Concept Cutup: 2021 49ers Long Trap

Long Trap is a gap scheme run that has gained popularity the last few years in the NFL.

The 49ers, in particular, have game-planned it in 2023 vs teams that like to bring pressure. Without second level pursuit, Long Trap can cut the defense in half.

The front side tight end can use a few different techniques for his release, depending on how the Edge defender is aligned. My books go into further detail on this.

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Here is an excerpt from Game Planning with The 2021 San Francisco 49ers from Week 8 vs Chicago:

The 49ers called their Long Trap concept in a 12 personnel formation on the opening drive. The next image shows the play.

The 49ers call it with a back-and-forth motion bubble screen RPO.

Aligned in an odd front/5-down front, the Bears bump their strong edge player out to account for the second tight end. This makes the hole for the trap larger, and it also gives the offense two players to bluff the EMOL. The first tight end will down block with the PST. The second tight end will arc for the strong safety.

The formation and motion allows the quarterback to see which defender will be the #2 defender and his leverage to the open side of the formation. The stand up rush end (Robert Quinn) is the defender in this case, Garoppolo throws the bubble to Deebo.

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The video below is an 8-minute cutup of Long Trap.