|
To build on what Storm posted, simply put, pass routes are designed for WRs to be at a certain spot at a certain time, regardless of whether it's a slant, post, crossing, fly, curl, out, stop-and-go, etc. For example, a certain route may call for a WR to go 7 yards from the line of scrimmage and cut 45 degress inside and to continue the route regardless if he's the primary or fourth receiver. If Ginn is going 5 yards or 9 yards instead of the 7, and/or is not cutting at the correct angle, and/or is not finishing off his route, he'll be considerably out of position when the ball is thrown. The first two (yardage and angle) are obviously crucial in timing patterns, where Zwick is throwing the ball as, or even before, the WR makes his cut, while the third (continuing the route) is important when Zwick can't find anyone else open. Look at the 4th-and-14 in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl against Miami. Krenzel had the ball in the air as Jenkins made his cut...Craig was relying on Michael to be at the spot to where the ball was already traveling. They both knew they wanted 16 yards, not 14 or 18, and that's what they got...it was all because Jenkins ran a precise route to perfection.
__________________
|