Here's what I would do with Michael Vick (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

One word: OPTION!

For years, people have been saying that an option attack would never work because of the speed of defenses in the NFL. Normally, I'd agree. But when the QB is the fastest and most dangerous player on the field, I don't buy it.

Now you're going to say to me.... "Well Bluto, what if he gets hurt???"

Whatever.

If he gets hurt, he gets hurt. Matt Schaub cashes a paycheck too. He is capable.

Vick has shown that he is not a "typical" QB, so why treat him like one. Look, I'll admit that I was the biggest Michael Vick cheerleader out here. I was always defending him. "You guys need to give him more time".... "He's learning a difficult west coast offense." Blah Blah Blah. It's over. He will never be a productive pocket QB. He just won't. He also won't be able to run like the wind forever, so I say it's time to get a little something back from Mr. Blank's enormous investment.

LET HIM RUN.

EVERY PLAY!

Remember how dominant the '95 Nebraska Cornhuskers were with Tommie Frazer leading that option offense? That was the best college offense I've ever seen, bar none, and they never heard of a forward pass. There is NO REASON why Vick, Dunn, Duckett and that cut-blocking offensive line could not be just as effective. You cannot convince me otherwise. And I'm not even saying that Vick would never be able to pass, but it just wouldn't happen very often. In an option offense, Vick would be positively deadly.

Okay, wait... I'm one step ahead of y'all. Here is where you guys say:

"Yeah, right -- I'm SURE that Vick wants to get pounded every play!"

Coaches coach, players play. If he doesn't like his new role, he can always go to a car wash and see if they'll pay him multiple millions of dollars for scrubbing my wheels.

I'm a realist. I know that I'll become the Pope before my scenario happens. But at the very least, Atlanta's coaching staff MUST find ways to maximize Vick's skills. Even if they install packages where Schaub is the QB and Vick is lined up outside the numbers, that would be a start. Michael Vick playing the part of the "traditional quarterback" will only get this team so far. They will make the playoffs some years, but ultimately he will be called upon to use his arm to bring his team from 10-14 points behind in a playoff game, and it's just not going to happen.

Option attack, baby.... OPTION ATTACK!

 

[Da Guru]

I agree!I also would go 5 wide and send them all on fly patterns. that would take at least 6-7 defenders down the field. If Vick runs he would only have to beat 2 guys on that side of the field and when he got by them it would be clear sailing for at least 20 yards. If Vick does not run he is basically useless.

 

[Raider Nation]

I agree!

I also would go 5 wide and send them all on fly patterns. that would take at least 6-7 defenders down the field. If Vick runs he would only have to beat 2 guys on that side of the field and when he got by them it would be clear sailing for at least 20 yards.

If Vick does not run he is basically useless.

Yep. Unfortunately, none of what we want will ever happen.For some reason, guys like Vick and McNabb and Brooks find it to be some sort of insult to be known as a "running QB." They just HAVE to stay in the pocket and show us that they are Dan Marino. Well, I hope each of them enjoys watching the '05 NFL playoffs.

 

[SSOG]

Here's what I'd do with Michael Vickut him back in the offense he ran in 2002 that made him such a stud, both passing and running. Seriously, 7 YPA and a 2:1 TD:INT ratio, IN ADDITION to what he brings with his legs? Stud.The problem with the WCO is that it emphasizes the short passing game, which Vick is entirely unsuited for. His two biggest strengths are his cannon of an arm, which is useless on high-percentage passes, and his scrambling ability, which is hampered by a short passing game that crowds defenders at the line of scrimmage.Put him in the NYG style offense, where even the TEs and RBs are running deep routes. Back the safeties up a ton, use the threat of Vick's scrambling to keep the DEs honest and holding back, then shove Duckett up the middle for 5 yards a play all day. When they bring the safeties up to stop the run, send Dunn down the field and throw over top of them. When they start cheating the DEs in to get backside pursuit, bootleg Michael Vick out in a classic Denver bootleg type play, get Alge Crumpler isolated on an LB, and force that LB to commit to stopping Vick (leaving Crumpler open), or stopping Crumpler (leaving Vick free to scramble).I'm usually the first person to bash Michael Vick, but he would be UNSTOPPABLE in a hybrid Denver/NYG offense predicated on lots of deep routes by the TE and RBs combined with bootlegs and runs between the tackles.

 

[Raider Nation]

Here's what I'd do with Michael Vick:

Put him back in the offense he ran in 2002 that made him such a stud, both passing and running. Seriously, 7 YPA and a 2:1 TD:INT ratio, IN ADDITION to what he brings with his legs? Stud.

The problem with the WCO is that it emphasizes the short passing game, which Vick is entirely unsuited for. His two biggest strengths are his cannon of an arm, which is useless on high-percentage passes, and his scrambling ability, which is hampered by a short passing game that crowds defenders at the line of scrimmage.

Put him in the NYG style offense, where even the TEs and RBs are running deep routes. Back the safeties up a ton, use the threat of Vick's scrambling to keep the DEs honest and holding back, then shove Duckett up the middle for 5 yards a play all day. When they bring the safeties up to stop the run, send Dunn down the field and throw over top of them. When they start cheating the DEs in to get backside pursuit, bootleg Michael Vick out in a classic Denver bootleg type play, get Alge Crumpler isolated on an LB, and force that LB to commit to stopping Vick (leaving Crumpler open), or stopping Crumpler (leaving Vick free to scramble).

