Washington Football Team - Duo

 By Jim Jackson

The Washington Football Team late season push has been fueled by many factors. The first being the great defense the they have played in since Thanksgiving. On offense, controlled, quick passes has been another major factor. But this article will focus on the run game and specifically Duo. The WFT run it from a variety different formations, RB alignments, and motions. It is a downhill run that that allows the OL to come off the ball with double teams to create vertical movement. This is a statement play!

Duo is a gap scheme play that can be run from under center, pistol, or gun. It also can be run out of 11, 12, and 22 personnel. WFT runs this every week to compliment their wide zone game. Simply put, the OL is blocking on gap scheme angles in one direction and the RB is running the opposite direction. We will dissect the RB read in the diagrams.

The first play was vs DAL on Thanksgiving. 4th Quarter to ice the game. 23 yard statement play and run! Duo is a physical play! Vertical double teams right at the DL and LBs! 

You can see the concepts and schemes below

Read the LB 

LB Downhill while reading the LB

The second play is vs a 4 Down front in CIN. There is late pre-snap movement which takes OL off their double teams quicker than they wanted. Great play for the OC to call on 1st and 10 to get ball to 2nd and 4. In the third pic the TE blocking technique is detailed. L. Thomas is a willing combatant and is solid in blocking.

Nice design. Footwork loked at

The final play is a 4 minute situations vs PIT. Although the gain is only 2 yards, it accomplishes some critical points in a 4 minute system. The ball does NOT bounce so it keeps the clock moving. There are positive plays because it is a 1 cut play for the RB. The RB is this play does a great job of situational and game awareness.

The WFT is playing solid complimentary football at the best time. They are first place right now, and if they make the playoffs it will be because of defense, short passing, and running the ball downhill with Duo!

Other Resources of Duo:

https://insider.afca.com/xs-os-running-the-duo-at-san-diego/

Casey Scully

 https://weeklyspiral.com/2021/05/10/duo-concept/

Duo Vs Zone

 https://www.schwartznfl.com/how-to-identify-if-a-run-play-is-inside-zone-or-duo/