Week 3 epilogue: Teams will be studying the 'Arkansas' package
Week 3 action in the NFL brought a number of issues to the forefront and reinforced a few more things that appeared to be festering around the league.
With two games of in-season tapes to watch, coordinators developed game plans that were problematic for opponents. Weaknesses are being found, and teams now get a week to fix leaks or they will get hit with them again next week.
Here are the things that struck me about Week 3:
The "Arkansas" package
There will be lots of names for what the Dolphins did to the Patriots when Ronnie Brown lined up as the shotgun quarterback, scoring four times on the ground and throwing a touchdown pass. I went to 16 NFL camps this summer and at least half of the clubs were working on some form of that package. Raiders rookie Darren McFadden ran with Felix Jones in the backfield at Arkansas. Right after Brown ran for his third touchdown, I turned to former Houston GM Charlie Casserly and predicted that the next time the Dolphins were in that formation he's going to throw a touchdown. And he did.
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I love the strategic battles coaches and coordinators are having. It's good to throw something new in the mix. Heck, it even worked for Wanny in that one Rams game.
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Is it feasible for the a team to break the huddle in the package, then revert to a traditional package to thwart pre-snap adjustments?
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Can a QB motion himself? I've been a fan for so long and don't even know.
Good question Dock. You've inspired so many of my own. Research time, methinks. -
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If I'm wrong on this, please let me know. -
It's a good thought, but may not be practical or legal. -
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Players-Substitutions
1. Each team is permitted 11 men on the field at the snap.
2. Unlimited substitution is permitted. However, players may enter the field only when the ball is dead. Players who have been substituted for are not permitted to linger on the field. Such lingering will be interpreted as unsportsmanlike conduct.
3. Players leaving the game must be out of bounds on their own side, clearing the field between the end lines, before a snap or free kick. If player crosses end line leaving field, it is delay of game (five-yard penalty).
4. Offensive substitutes who remain in the game must move onto the field as far as the inside of the field numerals before moving to a wide position.
5. With the exception of the last two minutes of either half, the offensive team, while in the process of substitution or simulated substitution, is prohibited from rushing quickly to the line and snapping the ball with the obvious attempt to cause a defensive foul; i.e., too many men on the field.
Position of Players at Snap
1. Offensive team must have at least seven players on line.
2. Offensive players, not on line, must be at least one yard back at snap.
(Exception: player who takes snap.)
3. No interior lineman may move abruptly after taking or simulating a three-point stance.
4. No player of either team may enter neutral zone before snap.
5. No player of offensive team may charge or move abruptly, after assuming set position, in such manner as to lead defense to believe snap has started. No player of the defensive team within one yard of the line of scrimmage may make an abrupt movement in an attempt to cause the offense to false start.
6. If a player changes his eligibility, the Referee must alert the defensive captain after player has reported to him.
7. All players of offensive team must be stationary at snap, except one back who may be in motion parallel to scrimmage line or backward (not forward).
8. After a shift or huddle all players on offensive team must come to an absolute stop for at least one second with no movement of hands, feet, head, or swaying of body.
9. Quarterbacks can be called for a false start penalty (five yards) if their actions are judged to be an obvious attempt to draw an opponent offside.
10. Offensive linemen are permitted to interlock legs.
NFL Rulebook
18. More than one man in motion at snap.
still looking for the QB as WR rule. -
When a QB goes from under center to the Shotgun, isnt he in effect in Motion. I don't believe there can be any other movement when this is happening?
I might be off base, but don't think so. -
I remember games where Tom Brady and Kurt Warner have turned away from center and walked away as if they are to call a time out, and then the ball is direct snapped to the running back. Is that considered motion?
Just curious. -
I dunno.. I said as I remember.. that doesn't mean I remembered right. It was a comment about why Penny couldn't return to the qb position.. be interesting for Penny to go in motion and stop behind center and take the snap... but.. I don't think he can.
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Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member
As to more than one person moving, if they set up, Brown calls an audible and several guys move back into, say the normal formation, it would be legal as long as they set for at least one second before the ball was snapped.
The trick to moving out of the Wildcat formation back to a traditional formation would be time...is there enough time to set, audible out of it and then reset...
I don't think there is an issue with CP going in motion... -