2-DL plays and EDGE players

[Jerry-Redskins]

The 2 DL started as only 2 DL and 9 dropping into coverage. We had a team that went 100% usage. There was no rules on it at all at that time. The commish decided to ban them all as he was correct that 9 in coverage is not realistic 100%. Several of us argued that 2 DL in itself was coming into actual NFL use when looking at the traditional position body types. The NFL was starting to use smaller DE and hybrid LB's in nickel and dime as pass rushers. The commish decided to allow the % we have in pass categories and grandfathered the existing 2 DL as legal. The rules for future 2 DL plays added the 3 attacking the LOS 100% of the time, which does line up with the NFL except for hail mary type plays. Then we had the last minute edit of the grandfathered plays a season ago that eliminated the grandfathered plays.

The issue today is if all PNFL plays have 3 players whose logic is set as DL have always been and the NFL uses what is now called an edge which in todays NFL are smaller faster pass rush DE's and built like larger LB's previously. Why not mimic the NFL and allow the same. The rules continue to eliminate the 9 in coverage and just like the NFL, any team using them adds speed but loses strength at the point of attack. Same choice the NFL makes.

The plays are already allowed now with the design rules added. The NFL is doing the same on pass type situations in the NFL and actually in those defenses even more of the time.

[Matt-Jacksonville]

This is something like the injury idea that we could open up next season and if the stats fall to a level we can't live with we can always revisit next offseason. I say we try opening it up for a season and see how it goes.

[Mitch-Dolphins]

I know there were reasons we cut back and limited the use of 2 DL plays several seasons ago. I can’t remember, what were the reasons? I bet Charlie remembers.
And what’s changed since then? I’m not sure.

One trend I do see is that our overall completion percentages are 51-63 this season. That’s notably below the NFL range and traditionally has been. And more 2 DL plays is likely to reduce that further.

So to me this is a pursuit of realism that leads to less realism. I don’t think it’s inherently bad, I just don’t know that it’s something we need.

Steve’s initial idea of getting DL more involved resonated better with me.

Jerry is on point. It was the "9+ man" coverage that a lot of 2-DL plays employed that was the biggest issue.

In regards to comp%, the PNFL comp% have always trended lower than current NFL standards. I believe this caused by:

1) More teams are throwing PM passes to improve YPA due to lack of YAC
2) Tighter ratings spreads reduce the separation of WR from DBs as well as lowers YAC potential

[Dean-Atlanta]

2) Tighter ratings spreads reduce the separation of WR from DBs as well as lowers YAC potential

It will be interesting to see if this improves or gets worse in the PCFL after teams spent a LOT of points upgrading their safeties and CBs in recruiting.

We are also testing 25-yard PLR Lobs this season too.