I'm usually the first person to bash Michael Vick, but he would be UNSTOPPABLE in a hybrid Denver/NYG offense predicated on lots of deep routes by the TE and RBs combined with bootlegs and runs between the tackles.

Short of my option suggestion - which I realize is unrealistic, you know which coach could get the most out of his abilities, IMO? Denny Green. If Arizona ever got their hands on Vick, with Boldin & Fitz at WR and Green's offensive knowledge, that O would be the most scary thing you've ever seen.

Regarding your point about Vick in 2002, isn't it funny how the guy shies away from what made him so great in the first place? Most QBs who cannot run would kill to be able to scramble like him. It would be a badge of honor for them. But Vick seems to want no part of taking off and running anymore. Maybe the leg injury from last year has him fearing his sports mortality.

 

[SSOG]

Here's what I'd do with Michael Vick:

Put him back in the offense he ran in 2002 that made him such a stud, both passing and running. Seriously, 7 YPA and a 2:1 TD:INT ratio, IN ADDITION to what he brings with his legs? Stud.

The problem with the WCO is that it emphasizes the short passing game, which Vick is entirely unsuited for. His two biggest strengths are his cannon of an arm, which is useless on high-percentage passes, and his scrambling ability, which is hampered by a short passing game that crowds defenders at the line of scrimmage.

Put him in the NYG style offense, where even the TEs and RBs are running deep routes. Back the safeties up a ton, use the threat of Vick's scrambling to keep the DEs honest and holding back, then shove Duckett up the middle for 5 yards a play all day. When they bring the safeties up to stop the run, send Dunn down the field and throw over top of them. When they start cheating the DEs in to get backside pursuit, bootleg Michael Vick out in a classic Denver bootleg type play, get Alge Crumpler isolated on an LB, and force that LB to commit to stopping Vick (leaving Crumpler open), or stopping Crumpler (leaving Vick free to scramble).

I'm usually the first person to bash Michael Vick, but he would be UNSTOPPABLE in a hybrid Denver/NYG offense predicated on lots of deep routes by the TE and RBs combined with bootlegs and runs between the tackles.

Short of my option suggestion - which I realize is unrealistic, you know which coach could get the most out of his abilities, IMO? Denny Green. If Arizona ever got their hands on Vick, with Boldin & Fitz at WR and Green's offensive knowledge, that O would be the most scary thing you've ever seen.

Regarding your point about Vick in 2002, isn't it funny how the guy shies away from what made him so great in the first place? Most QBs who cannot run would kill to be able to scramble like him. It would be a badge of honor for them. But Vick seems to want no part of taking off and running anymore. Maybe the leg injury from last year has him fearing his sports mortality.

I think it's just the coaches telling him not to. Mora is convinced he can turn Vick into a WCO, pass-first QB, and the QB has to do what the head coach tells him to (unless he's Elway, in which case he can draw up special plays with the OC behind the HC's back, and then campaign with the owner to get the HC fired. Which in Vick's case, would be a very smart move).Edit: Norv Turner, with his commitment to a deep passing game and a strong running game between the tackles, would be another great OC to maximize Vick's abilities.

 

[Colin Dowling]

No one in the western hemisphere is a bigger fan of the optin than I am. Seriously, NO ONE. My college intramural flag football team ran the option. THink about that - flag football, 7 players, running the option. Also, I have thought for a long time that the right team, with the right players, should come out in the Super Bowl running the option in the first half to completely rile up the other team. Can you imagine if last year the Eagles had come out with a Pro-Set backfield with only 1 receiver, in max protect, and run the option on a defense waiting for them to pass? HUGE.That said, the option isn't run in the NFL because the LBs and Safeties are just too darn fast. THere is no way the QB could make the corner consistently enough to make it work. No way.COlin

 

[Raider Nation]

No one in the western hemisphere is a bigger fan of the option than I am.

When executed perfectly, there is no prettier play in football.

 

[Barry]

I think the biggest problem is the defense would purposely unload on the QB with or without the ball. Not a question if Vick or any QB gets hurt but rather how soon.

 

[Kleck]

I think the biggest problem is the defense would purposely unload on the QB with or without the ball. Not a question if Vick or any QB gets hurt but rather how soon.

Open season on any player coming around the corner. Ball or not. Dude would get crushed every play.

 

[Raider Nation]

I think the biggest problem is the defense would purposely unload on the QB with or without the ball. Not a question if Vick or any QB gets hurt but rather how soon.

Open season on any player coming around the corner. Ball or not. Dude would get crushed every play.

Then Schaub comes in and Atlanta starts winning. Like I said, a perfect plan!

 

[BattlingMaxo]

I think the biggest problem is the defense would purposely unload on the QB with or without the ball. Not a question if Vick or any QB  gets hurt but rather how soon.

Open season on any player coming around the corner. Ball or not. Dude would get crushed every play.

Then Schaub comes in and Atlanta starts winning. Like I said, a perfect plan!

Option does not work in the NFL.You just keep thinking there, Butch. That's what you're good a...wait...no you're not.

 

[BoltBacker]

I agree!

