FOXBOROUGH — With Nick Foles under center, properly executing the run-pass option is absolutely vital to the success of the Philadelphia offense. And when it comes to the Patriots figuring a way to slow things down, the defenders on three different levels have different levels of responsibility.
When the run-pass option is deployed, Foles’ focus will be on reading the New England defense and seeing how it commits. As we noted here, it hinges on the decision-making skills of the quarterback, who has multiple run or pass options on the play.
This is broad-brushing it, but the Eagles will leave one defender unblocked, and what that defender does will dictate the play: Foles will take the shotgun snap and start the handoff to one of the backs. If the unblocked defender chases the ball and thinks its a run, Foles will pull it back and look for a receiver. The play-fake is usually just enough to buy one of his targets just enough time to gain some separation from a defensive back or linebacker to complete a quick slant or bubble screen.
This RPO the Eagles hit Denver with is so clever. Only the second time Ajayi was on the field, show run with him, hit Jeffery for TD pic.twitter.com/USmk6npVNC
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) November 6, 2017
