Football is a game of strategy and innovation, where coaches and players constantly seek new ways to outsmart their opponents. One such strategy that has gained popularity in recent years is the “Mesh Concept.”
This offensive play design has revolutionized the passing game, allowing teams to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses.
Here we look into the details of the Mesh Concept, its history, implementation, and its impact on the game of football.
The Origins of the Mesh Concept
The Mesh Concept, also known as the “Air Raid Mesh,” was first popularized by Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, two innovative coaches who revolutionized the passing game in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
They developed this concept as part of the Air Raid offense, which focused on spreading the field and utilizing short, quick passes to move the ball efficiently.
The Mesh Concept itself involves two receivers crossing paths at a shallow depth, creating a “mesh” or “rub” against the defenders.
This crossing route creates confusion for the defense, as they must navigate through the traffic created by the receivers to cover their assignments effectively.
Mesh Concept – Creating Rubs
Implementing the Mesh Concept
Implementing the Mesh Concept requires precise timing and execution from both the quarterback and the receivers.
Let’s break down the key components of this play design:
1. Route Running
The two receivers involved in the Mesh Concept must run their routes with precision.
The first receiver, typically a slot receiver or a running back, runs a shallow crossing route at a depth of around three to five yards.
The second receiver, often an outside receiver or a tight end, runs a deeper crossing route at a depth of around ten to twelve yards.
The timing of their routes is crucial, as they must cross paths at the right moment to create the desired mesh effect.
2. Quarterback Read
The quarterback’s role in the Mesh Concept is to read the defense and make quick decisions based on the movements of the defenders.
The primary read for the quarterback is the defender responsible for covering the shallow crossing route.
If the defender follows the receiver across the field, it indicates man-to-man coverage, and the quarterback can look for other options.
However, if the defender stays in the middle or gets caught in the mesh, it suggests zone coverage, and the quarterback can target the receiver who has cleared the mesh.
3. Creating Mismatches
One of the significant advantages of the Mesh Concept is its ability to create mismatches against the defense.
By crossing routes at different depths, the offense can force defenders to make difficult decisions.
For example, if a linebacker is responsible for covering the shallow crossing route, it puts him in a challenging position.
If he follows the receiver, it creates space for the deeper crossing route.
If he stays in his zone, it leaves the shallow route open for a quick completion.
How Frank Reich designs his Mesh Concept | Film Study
Success Stories: Teams Utilizing the Mesh Concept
Several teams have found great success by incorporating the Mesh Concept into their offensive strategies.
Let’s take a look at a few notable examples:
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have been at the forefront of offensive innovation.
They have effectively utilized the Mesh Concept to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses.
Mahomes’ ability to read the defense quickly and deliver accurate passes has made the Chiefs’ offense one of the most potent in the league.
2. LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, implemented the Mesh Concept during their historic 2019 season.
Quarterback Joe Burrow thrived in this offensive system, utilizing the Mesh Concept to dismantle opposing defenses.
The Tigers’ success culminated in a national championship, with Burrow winning the Heisman Trophy.
The Impact of the Mesh Concept
The Mesh Concept has had a profound impact on the game of football, transforming the passing game and challenging traditional defensive strategies.
Here are some key ways in which the Mesh Concept has influenced the sport:
1. Increased Efficiency
The Mesh Concept allows offenses to move the ball efficiently by utilizing short, quick passes.
This play design often creates high-percentage throws for the quarterback, reducing the risk of turnovers and negative plays.
By focusing on short gains, teams can sustain drives and control the tempo of the game.
2. Exploiting Zone Coverage
One of the primary advantages of the Mesh Concept is its effectiveness against zone coverage.
By crossing routes at different depths, the offense can create confusion for defenders and find open passing lanes.
This forces defenses to adjust their strategies and potentially opens up opportunities for big plays.
3. Creating Mismatches
The Mesh Concept is particularly effective at creating mismatches against linebackers and slower defenders.
By forcing these players to navigate through traffic, offenses can exploit their lack of agility and speed.
This puts pressure on defenses to find creative ways to counter the Mesh Concept and defend against these mismatches.
Football 101: The Mesh Concept
Is the Mesh Concept Used in the West Coast Offense, Air Coryell, Air Raid, and Spread Offense?
Yes, the concept of mesh is commonly used in various offensive systems, including the West Coast Offense, Air Coryell, Air Raid, and Spread Offense.
However, it’s important to note that while the concept of mesh is shared among these systems, there can be some variations in how it is executed and integrated into each offense.
Mesh is a passing concept where two or more receivers cross each other’s paths at a shallow depth to create a natural rub or pick against man-to-man coverage.
The purpose of mesh is to create confusion and separation for the receivers, making it difficult for defenders to stick with their assigned receivers.
