1. Re-Assess Personnel. How often does an off-season (or pre-season) hero melt when actual game action arrives? Likewise, how often does the steady (albeit unspectacular) player show consistency? Not all players are meant to be "stars", but many can serve a purpose helping the team win. If a staff can creatively maximize a "gamer's" role, it can be done so that the effectiveness of a player is utilized without becoming a liability.
For example, you might have discovered that a backup receiver has decent size, is a willing blocker, and though he lacks speed, decent hands. While this player might not provide the big play on his own, his presence might allow for others around him to benefit. Perhaps a new role as a utility player (similar to an H-Back) can be carved out; while having this player on the field for 50 plays would hinder the offense, 15-20 could make the team more effective as a unit.
On this day, our "0 plus Seam Read" structure was run in every conceivable combination, with every possible receiver. Each player had repetitions as the Locked Seam, the Seam Read, and the Drag outlet. In the example below, the locked seam is to the QB's right, with the Seam Read on the left, and the back cutting underneath.
So, COBRA was changed to "Come Off to the Best Runner Available". We identified our best RAC players, and had special plays for them. As an added dimension, COBRA always began with the advantage route - then down to the RAC guy. This proved to be an excellent way of helping patterns stay alive. For example, the clip below features the X on a drag underneath vertical releases, which augments our 3x1 Seam Read looks.