The Dao of Executing an Unorthodox (Surprise) Play (4)

Another way to implement an unorthodox attack is to have a multi-option offense. One of those options is to influence the competition to play the reactive game. Forcing them to spend their time guessing on what is the offense's next move, especially in a near-predictable setting.

The New England Patriots usually influence their competition with a no-huddle attack.

This mode of offense focuses on maintaining pressure by not taking a break between plays. It is equivalent to basketball's "fast break" tactic.

"Score first. Score fast. Score again." This is the mantra of a no-huddle attack.

The Pats usually score first in a short time. In some cases, they either were able to score or pushed the competition into a difficult field position.

During the second half of the season, some of their competitors were forced to catch up and usually were unable to maintain that pace.

One of their favorite formations is the dual tight end (TE) attack.

The uniqueness of this attack mode is that the Patroits TE's are quite multi-functionally talented. Beside running the basic TE receiving routines (i.e., post patterns, vertical streaks, 10-15 yrs hook patterns) and blocking like regular offensive linemen, they could also flawlessly run WR's routes with effectiveness.

Because of their size and their unique speed, there are technical and physical mismatches between the New England TE's and their competitor's linebackers and defensive backs.

Whenever their competitor's defense is able to contain them, the Pats QB then focused on their reliable wide receiver on the outside route.

The variational uses of the five eligible receivers within their pass/run game are endless.

Taking What the Defense Gives

In this situation, the QB recognizes the situational intent of the defense and decides on an opposite approach.

Whenever their offense sees a pass defending situation, the double TE(s) sometimes remain in the line formation and block for the run. In a run defending situation, one or both TE(s) occasionally run out for the pass.

Seizing What One Wants

Occasionally, the Patriots completely comprehends their competitor's tendencies and the weaknesses. Then, they would begin to dominate by running on their competitor's run defense and passing on their passing defense.

At that level of extreme competition, one targets the jugular.

Extending the Model to Business

So, how does this viewpoint applies to business?

In the information economy, the grand marketplace is presumed to be near-predictable. To dominate one's own niche, he/she must have the available options before ever implementing the offensive mode. Having multi-functional talent usually enables the chief planners to plan a diversity of efficient tactics.

Influencing their competitor to react out of their norm is the name of the game. The extreme competitor usually forces their rivals to spend much of their time thinking instead of responding strategically.

Summation

Knowing the tendencies and the weaknesses of the competitor and integrating the different options into one framework are two of the many steps to building one's strategic power.