Making O-linemen Smarter
 

I think I 've played everyway there is to play in my MF career, so I think I qualify to re-suggest..."Making our Offensive Linemen Smarter!"

A good friend of mine - Frankie J. now on tour with New Kids On The Block - suggested this quite sometime ago and it was heavily debated to no avail. Ant B. incorporates this in his MPFL System. I'd like to simplify it for those that DON'T play that way. Or at least formally suggest it to the other Coaches in my Solitaire League. :rolleyes:

In the MPFL, a quick on and off simulates the "snap" of the ball. At this time ALL unengaged players may be angled (or adjusted if using TTCs), first the Offense, then the Defense. "Run", "Pass" etc, etc, etc.

I love playing this way and over the last several months, I think I've figured out a way to speed it up. Especially since running the Army's New Cadet Wishbone. Let's rewind back to the angles.

After the snap, which also constitutes the first few steps of both side's play, the OL should engage with the DL. At least that's the intent. So, at least 2 OL and DL should be engaged, depending on the blocking/rush schemes of both sides.

Now, let's back-up a lil more, to the "pre-snap." In most cases, in real life football, the OL is NOT going to fly down the field uncontested and brainless. They call signals at the LOS, pointing out their guy. If there isn't a defender over them, they have 2ndary assignments - doubleteam a DL or find an LB. "HIT SOMEBODY!!! HIT ANYBODY!!!" is what my HS Coach screamed constantly to my OL.

I say, if there isn't a man head-up within 10yds of the LOS, then that OL can be angled/adjusted (uncontested) to a 2ndary assignment prior to the snap. Not only does this save angle time later, but THIS WILL MANDATE DEFENSES TO PLAY LEGITIMATE DEFENSES AND NOT THE 11-MAN FRONT. That 2-man DL with 8 LBs and 1 Safety Deep will cease to exist. Or not, but at least the OL can double someone instead of being "o-layed" like mad bulls.

Just a thought. What say you? $cch$

mgngcrz :confused: :eek: thmbsp$ thmbsp$

VERY INTERESTING. I AM GONNA TAKE A LOOK AT THIS.

Me too!!! Jimbo, do you have a video showing how this works???

DC

Jimbo,
Having scrimmaged with you using the quick "snap" rule (on/off of board followd by adjustments of unengaged players similar to MPFL) you know that I like how this creates very realistic plays but the weakness of the concept is that it really does slow things down, maybe too much for some people. I think this is an excellent concept to counter act the time needed to adjust players after an intial "snap". You're always thinking! The other thing I like about this concept is that is is SIMPLE to execute. I think the key to any rule set is simplicity. Simplicity that opens up the game to multiple strategic options.

Another interesting thing about your idea is that it puts pressure on the defense to create layers, or else pay the penalty of allwoing unengaged lineman a free angle. Can you imagine the 10 man line defenses with this rule in effect? Like anything else, I think the answer will be in the playability of the rule. If I can ever escape from work I will be happy to try scrimmaging this with you to test it out.
Joe

Jimbo
 

it works just fine, thats the way we are doing it here in the dsefl. All unengaged players can be adjusted to throw the block, we also give 15 sec to each coach to make those necessary adjustments.

Misunderstanding
 

I think you missed my NEW point, Leonard. That being that IF the OL are left with nobody in front of them within 10yds of the LOS and BEFORE THE SNAP, they can be angled to doubleteam, without the Defense matching. thmbsp$

Stay tuned for videos from AN ARMY OF ONE!!!

Without the defense matching! :eek: That ain't fair! I'll wait to see your video before further comment.

The Why?
 

DC: This is ONLY the setup, NOT the "audibles." IF Defense decides to cheat and leave guys unchecked, then of course they're ALLOWING the OL to double-down. I'm watching CSI right now and then I do some vids. Standby. thmbsp$

My bad, during the pre-snap linemen can be angled to dbl team the defender or placed at an angle that they can pull out for your run play. We all enjoy this style and its gives you a chance to run your designed play.
Leonard

Round 2 of Making Offensive Linemen Smarter
 

I think everyone has forgotten that I play with the Strategy Divider.:rolleyes:

So, let's start over.

