Chicago Bears Monthly Mailbag: Offensive line, trade deadline, and more
By Usayd Koshul
I've heard a lot about scripting plays to start a game. But what exactly does the script look like? Specifically, how does the script account for field position, down and distance? I assume the 3rd play called would be different on 3rd & 1 vs 3rd & 10.
— N Swann #BearDown (@down_chicago) October 15, 2019
4. Scripting plays and situational playcalling
Scripting plays is basically when an offense has a set number of plays that are practiced throughout the week that the offense will use at the beginning of the game to get the entire offense in a rhythm. This approach is especially useful for young teams with quarterbacks that are still learning an offensive system.
In a lot of ways, it’s hard to say what a script looks like but it’s all about developing confidence in your quarterback to ensure that they can effectively manage the rest of the offense. Usually, it’s the first 15 plays of a game that scripted. Besides just the offense getting in a rhythm, scripting plays also allows for offensive coaches to see what the defense is going to do.
Scripted plays do in fact factor in field position. Remember that football is a situational game and in certain situations, both the offense and defense need to call plays that are specific to the situation their respective teams are in.
Related Story. Chicago Cubs: Management takes first step towards rebuild. light
For example, if an offense is in a third-and-short situation, the scripted play may just be something so simple such as running the ball. However, if an offense is in third-and-long, it will obviously end up being a pass play to either go for the first down or end up getting enough yards to just kick a field goal, depending on what side of the field the offense is on.