NFL Run Game Schemes - Influence Trap and Wham Blocking Scheme

 Who says you can't run trap and wham at the NFL level.

I watched the Eagles do it on numerous occasions in various ways. The great thing about the trap is if you get the look, run it. If you don't like it you check out and run something else. That's the way the NFL teams do it. It's a great run, vs 4-2 teams and the nickel world we live in! Especially when you get these pass rushing defensive lineman focused on getting to the qb.

Sometimes they run it traditional with only one guard pulling. Other times they influence block it  pulling both guards and then blocking back with the h back. This version is called the wham play as it is a b gap trap play. Teams get plenty of yards against disciplined defensive lineman who follow the first guard. It's often a great play against teams that move and Defensive lineman consumed with getting to the qb.

The last way they run it is if the backside gets a 3 technique. In these situations they pull the tackle and have the guard block solid on it. 

Influence Trap

Here's a look at the influence trap. 1st and 10 vs the Bengals. Bengals in a 4-3 look with 2 3 tech.

What that does is change the puller. The tackle pulls when their is a 3 tech on the backside rather than the guard. The right guard pulls outside, which influences the DT to step to him, expecting a down block by the OT.

The DT actually steps outside creating a huge hole.

Great design for a nice 16 yard result.

On the next play,  they run tackle trap, same rule 3 tech so the tackle pulls and they run it long and block the de (5 tech) . IN theory Peters is a better puller so they may be trying to set it up this way as most teams set the front to the tight end. THey picture below is no different. Looks like the dt is in a 2i thus making the long call.  

Pick up a nice 6 yards.

Here's a clip of it vs the Steelers