1. Offense.
2. Defense.
3. Lift the SD.

More
 

More and more
 

Last set.
 

Great stuff!
 

Keep it coming. BTW, on the last pic you turned your weak side LB to run back into coverage correct? Does that mean you can pass out of this option play?

Good Eye!
 

DC: You better believe it! That was my FS that dropped back into Zone to help with that LWR. I've been trying to upload 3 more videos to show the free OL pivots and the results. Stay tuned! thmbsp$

1. Free pivots for uncovered OL. Uncovered OL: no defender headup or in either gap for 10yds.(:10 seconds)
2. Offensive audibles; Defensive audibles. (:10 seconds each side)
3. Play Call: "Dive" and "Pitch" right off the break; or "QB Option". (:10 seconds)
4. Offense runs board and stops when "Pitch" or "Pass" presents itself. (:10 seconds to decide; another :10 seconds to execute pass). :eek:

• Golden Rule on pivots (MPFL): Ballcarrier is unable to pivot if an unengaged Defender is within 1 baselength!!! Likewise, THAT defender is unable to pivot as well.
• If lateral, even-steven pivots beyond 1 baselength of ballcarrier; Defense runs switch until 10yd gain; Read-N-React.
• If forward pass, then ALL unengaged players beyond 1 baselength of ballcarrier may pivot; Defense runs switch until 10yd gain; Read-N-React.

OL Play
 

Jimbo,

In the MPFL System, the snap of the ball allows LM to pivot to pick up defenders who are not playing over top of them. In my system, Pro-Set Miniature Football League, we devised a why to get O-LM more into the play by allowing them to block defenders on the second level, if they are engaged with 2 defenders on the LOS. How many times have you seen a O-LM first make contact with D-LM only to brush him off and go get a LB? It's timed blocking! Now I know some guys will say, "That takes to long to run a play." True, but I've found 10 people who agree with me!

Smitty

Do you have pics or video of this Smitty?

Bump!
 

I still find this thread interesting.ppls$

Interesting post......

O-Lineman
 

I like the concept and think it makes total sense. I am guilty of playing many "bizarre" (I prefer to think of them as Belichek-like, though) defenses where the OL will not line up against anyone.

Likewise, I get frustrated on offense by the typical 2-2 Stack where 3 OL either have to have their dial turned to block down or risk running downfield and never touching anyone.

If it were limited to the OL as "free pivots", then I do think we'd see more running plays or it would open up the passing game as guys wouldn't leave so many guys back as safety.

Keep the great ideas coming.

NOT GOOD TO ME , IT WOULD TAKE TO LONG FOR EACH PLAY.

SECONDS
 

I value your opinion, JD, but it only takes an extra 1, 2 or 3-seconds to "pivot" the OL that don't have a DL in front of them. It all depends on the defense. As far as timing for the entire play, it only takes 1:00 TOTAL between plays. Faster than most other leagues. thmbsp$

BIG SMITTY STYLE
 

The Pro Set Miniature Football rules, as Smitty posted a while ago on this thread sounded interesting. Does anyone out there know exactly how it works? It sounded pretty simple, so i was wondering if it were more than that. Does this have to have a stoppage involved? Having OL's pushing off a block to get that safety sounds good. I will definitely scrimmage this and see for myself.

The original point to this thread by Jimbo, i would like to say that i like it. I have played this way many times in solitaire, and it works well in developing plays and just simply, adding a different look to the game. Timing is an issue though, as i find one play taking a long time. Perhaps however, it is due to me controlling and thinking for both sides, and not being bothered with a clock as well.

all ritty then
 

that looks like a free run, it deffenatly will make the d play honest