In the Passing Game, 4 is the Magic Number

One of the best ways to attack a defense through the air is with 4 receivers to one side of the field. That can either mean starting with a 4-strong formation or finding ways to get 4 routes to one side.

The approach itself can have a number of effects. It can force the defense into more predictable coverages. It can create advantageous 1-on-1 matchups. It can more easily put defenders in conflict or flat out create chaos leading to busted coverages.

Below are some of the best examples we’ve seen in recent seasons.

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Let’s start with an example from Andy Reid and the Chiefs (of course). This was Kansas City’s first offensive play of their 2023 Week 9 game against the Dolphins. They initially aligned with 4 receivers to one side of the formation:

However, the design would ultimately get 4 routes to the other side of the field.

First, wide receiver Justin Watson motioned across the formation right before the snap. Dolphins linebackers would kick over and the safety to that side would drop down. This was zone coverage (cover-3):

That’s exactly what the Chiefs were hoping to see against a route concept that would get 4 receivers to one side of the field.

Watson would run a post off of his motion and Rashee Rice would run a hitch-and-go. The combination looked somewhat like a post-wheel to the defense: