Football is littered with specialized terminology. From pin deep punt to NCAA concept, commentators rarely get to explain everything you need to know before the next play. Inside The Pylon’s glossary was developed to give fans a deeper understanding of the game through clear explanations, as well as image and video examples. Please contact us with any terms or phrases you’d like to know more about.
22 Offensive Personnel
22 offensive personnel is an offensive personnel package where the five eligible players consist of 2 running backs, 2 tight ends, and 1 wide receiver. This personnel group is primarily used to condense the defense and create mismatches in blocking assignments and the play action passing game.
22 offensive personnel is a grouping that tends to serve the running game. With two running backs and two tight ends, this is suited for a power running attack. Teams can run power plays to a two-tight-end side of the formation with a lead blocker, or can run to the weak side while still utilizing a lead blocker.
Below, the Arizona Cardinals deploy 22 offensive personnel in an offset i-formation, with both tight ends on the line of scrimmage:
In the next example, the Buffalo Bills send out 22 offensive personnel, with running backs flanking the quarterback (in shotgun), and a lone receiver split wide right. One tight end is on the line, while the other is standing in a tight split off right tackle:
Next, the Montana Grizzlies align their 22 package with the second tight end and two running backs in an inverted wishbone behind the quarterback:
Finally, in the shadow of their own goalposts, the Atlanta Falcons deploy aa run-heavy look with 22 personne, with a receiver split wide left, and tight end Jacob Tamme (#83) in the slot:
The Falcons initially show run, but quarterback Matt Ryan (#2) quickly pulls down the fake to pass. Offenses often use run action to set up a deep shot, but this is bang play action ‒ Atlanta is just looking for a modest gain to get itself some breathing room. But D’Qwell Jackson (#52)reads the pass play and drops into coverage rather than selling out on the run fake. He plucks Ryan’s pass out of the air, and then he walks into the end zone for the touchdown.
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Mark Schofield & Dave Archibald wrote this entry. Follow Dave on Twitter @. Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkSchofield
All video and images courtesy NFL Game Pass & ESPN.