Backpedal, why isn't this dropback more popular?

[toffee]

Dan Marino used this technique, Dan Fouts, John Elway, Kurt Warner too. Why isn't it more popular?

 

[IndyHawk]

Dan Marino used this technique, Dan Fouts, John Elway, Kurt Warner too. Why isn't it more popular?

OL has gotten worse over the years and so accustomed to having a QB
use shotgun so much.

 

[Maelstrom787]

Dan Marino used this technique, Dan Fouts, John Elway, Kurt Warner too. Why isn't it more popular?

Few things.

1. Side-step drop back is better for balance. Less chance of tripping.

2. Backpedaling requires the quarterback to readjust and set their feet at the top of their drop. Side-stepping has the quarterbacks feet set right at the end of their dropback without that extra readjustment.

3. Side stepping speeds up the drop. Allows for much bigger steps than a backpedal. The WCO was all timing. A well-oiled WCO could execute plays in the pitch darkness based on timing. Sidestep drops are more consistent and quicker, allowing for under-center WCOs to operate more effectively.

Some holdovers liked the backpedal even after it went out of vogue though. Coryell and Martz are a couple who preferred the quarterback to be able to see the entire field symmetrically (eliminated the QB "blindside"). I don't think there are any remaining coaches who stand by the backpedal dropback, though.

 

[toffee]

Few things.

1. Side-step drop back is better for balance. Less chance of tripping.

2. Backpedaling requires the quarterback to readjust and set their feet at the top of their drop. Side-stepping has the quarterbacks feet set right at the end of their dropback without that extra readjustment.

3. Side stepping speeds up the drop. Allows for much bigger steps than a backpedal. The WCO was all timing. A well-oiled WCO could execute plays in the pitch darkness based on timing. Sidestep drops are more consistent and quicker, allowing for under-center WCOs to operate more effectively.

Some holdovers liked the backpedal even after it went out of vogue though. Coryell and Martz are a couple who preferred the quarterback to be able to see the entire field symmetrically (eliminated the QB "blindside"). I don't think there are any remaining coaches who stand by the backpedal dropback, though.

Thank you very much for the education. One lives and learns. I never played ball, and honestly, I do not know football. Knowledge sharing intrigues me! Thank you again.