I also would go 5 wide and send them all on fly patterns. that would take at least 6-7 defenders down the field. If Vick runs he would only have to beat 2 guys on that side of the field and when he got by them it would be clear sailing for at least 20 yards.

If Vick does not run he is basically useless.

Problem with that plan is I've seen WR's get uncovered in the back of the endzone this season and Vick just plain misses them. He's missed them so bad the WR wasn't even close enough to dive for the ball.The most I'd send deep to cover the 5 WR's is 4 DB's. Keep in mind on a deep throw there is more time for the DB to adjust to the ball and if 5 were deep there would be more all in the same area.

I do agree with Raidernation that this notion "but he might get hurt" is pretty silly. He's taking up a large chunk of the salary cap to be a runner/passer. If he's not a runner/passer then you aren't getting your $'s worth.

 

[BoltBacker]

No one in the western hemisphere is a bigger fan of the option than I am.

When executed perfectly, there is no prettier play in football.

Can't you say that about most plays?A draw on 3rd and 20 looks pretty if it's excecuted perfectly.

 

[BoltBacker]

One word: OPTION!

For years, people have been saying that an option attack would never work because of the speed of defenses in the NFL. Normally, I'd agree. But when the QB is the fastest and most dangerous player on the field, I don't buy it.

I don't think people are saying the defensive players are faster than Vick so the option won't work, they are saying that defensive players in the league are fast enough to string the play down the line of scrimmage until Vick hit's the sidelines. Even Vick can't juke the sideline.

 

[Steel City]

LOLOption ---- NFL LOLVick would die. Seriously. As a trick play, maybe. Change of pace, sure.But there's a reason this hasn't been done. (sorry for all the LOLs).LOL.

 

[BoltBacker]

That said, the option isn't run in the NFL because the LBs and Safeties are just too darn fast. THere is no way the QB could make the corner consistently enough to make it work. No way.

Do you know if they even use it in Canada?Seems like if it would work anywhere it would be in Canada where the field is wider and the talent level of the defenders is lagging.

Where's Smoo when you need him?

 

[slayer666]

I think the biggest problem is the defense would purposely unload on the QB with or without the ball. Not a question if Vick or any QB  gets hurt but rather how soon.

Open season on any player coming around the corner. Ball or not. Dude would get crushed every play.

Answer: 2 gamesQuestion: What would the over/under be set at for the inevitable season ending injury?

 

[avoiding injuries]

I think the biggest problem is the defense would purposely unload on the QB with or without the ball. Not a question if Vick or any QB gets hurt but rather how soon.

Open season on any player coming around the corner. Ball or not. Dude would get crushed every play.

Answer: 2 gamesQuestion: What would the over/under be set at for the inevitable season ending injury?

Yes, but pre-season or regular season is the real question.

 

[Raider Nation]

LOL

Option ---- NFL

LOL

Vick would die.

Seriously. As a trick play, maybe. Change of pace, sure.

But there's a reason this hasn't been done.

(sorry for all the LOLs).

LOL.

Yeah, cuz what they're doing now is working SO well.

 

[Johnny Ice]

There is a legitimate reason this has not been tried before, HEALTH. I am sure many coordinators have toyed with the idea but seriously these guys in the NFL are too fast and hit too hard for the option to succeed as your base offense. Vick already takes an extra 3 seconds to get off the ground when he takes a good shot, he would not last 2 games if the Falcons were trying to make a living off the option. If he was as big as Culpepper I would say he would last 6-7 games.

 

[Steel City]

LOL

Option ---- NFL

LOL

Vick would die.

Seriously. As a trick play, maybe. Change of pace, sure.

But there's a reason this hasn't been done.

(sorry for all the LOLs).

LOL.

Yeah, cuz what they're doing now is working SO well.

I was pretty drunk when I made this post.Bottom line is Vick is never going to be good enough at QB. You're right there.

But again, there's a reason the option doesn't work in the NFL. Even in college, the option only works if you have a superior line and a QB who is faster and clearly more athletic than the guys chasing him on defense. NFL defenders are just too good to let this happen, even with a guy with Vick's athleticism at QB. Not only are the Dlinemen and linebackers too fast, but NFL defenses in general are too well coached and too technically sound for an option to be successful. If a defensive coordinator knows that the option is coming, he will stop it almost every time.

So, what should Atlanta do then?

Move Vick to WR. He's not an NFL QB. At least not one that will ever lead a team to a Super Bowl.

 

[SSOG]

LOL

Option ---- NFL

LOL

Vick would die.

Seriously. As a trick play, maybe. Change of pace, sure.

But there's a reason this hasn't been done.

(sorry for all the LOLs).

LOL.

Yeah, cuz what they're doing now is working SO well.

I was pretty drunk when I made this post.Bottom line is Vick is never going to be good enough at QB. You're right there.

But again, there's a reason the option doesn't work in the NFL. Even in college, the option only works if you have a superior line and a QB who is faster and clearly more athletic than the guys chasing him on defense. NFL defenders are just too good to let this happen, even with a guy with Vick's athleticism at QB. Not only are the Dlinemen and linebackers too fast, but NFL defenses in general are too well coached and too technically sound for an option to be successful. If a defensive coordinator knows that the option is coming, he will stop it almost every time.

So, what should Atlanta do then?

Move Vick to WR. He's not an NFL QB. At least not one that will ever lead a team to a Super Bowl.

