Die Hard Sports Fan

We have all seen it by now on replays (and finally, so have NFL coaches) and we are just in shock how a high school play works so well in the NFL.  I am of course talking about the Miami Dolphins “wildcat” offense that seemed unstoppable before the Baltimore Ravens took care of business last week and allowed only 71 yards on the ground in total. 

 

I will take an in-depth look at the “wildcat” formation on how it works and what you do to stop it.

 

HOW IT HAS WORKED

First off let’s take a look at how the Dolphins have worked this play to success through the first few weeks of the season by looking at two examples.

 

Two Basic Plays that are run from the formation (diagrams to better understand what I am talking about). 

• 1. Sweep: <a href="http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r323/buffbillsfan517/sweepplayfromwildcatformation.jpg

” title=”http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r323/buffbillsfan517/sweepplayfromwildcatformation.jpg

” target=”_blank”>http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r323/…

• 2. Power: <a href="http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r323/buffbillsfan517/powerplayfromwildcatformation.jpg

” title=”http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r323/buffbillsfan517/powerplayfromwildcatformation.jpg

” target=”_blank”>http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r323/…

NOTE:  There are also some other variations on the play like a counter play (goes to the opposite side the motion guy goes) and a passing play that involves the normal QB throwing the ball or even a RB throw but these are the most common.   

 

Week 3: Dolphins vs. Patriots

Stats:  The Dolphins had Ronnie Brown line up in the QB position 6 plays in this game, 4 of those plays went for touchdown passes.

Play: Sweep

 

• Formation Used:

            The Dolphins came out in a very unique set that had 3 running backs, 2 tight ends           and 1 quarterback in the formation.  Ronnie Brown lined up in the QB position,   while the normal QB, Chad Pennington was split wide on the right side.  Miami’s   other running back, Ricky Williams, lined up on the split end on the left. 

           

            The Dolphins changed around some of their blockers though too.  They had a TE          line up at the left tackle position, their normal LT Jake Long line up at tight end.             The point of this switch was to put some of the team’s better blockers on the play      side of the field.  New England only had 4 defenders on play side that the          Dolphins had to block with 6 players. 

           

            Brown then put Williams in motion.  Williams, moving from left to right, is at full speed by the time Brown snapped the ball and handed it off to him. 

 

• Why it Worked:

            With the Patriots being so outnumbered on the play side, the Dolphins easily      made their blocks and had a few extra players to spare.  QB Chad Pennington    even made a block on the Pats CB (which should never happen at all, but more    into that later).  The defense got sucked in and forgot their assignments letting     Brown and Williams run wild.  When they run the sweep play to Williams, he is            moving at full speed while the defense is standing still.  That will also cause    problems too, but if the defense kept in their assignments and contained the ball             carrier, this wouldn’t have happened.   

 

Week 5: Dolphins vs. San Diego

Play: Power

:47 left in the 2^nd Quarter, Miami currently leading 10-3

Stats: The play in this example went for a touchdown.

 

• Formation Used:

            The Dolphins put 4 guys to the right side of the field (play side), including 2 wide            receivers (one being a QB), and 1 fullback.  Ricky Williams was again in motion       from left to right.

 

• Why it Worked:

            Five players were on the line of scrimmage for San Diego and none of them read           the play right.  The last player on the left side of the line of scrimmage (either a defensive end or line backer) gets sucked in on the play that makes the block by     the fullback very easy.  The defense again forgets their assignments, and rushes completely at Brown.  Ricky Williams who faked the rush to the right side made        the one block that was needed to spring Brown for the touchdown.   

 

HOW TO STOP IT

 

• What the Ravens did:

Instead of letting the play develop and then trying to make the play, last week the Ravens had a different approach.  They blitzed the inside linebacker through the A gap as soon as Ricky Williams started to go in motion across the field.  The blitz caused havoc and disrupted the ball because the pulling guards and other blockers couldn’t get to the right spot.  It also caused blockers to pick up the blister, letting the other line backers come up and make the play.  So instead of acting on what the Dolphins did, they took matter into their own hands and blew up the play before it started.

