Split RB Strategy? Sign me up!

[CalgaryFan05]

Let's see more stuff like this.

We got the people. Put it in the big pot with using the TE group more, and some misdirection - and let's get going!!!!

Bumpus: The formation the Seahawks should use on offense in '23

Michael Bumpus thinks the Seattle Seahawks have the ability to use a split-back formation with Geno Smith under center in 2023.

sports.mynorthwest.com

 

[Mick063]

Let's put this another way. Where does the opponent have a depth issue?
DT and LB? Then split backs can work.
LB and Safety? This team can competently line up three tight ends.
Corner? This team has a new slot receiver that will be matched against the opponent's third best corner. Ponder that for a moment.
Scout the opposing roster and exploit it. This means that there will be an appropriate situation for a two-back set. But the operative word is that it is still situational. Regardless, I don't expect a lot of generic stuff this season. Too many available offensive options to be bland and predictable.

On the other hand, teams tend to repeat what works. An endzone corner fade to DK's huge wingspan is always a reliable option.

 

[sutz]

Yeah, I can see adding the 2 back set to the repertoire, but not really interested in a "base" set. I've said elsewhere, I want to see some creativity and adaptability.

 

[CalgaryFan05]

Too many available offensive options to be bland and predictable.

On the other hand, teams tend to repeat what works. An endzone corner fade to DK's huge wingspan is always a reliable option.

Here's hoping!

I like your take on it. Lack of situational adaptation is/was/may be my biggest critical point for the last season, and before that.

I love it when Romo's broadcasting: "What you need to do is AGGRESSIVELY take whatever the defense is offering you.".

Actually missing I formations - but that's another decade and topic -

Lets get jiggy!

 

[Kamcussionator]

I want to see us line up in the wishbone against some light 3-4 defenses this year, just for fun!

 

[CalgaryFan05]

I want to see us line up in the wishbone against some light 3-4 defenses this year, just for fun!

that would be sweet.

 

[Mick063]

I want to see us line up in the wishbone against some light 3-4 defenses this year, just for fun!

I never was a big option fan. For one simple reason. Turnovers. EVERY form of option offense has a high risk for turnovers. Simple math really. For any given play, any additional ball exchange has a nonlinear negative effect upon turnover potential. The wishbone was largely abandoned because of it.

This is why, to me, a truly viable running formation is the "I" formation. One ball exchange, low turnover potential, and a smash mouth ideology that offensive lineman love. Further, Mack Strong was "exhibit A" of how an offense can provide versatility from the full back position. Major props to the Forty Niners for keeping the position alive.

The best that the current roster can do to approximate a true running formation is with their three tight end set (I think they have a fullback on the roster, but he seems to be primarily a "special teamer".) I can live with that. I love it when the team lines up in that formation. Of course, our new slot receiver is going to reduce how often the team lines up in that formation, but there is still a time and place for it. Especially inside the twenty-yard line. Perhaps the fore mentioned two back set or "pro set" is another viable run formation as well. A play action wheel route would be an interesting play from the pro set. Getting K9 into open space is always a good play.

 

[pmedic920]

We have tons of weapons now.

As others have stated, no defense can cover everything, adapt and play accordingly.

That’s all I want.
Just play smart according to what each opponent gives up.
To Hell with the same game plan regardless of opponent.

 

[Mad Dog]

The issue with the Two back set is it takes away a blocker from the line of scrimmage. That leaves one more free defender the other RB has to identify and get to. It’s a large reason why teams abandoned FBs for in line TEs.

That being said, it can be a situational formation that works especially well on screen plays where blocking is superfluous and misdirection is key.

 

[BlueTalon]

I never was a big option fan. For one simple reason. Turnovers. EVERY form of option offense has a high risk for turnovers. Simple math really. For any given play, any additional ball exchange has a nonlinear negative effect upon turnover potential. The wishbone was largely abandoned because of it.

This is why, to me, a truly viable running formation is the "I" formation. One ball exchange, low turnover potential, and a smash mouth ideology that offensive lineman love. Further, Mack Strong was "exhibit A" of how an offense can provide versatility from the full back position. Major props to the Forty Niners for keeping the position alive.