Again, allow me to refer you to 2002, when Michael Vick was a GREAT NFL QB. And yes, that means an above-average passer, too.Put in the right scheme, Vick could be a great NFL QB. He's still overrated, but it's not like he'll never amount to anything. He was better in his second season than anyone I've seen other than Carson Palmer and Dan Marino.

 

[Football Jones]

I agree with the sentiment in this thread. Trying to fit Vick into the WCO is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I can't for the life of me understand why Mora thought the WCO would be a good idea (& I like Mora). Any system would be better for Vick than the WCO. They need to give up on it & install something else this offseason. Whatever system ATL uses, they need to let Vick use his athleticism a lot more & quit acting like he's Peyton Manning.

 

[jwvdcw]

Playing Vick as a conventional QB has netted:-2nd round of playoffs-3rd round of playoffs-8-6 record(with Vick) and miss playoffsWhy mess with a good thing?

 

[jwvdcw]

Here's what I'd do with Michael Vick:

Put him back in the offense he ran in 2002 that made him such a stud, both passing and running. Seriously, 7 YPA and a 2:1 TD:INT ratio, IN ADDITION to what he brings with his legs? Stud.

The problem with the WCO is that it emphasizes the short passing game, which Vick is entirely unsuited for. His two biggest strengths are his cannon of an arm, which is useless on high-percentage passes, and his scrambling ability, which is hampered by a short passing game that crowds defenders at the line of scrimmage.

Put him in the NYG style offense, where even the TEs and RBs are running deep routes. Back the safeties up a ton, use the threat of Vick's scrambling to keep the DEs honest and holding back, then shove Duckett up the middle for 5 yards a play all day. When they bring the safeties up to stop the run, send Dunn down the field and throw over top of them. When they start cheating the DEs in to get backside pursuit, bootleg Michael Vick out in a classic Denver bootleg type play, get Alge Crumpler isolated on an LB, and force that LB to commit to stopping Vick (leaving Crumpler open), or stopping Crumpler (leaving Vick free to scramble).

I'm usually the first person to bash Michael Vick, but he would be UNSTOPPABLE in a hybrid Denver/NYG offense predicated on lots of deep routes by the TE and RBs combined with bootlegs and runs between the tackles.

I agree more with this. I never did understand why they put him in the WCO.

 

[jwvdcw]

No one in the western hemisphere is a bigger fan of the optin than I am. Seriously, NO ONE. My college intramural flag football team ran the option. THink about that - flag football, 7 players, running the option.

Also, I have thought for a long time that the right team, with the right players, should come out in the Super Bowl running the option in the first half to completely rile up the other team. Can you imagine if last year the Eagles had come out with a Pro-Set backfield with only 1 receiver, in max protect, and run the option on a defense waiting for them to pass? HUGE.

That said, the option isn't run in the NFL because the LBs and Safeties are just too darn fast. THere is no way the QB could make the corner consistently enough to make it work. No way.

COlin

First off, let me say that I love that Super bowl idea.Question though:

The difference in speed between an average college LB/S and an average colllege QB

AND

The difference in speed between an average NFL LB/S and Mike Vick

What is the difference? You would agree that Vick is faster than most LBs and Ss, no? So are you saying that college QBs, on average, have even a bigger speed advantage over LBs and Ss? I definitely wouldn't agree with that.

 

[jwvdcw]

LOL

Option ---- NFL

LOL

Vick would die. 

Seriously.  As a trick play, maybe.  Change of pace, sure.

But there's a reason this hasn't been done. 

(sorry for all the LOLs).

LOL.

Yeah, cuz what they're doing now is working SO well.

See my post a few up. You're 100% wrong. They are one of the most successful teams in the league with Vick in the past few years.

 

[jwvdcw]

LOL

Option ---- NFL

LOL

Vick would die. 

Seriously.  As a trick play, maybe.  Change of pace, sure.

But there's a reason this hasn't been done. 

(sorry for all the LOLs).

LOL.

Yeah, cuz what they're doing now is working SO well.

I was pretty drunk when I made this post.Bottom line is Vick is never going to be good enough at QB. You're right there.

But again, there's a reason the option doesn't work in the NFL. Even in college, the option only works if you have a superior line and a QB who is faster and clearly more athletic than the guys chasing him on defense. NFL defenders are just too good to let this happen, even with a guy with Vick's athleticism at QB. Not only are the Dlinemen and linebackers too fast, but NFL defenses in general are too well coached and too technically sound for an option to be successful. If a defensive coordinator knows that the option is coming, he will stop it almost every time.

So, what should Atlanta do then?

Move Vick to WR. He's not an NFL QB. At least not one that will ever lead a team to a Super Bowl.

Vick already is one of the better QBs in the league. And, no, I'm not saying he throws the best. I'm saying he wins games as well as any other QB considering the talent(or lack thereof) around him.

 

[cracKer]

Can he catch?I see the second coming of Eric Metcalf.

 

[Barry]

That said, the option isn't run in the NFL because the LBs and Safeties are just too darn fast.  THere is no way the QB could make the corner consistently enough to make it work.  No way.

Do you know if they even use it in Canada?Seems like if it would work anywhere it would be in Canada where the field is wider and the talent level of the defenders is lagging.

Where's Smoo when you need him?

