Digit system speeds Crabtree's learning

But the idea behind the digit system is pretty straight forward. For instance, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye this week made reference to Crabtree knowing what he's supposed to do on a play called "525 F-Post." Heck, even I know that Crabtree runs a "comeback" route on that play. I have no idea on which side he lines up, if anybody goes in motion, the depth of his route or any of that. But I know the X runs a 5 (comeback), the Y runs a 2 (slant), the Z runs a 5 (comeback) and the F runs a post pattern. The numbers represent the pass routes, 1 through 9. In order, the numbers tell XYZ which routes to run. The X is split end; Y is tight end; and Z is flanker. The F -- the position Delanie Walker and Moran Norris play -- is told what to do. In August 2006, I wrote "New Approach Comes Into Play" to give an overview of the system Turner brought to the 49ers. Turner learned the digit system from Don Coryell. When Coryell was at San Diego State, ...