Run & Shoot

Formations and motion

The Run & Shoot uses a one-running back, two slot, two receiver formation, typically featuring at least two wide receivers, but sometimes four. Motion (i.e., having a receiver suddenly change position by running left or right, parallel to the line of scrimmage, just prior to the ball being snapped) is used extensively—both to create advantageous mismatches with the opposing defensive players, and to help reveal what coverage the defense is actually employing.

The basic idea behind the Run & Shoot is a multiple-adjusting offense; the receivers are free to adjust their routes "as" they are running them, in a dizzying number of options, in response to reading the defensive coverage employed. The quarterback, as a result, also has to read—on the run—the defensive coverage, hopefully with the same result as the receiver's efforts.

In the purest form of the offense, the proper complement would consist of two wide receivers in the outside positions on the line, and two "slotbacks," running-back types who could catch as well as run (eg. Ricky Sanders and Richard Johnson for the USFL's Houston Gamblers, both RBs in college), manning the inside receiver positions (just outside and behind the two offensive tackles). The NFL teams that used the Run & Shoot in the early 1990s used true wide receivers.

A typical set includes (along with the four receivers) one halfback/running back and the five offensive linemen (one center, the left- and right-guards, and the left- and right-tackles). The types of running backs vary from smaller, pass-catching-type backs to big, bruising, power-type backs. The frequent passing formations spread out the defense's players, causing them to expect that the subsequent plays will also be passes. If the repeated pass plays work, the defense is spread thinly across the field; running the ball between the offensive tackles, or just off-tackle, is now possible, and preferred.

Running backs who thrive in the system tend to be smaller, shifty runners who do not require lead blockers. Sanders and Erric Pegram, who reached 1,000 yards with the Atlanta Falcons, fit that description; however, Lorenzo White and Gary Brown were much larger power-style runners.

Formation History

The original inventor of the Run & Shoot, Tiger Ellison first started out with a formation that overloaded the left side for his scrambling quarterback. He called it The Lonesome Polecat.

A year later, he came back with a more balanced formation that is reminiscent of the formation below.

*WR................LT.LG.C.RG.RT...........WR
*...........SB...............QB..........SB
*...............................FB

Other variations of the above formation are similar to the way Spread offenses like to set up their offenses. Originally, the run and shoot was set up so that the quarterback would be positioned behind the center in a single back position. The single running back would be lined up a few yards back. Later during his tenure with the University of Hawaii, June Jones used Colt Brennan out of the shotgun. The running back could also be offset to the left of the quarterback in the formation below.

*X........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...........Z
*....W...........................Y
*..................QB..SB

Another formation that can often be seen with the run and shoot is the trips formation, where three wide receivers are situated to the right or left side of the line of scrimmage. Most of the time, this formation will created out of Motion when the W or Y receiver moves to the opposite side of the formation.

*X........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...........Z
*.................................W...Y
*..................QB..SB

Names

While the formations often rely on a single back, 4 wide formation the names of the positions are also important. The wide receivers from left to right are often labeled as: X, W (Wing), Y, and Z with the running back being called an S-Back (Superback).

Basic Concepts and Defensive Formations

The following concepts are key to understanding the Run & Shoot.
* Throw to the open receiver. It's fairly obvious but if the receiver is open, the quarterback must recognize the coverage and find him.
* 5 or less in the box? Run the football. This means that traditionally defensive formations use a 3-4 defense meaning that there are 3 defensive linemen and 4 linebackers (5 in the box) or a 4-3 defense alignment meaning there are 4 defensive linemen and 3 linebackers (5 in the box). The box is the area from the offensive tackles up. That means the defensive lineman, 3 or 4, and the linebackers which can be anywhere from 1-3 depending on the coverage.
* Use motion and formations to spread the defense out and change the look. If one uses motion and the defensive back follows the motioning receiver, they are probably playing man coverage or blitzing. If no defensive back follows the motion receiver, then they are probably playing zone defense.

Motion Names

The following motions are used with those starting with R being to the right and L to the left.
* X = Lil and Rob.
* W(ing) = Liz and Rip. This is the most commonly found motion in the Run & Shoot.
* SB = Lion and Ram.
* Y = Load and Rose. Another commonly found motion.
* Z = Lark and Rook.

Route concepts

* The Choice Route is probably the most recognizable and continued concept of the Run & Shoot that remains in the NFL. Gives the receiver the option of which route to take depending on the play of the opposing defensive back. In RIP 61 X CHOICE, the X receiver has the choice of a slant or an outside sideline route.
* The Switch Route allows for the receivers on the weakside or backside of the quarterback to "switch" as they run their routes. This often entails the X (or Z) receiver running inside while the W (or Y) runs outside so that the two receivers criss cross, thereby confusing the defenders as to who they should cover.
* The Read Route is simply when the quarterback audibles away from the coverage that he sees, often the free safety.
* Slide Route: Often employs motion from the W receiver or the Y receiver to form a trips formation, where one side of the offense has 3 wide receivers on one side of the field.
* Go Route: Gives the receiver the option of running a go route (also known as a fade).
* Hook Route: Gives the receiver the option of running a hook route (also known as a button hook or curl).
* Streak Route: Gives the receiver the option of running a streak route.

