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My dad used to coach high school and college football way back in the 60's through the 80's. At one stop, there was a rival catholic high school that almost ne

My dad used to coach high school and college football way back in the 60's through the 80's. At one stop, there was a rival catholic high school that almost never kicked. No punts, always going for two on extra points and no field goals unless it was the end of the half or the end of the game. Their players and coaches were cocky about it, and beat my dad's teams more often than not, so my dad never liked them. Thinking about it further, though, their style of play broke the other teams' game plans. In general, if a defense can hold the other team to 3 yards or less they win. (Because 3 yards times 3 downs equals 9 yards and a new set of downs is 10 yards.) By calling a play on 4th down, they lowered their standard of success to 2.5 yards per play. In startup terms, they extended their runway by 33%.

unclebucknasty 13y ago
I wonder how it would work out if teams actually structured their offenses around gaining only 2.5 yards per down; not averaging 2.5, but actually gaining 2.5? Of course, they'd have to go deeper now and again just to keep the offense on its toes, but apart from that 2.5 is the goal. Everything else is a bonus. If successful, they would also control the clock and keep the other team's defense on the field.
- cyanbane 13y ago
  I would think that would imply a heavy running game, which would break down your backs very quickly. (A whole lot of Option) That being said, if you recruited for that it would be an interesting strategy.
  - unclebucknasty 13y ago
    Yeah, well, and quick outs, slants, short passes underneath, etc. Actually, now that I think of it, maybe the playbook wouldn't have to change too dramatically. You may run the ball a bit more, but you'd still run pass plays that spread the field out. If the defense just gives you the deep play, you take it. But, you're content to go with the first play that nets you 2.5, so you make that the goal and always have a couple of short options. The QB then prioritizes those in his progression.
- ams6110 13y ago
  You'd have football as it was played 50 years ago?
  - unclebucknasty 13y ago
    Heh. Bring out the leather helmets. But, that may be the reason it could work.

unclebucknasty 13y ago

I wonder how it would work out if teams actually structured their offenses around gaining only 2.5 yards per down; not averaging 2.5, but actually gaining 2.5? Of course, they'd have to go deeper now and again just to keep the offense on its toes, but apart from that 2.5 is the goal. Everything else is a bonus. If successful, they would also control the clock and keep the other team's defense on the field.

cyanbane 13y ago
I would think that would imply a heavy running game, which would break down your backs very quickly. (A whole lot of Option) That being said, if you recruited for that it would be an interesting strategy.
- unclebucknasty 13y ago
  Yeah, well, and quick outs, slants, short passes underneath, etc. Actually, now that I think of it, maybe the playbook wouldn't have to change too dramatically. You may run the ball a bit more, but you'd still run pass plays that spread the field out. If the defense just gives you the deep play, you take it. But, you're content to go with the first play that nets you 2.5, so you make that the goal and always have a couple of short options. The QB then prioritizes those in his progression.
ams6110 13y ago
You'd have football as it was played 50 years ago?
- unclebucknasty 13y ago
  Heh. Bring out the leather helmets. But, that may be the reason it could work.