Wide Receivers

“GOALS”

Coach Antonio Brown / Andy Tafiti (WR/TE)

The WR vs. DB relationship is so intense, that I must drive home this point: The DB’s
are starting at a disadvantage from the very beginning, so it only takes one sudden
move, one violent cut or one sleight of hand to put him on his heels and begin “chase
mode”.

“Blocking in Space”
The wide receiver position in simplicity is a battle of wills between the receiver and the
defender he/she is assigned to block. The first step to becoming a great perimeter
blocker, is by having the desire and will to block. In our current Offensive Scheme, it is
the technical details of perimeter blocking, that will make you players into great run
blocking wide receivers. As your coach, it is my absolute responsibility to break down
the mechanics of run blocking into understandable concepts so that each receiver can
buy into executing on each and every play. The “contact zone.” Once reaching the
contact zone, you want to break down and sink your hips so that you are able to react to
any sudden movements the DB makes. It is comparable to “playing basketball defense,”
basically just stay between the player with the ball until the defender makes his move.
The best wide receiver units pride themselves in taking no plays off and set out to prove
their toughness every chance they get. Although catching passes and scoring
touchdowns is our number# 1 priority, blocking for a fellow teammate is the most
unselfish thing a wide receiver can do and having a willingness to finish through the
whistle is a direct example of your commitment to D.A.S.H and winning.

“As wide receivers WE have to believe that we are the best athletes on the field. We will
be mentally tough in all phases of the game. We will do whatever it takes to carry out
our assignments. Blocking, catching the football, disciplined route running, and running
with the ball are the fundamentals we need to master at this position. This happens
through preparation. We will do all the necessary things that will prepare us physically,
mentally, and emotionally during each week leading up to the game. These are all
aspects needed to become a great player. We will strive to be the best. We will not
settle for being just average players. The player who is dedicated and committed to
excellence will always get the job done.” (Chris Carter, Minnesota Vikings, 1996).

“Speed”
The illusion of speed is one of the most important parts of running a route. It is used to give the
defender the impression that we are increasing out speed and going deep. This reality is that we
are slowing down to make a cut. The basic idea is to get the defender out of his comfort zone.
This means we need to get him on his heels or turn his hips in order for us to gain separation and
make our break outward. It is important to keep eye contact at all times. “Never” look down, you
must make the defender think you are going somewhere other than the place you are going. You
must lower your center of gravity. Your shoulders and head must be thrust forward. Your arms
must be bent and elbows must remain at the sides of your body while pumping them each time
you step with the opposite foot. By doing these consistently, the defender will be forced to come
out of his comfort zone, because he doesn’t want to get beat deep. Thus, giving the advantage to
the “Receiver.”

“Philosophy”

Our philosophy is to make the defense feel threatened at all times on the field, each and
every play the offense executes. WE as wide receivers will take on the role of the
aggressor. WE will set the tempo of the game on the very first play from scrimmage. We
must be a threat to score each time we touch the ball. WE must have an attitude on
every play. “WE”, I say again again, “WE” will dictate to each defender what he can
and can not do thru attacking them on every play. We create angles for our
releases; pass routes, and running lanes for the running backs. We have to identify
what the defender is trying to take away, and the WE have to attack him where he’s
most vulnerable. WE have to have the belief “That when the football is in the air it is
OURS.” This will happen by attacking the football at all cost and making great catches.
We will make the defense pay for playing bump or press coverages, and never forget
“The Wide Receiver Position is an offensive position -
so be OFFENSIVE. NEVER play it with a defensive
attitude.”
D.A.S.H
(Discipline, Attitude, Sacrifices & Habits)