. Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs

Incorporating diverse dropback sequences and passing depths, such as 3, 5, and 7-step drops, disrupts the timing of both offense and defense. This unpredictability keeps defenses off balance and creates advantageous passing windows.

However, regardless of the protection scheme, emphasizing teamwork and adherence to rules within assigned lanes is paramount. Linemen must maintain their positions and support each other to ensure the quarterback has a clean pocket and the opportunity to make effective throws. We get into this and more with Coach Heck and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andy Heck - Teaching & Drilling Pass Pro 3, 5, and 7 Step Drops

Offensive linemen must maintain their gap assignments and presence, as escaping them can create vulnerabilities and disrupt the integrity of the protection scheme. When facing fewer than five pass rushers, this linemen becomes key in containing the rush, often without direct man-to-man responsibilities. 

A strong presence and decisive actions from this linemen can not only neutralize immediate threats but also deter future rushes through being a heavy physical presence, significantly impacting the overall effectiveness of the pass protection scheme.

Sunday, January 12th - Orchard Park, NY - 1:00pm

2. Bills vs. 7. Broncos

The Denver Broncos' running back by committee approach has proven remarkably effective, showcasing the brilliance of RB Coach Lou Ayeni. Despite having the 32nd highest-paid running back as a starter, the Broncos have amassed nearly 2,000 rushing yards, a testament to Ayeni's ability to maximize the talents of his entire backfield. By strategically utilizing each player's unique skill set and developing them continually, Ayeni has created a set of potent rushers that consistently move the chains and kept opposing defenses off balance.

RB Fundamentals and Drills with Lou Ayeni

The wide jump cut is a highly valuable move with broad applications across various levels of play. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to combine agility but also immediate vertical speed. This move and drilling it creates answers for your backs especially in years where your offensive line may not be as disruptive.

Saturday, January 11th - Baltimore, MD - 8:00pm

3. Ravens vs. 6. Steelers

The Ravens and Steelers are set to clash for the third time this season in a highly anticipated Wild Card matchup. This rivalry, steeped in history and animosity, will likely be decided by the play of the quarterbacks and the dominance of their respective defenses. 

Both teams are intimately familiar with each other's schemes and personnel.. The pressure is immense for both franchises, with the Ravens aiming to live up to expectations and the Steelers looking to escape their late season slump and 4-game/ 6 year playoff skid. 

See how the Steelers are preparing Russell Wilson as best they can for the upcoming game through Coach Sulivan’s film teachings.

Mike Sulivan Sr O Asst - Teaching the QB how to watch Film

A quarterback's ability to quickly decipher coverages, especially those disguised from unconventional defensive alignments, is a critical skill at all levels of play. 

By recognizing subtle cues like player positioning, pre-snap movements, and defensive back alignments, a quarterback can anticipate coverage schemes and exploit weaknesses, significantly elevating the offense's effectiveness.

Saturday, January 11th - Houston, TX - 4:30pm

4. Texans vs. 5. Chargers

The Texans and Chargers clash in a thrilling Wild Card matchup. Houston's success hinges on their offensive line's ability to provide consistent protection for quarterback C.J. Stroud. 

A clean pocket will allow Stroud to effectively utilize his arm talent and open up the passing game, creating explosive plays that complement the powerful rushing attack of Joe Mixon. If the Texans can establish a balanced offensive rhythm, they possess the firepower to beat the Chargers and advance in the playoffs.

2024 COOL Clinic - Chris Strausser

If you need a resource to expand your pass pro as a whole the direction to look is this one. Coach Strausser offers a plethora of progressions and drills to advance your pass pro and expand your teachings in this course diving into everything from demeanor to punch drills and everything in between. From the NFL level and the standard that is held by the Texans, you will no doubt improve with this clinic. 

NFC

Sunday, January 12th - Philadelphia, PA - 4:30pm

2. Eagles vs. 7. Packers

The Eagles-Packers matchup is one of the most intriguing of the weekend, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Jalen Hurts' health. If Hurts is unable to play, the Eagles' defense will need to elevate its performance to alleviate pressure on the offense and Saquon Barkley. The secondary will be crucial in slowing down Jordan Love and the Packers' passing attack, while the front seven must generate consistent pressure to disrupt the Packers' rhythm and give the Eagles a chance to control the game.

Joe Kasper - Man Coverage - The Cheetah Technique

The Eagles' defensive backs must excel against Jordan Love, particularly as the Packers rely deeper on their receiving depth chart. Limiting explosive plays and forcing Love into uncomfortable situations will be the key. By effectively executing techniques like DOH to disrupt timing routes, the Eagles' defensive line and linebackers can focus more on containing the potent rushing threat of Josh Jacobs.

Sunday, January 12th - Tampa, FL - 8:00pm

3. Buccaneers vs. 6. Commanders

The Buccaneers face a formidable opponent in the Commanders, a team revitalized under Dan Quinn's leadership.  Quinn's impact on the organization has been undeniable, creating a winning culture and maximizing the talent of his players, including rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. The Commanders' resurgence is a testament to Quinn's coaching acumen and the franchise's commitment to building a competitive roster.

Dan Quinn HC - Set Your Standard

This Commander's turnaround is built on a foundation of shared responsibility and uncompromising standards instilled by Dan Quinn. He emphasizes that every player must contribute their maximum effort, a philosophy embodied in grueling "log" training sessions. These physically demanding drills serve as a tangible representation of Quinn's culture, pushing players to their limits and fostering a collective sense of resilience and determination. Drills or activities like this are invaluable in the coaching world and everyone has them, finding what fits your team's culture and mentality is the key.

Monday, January 13th - Inglewood, CA - 8:00pm

4. Rams vs. 5. Vikings

The Rams face a tough challenge against the Vikings, whose receiving corps has flourished under the guidance of wide receivers coach Tony Sorrentino. Sorrentino's coaching has elevated the play of the Vikings' receivers, creating explosive plays and opening up the offense for quarterback Sam Darnold. This improved passing game has significantly contributed to the Vikings' overall success, making them a formidable opponent in the playoffs.

Tony Sorrentino Asst WR - How to Be a Complete WR

If you need proof that you can take something from this clinic? Watch any of the past 3 seasons of the vikings playing and you will see the mark that the WR corp and Coach Sorrentino have made. One of the best WR’s in the game from the moment he stepped in the league was Justin Jefferson and Coach has been with him the whole way.

The points given to us simply in a bulleted list can be drilled and worked in a variety of manner with an easy set of queues for both the coach and player.

 Mental steps like this are like an ingrained plan into the athletes mind and can be worked through drills and visualization but can also turn subconscious and ultimately lead to the athlete being able to focus and queue new more taxing tasks.

Enjoy the Playoffs!

Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the Coaches Clinic Team!