- Play-action and RPOs need a live run threat. Use them where a defense actually has to honour the run. A fake nobody honours is not play-action, and nobody is honouring it on third-and-twelve.
- Fourth down is a real decision. Outside the fourth quarter, play the field-position game a staff with a job to keep would play:
- Backed up inside your own 40 — kick it. Punt or field goal.
- From your own 40 out to midfield — go on fourth-and-1 or shorter.
- Past midfield — go on fourth-and-5 or shorter.
- In the fourth quarter it is your call. Go whenever you want.
- Fakes are always live — any quarter, anywhere on the field.