It seems like it would be so easy to get a 1st down if more coaches would hand the football to the fullback in short yardage situations.
2007-11-12 14:44:02 · 7 answers · asked by nflcowboyfan71 1 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
As a former Linebacker I will answer.
On short yardage situations, the defense is looking for the short run up the middle, it is usually very well covered.
Many teams oo try this tactic, through NFL, College and High School. If the teams are close to evenly matched, the fullback will be stopped.
The QB sneak works much better for very short yardage. But you can never overestimate the screen pass!!!
2007-11-12 14:47:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Although fullbacks are primarily used as blockers, using the fullback in short yardage situations isn't always a bad idea. He's coming out of a 3 point stance,which means he's already low,if he has good leg drive,keeps his shoulders square and his pads low enough and his line does what they are supposed to, a 3rd and short becomes a 1st and 10 or a touchdown. The Saints sometimes use Mike Karney in short yardage situations. Before his neck injury and his limited roll in John Gruden's offense, Mike Alstott was used in short yardage. Lorenzo Neal gets an occasional carry in short yardage too. The Panthers use " The Hoov " Brad Hoover in short yardage also. Fullbacks are used more in college than they are in the pros sometimes. That upsets me. The fullback used to be quite a pivotal part in a teams' offense even just a few years ago. Tom Rathman is one of the best of all time. He could run, catch, and was a devastating blocker. If you have an athletic fullback, I say use him to run , block and catch out of the backfield. A fullback is a BIG running back. He's not just a guard in the backfield. I say use him. Of course I'm a little biased because that's me.. a fullback 100 % percent.
2007-11-12 23:22:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would all depend on who the fullback is. The way the game is set up now, the fullback is a lead blocker. If that fullback has done nothing but block, he may not handle the ball very well. I believe in fullback counters, and dives on 1st and 10. Change up the pace a little in the run game. Although I never played the position, I was a reciever. I always had love for the fullbacks and o-line, they created the holes so that my blocks down field counted for something.
2007-11-12 23:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by Willdawg3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a good point but the fullback is going to get hit in that situation whether carrying the ball or not, so I guess thats one less guy that can hit the tailback if he does a good job blocking him. If you had confidence in your fullback though you could at least give it a shot. I think they should also get a chance just as a reward for all the work they do that doesnt get nearly the recognition it should.
2007-11-12 22:52:04 · answer #4 · answered by Michael W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fullback is generally the blocking back and gets very few carries. The halfback is the ball carrying specialist, so that's one reason why he gets the ball more often. Also, since the fullback is the blocking back, you lose a blocker if you give him the ball. (I am a football fan, but not a football player or coach.)
2007-11-12 22:51:43 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. WD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although the fullback is usually bigger and stronger, the halfback is the more talented runner. Many coaches would rather use the fullback as a lead blocker for the halfback rather than send him through without additional assistance.
2007-11-12 22:49:45 · answer #6 · answered by Bonobo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They use the fullback as an extra blocker to help push the defense out of the way before the running back runs through the hole.
2007-11-12 22:49:34 · answer #7 · answered by Truth is elusive 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