Athlete in Space

2024 Chiefs O vs. Falcons D

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Offensive Structure: 2x1 21p (WR at RB) Zone Orbit

Defensive Structure: Even Closed Zone

Breakdown: Why do they throw this one? The defense starts with an open structure, but rolls to closed upon the orbit thus matching numbers to the orbit side. An out of control angle by the rolling safety and a timely cut defeat the bad numbers advantage.

I guess this is what “we just want to get our athletes in space” means. Now I know!

The spectacular part: it’s the defensive end (the RUN read) that ends up making the tackle.

Let’s exhaust this play further: the offense holds the numbers advantage in the run game. There are six blockers and seven defenders with the defense end (the tackler) the read man. So we’re good. To be “most sound,” that means the only reason we should consider the orbit is if it’s uncovered. In other words, if we have numbers to the orbit side. Not the case here. The play’s success, then, requires extra-ordinary play. Thank goodness for “athletes in space.”