With just over two minutes left down 20-17 in the 4th quarter of a pivotal early season matchup, the Falcons faced 4th and 3 from their own 46 yard line. Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is known for his aggressive defense, and the Eagles had blitzed Ryan consistently throughout the game. The Falcons had already lined up in empty formations multiple times on the last drive, hoping to get a zero blitz look. On fourth down, the Falcons got their wish and called the perfect audible: tunnel screen.

The Eagles show a six man pressure with Cover 0 man to man behind it. There’s not much defensive disguise here; the Falcons being in empty makes the Eagles declare their responsibilities. Although one of the linebackers could theoretically drop into coverage, allowing the Falcons to account for each of the rushers with no deep safety and true man to man on Julio Jones is a recipe for disaster. Based on this information, the Falcons audible to a tunnel screen. Instead of trying to block the Eagles six rushers with 5 lineman, the Falcons have left tackle (#70) Jake Matthews release and create a 3 on 2 situation to the short side of the field:

Mohammad Sanu outside releases and picks up his block. The Falcons offensive line blocks inside out and buys Matt Ryan just enough time to get the ball out. Most importantly, Jake Matthews releases and pancakes his assignment, allowing Julio Jones to bend inside and turn on the afterburners for a touchdown:

Here, it looks like the Falcons baited Schwartz into bringing max pressure against an empty formation. This play works for a few reasons: first, Matt Ryan quickly sees the look he wants and checks into the tunnel screen. Second, its important to run the tunnel screen to the short side of the field and to the two wide receiver side. This minimizes the time Matt Ryan must hold onto the ball, the distance the ball must travel, and the chance for a missed block. This was a great example of chess on the football field with the game on the line.