Working the Back Line with Ben Johnson
Goal line drop back passing stations are one of the hardest in football. Restricted space, which gives the defense the opportunity to bracket multiple primary receivers.
The best play callers have thought-out plans for this area of the field.
Ben Johnson shows a great play design that fits in to the “Back Line” family of goal line passes. The front side for Caleb Williams being on the right.
The Choice Out (Y) is the first read in the progression. If the cornerback bails at the snap to bracket the Z, the Choice Out (Y) should have outside leverage on the #2 defender. This is a great route for a tight end who can “post up” and body a smaller defender. This is also the route to throw vs pressure/man.
The goal of the back line Dig route (Z) is to sell the Smash concept/out break at the top of the route. If the cornerback passes the Z off to leverage the Choice Out (Y), then the Z needs to sell the near safety to win back inside of him. We see this in the clip below, but the safety plays it well.
The running back replaces any hook / middle hole help to either side of the field.
The “Whirl” from the X receiver is a late reset. If all of the other routes have been squeezed, this one can work open late on the back line.
The Bears aren’t able to score due to a few factors. Caleb feels the left tackle losing quickly and has to escape a bit. If the rookie running back gets out a tad quicker, Williams might have been able to see him.
Earlier in the season, we see a neat variation where the Choice Out comes in short motion. The man defender has to work around the on-ball receiver twice.
Against man, the Choice Out opens up with the added motion and “rub” from the on-ball receiver.
Ben Johnson is an elite play caller. I had a ton of fun breaking down his entire offense in The 2025 Chicago Bears Complete Offensive Manual. You will not find a more detailed resource covering his system.
