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

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) dives for a pass in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) dives for a pass in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
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49ers
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

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.

49ers Offense
49ers Offense

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

49ers Offense
49ers Offense

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

49ers Offense
49ers Offense

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

49ers Offense
49ers Offense

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.

49ers Offense
49ers Offense

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

49ers Offense
49ers Offense

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.

49ers Offense
49ers Offense

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

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