Current NFL offense?

Question

There is a lot of talk about how certain college (system)QBs wont excel in the NFL because of the offense their team currently uses (spread.) However to me the current NFL offense isn't too far off from being a spread offense; what is the difference & what exactly is it called (west coast?) Note: I am more a fan of college fb than NFL.

Answer 1

People think that the college shotgun spread system is something brand new, while in reality it is just a very old system revamped. 50-60 years ago the wing-T was a staple, and coaches like Urban Meyer just took that same playbook and spread it out, while adding some more pass plays/routes. These offensive systems do not work at the pro level for the same reason that the triple option doesn't work: NFL defenses have too much speed, and too much discipline to let the offense have the upper hand. I hate the term "system QB," as each player is only using his skill set, and fitting them into what the coach wants to run. Some schools give their players the added benefit of running a pro-style offense, thus preparing them further for the NFL. Take a look at Vince Young. He will never fit into an NFL system, as his whole college career was built around a very simplified playbook, and he is unable to grasp the complicated parts of the position. Great leader, but unable to make the reads. I agree with you though, the college game is far more exciting than the NFL.

Answer 2

1. 'System' player refers to a athlete's stats that are inflated. This is not limited to QBs- RBs and WRs are also prone. Depending on the school and coach, a player will appear to be better than they really are due to the coach fitting the game plan about that player or team's strengths. For example, Wisconsin produces 1000 yd rushers all the time... but its not the runners ability, its the O-line that opens huge lanes. Another example is Texas Tech where 75% of the plays are passes. The QB led the world in passing yardage and two receivers had 100 rec and 1000 yds. However, their leading rusher had less than 500 yds on the ground.

These system players never stick in the NFL.

2. The west coast offense got its name because the late Bill Walsh created it while coaching at Stanford (but was made famous while coaching the 49ers). Its an offense that focuses on the passing game... quick throws to receivers and short passes to running backs in place of conventional running plays.