Playbook Designations and Notes

* There were six defensive coverages focused on (four were Cover 4 variations).
* Cover 4: Often employed with a 3-4 defense. Often a zone coverage.
* 4 Invert: Often employed with a 3-4 defense. Often a zone coverage with one deep safety. Attacked with Switch, Go, and Slide being the most effective.
* 4 Cleo: Often employed with a 4-3 defense. Man to Man coverage with two deep safeties over the top. Attacked with Switch being the most effective.
* 4 Buzz: Often employed with a 4-3 defense. Man to Man coverage with one deep safety and second safety cheating up. Attacked with Slide being most effective.
* 4 Across: Often employed with a 3-4 defense. Often a zone coverage with two deep safeties. Similar to a prevent defense/dime defense. Attacked with Switch being the most effective.
* Cover 2 Defense: Often employed with a 3-4 defense. Often a zone coverage with two deep safeties. Attacked with Switch, Slide, and Choice.
* Cover 5 Defense: Often employed with a 4-3 defense. Often a zone coverage with two deep safeties. Attacked with the running game.

Many playbooks that utilized the Run & Shoot often had the above routes tied in with certain passing series.
* The 60 Series featured the Go, Hook, and Choice.
* The 90 Series featured the Streak, Switch, and Read.

The 60 Series often featured Rip or Load motion whereas the 90 Series often featured the rollout where the quarterback would run to the left or right and sit, waiting for the play to develop.

* 50 Series: QB 2-3 Step Drop. Even number plays, Y has free release. W has check release. On odd number plays, Y has check release and W has free release. S back has check release on call side.
* 60 Series: QB will roll out to right side on 60 and roll out to left side on 61.
* 90 Series: Mirror 60.
* 81 Series: Mirror 61.
* 460/461 Series: Screen pass. QB sells as if 60/61 or 90/91. RB splits into passing lane as if 80/81 or 90/91.
* 900 (Pick) Series: Utilized or audible to against the blitz or man-to-man coverage under.
* 84/85: Running play. 84 is a draw play right side. 85 is a draw play left side.
* 88/89: Running play. 88 is a pitch outside right side. 89 is a pitch outside left side.
* 80/81: Running play. Most often off tackle right side or counter inside middle.
* 74/75: Running play. 74 is a counter run outside right side. 75 is a counter run outside left side.
* Dive: Running play. Dive up the middle.
* 18/19: Running play. Speed option. 18 is an option right and 19 is an option left.

Run and Shoot in Tecmo Super Bowl I

In the Sega Genesis version of Tecmo Super Bowl, there were five pass plays designated with the Run and Shoot. Here's a quick look at the plays and the routes designed for them.
*Name: Flare C
**X runs a streak. W runs a square in. SB runs a delayed streak next to the X receiver. A Switch Route is shown, with the Y receiver and Z receiver both running streaks. The QB moves back initially, then rolls right and waits.
*Name: Z Fly
**X runs a little square in. W runs a streak. SB blocks left while QB rolls right. Y runs a square out and Z runs a streak.
*Name: 3-Wing
**X runs a streak. A Trips Formation to the right is shown with the W running a square in before switching into a streak. Y runs a square in and Z runs a streak. The SB is offset right and swings left to block while the QB rolls out right.
*Name: Y Up
**X runs a square in. W runs a skinny post inside. W runs a streak and Z runs a skinny corner post. The SB swings out to the left into a streak while the QB rolls out to the right.
*Name: Redgun Z Slant
**X runs a streak. This features a Trips Formation to the left where Y runs a rounded square in, W motions and runs a sharp square in just past the defensive line, and Z runs a streak. The SB is offset right and runs horizontal to the line of scrimmage while the QB sits in shotgun.

Negatives of the Run and Shoot

* Many derided the offense due to teams not carrying tight ends, notable with the Houston Oilers. This also forced the defenses to struggle while practicing for upcoming games, as they did not have a tight end to block against and could not prepare for more conventional offenses. Along with the lack of a tight end, the running back or fullbacks were often relied upon to pick up the blitzing linebacker or safety, often resulting in many hits or sacks of any unathletic quarterback.
* The offense is derided for not appearing in a Super Bowl, although this is a questionable argument due in part to the short tenure of the offense in the NFL as a base use and the appearance in the Championship Game by two different teams using the offense.
* A criticism of the offense is that teams would often continue to rely upon the pass rather than establish the run or finish off the game with the running game. While many run and shoot teams were incredibly effective running the ball, the 41-38 loss in the playoffs is looked at as the epitome of this complaint. After getting up 35-3, the Houston Oilers called 22 pass plays against only 4 runs in the 2nd half in their eventual loss, rather than winding the clock down with the running game and preserving the lead for the victory.
* The lack of a running game is also a big discussion point about the run and shoot. Again, while the teams have had a ton of success, the recent focus on the pass over the run within the offense has caused critics to call into question how a team can be successful running the offense this way. The Spread offense has been lauded in part because it emphasizes the run in comparison to the run and shoot. An ideal balance for a game would seem to be between 35-40 passes and 15-20 carries overall.

Teams Using the Run & Shoot

The following colleges and teams used the Run & Shoot as their football formation for at least a little while. Some had more success than others.
* 1974 Portland State: 5-6 (272 vs. 227)
* 1975 Portland State: 8-3 (366 vs. 196)
* 1976 Portland State: 8-3 (424 vs. 194)
* 1977 Portland State: 7-4 (416 vs. 222)
* 1978 Portland State: 5-6 (337 vs. 337)
* 1979 Minnesota: 4-6-1 (264 vs. 271)
* 1979 Portland State University: 6-5 (377 vs. 271)
* 1980 Florida: 8-4 (256 vs. 186) - Won Tangerine Bowl
* 1980 Portland State: 8-3 (541 vs. 209)
* 1981 California: 2-9 (150 vs. 264)
* 1981 Florida: 7-5 (284 vs. 166) - Lost Peach Bowl
* 1982 Florida: 8-4 (296 vs. 228) - Lost Bluebonnet Bowl
* 1982 Toronto Argonauts: 9-6-1 (426 vs. 426) - Lost Grey Cup
* 1983 Florida: 9-2-1 (304 vs. 156) - Won Gator Bowl
* 1983 Toronto Argonauts: 12-4 (452 vs. 328) - Won Grey Cup
* 1984 Georgia Southern: 8-3 (342 vs. 215)
* 1984 Houston Gamblers: 13-5 (618 vs. 400) - Lost Division Game
* 1984 Rice: 1-10 (213 vs. 382)
* 1984 Widener:
* 1985 California-State Northridge [ [Coleman, Jim] , " [Going for All of It CSUN's New Football Coach Keele Is Going More to the Gun Than to the Run in 1985] ", [http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/64434880.html?dids=64434880:64434880&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Apr+27%2C+1985&author=JIM+COLEMAN&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Going+for+All+of+It+CSUN's+New+Football+Coach+Keele+Is+Going+More+to+the+Gun+Than+to+the+Run+in+1985&pqatl=google] , [1985-04-27] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] :
* 1985 Denver Gold: 11-7 (433 vs. 385) - Lost Division Game
* 1985 Georgia Southern: 13-2 (460 vs. 293) - Won Division I-AA Championship
* 1985 Houston Gamblers: 10-8 (544 vs. 388) - Lost Division Game
* 1985 New Mexico State: 1-10 (190 vs. 369)
* 1985 Rice: 3-8 (233 vs. 404)
* 1985 Widener:
* 1986 Cincinnati: 5-6 (267 vs. 345)
* 1986 East Carolina: 3-8 (187 vs. 364)
* 1986 Holy Cross: 10-1 (314 vs. 148)
* 1986 New Haven: 8-2 (266 vs. 161)
* 1986 New Mexico: 4-8 (317 vs. 338)
* 1986 Oregon Tech:
* 1986 Pittsburgh: 6-4-1 (253 vs. 209)
* 1986 Rutgers: 6-4-1 (221 vs. 189)
* 1986 South Carolina [ [Costello, Brian] , " [BELICHICK: THE GIANT YEARS] ", [http://www.nypost.com/seven/01272008/sports/giants/belichick__the_giant_years_117528.htm?page=5] , [2008-01-27] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 3-6-2 (313 vs. 286)
* 1986 Wyoming [ [Holbreich, Curt] , " [WISHBONE IS NO OPTION . . . Wyoming Has a Shot With Burnett Passing] ", [http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58711617.html?dids=58711617:58711617&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Oct+02%2C+1987&author=CURT+HOLBREICH&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=WISHBONE+IS+NO+OPTION+.+.+.+Wyoming+Has+a+Shot+With+Burnett+Passing&pqatl=google] , [1987-10-02] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 6-6 (299 vs. 272)
* 1987 Holy Cross: 11-0 (511 vs. 110) - Patriot League Champions
* 1987 Houston: 4-6-1 (284 vs. 292)
* 1987 New Haven: 8-2 (267 vs. 134)
* 1987 Oregon Tech:
* 1987 South Carolina: 8-4 (341 vs. 141) - Lost Gator Bowl
* 1987 Wyoming: 10-3 (426 vs. 271) - Lost Holiday Bowl
* 1988 Boston: 4-7 (230 vs. 285)
* 1988 Holy Cross: 9-2 (334 vs. 182) - Patriot League Champions
* 1988 Houston: 9-3 (474 vs. 219) - Lost Aloha Bowl
* 1988 Kentucky: 5-6 (217 vs. 208)
* 1988 Oregon Tech:
* 1988 South Carolina: 8-4 (232 vs. 224) - Lost Liberty Bowl
* 1988 Southwest Louisiana:
* 1988 Stanford: 3-6-2 (238 vs. 216)
* 1988 Wyoming: 11-2 (511 vs. 280) - Lost Holiday Bowl
* 1989 Arizona (Flexbone): 8-4 (248 vs. 178) - Won Copper Bowl
* 1989 Boston: 4-7 (292 vs. 271)
* 1989 Detroit Lions: 7-9 (312 vs. 364)
* 1989 Hawaii (Spread): 9-3-1 (470 vs. 281) - Lost Aloha Bowl
* 1989 Holy Cross: 10-1 (396 vs. 161) - Patriot League Champions
* 1989 Houston: 9-2 (589 vs. 150)
* 1989 Merchant Marine: 5-4 (202 vs. 200)
* 1989 Pacific:
* 1989 Purdue: 3-8 (172 vs. 281)
* 1989 Southern Methodist [ [Alfano, Peter] , " [COLLEGE FOOTBALL; Football Returns to S.M.U., but Not as King] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DEEDD1E39F93AA25750C0A96F948260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all] , [1989-03-19] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 2-9 (187 vs. 499)
* 1989 Southwest Louisiana:
* 1989 Tennessee-Martin:
* 1989 Texas Christian: 4-7 (183 vs. 301)
* 1989 Wyoming: 5-6 (281 vs. 299)
* 1990 Atlanta Falcons: 5-11 (348 vs. 365)
* 1990 Brown: 2-8 (160 vs. 299)
* 1990 Detroit Lions: 6-10 (373 vs. 413)
* 1990 Hofstra: 12-1 (555 vs. 122) - Lost Division III Semifinal Game
* 1990 Holy Cross: 9-1-1 (339 vs. 106) - Patriot League Champions
* 1990 Houston: 10-1 (511 vs. 303) - Won Coca-Cola Classic
* 1990 Houston Oilers: 9-7 (405 vs. 307) - Lost Wildcard Game
* 1990 Howard [ [Greenberger, Neil H.] , " [Howard Falls, 29-14, In Finale] ", [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1159378.html] , [1990-11-18] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 6-5 (261 vs. 205)
* 1990 Indianapolis Colts: 7-9 (281 vs. 353)
* 1990 Pacific:
* 1990 Purdue: 2-9 (177 vs. 337)
* 1990 Seattle Seahawks [ [Lyons, Gil] , " [Hawks Seek To `Work Out Kinks' In Offense Without Blades] ", [http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19900811&slug=1087175] , [1990-08-11] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 0-3 [ [George, Thomas] , " [Pro Football; N.F.L. at Midseason: Losers Run Wild] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE4DD1738F937A35752C1A966958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=3] , [1990-11-04] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] (44 vs. 68)
* 1990 Southern Methodist: 1-10 (197 vs. 426)
* 1990 Texas Christian: 5-6 (292 vs. 353)
* 1990 Wesleyan:
* 1990 Wyoming: 9-4 (327 vs. 297) - Lost Copper Bowl
* 1991 Atlanta Falcons: 10-6 (361 vs. 338) - Lost Division Game
* 1991 Brown: 1-9 (227 vs. 372)
* 1991 Detroit Lions: 12-4 (339 vs. 295) - Lost NFC Championship Game
* 1991 Hofstra: 8-2 (380 vs. 224)
* 1991 Holy Cross: 11-0 (372 vs. 174) - Patriot League Champions
* 1991 Houston: 4-7 (353 vs. 344)
* 1991 Houston Oilers: 11-5 (386 vs. 251) - Lost Division Game
* 1991 Indianapolis Colts (Games 1-5): 0-5 (40 vs. 113)
* 1991 New Mexico: 3-9 (240 vs. 473)
* 1991 New York/New Jersey Knights: 5-5 - Won North American East Division
* 1991 Pacific:
* 1991 San Diego Chargers [ [Harvin, Al] , " [He's M.L., Not L.T., but Jets Are Already Counting on Him"] , [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE0DC1E31F937A25751C1A967958260] , [1991-12-14] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 4-12 (274 vs. 342)
* 1991 Southern Methodist: 1-10 (141 vs. 359)
* 1991 Texas Christian: 7-4 (279 vs. 264)
* 1992 Atlanta Falcons: 6-10 (327 vs. 414)
* 1992 Georgia Tech: 5-6 (237 vs. 286)
* 1992 Hofstra: 4-6 (177 vs. 261)
* 1992 Houston: 4-7 (378 vs. 386)
* 1992 Houston Oilers: 10-6 (352 vs. 258) - Lost Wildcard Game
* 1992 Maryland: 3-8 (292 vs. 365)
* 1992 Minnesota: 2-9 (200 vs. 313)
* 1992 New Haven: 12-1 (613 vs. 289) - Lost Division II Semifinal Game
* 1992 New York/New Jersey Knights: 6-4
* 1992 Pacific:
* 1992 Southern Methodist: 5-6 (212 vs. 276)
* 1993 Atlanta Falcons: 6-10 (316 vs. 385)
* 1993 Boston: 12-1 (436 vs. 211) - Lost Division I-AA Quarterfinal Game
* 1993 California-Davis: 10-2 (460 vs. 297) - Lost Division II Quarterfinal Game
* 1993 Georgia Tech: 5-6 (260 vs. 286)
* 1993 Hofstra: 6-3-1 (271 vs. 189)
* 1993 Houston Oilers: 12-4 (368 vs. 238) - Lost Division Game
* 1993 Long Island-C.W. Post:
* 1993 Maryland: 2-9 (243 vs. 479)
* 1993 Minnesota: 4-7 (253 vs. 354)
* 1993 New Haven:
* 1993 Pacific:
* 1993 Southern Methodist: 2-7-2 (206 vs. 277)
* 1994 Atlanta Falcons: 7-9 (317 vs. 385)
* 1994 Boston: 9-3 (396 vs. 252) - Lost Division I-AA 1st Round Game
* 1994 George Mason:
* 1994 Hofstra: 8-1-1 (371 vs. 162)
* 1994 Houston Oilers: 1-9 w/Jack Pardee (147 vs. 218)
* 1994 Maryland: 4-7 (270 vs. 326)
* 1994 Pacific:
* 1994 Southern Methodist: 1-9-1 (197 vs. 343)
* 1995 Atlanta Falcons: 9-7 (362 vs. 349) - Lost Wildcard Game
* 1995 Emporia State [ [Schecter, B.J.] , " [The Emperor of Emporia] ", [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/1998/weekly/981102/cf1102/spot/] , [1998-10-28] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] :
* 1995 Hofstra: 10-2 (393 vs. 150) - Lost Division I-AA 1st Round Game
* 1995 Jacksonville Jaguars [ [Prisco, Pete] , " [Gilbride to test reputation against pass-happy Pats] ", [http://www.sportsline.com/columns/story/10609508/2] , [2008-01-30] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-11] ] : 4-12 (275 vs. 404)
