Utilizing Crack Toss with Ben Johnson
Crack Toss is a scheme that forces the ball onto the perimeter of a defense. It complements outside zone as well as other base run schemes.
The most critical block is the crack block on the EMOL. The Bears often use a receiver to do this. Ensuring the EMOL isn’t able to get up field is critical. It is also critical that the EMOL does not require a second blocker, or that he takes out the path of the pulling tackle.
The PST will pull and lead on the force/secondary support defender. If there is a second lead blocker (TE/FB pulling), the PST will lead up the alley. The rest of the offensive line essentially blocks outside zone.
In the variation I want to highlight today, the Bears use some short motion for the tight end to distract the EMOL. They pull the tight end for the force, and use the PST to lead up the alley.
This is a great clip of Crack Toss. 3rd down, shotgun formation usually means a pass is coming. Especially with the original 4-open formation.
This is a fantastic play call against a Mug front as well. The offensive line has better angles with the linebackers on the line of scrimmage.
The PST cleans up the A-gap linebacker who is able to beat the Center to the alley. The mark of a good run scheme design is the presence of a cleanup blocker like this.
