49ers film room: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk in Kyle Shanahan’s passing offense

I-Formation

Historically, Shanahan’s offenses have thrown to the fullback most often out of I-Formation, in running situations. Since his fullbacks weren’t the greatest athletes, Shanahan had to scheme them open by selling the run, and allowing the fullback to sneak out into open space.

Here, the Falcons are in an I-Form Twins formation with 21 personnel. DiMarco is lined up as the fullback in the formation.

Prior to the snap, the Falcons bring the outside receiver in motion for a potential reverse.

Quarterback Matt Ryan fakes the handoff to the running back as DiMarco heads to the B-Gap on the right side of the line.

Ryan then fakes the reverse handoff to the wide receiver, which causes the members of the secondary to freeze, as they’re caught staring into the backfield.

DiMarco squeezes through the hole, and comes out uncovered on the other side of the line.

Ryan finds him with the pass, and thanks to the receiver’s deep clear-out route, DiMarco has nothing but open field in front of him.

DiMarco makes it down to the 5-yard line before he’s caught by the Green Bay Packer defense.