I’ve never understood the science of route running. It seems to be a technique that is 100% teachable. Why are some WRs so much better than others? Is it lack of effort? Why was Dez considered average at best at route running despite being a freakish athlete.
Like Cooper said, route running is, in large part, making the defender think you’re going where you’re not. A head bob. Leaning left and then cutting right. Drifting inside away from the sideline and then cutting hard outside. It is about fooling the DB.
The major advantage the WR has is knowing where he’s going when the guy covering him doesn’t.
It’s not just out jumping or out running the defender. Jerry Rice was probably the lesser athlete in a large percentage of his matchups.
Another big part of the route running equation is being where the QB expects you to be. If the play calls for the WR to go 12 yards and cut out to the sideline... then he doesn’t need to do it at 11 or 13 yards. Not being precise there can make a QB’s throw look off. It’s why you’re not supposed to round off your routes. Go 12 and make a hard, sharp cut, staying at that depth. Repeat it over and over in practice at 12 and do it precisely at 12 in the game.
There is a lot that goes into it. Coming back to the QB on a button hook. If the WR turns and stops his feet without drifting back towards the ball, it creates an opportunity for the defender to jump in front of him and make a play on the ball. A small thing that can make the difference between a first down or an interception.
There really isn’t a good reason for a WR not to do the little things, so like you, I don’t understand why they all don’t do them. Dez was certainly capable of making sharp cuts but he would routinely round off his routes. I think he had issues of being at the correct depth and wouldn’t always come back for the ball (although at times he would do a really good job on that). He was strong on things like jump balls, fades and back shoulder throws.
IMO, a really strong position coach who demands sharp routes can make a big difference to a guy who tends to get lazy on his routes. Having a group of smart guys at the position helps as well.
I really like the group of guys Dallas has at the position now. They all pretty much run really good routes and they all seem to have good football IQ. Cooper, Gallup and Cobb are particularly good and they now have a good position coach. It should be fun watching them this year. I can’t wait.