Jess Geller Posted the QB Shadow Rules Analysis to our Slack Channel. Posting here so we can keep the rules analysis handy. Thanks Jess!
Below is a discussion of the “Shadow the Quarterback” rule. This rule is part of the game and not controlled by the USFFL. The rule is designed to try and prevent a scrambling QB from getting a first down.
Many QBs have good Must Run (MR) cards and a few QBs have excellent MR cards. It can be frustrating for a defense on third and long to see a roll of 7 with MR come up, followed by a low roll and a 12 yard scamper for a first down. Strato has a way to deal with this scenario called “Shadowing the Quarterback”.
To employ the shadowing, the defense must call “Pass”. When setting up the defense, the coach can assign any LB to shadow the QB by dragging the LB to cover the QB. This LB is considered out of the play which means if he has coverage responsibility, the receiver will be considered Open. Note that I will be covering Open Receivers at a later date.
If a Must Run reading occurs, then the white die will be used to determine the result of the shadowing. This is where the strength of the LB shadowing will matter.
If the run rating for the LB is a 0, a white die of 1 will result in the QB being stopped 1 yard short of the first down. A LB 0 and white die of 2 or 3 means shadowing was not effective.
If the run rating for the LB is a 4 or 5, a white die roll of 1 or 2 will mean a successful stop before first down marker with roll of 1 being 1 yard short and roll of 2 being 2 yards short. LB 4 or 5 and white die 3 means shadowing was not effective.
If the run rating for the LB is a 6, then white die reading of 1, 2 or 3 will mean a successful stop of 1, 2 or 3 yards short of the first down.
If the result of the MR is less yardage than with shadowing result, use that instead.
A few comments:
1) You cannot shadow inside the opponent’s 10 yard line
2) Shadowing does not effect any other play result except MR
3) If MR does not occur, shadowing LB is out of the play and not counted in any defensive zones.
4) On MR, Shadowing the QB always prevents the QB from getting out of bounds. This is the case whether or not the LB was successful in stopping the QB short of the first down. Note that this clock change was put in by Strato relatively recently in 2022.
In the future, as you scout your opponent, consider a Shadow strategy and be ready to employ it at the right times.
If any of the above seems incorrect or needs more clarification, please either add your comments to this post or send me a message.