Hall of Fame Game!

What concepts will we see tonight?

The Hall of Fame game always feels like a holiday of sorts. Its the first official football “game” of the season. Even if starters aren’t playing, it 11 on 11 and we get some fresh film to look at!

I am excited to see some of the base offense the Bears have installed so far under new OC Shane Waldron. I haven’t had time to watch much of what he did in Seattle, and I have heard mixed reviews.

After studying Houston and Bobby Slowik from 2023, I will be looking for some of their base concepts and what types of looks Chicago provides against them.

A day-1 install concept in all Shanahan offenses is what I generically call Choice Return. It’s all purpose enough that I bet we see it. Here is my breakdown from The 2023 Houston Texans Complete Offensive Manual on their usage of the concept last year. Stroud and company were very efficient with it.

Choice – Return is often the base version of the Choice package, and usually the first to be installed in the Shanahan/Slowik offense.

The Choice route is the first read in the progression. This route *should* win against 1 on 1 looks, and the receiver is given the freedom to do so. Break away from tight (man) coverage, or settle down against zone looks.

The Return route is a good back side progression for single high coverages. The Return route sells the speed out, then returns back inside. With the #2 defender in outside leverage, the Return should be able to win this 1 on 1 with proper technique. The Return is the second read in the 1-2 progression.

Why it Worked: Choice – Return was a consistently efficient concept for the Texans.

In week 11, the Choice route settles down in the void created by Arizona rotating to a cover 2 look.

Why it Didn’t Work: In the third week 1 clip, Stroud attempts the Corner route on the front side. The ball is a little overthrown.

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The video below shows a 5-minute cutup of the concept: