Toss/Sweep
Both guards pull to lead-block the perimeter
- Ball carrier
- Block
The Toss/Sweep is the classic outside gap-scheme play, the running back receives a toss from the QB and attacks the perimeter behind two pulling guards. Both guards pull to the playside to serve as lead blockers, creating a convoy that outnumbers the defense at the point of attack. The RB reads the tight end's block on the edge defender: if the defender is sealed inside, the RB bounces outside; if the defender fights to the outside, the RB cuts inside the TE's block. The play demands athleticism from the guards and speed from the running back.
Blocking
5 OLTap a lineman to isolate his block.
Blocking rules
Both guards pull to the playside. The first pulling guard (playside guard) turns up through the first available gap or kicks out the edge defender. The second pulling guard (backside guard) wraps around and leads on the most dangerous defender, typically the playside linebacker or safety. The center, playside tackle, and any tight end execute reach blocks to seal the interior. The backside tackle hinge-blocks to protect against backside pursuit. The tight end on the playside is responsible for the edge defender, sealing him inside or driving him wide to create the running lane.
Running back read
Catch the toss and attack the playside edge at full speed. Read the TE's block on the edge defender: if the defender goes outside (trying to contain), cut inside the TE behind the pulling guards. If the defender squeezes inside, bounce to the outside with the pulling guards as lead blockers. Stay on the pulling guards' heels, they are your convoy to the end zone.
Why it works
The Toss/Sweep creates a numbers advantage on the edge by pulling two guards to the perimeter, that is two extra blockers the defense did not plan for in their edge-contain scheme. The speed of the toss and the convoy of pullers outflank slower defenses, and the TE's seal on the edge defender creates a defined running lane. Defenses must choose between containing the edge (opening inside cutback lanes) and pursuing from the inside (giving up the perimeter).
Conflict defender
Playside corner/force player, must choose between setting the edge to contain the run or filling inside to tackle, leaving the perimeter open for the bounce.
Play-action off it
1- Smash · Sweep action play-action, the toss fake and pulling guard motion attack the flat, then the QB drops the smash concept over the top of the biting corner.
Origin
The Lombardi Sweep is the most famous play in NFL history. Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers used the play to win five NFL Championships and the first two Super Bowls. Lombardi said, "We will run it and run it and run it until we can execute it to perfection." The play remains a staple at every level of football.
Toss/Sweep vs fronts
6 RATED- 3-4 Two-GapEdge
Two-gap linemen are slow to disengage and pursue laterally; the toss gets to the perimeter before the defense can flow.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Weak-side OLB (7/9-tech force)
Why the offense wins. Two-gap linemen are slow to disengage and pursue laterally; the toss gets to the perimeter before the defense can flow.
Key adjustment. OLB must set the edge and force the toss back inside to pursuing defenders.
- Tite FrontEdge
Tite front is designed to stop inside runs; the toss sweep gets to the edge where the front has fewer defenders.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Weak-side edge defender (JACK)
Why the offense wins. Tite front is designed to stop inside runs; the toss sweep gets to the edge where the front has fewer defenders.
Key adjustment. Widen the edge defender and have the safety fill as force from depth.
- Bear FrontEdge
Bear front loads the interior, leaving fewer defenders on the edge for the sweep to attack.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Weak-side defensive end (5-technique edge)
Why the offense wins. Bear front loads the interior, leaving fewer defenders on the edge for the sweep to attack.
Why the defense wins. The 5-technique end is the only edge defender on the weak side, so force has to come from the stacked WILL or a safety; if he beats the crack and stalk blocks, the toss is strung out.
Key adjustment. Walk the strong safety down as the force player and fast-flow the stacked linebackers over the top.
- 4-3 OverToss-up
The over front DE can set the edge and force the toss back inside.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Defensive end (C-gap)
Why the offense wins. Pulling guards create a numbers advantage on the edge.
Why the defense wins. The over front DE can set the edge and force the toss back inside.
Key adjustment. Have the end set the edge and the WILL scrape over the top to the toss.
- 4-3 UnderTough
Running the toss weak into the under front, the 5-technique end is on the edge with the WILL stacked behind him and the 3-tech squeezing from inside; the sweep is strung out.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Weak-side defensive end (5-technique edge)
Why the defense wins. Running the toss weak into the under front, the 5-technique end is on the edge with the WILL stacked behind him and the 3-tech squeezing from inside; the sweep is strung out.
Key adjustment. Have the 5-tech squeeze the edge and the WILL run the toss down from inside out.
- Wide-9Tough
Wide-9 DE is already on the edge, making it impossible to get outside him; the sweep is forced back inside.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Wide-9 defensive end (edge)
Why the defense wins. Wide-9 DE is already on the edge, making it impossible to get outside him; the sweep is forced back inside.
Key adjustment. Keep the 9-tech wide and upfield; the toss cannot get outside him.