Why so much singleback formation?

I think the main problem is our predictability on offense. For example, whenever a receiver motions to one side of the field, we always run to that side.

Not necessarily. We've been running a lot of that pitch to Portis to the weak side and it seems like he has averaged over 10 yards on those plays.

i doubt that sellers is fully healthy, he broke his rib like 2 weeks ago. probably playing a part

i doubt that sellers is fully healthy, he broke his rib like 2 weeks ago. probably playing a part

eh, good point. forgot about that. but he sure didn't look so hurt clearing the way for that TD or that 23yder..

people here have been questioning Portis's stats, comparing them to his stats in Denver and other backs in the league. well like a lot of those other backs, he had a fullback in Denver and i'm just wondering what top running teams in the league run singleback as often as we do.

This is an offense built on Counter Trey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter_Trey) plays. The pulling guard and tackle server as lead blockers and that's the primary reason you don't see the Skins with a true full back.

This is an offense Counter Trey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter_Trey) plays. The pulling guard and tackle server as lead blockers and that's the primary reason you don't see the Skins with a true full back.

very cool to see someone wiki'd that. yeah everyones knows and respects the Counter Trey (defenses included), but a fullback would help greatly with all the inside plays as well. can't be pulling linemen every down.

it seems like lately we have run alot more pitch and stretch plays.this is definitly a good thing.portis runs well with room to cut back

We need Brandon Lloyd.

I concur. He is the big target that is missing. Gibbs always had one big receiver.

Gibbs has always used the used single back formation. I think he may have revolutionized it.

As far as Sellers goes, I too am wondering why we haven't used a little more. I think Royal has bounced back and has proven to be a reliable receiver.

What we need is a true no 2 receiver. Hopefully Thrash comes back this week. He should be able to help out. Jacobs hasn't done shit, and it doesn't look like he's gonna be anything in this league.

That's not exactly true. Riggins was most successful wtih FB Otis Wonsley as the lead block from the "I" formation. Riggins even spoke about it on a film about his career. The combo of Sellers and Portis against the Cardinals must become a standard. Portis literally held on for his very life as Sellers drug him into the endzone. Can you imagime trying to get pass a 6-3, 278 pound FB on a running play? Gibbs has found the right set. It will get Portis pass the first inital contact.

Not necessarily. We've been running a lot of that pitch to Portis to the weak side and it seems like he has averaged over 10 yards on those plays. You might be right about that. But I was talking more about when we line up in single receiver sets. Thats when it seems like we get very predictable as far as motions and run plays.

If I remember right, Gibbs liked using the single back formation so he could have an extra TE to help neutralize players like Lawrence Taylor. In fact wasn't it specifically to give Jacoby help with Taylor?