As someone who spends a great deal of time studying football playbooks, I know first-hand that the terminology can be a bit difficulty when trying to learn more about this game. Coaches come up with all sorts of names that might seem creative at the time, but in retrospect might make things more difficult. Some coaches have naming conventions they use, such as any formation with three receivers to a side has to begin with a “T,” others used different means of conveying to their players what is happening on a given snap.
Something is happening in Green Bay that is testing naming conventions. Right now Aaron Rodgers is cooking in Matt LaFleur’s offense. The veteran passer is on track for his best statistical season since 2014 and is at or near the top in many offensive categories. He leads the league with an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt (ANY/A) of 10.13, and is the only passer in double-digits in that category. He has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,214 yards (fifth in the league) and 13 touchdowns (second in the league). He leads the league with a QBR of 93.2. He is third among quarterbacks (according to ESPN) in Total Expected Points Added with 38.8.
Finally play-action passing, which was a struggle for Rodgers two seasons ago, is no longer a tough road. Rodgers has four touchdown passes, a completion percentage of 70.7%, and an NFL passer rating of 128.4 (fourth in the league) when using play-action, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rodgers has also been quite effective when throwing downfield. According to PFF Rodgers has an Adjusted Completion Percentage of 43.3 (fourth in the league) when throwing downfield, and he has completed 12 of 30 downfield attempts for 450 yards and three touchdowns, without an interception. On downfield throws Rodgers has an NFL passer rating of 120.8, also fourth in the league.
One way that Matt LaFleur is dialing up vertical plays for Rodgers is by using a design that is testing naming conventions. Some call it Jet A-Seam. Others call it Jet HB Go. Then there are those like Ben Fennell of The NFL Network and Fran Duffy from the Philadelphia Eagles who use another term.
Jello.
Whatever you call it, the premise is the same. Just before the snap a receiver comes in jet motion across the formation. When the play begins, that player releases to the flat. This is mostly eye candy, used to distract the defense before the play begins.
Dan Orlovsky made a great point recently on Twitter that motion can be used for two reasons: Information and impact. This is an example of how it does both. The quarterback can learn the coverage from the motion – information – and it forces the defense to adjust as the play begins. Impact.
The eye candy distracts the defense from what is coming: A four verticals concept with the running back executing one of the vertical routes, a seam up the field. (Which is why some call this play Jet A-Seam or Jet HB-Seam or Jet HB-Go). A basic route concept, dressed up with some eye candy.
What LaFleur has done in the past few weeks has made it even tougher to defend. He has run this play out of 22 and even 31 personnel, heavier offensive packages that can force the defense to play base coverages and even with base personnel.
That has led to big results. These two video breakdowns take you through how this design plays out on the field:
Of course, astute observers probably recognized this…back in Week 3, "Jello" out of 22 against the Saints: pic.twitter.com/7PqDQHDjwP
— Mark Schofield (@MarkSchofield) October 7, 2020
Jello. It’s been pretty tasty so far for Rodgers, LaFleur and the Packers.