Coaching Mind Needed for a dumb question...

[ARZCardinals]

:Cards logo:'s are looking for a blocking TE.

Why wouldn't a team throw another O lineman on the line (lined up as the TE)instead to 'road grade?'

it would give away that it's a run, but maybe mix it up....I know it's a dumb question, but every now and then you have to think outside the box.

[whiz]

It already done in goal line and short yardage situations where space is limited ... its easy for an OL guy to pick up a defender right on top of him and move him out, but that big OL guy will have trouble in the open field picking up LB in space or DB downfield.

That's would be my guess, along with your excellent assumption that the OL guy really isn't a pass threat.

[Arby Rick]

:Cards logo:'s are looking for a blocking TE.

Why wouldn't a team throw another O lineman on the line (lined up as the TE)instead to 'road grade?'

it would give away that it's a run, but maybe mix it up....I know it's a dumb question, but every now and then you have to think outside the box.

I think the possibility of the TE being able to be a pass catcher and the fact that it does keep the defense second guessing somewhat is probably why. That coupled with the fact that it gives the QB another viable option. Plus, with some of the TEs out there theres not a whole lot of difference between them and an offensive lineman anyway! Good question though, just my opinion as Im no coach......

[kjbad]

:Cards logo:'s are looking for a blocking TE.

Why wouldn't a team throw another O lineman on the line (lined up as the TE)instead to 'road grade?'

it would give away that it's a run, but maybe mix it up....I know it's a dumb question, but every now and then you have to think outside the box.

There is only one team in the NFL that is able to run the ball against any formation, no matter how many people the defense stacks in the box - the Jacksonville Jaguars. They have two backs that can break off huge gains, and everyone in the NFL knows it, but they still can't stop them. Unless we get that committed to the run, I doubt we will ever try to sell out the run and expect such good results.

[BigDinGlenDale]

You want to be able to fool a defense. If you throw another o-lineman out there defenses will key on that and know you are running the ball, probably to that side of the line. A blocking TE can catch passes and get down field a heck of a lot better than a 300 lb offensive lineman.

[BullheadCardFan]

You want to be able to fool a defense. If you throw another o-lineman out there defenses will key on that and know you are running the ball, probably to that side of the line. A blocking TE can catch passes and get down field a heck of a lot better than a 300 lb offensive lineman.
I have to agree here .. its better to keep the defense guessing and give yourself more options by using a TE ...

[ARZCardinals]

what about throwing that O lineman, on the line a few times just to bust up the DE, meaning have 2 guys just pound him for a few plays to break him down.

Here's the thought(s)

Run to the strong side with the extra lineman, if one can shed and take on the LB there's extra space. They'd also take some of the energy out of the DE by pounding him and pancaking his **** -therefore his next few plays he won't be coming so hard.


I agree that with the TE it keeps the D guessing and the LB'ers honest.

thanks for the responses.

[kjbad]

When we get in goal-line situations, I bet we see a lot more of that misdirection flip play where the RB starts one way, but then the QB flips it to the opposite side of the formation after the defense has already begun pursuit. Having another o-lineman (unless he runs a 4.8 40!!! LOL) will not help you much on misdirection plays, but a TE theoretically will keep a defense honest because they know he could receive the halfback pass.

[TrueHeroTillman]

not sure if Dockett can catch, but i'm sure he'd be able to clear out a few defensive linemen/linebackers in a goal line situation.

[DUSK884]

not sure if Dockett can catch, but i'm sure he'd be able to clear out a few defensive linemen/linebackers in a goal line situation.

works for me. If Dockett can kick field goals, that'll work too.

[DesertDave]

what about throwing that O lineman, on the line a few times just to bust up the DE, meaning have 2 guys just pound him for a few plays to break him down.

Because that opens up an opportunity for penalties in that an O-lineman must report himself as an eligble receiver. You've probably heard that happen in games - again typically in goal line stands - where the ref will open his mic and say something like 'Number 73 is reporting as an eligible receiver."

O-linemen are typically not considered eligible recievers, this is why the QB can get an intentional grounding penalty for throwing the ball to or at one. Unless that O-lineman has reported as eligible, and some other cryptic variables.

TEs do not have to report, they are assumed to be eligible receivers even if they're never used. That's what makes them an important safety valve for a QB under pressure. There's always the TE to dump it off to and a QB should always have an idea where his TE is.

Using O-linemen, especially if you're mixing up which O-lineman is eligible, is going to lead to as much confusion on your side as the defense's.

[hubbyofcardsfanatic]

You want to be able to fool a defense. If you throw another o-lineman out there defenses will key on that and know you are running the ball, probably to that side of the line. A blocking TE can catch passes and get down field a heck of a lot better than a 300 lb offensive lineman.

Am I the only one now who wants to see them throw a pass to Deuce Lutui and watch him carry safeties and corners down the field?

[Big Red]

Because that opens up an opportunity for penalties in that an O-lineman must report himself as an eligble receiver. You've probably heard that happen in games - again typically in goal line stands - where the ref will open his mic and say something like 'Number 73 is reporting as an eligible receiver."

O-linemen are typically not considered eligible recievers, this is why the QB can get an intentional grounding penalty for throwing the ball to or at one. Unless that O-lineman has reported as eligible, and some other cryptic variables.

TEs do not have to report, they are assumed to be eligible receivers even if they're never used. That's what makes them an important safety valve for a QB under pressure. There's always the TE to dump it off to and a QB should always have an idea where his TE is.

Using O-linemen, especially if you're mixing up which O-lineman is eligible, is going to lead to as much confusion on your side as the defense's.

Thanks for the cogent explanation. What about, though, the Wakefield Syndrome, when a receiver's number is assigned to a back-up offensive lineman? That might be appropriate for someone like Leckey. Which leads to the question: can a player wearing a receiver's number play center?

[Cards Czar]

For all purposes that is what they did last year with Wakefield. A 300lb TE/OL.