The Rub Route

In the two weeks leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII much was made of the Denver offense's use of "rub routes" or "pick plays" and if the prior level of ineptitude in defending such plays would continue when the Broncos took on the league's number one defense. Many experts contended that with Peyton Manning at the helm, the Broncos offense was unstoppable, and would shred apart even the most impermeable of defenses. But by the time the players were on the field, and the game was actually being played, it was the Seahawks who did the shredding, and the Broncos who were the shredded.

Throughout the game, the Seattle offense featured several new wrinkles that added a level of creativity and unpredictability to the always reliable bread and butter offense- the run game and play action. Rhythm passes, screens and boundary runs all played an essential role in the Seahawks ability to score nearly 30 points of offense. What was of the most interest to me, was the use of Denver's patented rub routes by the Seattle offense.



(5:53)(Shotgun)R.Wilson pass short middle to D.Baldwin to DEN 48 for 6 yards (C.Bailey).
This play came early in the game, with the 'Hawks up by only 5, on a critical 3rd down. The Denver defense struggled all year in holding the opponent on 3rd down, and many believed the Seahawks' ability to convert on 3rd down would be key in this game.

The Seahawks align in 11 personnel, with Miller split in the slot to the right. Baldwin motions across the formation from left to right.

Miller runs down the seam, with Baldwin following closely behind him. Also notice how the Denver defense blitzes 6, which frees up room over the middle and creates several one on ones across the field.

As is the case with any play, timing is everything. Notice how Baldwin chops his feet right as Miller reaches cornerback Champ Bailey, which makes it difficult for Bailey to take a good angle to the ball. This isn't illegal since Miller simply ran a route that "happened" to get in the way, but it is a good use of the natural rub to help get a receiver open.

Baldwin gets open rather easily over the middle and Russell hits him for a first down.

This is the type of play that the Seahawks struggled to convert on all year. In the Super Bowl, against an easier defense and with extra time to prepare, the offense looked much more polished on third down, a huge reason as to why they were able to jump out to an early lead.

(4:26)(Shotgun)R.Wilson pass deep left to D.Baldwin to DEN 6 for 37 yards (C.Bailey).
On the same drive, with the Seahawks offense facing another 3rd down, they are able to create a huge explosive.

The Seahawks are in 11 personnel, and Miller is detached once again. This play features a nice slant-wheel route combo on the bottom of the screen, and it frees Baldwin for a big gain.

Again, the timing on this play is superb. Notice how Baldwin and Tate make their breaks at nearly the exact same time, which ensures that meeting halfway in between to clear out some room.

At this point, Champ Bailey (the defender at the top of the screen) has two choices: to try to go underneath Tate and cut off Baldwin, or go over the top and possibly give up the short completion.

Bailey chooses to go underneath, which is ultimately the wrong decision on this play. The Seahawks defensive coaching staff preaches to "stay on top" in the secondary, basically meaning never let the receiver behind you, which Bailey fails to do on this play.

Baldwin gets wide open, and runs it all the way down to the 6.

This is a good route combination with the slant from Tate and the wheel from Baldwin. At 3rd and 5, there is a good chance that the defense is anticipating a shorter pass, which opens up the sidelines for Baldwin.

(11:55)(Shotgun)R.Wilson pass short right to D.Baldwin for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
This play is basically meaningless in the game, but it still was well drawn out and well executed. 1st and Goal from the 10 yard line, Seahawks are in shotgun with 12 personnel. Luke Willson is in the slot to the left. This play is very similar to the first one I diagrammed in that Zach Miller running up the seam clears out room for Baldwin underneath.

Notice how three Bronco defenders are forced to pay respect to Miller, which opens plenty of room for Baldwin, who runs a hitch route.

Baldwin dodges a number of potential tacklers (a testament to Denver's inability to play effective defense) and gets in the endzone. Again, this is just taking what the defense gives you and let the receiver do the work after the catch.

I thought it was particularly interesting how the Seattle offense utilized rub routes in this game, whereas before the game all of the talk was on how the Denver offense would use such plays. It certainly didn't seem that the Denver passing offense finished number one in the regular season, and Seattle's passing game was generally regarded as "mediocre" or "pedestrian." This game was a perfect mix of game planning and execution for the Seahawks, and it paid off in the best of ways.