2038 play design discussion

[Jerry-Redskins]

The principle needs to be we have the ability to mix our defenses to counter our opponent and confuse them. We have to call at least one other play type in our plan. Scouting me folks can tell I use three types and mix it up. It's not as if we are talking an every down defense. It is part of the tool box to stop offenses. Rush 3, rush 4, blitz more. All part of making the offense think as well.

[Charlie-49ers]

I am not unreasonable, and willing to concede to three covering the line (you still need 3 DLs) but you need to give me something to differentiate Pass Medium from Pass Long defenses. For example, Pass Medium requires 2-3 LBs on the field, not required for Pass Long. If you use 3-DLs you must have a minimum of 3 LBs; if you use 4-DLs you must have a minimum of 2 LBs. We need something. You guys tell me what works.

[Jerry-Redskins]

I need to see what others think, but 2 has to be the bare minimum, but three may be the right number. The second link I sent shows good data. Based on the passing formations used predominately in the PNFL, it would seem 20% to 30% dime use against 11 offense formations, but several teams who are also 3-4 base get close to 40% and 50% no matter the formations. Makes me think 2 is realistic. That would be normal dime 3 DL, 2LB and 6 DB. Question is that an issue on 1st and 2nd down? Seems not unrealistic as 3-3-5 would be nickel.

[Mitch-Oilers]

I think a minimum of 3 "rushers" for PMs is reasonable. However, to Charlie's point, what will be the differentiation between PM and PL. 6 DB max for PM and 7 DB max for PL?

[Jerry-Redskins]

Does there have to be a true definition difference? The PM d's by their very nature should be better at defending somewhat shorter passes than PL. Otherwise, why can't PL have 8 DB's if someone wants. They will be different than PRD as those need to defend the really long passes developed for those situations. To me the plays are less about the players in the positions and more about what areas and play type they intend to defend.

[Charlie-49ers]

Jerry, if you read my proposal for Pass Long, I do not say that you cannot have 8 DBs defending for the pass! It just says that you have to have no more than 8 defenders with no specifications.

The question is Pass Medium where I am conceding to 8 pass defenders but where I would prefer a minimum of 3 DLs and that at least two of the eight pass defenders be other than DBs (e.g. dropping back one or more DLs or some combination with LBs) as long as you have three players defending the line in some way.

[Jerry-Redskins]

I'm with you Charlie. I was discussing Mitch's most recent post. 3 DL and 2 LB minimum for PM will work fine. Lots of good defenses will need tweaking, but I think it is doable. Now just to be sure I have it clear, you could still put one of the three DL in a zone D, but would need another player with run rush or blitz to still have a total of three guys rushing the QB

[Mitch-Oilers]

Keeping it simple:

PM = min 3 DL and min 3 players defending the line
PL = min 2 DL, min 3 players defending the line and used on 3rd downs or 10+ yards to go

[Charlie-49ers]

I like Mitch's principle, but we cannot go too far. PM will have shorter zones than PL, or PRD. They are a PASS defense primarily and should not be forced to be "run-oriented" I should be able to choose or design a PM defense to primarily stop the pass at 8 to 12 yards or so. I need to be able to match the offensive choices and match PM play design to pass-happy teams. No reason PM cannot have only 3 pass (hold the line) rushers and 8 pass (Read, Zone, Man) defenders. The depth of the read and zones needed to defend the PM offensive plays at the 1st down markers matters. I like the change tp PRD as to matching to when PRD passes can be called. No issues with the other definitions.

Now we need to discuss adding minimum play amounts in the plans. I think any play calls with a minimum of 2 should go to 4 unique plays. Seeing way more goal-line plays being called than in just goal line and 1 yard to go situations.

Yep, I agree, which is what we did a few seasons back with the Pass Razzle-Dazzle defenses. If we are going to have a category on either side of the ball that only requires two plays, then it limits the randomness value of the game that makes every game interesting. I think that we need to up the count on any two-play categories to four if you use them.

[Mitch-Oilers]

How quickly after the season will these play deletions occur in the play pool? I want time to adjust my practice gameplan prior to ne t season.

Thanks!