 

• My Idea

Take a look at this link while you are reading the description as it makes my reasoning easier to understand: http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r323/buffbillsfan517/ways20to20stop20miami20wildcat20off.jpg

 

My idea is very similar to what you learn in high school.  Play unselfish football, fill your gap and contain.  You don’t always have to make the big play to be recognized by your team and coaches.  My main idea to stop the play is that each defender has a job to do.

 

For starters the cornerback that is covering Pennington has to knock him to the ground.  You can’t let a QB block you at all.  Knock him down and stay on that side of the field to cover the flats and contain incase Brown tries to cut it back.  The other cornerback that is covering the wide receiver has to rush but to the outside.  If he can force the WR to block out, it will open the whole for other teammates to make the player.  Both CBs have contain on his play.

 

The defensive ends also contain.  This also reduces successful cutbacks.  The 3 middle lineman rush through their gaps, clogging up holes for Brown to get through on the “power” plays.

 

That leaves the two linebackers to read the play.  If a linebacker in the NFL can’t read and get to where a running back is going then he shouldn’t be one the field.  The two safeties also “read” the play but there job is to get back is to split the field deep between them.  Miami has run some passing plays out of the wildcat, and the safeties have to be there just in case.    

 

IT CAN BE STOPPED

The Ravens showed it last week that is can indeed be stopped.  With big Marcus Stroud in the middle, Kyle Williams and capable defensive ends, the Bills should be able to disrupt this play.  They have very smart linebackers in Mitchell and Paul Poz and they should be able to sniff out this play.  With weeks to prepare for this, and plenty of time to watch film, it would surprise me if the Dolphins barely get anything on the ground running this play.

 

It can be stopped and if the Bills spend the week leading up to this game right, they should have watched what the Ravens did, have a few plays of their own and the Bills plan should be ready to go on Sunday.  The Wildcat formation came out so quickly this season and I have a feeling it might disappear just as quick.

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The Bills unplugged the Chargers to improve to 5-1 on the year, and remain in control of 1^st place in the AFC East.

1st Quarter

The Bills got on the scoreboard (that wasn’t working) first with a field goal by Rian Lindell but Chargers QB Phillip Rivers owned the Bills offense.  He went 10 of 11 for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Chargers up after one, 7-3.

2nd Quarter

The Bills fought back in this quarter as Trent Edwards hooked up with Lee Evans on a fade pattern to the end zone.  Evans caught the ball one handed before getting both feet in.  The Bills also recorded 3 more points on another field goal by Lindell.

Bills go into the tunnel at halftime, up 13-7.

3rd Quarter

The Chargers would battle back to take the lead on a 12 yard TD pass from Rivers to WR Vincent Jackson.  The lead wouldn’t last long though as Marshawn Lynch would get a monster block form Fred Jackson, and Lynch would be able to trot into the end zone for a TD.  

Bills head into the 4^th, now up 20-14.

4th Quarter

No comeback needed in this one for the Bills as they actually had the lead to start the 4^th.  The Bills are able to hold the Chargers to no points in this quarter and add a field goal of their own to hold on and win 23-14.

Wrap Up

The Bills top rush defense held one of the best in the game (LT) to 41 yards on 14 carries.

Trent Edwards went 25 for 30, for 261 yards and 1 TD pass.

On the ground, Lynch had 70 yards, and 1 TD on 19 carries.  Backup Fred Jackson had 9 carries for 33 yards.

In the receving game, Lee Evans caught 8 balls for 89 yards and a TD.  Josh Reed had 3 catches for 32 yards while TE Robert Royal had 4 for 53.  

Greer and Paul Poz led the team in tackles with 8 and 7 respectively.  

 

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

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Hello Bills fans.  What can I say?  Another week and another win make all of us Bills fans feel real good.  I just wanted to comment on the play of starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny.  The Bills drafted Poz in the second round of the 2007 draft.  He was drafted to replace London Fletcher who the Bills decided to let hit the free agent market.  Fletcher was one of my favorite players when he was here.  Year after year Fletcher led the team in tackles and was the leader on defense.  Poz had big shoes to fill.  After the first game last season, I could see why the team selected him 34th overall.  Poz was just starting to settle in when his season came to an end during week three.  Poz broke his forearm and was put on injured reserve.  This year he came into training camp 100% and ready to go.  Well he had his breakout game this past Sunday against the Rams.  Poz led the team with eight tackles and also knocked down Trent Green a few times.  He was all over the field and showed what he can do when blitzing.  Its just a great sign to see him grow week after week and turn into a dominant player.  Poz will be a Pro Bowl linebacker before we know.  Check out the article on Poz by the democrat&chronicle.  Go Bills.

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Hello and welcome back to the site Bills fans. Only a little more than 3 days left before the Oakland Raiders take on the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson stadium. I know you guys out there are just as excited about the game that I am so let’s get into one of the big match ups that will decide the winner of the game, the Bills rush defense against the Radiers Running game. BUFFALO BILLS The Bills rush defense has looked much improved so far this season, especially compared with last season where they were in the bottom half of the league. This is not the same team that it was last year though. Newcomers Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell have made sure to that. Second year linebacker, Paul Poz, who missed all but the first 3 games due to injury has also stepped right back in where he left off. Stroud has been a force in the first 2 weeks so far. He is deffienty the player that the Bills thought they were trading for in the offseason and even more. He is so big and powerful. He just pushes the offensive line the other way. He also draws double teams that open up the field for everyone on the defense to make plays. It let’s the linebackers roam free and it also takes some of the focus off of the Bills defensive ends. Stroud has had 7 tackles this year to go along with 2 sacks. Pro Bowl DE Aaron Schobel has 6 tackles with 1 sack, while linebackers Paul Poz has 12 tackles, Mitchell has 7 and 1 sack, and former backup now starter Keith Ellison has 4 tackles. Just one person can make the world of difference. The Bills rush defense has been rock solid so far. They have only let up 91.5 yards a game on the ground while holding one of the top runningback duos in the league last game to under 70 yards. If the Bills want to win this game, that will have to continue. OAKLAND RAIDERS The Bills caught a little bit of a break with top Raiders runningback Justin Fargas not being able to play this week due to a servere groin injury. That is going to put the workload on top rookie Darren McFadden and 2nd year man Michael Bush. The Raiders rushed for 300 yards last week against the Kansas City Cheifs and 164 of those yards came from McFadden. They don’t need 300 yards, but they need to keep control of the ball and take time off the clock. If the running game doesn’t get going the Raiders will lose this game. I guarnteed it. WINNER of this Match Up I got to go with the Bills on this one. Their front 7 has looked so good and they have a very capable saftey in Donte Whitner to come up and make the stop if needed. All the Bills really need to do is focus on the run. If they can stop the Raiders backs, they will win this game. Oakland certainly can’t pass the ball to try to stay in it.

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1st Quarter

A hot day in Jacksonville and that is how the Bills started.  They got the ball to start the game and on their first drive the offense was clicking.  First down after first down for the Bills on mostly short passes and runs.  They held onto the ball for 7 minutes and they eventually punched it into the end zone on an 11-yard TD run by Marshawn Lynch.  The extra point by Rian Lindell was good and the Bills jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead.

While the Bills looked strong, the Jaguars offense looked shaky coming out of the gate.  After two runs, the Jags had to face a 3^rd and 7 from their own 28.  Aston Youboty came on a corner blitz and sacked QB David Garrard for a loss of 10.  3 and out for the Jags on their first series.

The Bills then went 3 and out (on 1^st down there was a holding call on Buffalo) on their next series.

With 3:08 left in the 1^st quarter, Jacksonville started to drive down the field.  They got to the Buffalo 16 before time ran out.

End of the 1^st, Buffalo leads 7-0.

