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?

[HOOP]

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

[detroitchild]

Originally Posted by MICHAEL DOWNS

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

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

DC

[Michigan Joe]

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

[daghstrydr]

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.

Originally Posted by daghstrydr

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.

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.

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

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.

1. LT can angle because nobody is head-up within 10yds.
2. RT can angle as well.
3. LRB angles left to help block the blitz.
4. QB angles toward left sideline.
5. RRB angles right to block the blitz.

1. Defense angles 3 players: LDE, LDT and S.
2. "FB Dive."
3. Stop in action to show blocking scheme.
4. Another stop, just for pictures! *FB* digs in between both DTs.
5. Tackle made by DT!!!

1. Here's another Defensive alignment. This time ALL 5 OL are "covered" by the 4 DL. The 2 DTs are in the "A" gaps essentially (legally) covering the 3 interior OL, which means they CANNOT free-angle.
2. Offense audibles into Option Right.
3. Defense counters.