* 1995 Maryland: 6-5 (210 vs. 251)
* 1995 Pacific:
* 1995 Southern Methodist: 1-10 (132 vs. 352)
* 1995 Wake Forest: 1-10 (190 vs. 360)
* 1996 Atlanta Falcons: 3-13 (309 vs. 461)
* 1996 California-Santa Barbara:
* 1996 Georgetown: 7-3 (303 vs. 167)
* 1996 Hofstra: 5-6 (203 vs. 138)
* 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-7 (325 vs. 335) - Lost AFC Championship Game
* 1996 Marshall: 15-0 (658 vs. 210) - Won Division I-AA Championship
* 1996 Southern Methodist: 5-6 (246 vs. 267)
* 1996 Washington State (Spread): 5-6 (314 vs. 317)
* 1997 Butler:
* 1997 California-State Northridge:
* 1997 Georgetown: 8-3 (276 vs. 178) - Lost Eastern Athletic Conference College Bowl
* 1997 Hofstra: 9-3 (397 vs. 295) - Lost Division I-AA 1st Round Game
* 1997 Marshall: 10-3 (484 vs. 259) - Lost Motor City Bowl
* 1997 San Diego Chargers: 4-12 (266 vs. 425)
* 1997 Washington State (Spread): 10-2 (483 vs. 296) - Lost Rose Bowl
* 1998 Georgetown: 9-2 (325 vs. 163) - Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Co-Champions
* 1998 Hofstra: 8-3 (426 vs. 297)
* 1998 Marshall: 12-1 (405 vs. 236) - Won Motor City Bowl
* 1998 San Diego Chargers: 5-11 (241 vs. 342)
* 1999 Georgetown: 9-2 (364 vs. 166) - Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Champions
* 1999 Hawaii: 9-4 (371 vs. 349) - Won Oahu Classic
* 1999 Hofstra: 11-2 (419 vs. 224) - Lost Division I-AA Quarterfinal Game
* 1999 Jackson State [ [Covitz, Randy] , " [Morris is no joke as Chiefs' top draft choice] ", [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7260250_ITM] , [2000-08-31] , [Retrieved 2008-08-07] ] : 9-3 (448 vs. 220) - Lost SWAC Championship
* 1999 Marshall: 13-0 (463 vs. 137) - Won Motor City Bowl
* 1999 Tulane [ [Pasquarelli, Len] , " [Combine notes: Ramsey states his case] ", [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/columnist?id=1344927] , [2002-03-03] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 3-8 (279 vs. 399)
* 2000 Hawaii: 3-9 (294 vs. 399)
* 2000 Hofstra: 9-4 (445 vs. 384) - Lost Division I-AA Quarterfinal Game
* 2000 Marshall: 8-5 (367 vs. 297) - Won Motor City Bowl
* 2000 Tulane: 6-5 (329 vs. 346)
* 2000 Virginia Military Institute: 2-9 (227 vs. 434)
* 2001 Hawaii: 9-3 (483 vs. 318)
* 2001 Hofstra: 9-3 (441 vs. 294) - Lost Division I-AA 1st Round Game
* 2001 Marshall: 11-2 (512 vs. 369) - Won GMAC Bowl
* 2001 Tulane: 3-9 (344 vs. 495)
* 2001 Virginia Military Institute: 1-10 (164 vs. 446)
* 2002 Hawaii: 10-4 (502 vs. 389) - Lost Hawaii Bowl
* 2002 Marshall: 11-2 (457 vs. 315) - Won GMAC Bowl
* 2002 Virginia Military Institute: 6-6 (314 vs. 415)
* 2003 Butler [ [Rosen, Dan] , " [Spreading success around -- Run-and-shoot offense is key to Butler's football supremacy] ", [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-88129602.html] , [2003-12-07] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] :
* 2003 Hawaii: 9-5 (486 vs. 427) - Won Hawaii Bowl
* 2003 Marshall: 8-4 (350 vs. 278)
* 2003 Saint Mary's [ [Curtis, Jake] , " [New coach, new approach at St. Mary's] ", [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2003/08/29/SP298446.DTL] , [2003-08-29] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 1-11 (162 vs. 471)
* 2003 Southwest Texas State (Triple Shoot) [ [Wire, News] , " [Tulsa looks to correct defensive woes against Texas State] ", [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?id=1614141] , [2003-09-12] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-08] ] : 4-8 (315 vs. 417)
* 2003 Virginia Military Institute: 6-6 (359 vs. 257)
* 2004 Hawaii: 8-5 (467 vs. 499) - Won Hawaii Bowl
* 2004 Marshall: 6-6 (291 vs. 266) - Lost Fort Worth Bowl
* 2005 Hawaii: 5-7 (368 vs. 428)
* 2005 New Mexico State: 0-12 (198 vs. 465)
* 2006 Hawaii: 11-3 (656 vs. 337) - Won Hawaii Bowl
* 2006 New Mexico State: 4-8 (374 vs. 369)
* 2007 Hawaii: 12-1 (564 vs. 331) - Lost Sugar Bowl
* 2007 New Mexico State: 4-9 (312 vs. 471)
* 2007 Portland State [ [Press, Associated] , " [Jerry Glanville brings back the run and shoot] ", [http://www.kgw.com/sports/nwcollegesports/stories/kgw_051307_sports_psu_spring_game.65f94a00.html] , [2007-05-13] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ] : 3-8 (338 vs. 418)
* 2008 Hawaii:
* 2008 Navy (Triple Shoot):
* 2008 New Mexico State:
* 2008 Portland State:
* 2008 Southern Methodist:

