Holmgren, Walsh, the West Coast Offense and 4-WR sets (1 Viewer)

[This_Is_Not_VRR]

Associated Press reports Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren is considering featuring some formations with four wide receivers in order to take advantage of having receivers Deion Branch, Darrell Jackson, Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram on roster. The team now has five wideouts with starting experience in the NFL. While Holmgren noted they have not done much with four receiver sets in the past, it now intrigues him because it would allow the team to have all four receivers on the field at the same time.

Now that it appears that the Seahawks will be using some 4-WR sets, I have a few questions...1- Are 4-WR sets a staple of the "pure" west coast offense that Walsh and Holmgren adhere to?2- If so, why haven't we seen many 4-WR sets in Seattle? Is it because they lacked the proper personnel up until now?3- Did Holmgren use many 4-WR sets in Green Bay?4- Going back even further, did Walsh use many 4-WR sets with the 49ers?5- How easy (or difficult) is it to run the ball with 4-WR's on the field?6- What are the general pros and cons of 4-WR sets? Thanks in advance.X's and O's have never been my strong suit.

 

[Da Guru]

If the Seahawks start using 4 WR sets on a regular basis...Hassleback will be watching the games with Trent Green very soon.

 

[This_Is_Not_VRR]

If the Seahawks start using 4 WR sets on a regular basis...Hassleback will be watching the games with Trent Green very soon.

He nearly joined him last week...

 

[fridayfrenzy]

If the Seahawks start using 4 WR sets on a regular basis...Hassleback will be watching the games with Trent Green very soon.

Not sure how I see the parallel. Green got hurt scrambling for a first down. With a 4 WR set, Hass would get the ball off real quick.

 

[redman]

The classic base set for the WCO is 2 WR, 1 TE, 1FB and 1HB.

If anything, 4WR is more associated with the run-'n-shoot (aka "chuck-'n-duck, according to Buddy Ryan).

This definitely represents a departure, and with the loss of both a FB and an extra TE as potential blockers, the QB is definitely at risk.