The CFL doesn't use it much either. The QB position is too important with all the passing to jeopardise him getting hurt.The talent in the CFL isn't "lagging." The main difference between CFL and NfL players is size.

 

[cracKer]

The talent in the CFL isn't "lagging." The main difference between CFL and NfL players is size.

Um...OK.

 

[Raider Nation]

One word: OPTION!

For years, people have been saying that an option attack would never work because of the speed of defenses in the NFL. Normally, I'd agree. But when the QB is the fastest and most dangerous player on the field, I don't buy it.

Now you're going to say to me.... "Well Bluto, what if he gets hurt???"

Whatever.

If he gets hurt, he gets hurt. Matt Schaub cashes a paycheck too. He is capable.

Vick has shown that he is not a "typical" QB, so why treat him like one. Look, I'll admit that I was the biggest Michael Vick cheerleader out here. I was always defending him. "You guys need to give him more time".... "He's learning a difficult west coast offense." Blah Blah Blah. It's over. He will never be a productive pocket QB. He just won't. He also won't be able to run like the wind forever, so I say it's time to get a little something back from Mr. Blank's enormous investment.

LET HIM RUN.

EVERY PLAY!

Remember how dominant the '95 Nebraska Cornhuskers were with Tommie Frazer leading that option offense? That was the best college offense I've ever seen, bar none, and they never heard of a forward pass. There is NO REASON why Vick, Dunn, Duckett and that cut-blocking offensive line could not be just as effective. You cannot convince me otherwise. And I'm not even saying that Vick would never be able to pass, but it just wouldn't happen very often. In an option offense, Vick would be positively deadly.

Okay, wait... I'm one step ahead of y'all. Here is where you guys say:

"Yeah, right -- I'm SURE that Vick wants to get pounded every play!"

Coaches coach, players play. If he doesn't like his new role, he can always go to a car wash and see if they'll pay him multiple millions of dollars for scrubbing my wheels.

Michael Vick playing the part of the "traditional quarterback" will only get this team so far. They will make the playoffs some years, but ultimately he will be called upon to use his arm to bring his team from 10-14 points behind in a playoff game, and it's just not going to happen.

Option attack, baby.... OPTION ATTACK!

Yeah, it's not the typical old-school Nebraska/Oklahoma option... it's more like the spread option Vince Young ran at Texas, and what Rich Rodriguez uses at West Virginia. But at least they finally recognized how to get the most out of Vick.

Vick giving foes a spread-ache

September 20, 2006

BY JEFF AGREST

It's called the ''spread option,'' and it could turn quarterback Michael Vick into the fantasy monster we all thought he could be.

This new element of the Falcons' offense has Vick running circles around defenses. Its latest victim, the Buccaneers, ranked sixth in run defense last season, allowing 94.7 yards per game. They gave up 306 rushing yards Sunday alone, including 127 to Vick -- who also scored on a one-yard run -- and 134 to running back Warrick Dunn.

The premise of the spread option is simple: Vick places the ball against Dunn's midsection, then decides whether to give it to him or keep it. The two run in opposite directions, and the defense is left to choose whom to follow.

The Falcons also are using Vick on more rollouts and giving him the option to run or pass. Apparently, he felt like running Sunday because he passed only 15 times (he ran 14 times), completing 10 for 92 yards.

Dunn certainly is benefiting from the attention paid to Vick. He's off to the best start of his career with 266 rushing yards. As good as Dunn has looked, though, he owes some of his success to Vick, whose running should continue to drive defenses crazy. Granted, it comes at the expense of his passing, but considering most leagues allot one point per 25 passing yards and one point per 10 rushing yards, it's a trade every fantasy owner will make.

LINKNow if the Raiders would just hire me, I'll fix their offense too.

But alas, I'm not qualified. I've never owned a Bed 'n Breakfast.

 

[cankles]

Heh. Very prescient.

 

[Kleck]

Yeah, it's not the typical old-school Nebraska/Oklahoma option...

I agree it's nothing like the Nebraska/Oklahoma option. I said it before, I'll say it again. If he went around that corner with a pitchman in tow he'd get destroyed every play. Every play.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Yeah, it's not the typical old-school Nebraska/Oklahoma option...

I agree it's nothing like the Nebraska/Oklahoma option. I said it before, I'll say it again. If he went around that corner with a pitchman in tow he'd get destroyed every play. Every play.

Actually, it's exactly like the shotgun spread option that Osborne invented in the 90's (most people forget that Nebraska was the first team to use the spread option, which is so prevelant today). When the Husker dynasty was in full throttle, they didn't run option only/primarily from the i-formation, they ran it from every formation they had: shotgun 4 wr, single back 2 te, single back 3wr, i-formation 3te, full house backfield, etc. Osborne finally added the shotgun formation to the playbook in the early 90's, and that's when the spread option was born.Osborne would call a play, and no matter formation the Huskers were in, Frazier would go through his checks and could call an audible to an option, fullback dive, option play-action pass (my personal favorite), etc. The majority of plays Nebraska ran were changed at the line of scrimmage by Frazier.It appears Vick's doing the same thing, by reading the defense and then checking off on what play they're going to run. The option always seems to work in the nfl, even if some slow ### qb is running it, because it totally catches the defense off guard, and they never see it in practice.I've always been of the opinion that all things being equal, an option attack is the toughest type of offense to defend against. There isn't another type of offensive scheme which requires as much discipline from the defense to defend against.

