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When to Throw Deep in the Two Minute Drill Game

Risk and reward of the big shot.

The deep throw is the most tempting call in the two minute drill game. It can flip a two minute drill game in one snap, but it also fails more often than any other pass. This guide shows when the risk is worth it.

What the numbers say about the two minute drill game

In the real NFL plays behind the two minute drill game, deep throws complete far less often than short ones. A Go route connects roughly one time in three and ends in a sack or interception more often than a quick slant. A Deep post lands near half the time but can bring a big gain, which makes it the classic two minute drill game gamble.

When a deep shot makes sense in the two minute drill game

  • Little time left and far from the end zone: a safe 6-yard gain does nothing if you need 60 yards in 15 seconds.
  • Behind by more than a field goal: you need a touchdown, so protecting yards is less useful.
  • Against Prevent or Cover 2: short throws are open, so the deep ball is not the best answer. Against Man press or a blitz, the deep ball is stronger.

When to stay short in the two minute drill game

  • You lead and want to keep the ball.
  • You are in field goal range and one safe gain wins the game.
  • You are near your own goal line where a sack hurts most.

Hail Mary in the two minute drill game

The Hail Mary in the two minute drill game wins on a few snaps out of a hundred. Use it only when the clock is almost gone and you must score from midfield or closer.

Use the coach review

After you throw a bomb in the two minute drill game, check the alternatives panel. If a hitch or sideline out gave nearly the same win chance with less risk, you will see it right away.