The play action passing game is basically a cheat code for offenses. If you look at the coaches widely considered the "greatest offensive minds" going right now—McVay, Shanahan, O'Connell, Ben Johnson, and yes, even Sarkisian—you’ll find a common thread: their offenses are built on the bones of play action.
It’s kind of a “cheat code” for a few data-driven reasons. First, you don’t actually have to run the ball well for it to work. Second, it doesn’t suffer from diminishing returns—the more you use it, the more it tends to stay effective. Third, it naturally increases your average depth of target. And finally, it helps receivers get more separation, or just feel more “open” in general.
I wouldn't say that Leftwich bases his offense on play action, but between that and RPO game, it accounts for a large chunk of what he does. Below you can compare Behren Morton's pass attempts last year to Texas State's QB Jordan McCloud. Leftwich's QB utilized play action on 42.2% of his drop backs compared to 29.7% with Kittley last season. For an offense to be as successful as possible, the more play action the better.
2024 Behren
2024 Jordan McCloud (TX State QB)
We can see why play action is effective in the three clips below.
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It’s kind of a “cheat code” for a few data-driven reasons. First, you don’t actually have to run the ball well for it to work. Second, it doesn’t suffer from diminishing returns—the more you use it, the more it tends to stay effective. Third, it naturally increases your average depth of target. And finally, it helps receivers get more separation, or just feel more “open” in general.
I wouldn't say that Leftwich bases his offense on play action, but between that and RPO game, it accounts for a large chunk of what he does. Below you can compare Behren Morton's pass attempts last year to Texas State's QB Jordan McCloud. Leftwich's QB utilized play action on 42.2% of his drop backs compared to 29.7% with Kittley last season. For an offense to be as successful as possible, the more play action the better.
2024 Behren
2024 Jordan McCloud (TX State QB)
We can see why play action is effective in the three clips below.
This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.