 

[Saints-Man]

Yeah, it's not the typical old-school Nebraska/Oklahoma option...

I agree it's nothing like the Nebraska/Oklahoma option. I said it before, I'll say it again. If he went around that corner with a pitchman in tow he'd get destroyed every play. Every play.

That's true, but that is why Rich Rodriguez developed this offense. The Nebraska/Oklahoma option was designed for mainly a RB who can pass. This offense was developed for a QB that can run, not a pocket QB.If you overload the line to stop the run, then he basically left with man-to-man coverage all over the field, leaving Vick with only 1 read. If you play normal defense, it opens up the run. Mora really impresses me. I didn't think he would be a good NFL head coach, but he has proven me wrong. I do think this is a good move and as long as he can get Vick to mitigate his chances of injury by staying out of big collisions(ie, learning when to run out of bounds), he should have several years in this offense. As you can guess by my name, I am not a Falcons fan. However, I think this is a good decision.

 

[Urinal Mint]

Don't be shocked if Tennessee uses a variation of this offense (read-option) with Vince Young as they nurse him along in his NFL infancy.

 

[Sigfawn]

Yeah, it's not the typical old-school Nebraska/Oklahoma option...

I agree it's nothing like the Nebraska/Oklahoma option. I said it before, I'll say it again. If he went around that corner with a pitchman in tow he'd get destroyed every play. Every play.

That's true, but that is why Rich Rodriguez developed this offense. The Nebraska/Oklahoma option was designed for mainly a RB who can pass. This offense was developed for a QB that can run, not a pocket QB.If you overload the line to stop the run, then he basically left with man-to-man coverage all over the field, leaving Vick with only 1 read. If you play normal defense, it opens up the run. Mora really impresses me. I didn't think he would be a good NFL head coach, but he has proven me wrong. I do think this is a good move and as long as he can get Vick to mitigate his chances of injury by staying out of big collisions(ie, learning when to run out of bounds), he should have several years in this offense. As you can guess by my name, I am not a Falcons fan. However, I think this is a good decision.

I really like how they are using Vick. Everytime he fakes the hand off out of the shotgun, he isn't purely running. He's mostly rolling out in a pass/run option, whatever he feels is open, he takes. If the DE/OLB play the boot, Dunn has huge cut back lanes. It's very hard to defend the Falcons without lots of speed. Otherwise your DE has to chase vick on every handoff, regardless if he boots it or not. You just can't recover in time if you realize Vick still has the ball. Which is also why I was high on Norwood. Vick is a dream QB for RBs. It makes it so easy to cut back with the zone blocking. There's no DE sliding down on you, he's chasing Vick. I've seen Vick get hit after handing it off to the RB normally. When that Denver run system is rolling, and the DE/LB spy are following Vick, it's almost not fair.

 

[SSOG]

I really like how they are using Vick. Everytime he fakes the hand off out of the shotgun, he isn't purely running. He's mostly rolling out in a pass/run option, whatever he feels is open, he takes. If the DE/OLB play the boot, Dunn has huge cut back lanes. It's very hard to defend the Falcons without lots of speed. Otherwise your DE has to chase vick on every handoff, regardless if he boots it or not. You just can't recover in time if you realize Vick still has the ball. Which is also why I was high on Norwood. Vick is a dream QB for RBs. It makes it so easy to cut back with the zone blocking. There's no DE sliding down on you, he's chasing Vick. I've seen Vick get hit after handing it off to the RB normally. When that Denver run system is rolling, and the DE/LB spy are following Vick, it's almost not fair.

I didn't see the game, but from this description, it sounds like Atlanta is running a near-perfect copy of the Denver Bootleg/Cutback offense. Playfake, roll out. If the DE pursues the QB, start turning those fakes into real handoffs, and when the DE follows the QB it cuts off all backside pursuit and leads to bigger gains. When the DE starts keying to the runningback, then you switch from runs back to fakes, get your QB outside of the DE when he pursues the RB, and roll him outside. At that point, you'll either have single-coverage on your WR deep, or else you'll have an LB covering the TE shallow. Either the LB maintains coverage and the QB can run, or else the LB comes up to stop the run and the QB can dump it right over top to the TE, who gets a 12-15 yard gain.Is this really what Atlanta is running? Because my experience with the college option offense is limited to the University of Florida under Urban Meyer, and that's not at all similar to what I just described. My experience with the college option is similar to what Shick's describing- the QB comes around the corner with a pitchman in tow, waits for the defenders to commit, and then either cuts it inside or pitches it outside.

 

[Jayrod]

I didn't see the game, but from this description, it sounds like Atlanta is running a near-perfect copy of the Denver Bootleg/Cutback offense. Playfake, roll out. If the DE pursues the QB, start turning those fakes into real handoffs, and when the DE follows the QB it cuts off all backside pursuit and leads to bigger gains. When the DE starts keying to the runningback, then you switch from runs back to fakes, get your QB outside of the DE when he pursues the RB, and roll him outside. At that point, you'll either have single-coverage on your WR deep, or else you'll have an LB covering the TE shallow. Either the LB maintains coverage and the QB can run, or else the LB comes up to stop the run and the QB can dump it right over top to the TE, who gets a 12-15 yard gain.Is this really what Atlanta is running? Because my experience with the college option offense is limited to the University of Florida under Urban Meyer, and that's not at all similar to what I just described. My experience with the college option is similar to what Shick's describing- the QB comes around the corner with a pitchman in tow, waits for the defenders to commit, and then either cuts it inside or pitches it outside.