West Coast Offense
In the West Coast Offense, mesh routes are often used as part of the short to intermediate passing game.
The idea is to create high-percentage throws and rely on yards after the catch.
The mesh concept is often combined with quick timing and precision route-running.
Air Coryell
Air Coryell, which emphasizes vertical passing routes and stretching the defense, may use mesh concepts to create crossing routes and force defenders to make choices in coverage.
The mesh can create traffic for defenders, opening up opportunities for deep passes or creating mismatches underneath.
Air Raid
In the Air Raid offense, mesh routes are frequently employed to create horizontal stretch and to attack multiple areas of the field.
The Air Raid offense typically uses a high number of quick, short passes to move the ball efficiently, and mesh routes can provide options for the quarterback to find open receivers.
Spread Offense
Similarly, the Spread Offense, which aims to spread the defense out and create space, often incorporates mesh concepts.
By crossing receivers at different depths, the offense can create natural picks and openings in the defense, allowing the quarterback to find open receivers and exploit the mismatches.
While the concept of mesh can be found in these offensive systems, it’s worth noting that each system has its own unique characteristics and strategies beyond just the implementation of mesh.
The specific variations and adjustments within each offense can make a significant difference in how the mesh concept is utilized.
FAQs – Mesh Concept in Football
1. What is the Mesh Concept in football?
The Mesh Concept is an offensive play design that involves two receivers crossing paths at a shallow depth, creating a “mesh” or “rub” against the defenders.
This crossing route creates confusion for the defense, as they must navigate through the traffic created by the receivers to cover their assignments effectively.
2. Who popularized the Mesh Concept?
The Mesh Concept was popularized by Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, two innovative coaches who revolutionized the passing game in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
They developed this concept as part of the Air Raid offense, which focused on spreading the field and utilizing short, quick passes to move the ball efficiently.
3. How does the quarterback read the Mesh Concept?
The quarterback’s role in the Mesh Concept is to read the defense and make quick decisions based on the movements of the defenders.
The primary read for the quarterback is the defender responsible for covering the shallow crossing route.
If the defender follows the receiver across the field, it indicates man-to-man coverage, and the quarterback can look for other options.
However, if the defender stays in the middle or gets caught in the mesh, it suggests zone coverage, and the quarterback can target the receiver who has cleared the mesh.
4. Which teams have found success with the Mesh Concept?
Several teams have found success by incorporating the Mesh Concept into their offensive strategies.
Notable examples include the Kansas City Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the LSU Tigers, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
5. How does the Mesh Concept create mismatches?
The Mesh Concept creates mismatches by crossing routes at different depths, forcing defenders to make difficult decisions.
For example, if a linebacker is responsible for covering the shallow crossing route, it puts him in a challenging position.
If he follows the receiver, it creates space for the deeper crossing route. If he stays in his zone, it leaves the shallow route open for a quick completion.
6. What impact has the Mesh Concept had on football?
The Mesh Concept has had a profound impact on the game of football, transforming the passing game and challenging traditional defensive strategies.
It has increased offensive efficiency, exploited zone coverage, and created mismatches against slower defenders.
7. Can the Mesh Concept be used in youth football?
Yes, the Mesh Concept can be used in youth football.
However, it requires proper coaching and execution to ensure that players understand their roles and execute the routes effectively.
Coaches should focus on teaching the fundamentals of route running and quarterback reads to implement the Mesh Concept successfully.
8. How can defenses counter the Mesh Concept?
Defenses can counter the Mesh Concept by employing various strategies.
One approach is to use man-to-man coverage and assign defenders to stick with their assigned receivers, preventing them from crossing paths.
Another approach is to mix up coverages and disguise defensive assignments to confuse the quarterback and disrupt the timing of the routes.
9. Are there any variations of the Mesh Concept?
Yes, there are variations of the Mesh Concept that teams incorporate into their offensive playbooks.
Some variations involve adding additional routes or adjusting the depths of the crossing routes to create different angles and options for the quarterback.
10. Can the Mesh Concept be used in the running game?
While the Mesh Concept is primarily associated with the passing game, elements of it can be incorporated into the running game.
For example, teams may use misdirection plays or option plays that involve crossing routes in the backfield to confuse defenders and create running lanes.
Summary
The Mesh Concept has revolutionized the passing game in football, allowing teams to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses.
Developed by innovative coaches Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, this play design involves two receivers crossing paths at a shallow depth, creating confusion for the defense.
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and LSU Tigers have found great success by incorporating the Mesh Concept into their offensive strategies.
It has increased offensive efficiency, exploited zone coverage, and challenged traditional defensive strategies.
As the game of football continues to evolve, the Mesh Concept will remain a valuable tool for coaches and players seeking to gain an edge on the field.
