Defensive Formation Issue
Posted: Thu May 28, 2020 8:32 am
Another issue that I have noticed during the season is the increasing use of the 2-DL Pass Medium defenses, and I am included in this group! Never wanting to stifle innovation, and always wanting to make sure that the PNFL allows what is taking place in the NFL (to the extent that the game would allow it) we introduced the 2-DL defense. After a couple of seasons we disallowed the use in all run categories, as 2-DL defenses were not realistic in the NFL (there are always rare exceptions, but we want something that resembles the norm). My research of late also indicates that the 2-DL formations are also not NFL realistic for what the PNFL considers Pass Medium, that is 10-yards or less for a 1st Down. The 2-DL formations in the NFL, for the vast majority of teams (yes, there are exceptions under certain circumstances) are primarily used for Hail Mary situations (PNFL Razzle Dazzle formations) and some 3rd and Long, greater than 10-yards in the PNFL.
Considering the anemic nature of our passing game, and the increase in the performance of our running games due to the success of the outside runs, I am seriously considering the reduction or elimination of the 2-DL Pass Medium plays, relegating them to Pass Long and Pass Razzle Dazzle. Never wanting to make dramatic changes season to season, I am thinking initially that no more than 50% of your Pass Medium and Pass Long defenses can be 2-DL defenses. Since the rules require six Pass Medium and six Pass Long plays in your game plans, no more than three can be 2-DL defenses. Obviously, if you increase the number of these plays, then your use of the 2-DL defenses go up (e.g. if you use eight Pass Medium defenses, four can be 2-DL defenses).
Considering the anemic nature of our passing game, and the increase in the performance of our running games due to the success of the outside runs, I am seriously considering the reduction or elimination of the 2-DL Pass Medium plays, relegating them to Pass Long and Pass Razzle Dazzle. Never wanting to make dramatic changes season to season, I am thinking initially that no more than 50% of your Pass Medium and Pass Long defenses can be 2-DL defenses. Since the rules require six Pass Medium and six Pass Long plays in your game plans, no more than three can be 2-DL defenses. Obviously, if you increase the number of these plays, then your use of the 2-DL defenses go up (e.g. if you use eight Pass Medium defenses, four can be 2-DL defenses).