The best that the current roster can do to approximate a true running formation is with their three tight end set (I think they have a fullback on the roster, but he seems to be primarily a "special teamer".) I can live with that. I love it when the team lines up in that formation. Of course, our new slot receiver is going to reduce how often the team lines up in that formation, but there is still a time and place for it. Especially inside the twenty-yard line. Perhaps the fore mentioned two back set or "pro set" is another viable run formation as well.

If I was an offensive lineman on the team without a starting position, I'd lobby to be a blocking fullback on short yardage downs. Or in any situation where they think they'd benefit from a blocking fullback in obvious running situations.

 

[MORGULON]

They could start with a fullback at wing or inline TE and motion across until they snap. I always thought that was slick.

 

[chris98251]

Winged T formation.

 

[toffee]

If I was an offensive lineman on the team without a starting position, I'd lobby to be a blocking fullback on short yardage downs. Or in any situation where they think they'd benefit from a blocking fullback in obvious running situations.

Poona has left, maybe we can use Jonah Tavai as that blocking fullback? He's 5'10" and 280 lbs.

 

[BlueTalon]

Poona has left, maybe we can use Jonah Tavai as that blocking fullback? He's 5'10" and 280 lbs.

I'm quite sure he'd be up for it. But it could be any lineman, defense or offense. Or more than one, even (though not at the same time).

 

[toffee]

I'm quite sure he'd be up for it. But it could be any lineman, defense or offense. Or more than one, even (though not at the same time).

I wasn't serious, but was intrigued by Refrigerator Perry's TD ... all 6'3" 330lbs of him.

 

[Hawkmode]

I can see why Bump sees some potential in a two back set with K9 and Charbonnet the likely pairing but McIntosh could be that "wild card" addition. I don't see it as a base formation similar to when the Raiders of old used Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen in a split set. I think it is an option based on field position...down/distance...and a 10 point lead. Go for the throat!

 

[RiverDog]

Walker's not a very good blocker, so I can't see him being part of a two-back set.

 

[Hawkmode]

Walker's not a very good blocker, so I can't see him being part of a two-back set.

Not sure where your opinion comes from? We don't use a split back set...

 

[Mick063]

Walker's not a very good blocker, so I can't see him being part of a two-back set.

Show me a running back, used primarily as a ball carrier in college, that is a good NFL blocker as a rookie.
It is an acquired talent at the NFL level. Coaches rarely utilize rookie running backs like that.

Most teams would rather put their running backs into a route instead of pass protection. The only way to force an offense out of it is to blitz often. Preferably up the middle or from the weak side where a tight end can't do the job. As far as running plays go, K9 would be much more effective as a decoy or fake than as a blocker. Linebackers would absolutely have to respect his action.

Having said all of that, I can't think of a single instance where ANY offensive coordinator would line up Zach and K9 in a pro set and expect K9 to be the feature backfield blocker. No one with a lick of sense would utilize their personnel in that fashion. It doesn't mean that you still can't run viable plays from a pro set.

 

[Hawkmode]

Show me a running back, used primarily as a ball carrier in college, that is a good NFL blocker as a rookie.
It is an acquired talent at the NFL level. Coaches rarely utilize rookie running backs like that.

Most teams would rather put their running backs into a route instead of pass protection. The only way to force an offense out of it is to blitz often. Preferably up the middle or from the weak side where a tight end can't do the job.

Having said all of that, I can't think of a single instance where ANY offensive coordinator would line up Zach and K9 in a pro set and expect K9 to be the feature backfield blocker. No one with a lick of sense would utilize their personnel in that fashion. It doesn't mean that you still can't run viable plays from a pro set.

Pete likes any RB he plays on the field to have a strong willingness to block and best ability to block can earn snaps on obvious passing situations which is why Travis Homer got many snaps as such. Christian Michaels was slow to understand that his early lack of willingness led to being in Pete's doghouse regardless of blessed ability to run.