Cutup Friday: 2020 Raiders IZ Slice Bluff

While writing the upcoming 2023 Packers book, I went down a split zone rabbit hole. For the Packers, it is their Outside Zone slice variations.

One of my favorite versions from past studies is this 202 Raiders Inside Zone slice Bluff concept. This breakdown is from The 2020 Las Vegas Raiders Complete Offensive Manual.

The end of the article also includes a nearly 20-minute cutup of the concept.

The Bluff action has two purposes: to remove a box player and to widen the defensive end for an easier slice block and a wider c-gap. The next image shows how the slice block can be made difficult, with the defensive end squeezing down on the BST. The diagram below it shows how the bluffer will widen the alignment of the defensive end, as well as create hesitation to not squeeze the BST. This creates the larger c-gap cutback for the inside zone scheme.

In balanced formations (like the 1^st diagram), the Raiders like to bluff the defensive end on the side of the nickel defender. He will most likely have the bluffer man to man or have the flats, so the offense can maximize the influence of the bluff.

The wide receivers operate under typical inside zone rules from the condensed split formations. They will take the most dangerous man (near safety or corner) in two high looks, and will release inside for a strong safety or lagging nickel vs single high.

The Raiders ran this often, and had quite a bit of success with this concept in week 10 against the Broncos, including the final touchdown in the fourth quarter. Against odd/heavy fronts, the offense can get a 2 for 1 with the Bluffer, on the outside backer and the safety guarding him in man/quarters/flat.

The concept also protects the offense from edge pressures. The next image shows the first touchdown in week 10, where the defense wastes the edge blitzer outside the slice block. The play cuts back into the back side c-gap.