Acme Packing Company
If you watched the preseason game this past weekend (and I know you did, you sickos), you were treated to some not-great football. There was plenty to dislike, but there were quite a few fun moments in the game. When I go through a preseason game, I spend time looking at specific players and seeing how they did in their role.
And there’s time for that, but, for now, we’re doing a little quick-hitting film piece on the Packers’ only touchdown of the day: a 39-yard touchdown run from Amar Johnson.
The Packers were down 27-3 with 12 minutes left in the game, facing 1st & 10 at the Jets 39-yard line. They come out in 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR) in a split-gun look. Sean Clifford [16] is the QB, with Amar Johnson [46] on his left and Johnny Lumpkin [43] on his right. Messiah Swinson [48] is initially aligned to the left of the formation, but he shifts pre-snap and settles in-line on the right side of the formation. Tyler Baron [94] – the defensive end to the motion side – widens with the motion, making for an easier block for Swinson.
It’s a split-zone run, with the Packers looking to attack off-tackle on the right, between Swinson and Anthony Belton [71]. Swinson is blocking out on Baron while the rest of the line is trying to seal to the inside. Lumpkin is slicing under the line to block the EMOL (End Man On Line) to the other side. Johnson is crossing the face of Clifford to get the handoff, then looking off-tackle.
Swinson does a great job kicking out Baron, allowing Belton to get up to the second level immediately and pancake Aaron Smith [48]. Smith has his eyes in the backfield and never sees Belton, which allows Belton to easily bury him. I’m sure that felt good.
Trey Hill [64] and Jacob Monk [62] have a nice combo block, with Hill getting enough of the man across from him to turn him inside and allow Monk to seal, while Hill works up to the second level. Nicely done there.
It’s hard to pick a favorite block here, but Kadeem Telfort [76] might be my favorite in terms of sheer comedy. With Lumpkin taking the EMOL, Telfort is able to release up to the second level and block Jordan Clark [33]. Telfort is 6’7”, 332 lbs, while Clark is 5’9”, 184 lbs. Telfort simply grabs him and tosses him down. I have watched this block easily 2 dozen times by now.
With the end kicked out and the line doing a good job sealing inside, Johnson hits the hole, has great contact balance to keep his feet after a hit from the safety, then races to the end zone.
Albums listened to: Deafheaven – Sunbather
