In the fast-paced and competitive world of football, quarterbacks need exceptional decision-making skills and a high football IQ to excel on the field. At Capital QB’s in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, we prioritize implementing the QBIQ Operating System, developed by longtime QB coach Ron Raymond. This operating system equips our quarterbacks with a comprehensive framework to read, process, and make effective decisions pre and post snap.
In this article, we will delve into the key components of the QBIQ Operating System and demonstrate how Ottawa’s Capital QB’s can utilize it to elevate their performance.
Quarterback Operating System Pre Snap
- Down and Distance – Dictating the Play Call and Cadence:
Understanding the down and distance situation is fundamental for quarterbacks. It influences play calling and allows quarterbacks to make informed decisions about which plays to call based on the yardage needed for a first down and the remaining attempts. Moreover, adjusting the cadence can be used as a tool to manipulate the defense, potentially drawing them offside or gaining a strategic advantage. - Middle of the Field Open or Closed – Identifying Defensive Coverage:
Assessing the middle of the field open or closed is crucial for quarterbacks to analyze the defensive coverage. This component involves identifying the number of safeties present, such as Cover 1/3, 2/4, or Match. By recognizing the defensive alignment, quarterbacks can anticipate the defensive scheme and adjust their reads, progressions, and target areas accordingly. This awareness helps identify potential openings and exploit favorable matchups in the passing game. - Stairs and Cushions – Taking What They Give You:
Within the QBIQ Operating System, the concept of stairs and cushions is paramount for quarterbacks. Stairs refer to the relative positioning of the cornerback (CB) and halfback (HB) on the weak side or strong side of the field. Additionally, assessing the defensive cushions, or gaps between defenders and receivers, is vital. By observing the CB and HB positioning, quarterbacks can identify staircase formations, such as an upward or downward staircase. This information allows quarterbacks to recognize potential, “hold” or “cut” even “man” coverage and make decisions based on the shortest and highest percentage throws, exploiting the gaps in defensive coverage. - Box Call – Protection Call – Identifying the MIKE LB:
The box call is a critical component of the QBIQ Operating System. It involves identifying the MIKE linebacker and making the appropriate protection call to ensure proper pass protection. Recognizing the key defender in the middle of the defensive box enables quarterbacks to communicate the protection scheme to the offensive line, ensuring a secure pocket. Additionally, involving the running back (RB) in the protection scheme, particularly in slide or big-on-big protection, allows the RB to pick up the WILL linebacker, who typically blitzes more often than the MIKE linebacker. This collaborative effort ensures enhanced pass protection, affording the quarterback more time to progress through their reads with minimal pressure. - Blitz Snitch? – Recognizing Defensive Pressure:
Identifying potential blitzes and defensive pressure is crucial for quarterbacks. By observing the positioning of the defense, including the free safety, quarterbacks can gauge the likelihood of an incoming blitz. Analyzing whether the free safety is positioned down low or out of their usual spot provides valuable insights into potential blitzes and defensive vulnerabilities. This knowledge empowers quarterbacks to adjust the protection, execute hot routes, or make audibles to exploit weaknesses in the defense. - Pick A Side & Live With Your Decision:
Once all the necessary information has been processed, quarterbacks must make confident decisions and commit to them. Indecisiveness can lead to missed opportunities or turnovers. By trusting their pre-snap reads and the information gathered from the QBIQ Operating System, quarterbacks can make decisive choices and execute their chosen play with conviction. This approach allows them to capitalize on the identified defensive weaknesses and maximize offensive success.
By implementing the QBIQ Operating System at Capital QB’s in Ottawa, our quarterbacks gain a strategic advantage on the field. Through a comprehensive understanding and application of down and distance, middle of the field open or closed, stairs and cushions, box calls for protection, recognition of defensive pressure, and decisive decision-making, Ottawa’s Capital QBs will elevate their performance and excel in making effective decisions pre and post snap. This system empowers our quarterbacks to become highly intelligent decision-makers, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and success on the field.
