Pick | rub routes

[ConstantReboot]

I have noticed in a few games that I've watched this season that teams have started executing the previously illegal wr pick play closer to the line of scrimmage, within 5 yds, which is within the rules and is not drawing penalty flags. It's very effective. How long into the 2019 season do you think will we go before we see Garrett/Linehan implement a variation of it?

I called for these types of plays last year. If Garrett/Linehan hasn't even remotely sniffed these plays it will never happen.

 

[Alexander]

Funny thing is they have used it with Witt and Beasley and Twill. It worked well. So we never saw it again.

Of course. I believe once we did get flagged. Once is enough for the risk adverse Garrett.

 

[Biggems]

What I don't like is when the receiver runs a short route, turns back to the QB with hands in catching position, and shields the defender from a teammate, but gets flagged for OPI. I can see the penalty if you are blocking before or during the pass, but not if you are in receiving position. IMO , it should be either a defensive penalty or a no call......and this is coming from me, a huge fan of defense and wanting more for leniency for defenders.

 

[DrunkWithPower]

As others have mentioned we don't have many plays using the pick and rub. Most of the time it's one in which Witten screens on a crossing pattern and gets called for picking (because it's blatantly obvious). The Pats run a numbers game knowing they will only get penalized on a small percentage and believe the risks are worth it. Of course, they use picks on 90% of their passing plays and the refs ignore it, probably because it's their MO. Why do you think they have so many splash plays in which Brady throws to a wide open receiver with no defender within 15 yards? Because his defender got bushwhacked by another receiver!!! Maybe if we used them all the time the refs would ignore our blatant penalties as well.