Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens showcases a play where Steelers WR Antonio Brown stacks Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes and draw a penalty.
Stacking is a vital tool in the arsenal of top wide receivers. Earn position on an opponent early, and the stack can sustain that advantage for the rest of the play. Big, tall, and fast receivers must develop this skill. Otherwise, they give up easy opportunities to create positive plays.
Stack that release and you control the pace as you can track that throw earlier. Might actually not outrun it. https://t.co/44GewOi5Sf
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 29, 2018
Let’s watch Antonio Brown show the rookie Marquez Valdes Scantling how it’s done against one of the very best, Xavier Rhodes
This play is like a chess match between Brown and Rhodes. And like an opponent who forfeits so he can get to the next game and not waste his resources on an inevitable loss, Rhodes recognizes that Brown has the route won as soon as he succeeds with the stack.
At this point, Rhodes does the smart thing and holds the receiver rather than wasting energy and potentially allowing a longer gain, if not a touchdown. Wide receivers should take note that the power of the stack isn’t just about creating easier catch opportunities to track the ball with the defender in a powerless position but it also forces smart defenders to commit penalties that lead to first downs for the offense.
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