Cutup Friday: 2022 Lions Tunnel Screens
The following breakdown can be found in The 2022 Detroit Lions Complete Offensive Manual. This book is a 250 page breakdown of Ben Johnson’s offense, broken down by concept.
Tunnel screens are easy ways to get the ball to your receivers in space while also slowing down a pass rush. Tunnels are the Lions most commonly called screen concept.
The Lions like to pair their Tunnel screens with play action. Both zone and gap/power action were used throughout the season.
The last diagram shows a variation that gets the ball to the slot receiver who just faked jet motion. This version was called in week 16 and week 18. The 11 yard gain in week 18 is a good example of it.
A flat path from the PST is critical. If this block is secured, the play often has a chance to pick up positive yards. Another piece of this block is the receiver setting it up by working back to it. It takes two to Tango. The PSG/Center will then work up and take the alley defender, leading for the receiver.
Why it Worked: In week 11, the Lions converted a 3rd and 12. They secure great blocks on the perimeter.
In week 13, the Lions pick up some yards on a gap play action version. The defensive end gets upfield enough to give the receiver space to get upfield after cutting of the block of the PST.
Why it Didn’t Work: In week 1, St Brown does not work back to the quarterback/PST. This does not allow the PST to get out to the slot defender. This play could have/should have gone for big yards too, as the Eagles brought a nickel blitz.
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