Broadway Breakdowns: Kalif Raymond goes deep, twice

An NFL football game is often decided by a few key plays that hold particular significance throughout the contest. Broadway Breakdowns is a weekly series that will analyze one or two of these key plays, isolating the concepts and impacts on the game at large.

For this week’s Broadway Breakdowns, we’ll focus on two deep shots to wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who had a career day Sunday, catching three passes for 118 yards. His two downfield receptions were huge plays to set the Titans up in scoring position.

If you don’t know much about Raymond’s background or his journey to the NFL, pop open this piece by our own Taylor Gamble and read it when you’re finished here.

Deep to Raymond, Pt. I

The first catch came on the second play from scrimmage following a six-yard carry by Derrick Henry. The Titans sell the run again before Tannehill finds Raymond deep down the left sideline.

This isn’t your typical Titans play action route concept. Before I break it down, let’s take a look at the play itself:

And here’s my whiteboard explanation of the route concept and how Raymond was able to get open:

Deep to Raymond, Pt. II

A bit later in the game, Raymond found himself open downfield for a second time off play action, again as the offense’s only receiver.

Art Smith draws up a nice pass blocking design to negate Yannick Ngakoue’s impact and limit the loss of Taylor Lewan. Tannehill delivers another beautiful throw to Raymond to spark a go-ahead drive for the Titans.

Let’s take a look at the play:

And here’s my whiteboard explanation:

Author: Justin GraverPerhaps best known as @titansfilmroom on Twitter, Justin Graver has been writing and creating content about the NFL and the Tennessee Titans for nearly a decade as a longtime staff writer (and social media manager) for the SB Nation site Music City Miracles. Although JG no longer writes for Broadway Sports, his Music City Audible podcast with co-host Justin Melo continues.