Split Back Formation

[RavensAllTheWay]

Maybe I'm way off on this. But it seems like teams practically never use this formation anymore. With a QB under center, one back in the backfield to the left and another in the backfield to the right. We certainly could've used this formation with Rice and McGahee in the Steelers game last week and also last night. It provides an extra blocker and/or extra receiver on each side.

Our last two opponents were coming after Joe with all sorts of exotic blitzes that we straight up had no answer for, especially in single back formations. So I'm not only wondering why I never see it or why teams never seem to use it. But also, do you think the Ravens should give it a try? I certainly do.

[Ed_Reed20]

McGahee and Rice on the field at the same time for more than just one play? That's way too complex for Cam.

[hawkprey]

I think I saw it once or twice last game but I'm not sure who it was (I assume McGahee and Rice in the backfield). We still need to address the problem of "McGahee on the field = run play". Why don't we do dump-offs to this guy anymore? He's a monster in space. And they wouldn't expect it as much as they would with Rice.

[D-Rey]

Keep it simple!!!! I'm assuming cam would say that.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1292379845' post='575905']
I think I saw it once or twice last game but I'm not sure who it was (I assume McGahee and Rice in the backfield). [b]We still need to address the problem of "McGahee on the field = run play". Why don't we do dump-offs to this guy anymore?[/b] He's a monster in space. And they wouldn't expect it as much as they would with Rice.
[/quote]

Zero catches in two games, I don't get it. He's one of the best RBs in the league in pass protection but on third down, he's on the sidelines.

[BloodRaven]

McClain has the versatility and skillset to be utilised like an H Back, he can still block but also contribute as a receiver and be less predictable.

[ZIBBY28]

having two HBs offset on the field at once sounds tricky, but it's really not. If the QB opens to left, it's a run to the left. If he opens to the right, it's a run to the right. Misdirection takes too much time in the backfield when the guy getting the ball has to take two more steps than they would lined up in the I. Sure, you can pass out of the set, but you're screaming to the defense it's going to be a pass play when you take your FB off and put a second HB in. It wouldn't be productive enough running the ball to fool anyone.

I'm not saying it would never work, but like Blood said, McClain is an adequate receiver out of the backfield and is a much better run blocker than either of the two tailbacks. You can't give the ball to both guys at once, so you're giving run blocking duties to a HB instead of a probowl fullback, or basically telling the other team you're going to pass. If you want an extra receiver on the field, putting an extra TE or WR on the field makes more sense to me.

I'm all for little wrinkles here and there and wouldn't be opposed to trying it to see if it worked, but I have my doubts.

[flynismo]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1292379478' post='575894']
Maybe I'm way off on this. But it seems like teams practically never use this formation anymore. With a QB under center, one back in the backfield to the left and another in the backfield to the right. We certainly could've used this formation with Rice and McGahee in the Steelers game last week and also last night. It provides an extra blocker and/or extra receiver on each side.

Our last two opponents were coming after Joe with all sorts of exotic blitzes that we straight up had no answer for, especially in single back formations. So I'm not only wondering why I never see it or why teams never seem to use it. But also, do you think the Ravens should give it a try? I certainly do.
[/quote]

I've been ranting about this since last year. It's something we need to do much more often, especially this season with the way our OL is playing.

[Bltravens]

I dont think Cam has ever utilized a split backs formation.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='ZIBBY28' timestamp='1292393857' post='576095']
having two HBs offset on the field at once sounds tricky, but it's really not. If the QB opens to left, it's a run to the left. If he opens to the right, it's a run to the right. Misdirection takes too much time in the backfield when the guy getting the ball has to take two more steps than they would lined up in the I. Sure, you can pass out of the set, but you're screaming to the defense it's going to be a pass play when you take your FB off and put a second HB in. It wouldn't be productive enough running the ball to fool anyone.

I'm not saying it would never work, but like Blood said, McClain is an adequate receiver out of the backfield and is a much better run blocker than either of the two tailbacks. You can't give the ball to both guys at once, so you're giving run blocking duties to a HB instead of a probowl fullback, or basically telling the other team you're going to pass. If you want an extra receiver on the field, putting an extra TE or WR on the field makes more sense to me.

I'm all for little wrinkles here and there and wouldn't be opposed to trying it to see if it worked, but I have my doubts.
[/quote]
But just because the pass is more predictable doesn't mean they can stop it. Doesn't mean they can cover Mase, Boldin and Heap/TJ/our 3rd receiver all at one time. Plus like I said, it's all about picking up blitzes from both sides. And if they instead drop extra guys into coverage instead of blitz, then our backs can sneak open out of the backfield. At that point, teams will be looking for the checkdown to Rice, while McGahee would likely be there for a completion in open space, where he's most dangerous.

But I don't specifically want McGahee and Rice in this formation. We could use that, but you're right, we could also use Rice and McClain or McGahee and McClain as well. No problem with that. And at that point, were not really screaming pass anymore, given that we could hand it off and have better blocking up front.

Seems to me like there are multiple possibilities and options we can use out of this formation.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1292379745' post='575901']
McGahee and Rice on the field at the same time for more than just one play? That's way too complex for Cam.
[/quote]
Exactly. And having McGahee in a formation with Rice means that it won't always be a hand off to Willis, which is doesn't satisfy Cam's secret check list.