It is different in that Vick keeps facing the defense and doesn't turn his back like Denver. It is not a bootleg. I think it usually starts in shotgun and Vick either fakes or gives to the back stading beside him, then he can run or throw.

 

[WhoDat]

I didn't see the game, but from this description, it sounds like Atlanta is running a near-perfect copy of the Denver Bootleg/Cutback offense. Playfake, roll out. If the DE pursues the QB, start turning those fakes into real handoffs, and when the DE follows the QB it cuts off all backside pursuit and leads to bigger gains. When the DE starts keying to the runningback, then you switch from runs back to fakes, get your QB outside of the DE when he pursues the RB, and roll him outside. At that point, you'll either have single-coverage on your WR deep, or else you'll have an LB covering the TE shallow. Either the LB maintains coverage and the QB can run, or else the LB comes up to stop the run and the QB can dump it right over top to the TE, who gets a 12-15 yard gain.

Is this really what Atlanta is running? Because my experience with the college option offense is limited to the University of Florida under Urban Meyer, and that's not at all similar to what I just described. My experience with the college option is similar to what Shick's describing- the QB comes around the corner with a pitchman in tow, waits for the defenders to commit, and then either cuts it inside or pitches it outside.

It is different in that Vick keeps facing the defense and doesn't turn his back like Denver. It is not a bootleg. I think it usually starts in shotgun and Vick either fakes or gives to the back stading beside him, then he can run or throw.

It is the U. of Texas' offense.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=270630

 

[Ruffrodys05]

Yep. Unfortunately, none of what we want will ever happen.For some reason, guys like Vick and McNabb and Brooks find it to be some sort of insult to be known as a "running QB." They just HAVE to stay in the pocket and show us that they are Dan Marino. Well, I hope each of them enjoys watching the '05 NFL playoffs.

I agree. McNabb would be better off just being what he is, which is not a pocket QB. He still seems intent on proving everybody wrong though. Sometimes I wonder if it is more of an Andy Reid thing. If McNabb does not start improvising (running) more during games this year, the Eagles will miss out on the playoffs.

 

[MLBrandow]

Yep. Unfortunately, none of what we want will ever happen.For some reason, guys like Vick and McNabb and Brooks find it to be some sort of insult to be known as a "running QB." They just HAVE to stay in the pocket and show us that they are Dan Marino. Well, I hope each of them enjoys watching the '05 NFL playoffs.

I agree. McNabb would be better off just being what he is, which is not a pocket QB. He still seems intent on proving everybody wrong though. Sometimes I wonder if it is more of an Andy Reid thing. If McNabb does not start improvising (running) more during games this year, the Eagles will miss out on the playoffs.

I'm pretty sure you don't watch football at all.

 

[SSOG]

Yep. Unfortunately, none of what we want will ever happen.For some reason, guys like Vick and McNabb and Brooks find it to be some sort of insult to be known as a "running QB." They just HAVE to stay in the pocket and show us that they are Dan Marino. Well, I hope each of them enjoys watching the '05 NFL playoffs.

I agree. McNabb would be better off just being what he is, which is not a pocket QB. He still seems intent on proving everybody wrong though. Sometimes I wonder if it is more of an Andy Reid thing. If McNabb does not start improvising (running) more during games this year, the Eagles will miss out on the playoffs.

I hope this is a fishing trip.

 

[Raider Nation]

Which is also why I was high on Norwood. Vick is a dream QB for RBs. It makes it so easy to cut back with the zone blocking. There's no DE sliding down on you, he's chasing Vick. I've seen Vick get hit after handing it off to the RB normally. When that Denver run system is rolling, and the DE/LB spy are following Vick, it's almost not fair.

Saints DC Gary Gibbs must not be getting much sleep this week, but at least they'll be prepared for the spread option. Ronde Barber (on the Barber Shop on Sirius radio) admitted that the Bucs had no answer for the play because they hadn't prepared to defend it. I guess Atlanta only showed the look twice in week 1 against Carolina. Can you imagine the sick speed which will be on the field if the Falcons somehow end up drafting Ted Ginn? Vick, Norwood and Ginn all have world-class speed, and Jenkins/Lelie/White aren't exactly SLOW....

 

[NYGus]

Back to school: Falcons add college-style option to their running game NICE CALL RAIDERNATION

By PAUL NEWBERRY - AP Sports Writer

2006-09-21 16:26

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -The Atlanta Falcons came up with a new option for their already prolific running game.

Get this: It's the option.

In a throwback to an era when college teams such as Alabama and Texas ran up and down the field, letting the quarterback decide whether to hand the ball off or run it himself, the Falcons are shaking up the regimented NFL with their own limited variation of the scheme.

Several times in each of the first two games, Michael Vick lined up in the shotgun, look the defense over, then decided whether to hand off to Warrick Dunn or take off on a bootleg.

No matter what the decision, Vick still ran to the outside as if he had the ball and Dunn barreled up the middle like he had it. That bit of chicanery left two of the NFL's top defenses in a state of confusion.