What Could've Been

* Bruce Coslet has a working knowledge of the Oilers' offense because he studied the run-and-shoot offense last year, thinking that he might want to install it for the Jets. He decided against it, because it didn't fit his personnel. (1991) [ [Smith, Timothy W.] , " [PRO FOOTBALL; Jets Won't Run and Hide From the Run-and-Shoot] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE5D91F3AF932A25753C1A967958260] , [1991-10-11] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]
* The Redskins' head coach, Joe Gibbs, said that his offense has adopted some run-and-shoot principles, but that his organization has never considered using that offense because it prefers power football. (1992) [ [George, Thomas] , " [Conference Championships -- IN A WORD: DEFENSE; Redskins Counting on the Big 'D'] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE5DB163CF931A25752C0A964958260] , [1992-01-12] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]
* "I wanted the option of the two-back or the power game with fullback and tight ends. I didn't feel the run-and-shoot was flexible enough with what we wanted to do with our offense." - Jimmy Johnson (1993) [ [George, Thomas] , " [Super Bowl XXVII; Big Moves for Large-Size Receivers] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE0D71E3EF93BA15752C0A965958260] , [1993-01-28] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]
* "We do have some of the run-and-shoot principles, but we're not rolling out as much,' he said, adding that the Jets would not often go to four wide receivers in a run and shoot." - Boomer Esiason (1993) [ [Smith, Timothy W.] , " [PRO FOOTBALL; Jets to Add Offense's Missing Link] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE4DA1F38F934A1575BC0A965958260] , [1993-08-27] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]
* The Rams have received permission to interview Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride for their head coaching job. But they'll have to wait their turn. Gilbride, 45, is scheduled to interview with the San Diego Chargers today at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. [ [Thomas, Jim] , " [RAMS GET OK TO INTERVIEW JAGUARS' ASSISTANT GILBRIDE] ", [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB0502193FDEABE&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM] , [1997-01-14] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-11] ]
* Georgia Tech has beckoned Jones, who is in negotiations to extend a contract with Hawaii that runs through 2003. (2001) [ [Eggers, Kerry] , " [Fair Game: June Jones eyes NFL prospects] ", [http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=8596] , [2001-12-18] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]
* In addition to the three NFL defensive coordinators, the names of college coaches such as Tyrone Willingham of Notre Dame, Bob Stoops of Oklahoma, June Jones of Hawaii, Rick Neuheisel of Washington, Kirk Ferentz of Iowa and Pete Carroll of USC were linked to the San Francisco vacancy. (2003) [ [Magee, Jerry] , " [San Francisco tosses its list, hires Oregon State's Erickson] ", [http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20030212-9999_1s12niners.html] , [2003-02-12] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]

Passing Game Success

*1982 Toronto Argonauts: Condredge Holloway - 299/507 (60%) for 4,661 yards and 31 TD vs. 12 INT
*1986 New Mexico: Ned James - 125/215 (58.1%) for 1,777 yards and 14 TD
*1986 South Carolina: Todd Ellis - 205/340 (60.3%) for 3,020 yards and 20 TD - Drafted by Denver Broncos in 9th Round
*1987 Holy Cross: Jeff Wiley - 265/400 (66.3%) for 3,677 yards and 34 TD vs. 17 INT
*1989 Holy Cross: Tom Ciaccio - 230/363 (63.4%) for 2,982 yards and 23 TD vs. 14 INT
*1990 Holy Cross: Tom Ciaccio - 196/324 (60.5%) for 2,611 yards and 24 TD vs. 14 INT
*1991 Holy Cross: Tom Ciaccio - 232/385 (60.3%) for 3,010 yards and 25 TD vs. 18 INT
*1988 Houston: Andre Ware - 212/356 (59.6%) for 2,507 yards and 25 TD vs. 8 INT - Drafted by Detroit Lions in 1st Round
*1989 Houston: Andre Ware - 365/578 (63.1%) for 4,699 yards and 46 TD vs. 15 INT - Drafted by Detroit Lions in 1st Round
*1990 Houston: David Klingler - 374/643 (58.2%) for 5,140 yards and 54 TD vs. 20 INT - Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals in 1st Round
*1991 Houston: David Klingler - 278/498 (55.8%) for 3,388 yards and 29 TD vs. 17 INT - Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals in 1st Round
*1992 Houston: Jimmy Klingler - 303/504 (60.1%) for 3,818 yards and 32 TD vs. 18 INT
*1990 SMU: Mike Romo - 250/412 (60.7%) for 2,434 yards and 19 TD vs. 13 INT
*1992 Maryland: John Kaleo - 286/482 (59.3%) for 3,392 yards and 17 TD
*1993 Maryland: Scott Milanovich - 279/431 (64.7%) for 3,499 yards and 26 TD
*1994 Maryland: Scott Milanovich - 229/333 (68.8%) for 2,394 yards and 20 TD
*1997 Georgetown: Bill Ward - 161/309 (52.1%) for 2,081 yards and 19 TD vs. 11 INT
*1998 Georgetown: J.J. Mont - 191/367 (52.0%) for 2,712 yards and 26 TD vs. 19 INT
*1999 Georgetown: J.J. Mont - 154/298 (51.7%) for 2,424 yards and 25 TD vs. 12 INT
*1995 Hofstra: Kharon Brown - 152/320 (47.5%) for 1,860 yards and 17 TD vs. 2 INT
*1997 Hofstra: Giovanni Carmazzi - 288/408 (70.6%) for 3,554 yards and 27 TD vs. 8 INT - Drafted by San Francisco 49ers in 3rd Round
*1998 Hofstra: Giovanni Carmazzi - 227/367 (61.9%) for 2,751 yards and 18 TD vs. 12 INT - Drafted by San Francisco 49ers in 3rd Round
*1999 Hofstra: Giovanni Carmazzi - 216/346 (62.4%) for 2,651 yards and 21 TD vs. 10 INT - Drafted by San Francisco 49ers in 3rd Round
*2000 Hofstra: Rocky Butler - 162/286 (56.6%) for 2,341 yards and 22 TD vs. 9 INT
*2001 Hofstra: Rocky Butler - 206/335 (61.5%) for 3,311 yards and 30 TD vs. 4 INT
*2004 Hawaii: Timmy Chang - 358/602 (59.5%) for 4,258 yards and 38 TD vs. 13 INT
*2005 Hawaii: Colt Brennan - 350/515 (68.0%) for 4,301 yards and 35 TD vs. 13 INT - Drafted by Washington Redskins in 6th Round
*2006 Hawaii: Colt Brennan - 406/559 (72.6%) for 5,549 yards and 58 TD vs. 12 INT - Drafted by Washington Redskins in 6th Round
*2007 Hawaii: Colt Brennan - 359/510 (70.4%) for 4,343 yards and 38 TD vs. 17 INT - Drafted by Washington Redskins in 6th Round
*2007 Portland State: Drew Hubel - 123/217 (56.7%) for 1,470 yards and 15 TD vs. 11 INT