2nd Quarter

The Jags started off the quarter right where they ended in the 1^st at the Bills 16.  A short pass, run and incomplete pass followed so Jacksonville had to settle for a 28 yard field goal by kicker Josh Scobee.  Jaguars still down, 7-3.

The Bills then went on another long drive, that tired out Jacksonville’s defense.  The standout play of this drive was a 33 yard catch and run by QB Trent Edwards to RB Fred Jackson on 3^rd and 1.  The drive would stall out at the end, so the Bills settled for a 21-yard FG by Lindell.  Bills add to their lead, it’s now 10-3. 

The rest of the quarter was run a few plays then punt until Garrard started to lead his team down the field on a 2 minute drill.  With 14 seconds left, instead of just taking the chip shot field goal, Jacksonville was going for the touchdown to tie the game.  Garrard dropped back and threw what was suppose to be a fade pattern to WR Mike Walker.  The problem with the throw was that the ball was throw on a line to the front of the endzone instead of a high ball to the back corner.  Bills CB Terrence McGee read the play perfectly and picked it off to end the threat.

Bills would knell the ball and let the clock run out.  They would go into the tunnel at halftime with a 10-3 lead.

3rd Quarter

Jacksonville got the ball to start the 2^nd half and their drive looked very similar to the Bills 1^st drive of the game.  A good mix of run and pass led to a Maurice Jones-Drew 2 yard touchdown run.  Jags tie the game up at 10 after the extra point is knocked through. 

The Jags then pulled a quick one on the Bills.  On the following kickoff they kicked an outside kick that they recovered.  They then took advantage of the good field postion and went on another drive.  It eventually stalled out though so after 6 plays and a little more than 3 minutes off the clock, Scobee put another field goal right through the uprights, this time from 50 yards out.  Jags now have their first lead of the game, 13-3.

Similar to the end of the 1^st, the end of the 3^rd ended with another Jags drive.   The quarter ended with the Jaguars threatening again at the Bills 25, this time with a 13-10 lead

4th Quarter

Again, Jacksonville could not get it into the end zone.  The drive ended with another FG by Scobee from 39 yards.  Jags add some more to their lead, 16-10.

The Bills showed that they were still calm and in control of this game.  They didn’t try to force it down the field.  After the Jags latest field goal they go 7 plays and then punt.

This was the drive that Jacksonville could put the game away with.  Instead they give it right back to the Bills after running just 4 plays, and a little more than 2 minutes off the clock.

Bills get the ball back and drive it down the field.  It was set up by a great punt return by Roscoe Parrish.  The game changing play of this drive and possibly the entire game was on 3^rd and 6 from Jacksonville’s 44 yard line.  Edwards dropped back, stepped up in the pocket to avoid the rush and fired a rocket to Lee Evans for a 37 yard game.  On the very next play the Bills come out in trips, 3 WRs to the right side of the field.  Second round pick James Hardy ran a route to the corner of the end zone.  Edwards rolled out and threw the ball high in the air to where only Hardy could get to it.  He got both feet in for a Bills touchdown.  After the extra point the Bills now lead again, 17-16. 

Jacksonville could do nothing on their next drive.  Two incompletions by Garrard and then DT Kyle Williams broke through the O-line and sacked Garrard for a loss of 10 yards.

The Bills ran close to 3 minutes off the clock, and Lindell put a 45 yard field goal dead center.  Bills now lead 20-16, forcing the Jags to go for the end zone.

The Jags gave it their all but with only 29 seconds left and over 70 yards to go it was highly unlikely.  Garrard did complete a pass to WR Matt Jones but then he latteraled it forwards which ran 10 seconds off the clock and ended the game. 

Bills win 20-16.

The NFL.com Gamecenter: Post Game is attached.

BILLS Wrap Up

Trent Edwards finished the day 20 for 25 with 239 yards and a TD (no INTs)

Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson went for a combined 76 yards on the ground.  Lynch went for 59 and 1 TD on 19 carries while Jackson got 17 yards on 6 attempts.

