Lions Mesh Bench Concept
Yesterday’s Thanksgiving day game between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears offered plenty of fireworks. However, we want to focus on something other than the way the game ended. The situation was 3rd and 2 at around midfield and the Lions had the ball. They dialed up this very creative way to complete a bench route off of a 3×1 mesh concept.
Tony Romo did an excellent job of recognizing the play and highlighted it on the CBS broadcast.
Anyone who follows the Lions knows that they are excellent using mesh concepts. They mix up their formations and find creative ways to complete Shallow Cross and Drive concepts. This is important because any defense preparing for them knows this and is looking for the mesh routes.
So with 3rd and 2 the Bears were certainly looking for a mesh friendly formation. The Lions gave it to them with a 3×1 Bunch formation. The single receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, #14 was lined up in a tight split to the left. Everything looked perfect for a mesh rub route to create separation for a short pass to pick up the first down.
This Mesh Bench Concept Worked For A Big First Down For The Detroit Lions. Click The Play Drawing To Watch The Video.
Jared Goff took the snap and started on a half roll to his right. The mesh took place as expected, right up until the two receivers crossed paths. At this point the St. Brown put his foot in the ground and rolled back towards the bench at around 15-16 yards. Goff set up and hit him wide open for an explosive play.
Click on the FirstDown PlayBook play drawing of this Mesh Bench concept to take a look at the video clip. Keep this in mind too. This play is not over complicated. If you can protect your quarterback with a half roll or a dropback protection, you can run this play too.