Running Game Success

*1979 Minnesota: Garry White - 135 carries for 861 yards (6.38) - Drafted by San Francisco 49ers in 8th Round
*1982 Florida: James Jones - 150 carries for 752 yards (5.01) - Drafted by Detroit Lions in 1st Round
*1983 Florida: Neal Anderson - 162 carries for 835 yards (5.15) - Drafted by Chicago Bears in 1st Round
*1985 Rice: Antonio Brinkley - 168 carries for 860 yards (5.12)
*1986 Cincinnati: Reggie Taylor - 256 carries for 1325 yards (5.18) - Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 11th Round
*1986 New Mexico: Kevin Burgess - 181 carries for 1023 yards (5.65)
*1987 Houston: Kimble Anders - 158 carries for 791 yards (5.01) - Signed with Kansas City Chiefs as UDFA
*1988 Houston: Chuck Weatherspoon - 118 carries for 1004 yards (8.51) - Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles in 9th Round
*1989 Houston: Chuck Weatherspoon - 119 carries for 1146 yards (9.63) - Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles in 9th Round
*1990 Houston: Chuck Weatherspoon - 158 carries for 1097 yards (6.94) - Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles in 9th Round
*1992 Houston: Lamar Smith - 111 carries for 845 yards (7.61) - Drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 3rd Round
*1989 Arizona: David Eldridge - 143 carries for 788 yards (5.51)
*1989 Hawaii: Jamal Farmer - 199 carries for 986 yards (4.95)
*1993 Georgia Tech: Dorsey Levens - 114 carries for 823 yards (7.22) - Drafted by Green Bay Packers in 5th Round
*1996 Washington State: Michael Black - 182 carries for 948 yards (5.21)
*1997 Kentucky: Anthony White - 129 carries for 723 yards (5.60) and 4 TD
*2004 Hawaii: Michael Brewster - 113 carries for 722 yards (6.39) and 6 TD
*2006 Hawaii: Nate Ilaoa - 131 carries for 990 yards (7.56) and 13 TD - Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles in 7th Round

Receiving Game Success

*1980 Florida: Cris Collinsworth - 40 catches for 599 yards - Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals in 2nd Round
*1981 California: Mariet Ford - 45 catches for 600 yards
*1983 Toronto Argonauts: Terry Greer - 116 catches for 2,003 yards
*1985 Rice: Darrick Wells - 36 catches for 612 yards
*1986 New Mexico: Terance Mathis - 53 catches for 955 yards - Drafted by New York Jets in 6th Round
*1986 South Carolina: Sterling Sharpe - 74 catches for 1,106 yards - Drafted by Green Bay Packers in 1st Round
*1987 South Carolina: Sterling Sharpe - 62 catches for 915 yards - Drafted by Green Bay Packers in 1st Round
*1988 Houston: Jason Phillips - 108 catches for 1,444 yards - Drafted by Detroit Lions in 10th Round
*1989 Houston: Manny Hazard - 142 catches for 1,689 yards
*1989 Hawaii: Chris Roscoe - 47 catches for 1,043 yards
*1990 TCU: Kelly Blackwell - 64 catches for 832 yards
*1991 New Mexico: Carl Winston - 76 catches for 1,177 yards
*1992 Georgia Tech: Andre Hastings - 52 catches for 860 yards
*1992 SMU: Korey Beard - 64 catches for 813 yards
*1992 Maryland: Marcus Badgett - 75 catches for 1,240 yards
*1993 Maryland: Jermaine Lewis - 52 catches for 957 yards - Drafted by Baltimore Ravens in 5th Round
*1995 Maryland: Jermaine Lewis - 66 catches for 937 yards - Drafted by Baltimore Ravens in 5th Round
*1993 Minnesota: Omar Douglas - 60 catches for 880 yards
*1997 Washington State: Kevin McKenzie - 55 catches for 911 yards
*1998 Kentucky: Craig Yeast - 85 catches for 1,311 yards - Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals in 4th Round
*2000 Hawaii: Ashley Lelie - 74 catches for 1,110 yards - Drafted by Denver Broncos in 1st Round
*2001 Hawaii: Ashley Lelie - 84 catches for 1,713 yards - Drafted by Denver Broncos in 1st Round
*2006 Hawaii: Davone Bess - 96 catches for 1,220 yards
*2006 Hawaii: Jason Rivers - 72 catches for 1,178 yards
*2007 Hawaii: Ryan Grice-Mullen - 106 catches for 1,372 yards
*2007 Hawaii: Davone Bess - 108 catches for 1,266 yards

Run and Shoot Playbooks

* [http://www.houston-gamblers.com/id136.html 1984 Houston Gamblers (Mouse Davis) and 1985 Houston Gamblers (Kevin Gilbride)]
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2944745/1985-Denver-Gold-Run-and-Shoot 1985 Denver Gold (Mouse Davis)]
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2939835/1992-University-of-Houston-Cougars-Offense 1992 Houston (John Jenkins)]
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2940710/1995-Hofstra-RunNShoot-Matsaksis 1995 Hofstra (Manny Matsaksis)]
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2940801/1997-Georgetown-College-RnS-RedFaught 1997 Georgetown]