Lee Evans had another strong game with 4 catches and 77 yards.  Josh Reed also caught 4 balls for 36 yards.  James Hardy caught his first NFL TD on a 7 yard catch.  He also had one other reception in this one, for a total of 12 yards.  RB Fred Jackson led the day for receiving though with 7 catches for 83 yards.  Lynch had one catch for 8 yards.

Kicker Rian Lindell went 2 for 2 today on field goal attempts.

Terrence McGee had another INT for the Bills today, his 2^nd of the year.  He also led the team with 7 tackles.

LB Paul Poz and S Donte Whitner each had 6 tackles.

Williams and Youboty had 1 sack apiece. 

This is the first time the Bills are 2-0 since 2003.

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Hello Bills fans.  What a way to start the season.  At first glance at the schedule, I said to myself that playing against Seattle would be a tough first game.  Seattle has been a playoff team since Holmgren became coach and has a real good offense.  The way the first quarter started, I thought this might be one of those 13-10 games or something close to that.  I had left for Buffalo on Saturday morning right before the storm hit here on Long Island.  My flight was canceled and we had to call the airline to get on an earlier flight.  Once I arrived, I was at peace right away.  I love going up to Buffalo.  Its such a great place to visit and everyone is nice to talk to.  I reached the parking lot across from the stadium around 10:30.  There were very few spots available.  The place was packed.  You could feel the energy from the fans tailgating that this would be our day.  The Bills really played well on all three phases of the game.  The offense started flat but I feel that was due to the rain.  Once Marshawn ran it in, the place was loud.  The defense is so quick with guys like Aaron Schobel, Kawika Mitchell, Paul Posluszny, and Terrence McGee.  Marcus Stroud could not be blocked by anyone on Seattle’s o-line.  Roscoe Parrish is one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.  I saw the whole punt return unfold and got to see him run into the endzone I was sitting near.  Trent Edwards settled in nicely and had some impressive throws that were hauled in by Lee Evans.  Robert Royal’s td was awesome as well.  Brian Moorman’s td pass to Ryan Denney got everyone up on their feet.  Great call by coach Bobby April.  He is the best special teams coach in the league.  As always it was a great trip but its even better when the Bills win.  Can’t wait till November 17 for the Monday night game against Cleveland.  I will be in attendance and hopefully leave as happy as I did this time.  Go Bills. 

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The Buffalo Bills will face the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow afternoon at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

TV & Radio Info:

Game: Seattle Seahawks (0-0) @ Buffalo Bills (0-0) TV: FOX (Ron Pitts, Tony Boselli, Charissa Thompson) Radio: 97 Rock (Buffalo), 103.3 The EDGE (Buffalo), WHAM 1180 AM (Rochester), WNSS 1260 AM (Syracuse), FAN 590 AM (Toronto). All done by John Murphy, Mark Kelso and Paul Peck. Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• Before the game, former Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett will make his return to Ralph Wilson Stadium, the place where he suffered his life threatening spinal cord injury. Everett will be awarded the Professional Football Writers of America’s Halas Award, which goes to the individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed last season. Everett overcame the odds and walked again after doctors feared he would never be able to do so.
• The Bills beat the Seahawks the last time the two teams met by a score of 38-9 back in 2004.
• The Bills have also beaten the Seahawks 2 out of the last 3 meetings. They also led the series 6-4 overall.
• Running back Marshawn Lynch has run for at least 70 yards on the ground in 7 of the last 8 games. He also averages 92.7 yards rushing at home.
• Matt Hasselbeck is trying to come back from a back injury and he doesn’t have much help in his receiving core with his top 2 targets out of the lineup.
• Finally, Bills OL Jason Peters ended his holdout and reported to the team today. He will not be in the lineup though so Kirk Chambers will be making just the 2^nd start of his career at RT (Langston Walker who is usually the RT had to move over to the left with Peters absence).
• Bills leading tackler of last season Angelo Crowell was placed on the IR just a few days ago. The strong side linebacker will be undergoing knee surgery and will be lost for the year for the Bills (he could be released, and then another team could pick him up and he could then play).
• Seattle is terrible on the road. The team went 3-5 on the road last season, including a 1-4 record when the game was being played in the eastern time zone.

