The Buffalo Bills earned their first win of the 2016 NFL season against the Arizona Cardinals. With new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn calling the plays, the Bills used an up-tempo offense that managed to gain 208 rushing yards and 119 passing yards against one of the more talented defenses in the NFL.

Levels and Hi-Lo reads

Last season, most of the Bills’ passing offense was centered around “Hi-Lo” reads. It’s a pretty self-explanatory term, as the quarterback will read his progressions from high-to-low, with a route concept featuring two in or out-breaking routes at different levels of the field. They work well against man coverage, as they test the leverage and technique of the defender, as well as testing the discipline and anticipation of defenders in zone coverage.

Erik Turner broke down the “Levels” passing concept, which Buffalo used to success against Arizona.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaDiDmsoW8s&w=560&h=315]

The Bills are in a 3×1 set out of “11” personnel – one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson is to the bottom of the screen in a press technique against Buffalo wide receiver Robert Woods.

At the snap, quarterback Tyrod Taylor looks to the left, sees that Woods is covered. The quality protection up front provides him with a clean pocket, allowing him to work off his second read, tight end Charles Clay who is also covered.

Wide receiver Walt Powell (top of screen) has no defender in sight, as his quickness gave cornerback Cooper no chance at making a play, as he aligned in an off-man technique prior to the snap, making it an easy throw-and-catch to pick up the first down.

Here’s the full play.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaDiDmsoW8s&w=560&h=315]

Buffalo will need to rely on these quick passes that test opposing defenses horizontally on Sunday’s match up against the New England Patriots.

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