The Falcons (2-0) rambled for 252 yards in the season opener at Carolina, followed by a franchise-record 306 yards on the ground against Tampa Bay.

``It's fun,'' said Vick, the one-of-a-kind quarterback who makes it possible to run the option. ``To be able to get out in space and make a read of the defense poses a lot of problems for our opposition. It can be really deflating to a defense when you can't stop the run.''

Always looking for ways to maximize Vick's unique abilities, the Falcons keep an eye on what other teams are doing in hopes of finding a deviation here, a variation there that might work in their West Coast-style offensive package.

They don't limit their scouting to NFL teams, either. The option, for instance, looks similar to some of the runs used by college powerhouse West Virginia, a team that just happened to rush for 382 yards back in January when the Sugar Bowl was held at the Falcons' home field.

``You poach,'' Atlanta coach Jim Mora admitted. ``You look at what is working for other people, whether it is a Pop Warner team or an NFL team.''

The Falcons already were the NFL's most prolific team on the ground, leading the league in rushing the last two years. They've taken it to another level this season, becoming just the third team in NFL history to rush for at least 250 yards in their first two games.

On Monday night, Atlanta travels to New Orleans for the reopening of the Superdome with a chance to join the 1975 Buffalo Bills - who had a running back named O.J. Simpson - as the only teams to eclipse 250 yards in their first three games.

With an average of 279 yards per game, the Falcons are off and running toward a third straight league rushing title. They are 61.5 yards ahead of second-place San Diego, and no other team is within 100 yards of Atlanta's staggering figure.

Surprisingly, Vick was a little skeptical when offensive coordinator Greg Knapp first broached the idea of running the option. NFL defenders are supposedly too quick and their schemes far too complex for any sort of gimmick to succeed.

``I didn't really know how it was going to go,'' Vick said. ``This is the NFL, and not all defensive ends bite down on a play-fake out of the shotgun. We practiced it a lot over the summer. We ran it a couple of times against Carolina and it worked. We tried it against Tampa and it worked.''

As successful as the option has been, the Falcons don't plan to use it much more than a half-dozen times a game. This isn't going to be a replay of college football in the 1970s, when powerhouse teams lined up in the wishbone and ran the ball down after down.

That said, if Vick can keep confusing defensive ends - the key to making the option work - it should remain viable. If nothing else, it gives opponents one more thing to think about.

``It is not something you can line up and run every play,'' Vick said. ``You just don't know when it is coming because we have so many other concepts off that package.''

The Buccaneers were certainly caught off guard: Dunn, doing much of his running between the tackles, ran for 134 yards. Vick chipped in with 127 yards on just 14 carries, scooting for at least 12 yards on eight of his runs.

In so doing, Vick and Dunn became the first quarterback-running back duo in NFL history to rush for 125 yards apiece in the same game.

The Saints will certainly be focused on containing the run, but it's tough to prepare in such a short time for all the Falcons' variations.

``There's only so many reps in the course of a week's preparations,'' New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. ``That makes it difficult to decide what you're going to do with your time and how many reps you're going to devote to that package.''

Even if teams figure out how to contain the option, Mora believes it should open up things for Atlanta's inconsistent passing game. Vick had to throw just 37 passes in the first two games, though three of them went for touchdowns.

``There is going to come a time when we are not going to be able to run the ball for 200 yards a game and we are going to depend on the passing game,'' Mora said. ``I feel confident that it is ready to go.''

Giving the Falcons another option, so to speak.

 

[Tinkles]

If Vick ran the Nebraska option mentioned initially, he would get blown the #### up. Season over in three plays.

As a Falcons fan I loved watching the spread option they were running this past week. I also think it says a lot about Mora that he is willing to look at programs who better know how to utilize a very athletic QB. Like the OP said, the only reason this works is because of how athletic Vick is...don't think it would work for Vince as he is just not fast enought to beat NFL LBs. I'm curious to see how defenses adjust and if Vick's arm will be able to make them pay for a spy adjustment.

 

[Saints-Man]

They don't limit their scouting to NFL teams, either. The option, for instance, looks similar to some of the runs used by college powerhouse West Virginia, a team that just happened to rush for 382 yards back in January when the Sugar Bowl was held at the Falcons' home field.

Rich Rodriguez is the head coach at West Virginia. He is generally credited with developing this type of offense(later picked up by Texas and others). Rich Rodriguez was the OC under Tommy Bowden at Tulane in 97-98. In 1998, Shaun King was the QB at Tulane and ran this offense. It was very difficult to stop, and led to Tulane's 12-0 record that year.

 

[faulkfan]

I agree!

I also would go  5 wide and send them all on fly patterns. that would take at least 6-7 defenders down the field. If Vick runs he would only have to beat 2 guys on that side of the field and when he got by them it would be clear sailing for at least 20 yards.

If Vick does not run he is basically useless.

Yep. Unfortunately, none of what we want will ever happen.For some reason, guys like Vick and McNabb and Brooks find it to be some sort of insult to be known as a "running QB." They just HAVE to stay in the pocket and show us that they are Dan Marino. Well, I hope each of them enjoys watching the '05 NFL playoffs.

Part is insult, but part is longevity. Running gets you beat up and shortens your career. Of course if you fail as a QB your career will be short too.