Injury Report:

Bills - Out of Game: TE Derek Fine (Hand), OL Matt Murphy (Shoulder), LB Angelo Crowell. Questionable: LB Paul Posluszny (Ankle). Probable: DT Spencer Johnson (Back). Seahawks - Out of Game: WR Deion Branch (Knee), WR Bobby Engram (Shoulder). Doubtful: Sean Locklear (Knee). Probable: DE Baraka Atkins (Back), LB Lofa Tatupu (Knee).

Quote of the Week:

“We’re excited. Obviously, it has been a difficult time for the organization and for Jason. But he’s coming back, and we’re excited to have a player of his caliber back with us. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s on the field.” - Bills Defensive End Chris Kelsay Bills need the 12^th man tomorrow. First game of the year. Let’s be LOUD Buffalo!! Let’s GO BUFFALO!

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Hello Bills fans.  I came across this article on sportingnews.com that analyzes the Bills from a fantasy football prospective.  The article basically states that the Bills will open up the offense more under new coordinator Turk Schonert.  Marshawn Lynch will also be given more responsibility in the passing game.  Trent Edwards will be relied upon to take this team to the next level.  The Bills brass has a lot of faith as do I in Trent.  I feel that he has the brains and the tools to help this team get back to the playoffs.  I also feel with the additions of Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell, our defense can dominate especially at stopping the run.  A healthy Stroud means linebackers Paul Posluszny and Angelo Crowell flowing to the ball untouched.  Stroud will be doubled team which will also free up either John McCargo, Kyle Williams or Spencer Johnson.  This team is going to suprise many and I can’t wait for September 7th.  Go Bills. 

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Hello Bills fans.  Today the team wrapped up its mandatory mini-camp as Coach Dick Jauron canceled tomorrows practice.  Coach was asked why he canceled the last practice and his response was that he wanted to reward his players for their work so far this offseason.  Jason Peters was not in attendance and Coach Jauron anticipates that he will be at St. Johns Fisher College when the team starts training camp on July 25th.  Lee Evans did not practice today because he was sick.  I cant believe training camp is only six weeks away.  I hope the Peters situation gets resolved by then so when can build on the success our line had last season.  I watched the highlights video on buffalobills.com and it looks like the defense is going to be a powerhouse.  Our secondary has been outstanding during the OTA’s and in the minicamp the past few days.  Our offense had its share of good plays and it looks like Derek Schouman will challenge Robert Royal for the starting tight end position.  Schouman has been taking first team reps with Royal sidelined.  Schouman has shined making some nice catches.  Paul Posluszny also has made a ton of plays and looks to be 100% healthy.  He is going to be a star and I could see him making the Pro Bowl in the near future.  Go Bills.

Fourth round pick defensive back Reggie Corner signed with the team today.  Chris Brown of buffalobills.com interviewed Corner after he signed his contract.  Corner seems like an intelligent player and was running with the first team at times.  Corner will challenge Will James, Ashton Youboty and 7th round pick Kennard Cox for playing time.  This is the first time since the days of Antoine Winfield and Nate Clements that I can say this team is stacked at cornerback.  Its going to be a tough call for the coaches on who to keep on the roster.  The definites are Terrence McGee, first round pick Leodis McKelvin, Jabari Greer and Will James.  There is going to be a serious battle in training camp come July 25th.  I cant wait for September.  Go Bills.   

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Hello Bills fans.  Early today Bills starting safety Donte Whitner was on ESPN First Take.  He was asked about how the defense will rebound from finishing 31st in the league last season.  He responded by talking about Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell.  Donte also mentioned injuries as a big factor in last seasons 7-9 record.  He also said that with Paul Posluszny coming back and the additions the team has made in the draft, the Bills will be in the playoffs this season.  I like the optimism Donte.  I totally agree with you.  Check out the video on espn.com.  Go Bills. 

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