External links

* [http://www.vgsportsinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11196 Run & Shoot Message Board Thread for NCAA 2K5 (Must Read)]
* [http://www.doubleslot.com/ Double Slot Run & Shoot Page]
* [http://www.geocities.com/dmaly82/mellor1.htm Restart the Revolution Run and Shoot Article]
* [http://smartfootball.blogspot.com/2007/12/add-little-hawaii-to-your-offense.html A Diagram Explaining the Switch Route]
* [http://dh523.wordpress.com/2008/01/07/run-and-shoot-football-myths-examined/ A look at some of the Run & Shoot Myths]
* [http://dh523.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/hey-coach-wheres-the-run/ Looking at the run game in the Run & Shoot]
* [http://dh523.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/was-the-run-and-shoot-really-shut-down-in-1996/ Examination of the 1996 Atlanta Falcons. The last true "Run and Shoot" team in the NFL.]
* [http://www.kansasviking.com/imagesatlanta/34defense.jpg3-4 Defense. Notice that the "box" has only 4 players.]
* [http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z249/hydrotech/calosu_1.jpg4-3 Defense. Notice that the "box" has 4 with LB blitz.]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/coltsnflrules/images/nickledefense.jpgNickel Defense. Notice that the "box" has only 5 players.]
* [http://z.about.com/d/football/1/8/p/1/fig19.jpgDime Defense. Notice that the "box" has only 5 players.]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCjJbR0ThCc Video Highlights of Hawaii Football Offense]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtFQMiqw6a8 Video Highlights of QB Colt Brennan at Hawaii]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKZFh-cjGSA 1980 Portland State Football Video Highlights]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4KkOYskbzA 1993 Boston University Football Video Highlights]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4baBIPo7owg 2005 Hawaii Football Video Highlights]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ck7xnr-wHU 2006 (Part 1) Hawaii Football Video Highlights]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cditeOcgE7w 2007 Hawaii Football Video Highlights]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1lKMSSivc8 2007 Portland State Football Video Highlights]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efLE5JyskU8 2008 June Jones Breaks Down Some of the Run and Shoot]

Quotes about run and shoot

* "The way they throw, I think they can hold up. I know from a defensive standpoint, the run-and-shoot gives me nightmares." - Rusty Tillman (1994)
* "The run-and-shoot got the Oilers where they are. I think defenses all over the league are going to be very relieved." - Rod Woodson (1994)
* "I've seen them beat everyone on their schedule. Look at the numbers they've posted. They've won more games than a lot of conventional offenses. I just don't see how you can change something that works." - Derrick Thomas (1994)
* "Their offense always puts a lot of pressure on any defense." - Rich Kotite (1994) [ [George, Thomas] , " [PRO FOOTBALL; Run-and-Shoot Falcons Find Better Way to Win] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0DEEDD1330F93BA15752C1A962958260] , [1994-11-28] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-12] ]
* "As a matter of fact, we use some the exact routes from the run-and-shoot scheme in our offense. And just about everybody does. That's just the truth." - Chan Gailey (2001) [ [George, Thomas] , " [PRO FOOTBALL; To Juice the Offense, Teams Turn to the Slot] ", [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9502E6D81F39F93AA3575AC0A9679C8B63] , [2001-09-01] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-07] ]
* "People couldn't stop the run-and-shoot and then they figured out that you better just find ways to get to the quarterback." - Cam Cameron (2001)
* "Originally, there was no tight end, four wides, a lot of motion, a lot of trips (formation), sometimes five-receiver sets. But our connotation of it involved the reading of coverages and varying routes accordingly." - Mouse Davis (2004) [ [Canepa, Nick] , " [Forget his age; Riptide hires perfect Mouse] ", [http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/canepa/20040122-9999_1s22canepa.html] , [2004-01-22] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-13] ]
* "It's just evolved to where everybody in the United States now runs it, including everyone in the NFL. A portion of all packages has been developed out of it. You don't see the pure Run 'n' Shoot much anymore. It's been incorporated into other offenses." - Mouse Davis (2004)
* "Sometimes, we'll do some run-and-shoot. We'll sit back with one back and four wide receivers and do that. I remember the run-and-shoot in Atlanta. We always had a 1,000-yard rusher every year. We had a 1,000-yard rusher because we spread the field." - Robbie Tobeck (2006) [ [Clayton, John] , " [Spreading field creates running room for Alexander] ", [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2296522] , [2006-01-18] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-08] ]
* "Yeah. The offense makes average quarterbacks a whole lot better than they would be in another scheme. But when we have a great one, they’re better in what we do. . . . All the quarterbacks I’ve worked with had their best seasons in this offense." - June Jones (2006) [ [Zeiger, Dan] , " [Hawaii QB filling up stat sheets] ", [http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/78766] , [2006-11-11] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-08] ]
* "I always used to think the Run-and-Shoot was one of the toughest offenses to stop." - Jim Johnson (2006) [ [Gosselin, Rick] , " [Around the NFL] ", [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-31530894_ITM] , [2006-11-24] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-08] ]
* "I just feel that you can’t play without a tight end. At times, when the situation presents itself, I would use four wide receivers and take out the tight end. But certainly not on a regular basis." - Sid Gillman (2007) [ [Stoltz, Jeremy] , " [Chalk Talk: the Run-and-Shoot] ", [http://chi.scout.com/2/647913.html] , [2007-05-31] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]
* "It’s really a fun offense to watch and very difficult to defend. The different situations they can put you in based on down and distance really can raise havoc with a defense." - Chris Ault (2007) [ [Kendall, Josh] , " [Hawaii's offense may look familiar] ", [http://tennessee.scout.com/a.z?s=7&p=2&c=713213] , [2007-12-20] , [Retrieved on 2008-08-09] ]
* "As far as read routes and timing and leverage, all those things he teaches, it’s all very current. His systems are simple, yet very complicated to the defensive side. And Mouse started the whole thing right there at Portland State." - Marty Mornhinweg (2008)

References