Chalk Talk: How OSU Can Use the Cowboy Back (Pt. 3)

Yesterday, we talked about how OSU could use the cowboy back as a blocker here and we talked about cowboy back run-pass options (RPOs) here. Today, we’ll look at how the cowboy back can be used in the quick passing game. Most of these concepts have already been used by the Cowboys at one time or another, but may not have been used with tight ends.

The Pokes have used the cowboy backs in the quick game before. The stick route combination is a great example of a quick passing play. Here’s an example of the stick play from the Iowa State game:

Many consider a twin tight end set a run formation, but it can put a lot of stress on the linebackers in the pass game. Passing concepts that can use multiple tight ends or backs, like stick or spot, beat zone because of the concept design and beat man because of how the linebackers are aligned.

Another way of putting the linebackers in a bind is by flexing the tight end. If the linebacker plays him head-up, it leaves the box susceptible to the run; if the linebacker stays where he is, it leaves the tight end uncovered. Take a look at this stick route by Jason Witten.

The strong-side linebacker stays in the box and Witten finds the hole in the zone. If the defense plays Witten head-up, he has the option to run an out.

A final potential variation of the stick is to make it a RPO. The inside zone-stick combo was one that Ole Miss ran against OSU in the Sugar Bowl. Read the full analysis of the play here.

In the formation, tight end Evan Engram is flexed out on the line of scrimmage. When the linebacker was inside the box, the quarterback threw to the open stick:

And when the linebacker flexed out with the tight end, the quarterback handed it off:

Quick passing concepts that utilize the cowboy back could add another dimension to an offense. Even if the tight end isn’t a superstar, it still gives defenses trouble — Blake Jackson couldn’t catch to save his life and he still managed to get 600 receiving yards in his senior season.

Plus, don’t forget that the Cowboys have players like Blake Jarwin, a 2015 first team All-Big 12 selection. Jarwin didn’t get a whole lot of touches last season, but with an increased role in 2016, who knows? His production, and the production of all of the cowboy backs, might surprise you.