Chip Kelly's Spread Offense in the NFL

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Quote: Originally Posted by kcharles520

i don't think fatigue is as big of a factor with the o-line because speed isn't the essence of their game. it's easier to be a bit tired and have to pass block than be tired and have to run 20 yards downfield, like a receiver. i think the skins came back because philly slowed the tempo down and tried running the clock out pretty much the entire second half. had kelly kept his foot on the pedal i don't think washington stands a chance. with that being said, a team running this offense probably would still benefit from lighter, more conditioned athletes at the o-line, no doubt.

I think you're underestimating how draining it can be for a lineman to have to sprint 30 yards up field to get to the new line of scrimmage, and then use all their might to push the d-line back on run plays, or keep them from getting to the QB on pass plays.

Having said that, the key to the no huddle is that in theory, it keeps defenses from being able to make subs, so the defensive line should be just as tired.

[AUChase]

I still feel like the "Spread Offense" can work long term in the NFL.

It also depends on what you define as the spread. When I watch Patriot's games and Bronco's games, they spend the majority of their team in the Shotgun, but people don't necessarily consider it a spread offense.

You can run a spread offense and still carry over traits from a traditional offense as well. I know it's a college example and I'm an Auburn fan, but Gus Malzahn/Rhett Lashlees interpretation of a spread relies heavily on running the ball from the shotgun with a lead blocker or misdirection in the backfield, which is typically some sort of HB/FB involved.

Again, I think it can work long term, especially in a league where you get to draft specific players that other teams may pass on because of the offensive system they came out of in college. I always hear people talking about how the college game has got so much from the pro game over the years and I think you're finally seeing an example of how the pro game can learn something from it's college counterpart.

With as much talent as there is in the NFL, I don't see why it couldn't work long term. Just my .02 cents.

[kingkilla56]

Quote: Originally Posted by NDAlum

I felt like it took a toll on Vick in the passing game. He missed several open guys.

The team certainly slowed down as the game went on and the Redskins offense started rolling. The Chiefs game will be a better look at these guys.

EDIT: I meant Chargers.

[LionsFanNJ]

I think the Eagles biggest issue would be depth. Longer seasons than college and Vick and them boys aren't the most durable. Files/Barkley probably could run it but Kelly would loose a lot of his play fake options Vick/Shady would give

On a side note I think this type of offense really fits Vick's skills better.

[AUChase]

Just to play devil's advocate, I think the offense could help the Eagles depth. While you're typically running more plays and such, as a defense tires down you have less violent hits and for a guy like Vick who had a tendency of taking too many unnecessary hits, that could help.

[N51_rob]

The Eagles were the only NFL team that could run this offense right now. They have Jason Peters and Evan Mathis are monsters on the Oline, Lane Johnson is a very promising rookie. They have Vick, McCoy, Jackson and had Maclin. Very few offenses have that many ++ in space playmakers.

That is where the Eagles speed will cause teams problems in space, if defenders miss tackles like Washington did with those guys its over. You can't fully commit to the pass rush in passing plays because Vick can slip and escape. You have to respect the running game which limits the effective zone drops of your LBs couple that with just about every run or PA featuring a flowing oline (like their first TE pass) you get the LBs flowing one way and have the seam on the backside open the other.

The offense itself is going to be so much fun to watch. My only real concern is that I heard some Eagles say they ran about 60% of their stuff, and many plays were the same plays called from different formations. If that is true it seems like it might be a rather limited playbook. Hell the one TD pass was a play they borrowed from the Saints playbook.

I don't want to sound like a bitter Skins fan because I for one can't wait to get the all-22 and take a closer look at this offense (it was awesome to watch those first few drives), but knowing that Stanford who doesn't have NFL caliber players at every position, and limited weekly practice time was able to stop this attack, you would have to assume that there are NFL Coordinators that with enough film can do the same.

[Jr.]

Quote: Originally Posted by AUChase

Just to play devil's advocate, I think the offense could help the Eagles depth. While you're typically running more plays and such, as a defense tires down you have less violent hits and for a guy like Vick who had a tendency of taking too many unnecessary hits, that could help.

Vick was adding on to his unnecessary hits by out-running McCoy and throwing ridiculous blocks.

I swear he doesn't understand how fragile he is

[shotgun styles]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jr.

Vick was adding on to his unnecessary hits by out-running McCoy and throwing ridiculous blocks. I swear he doesn't understand how fragile he is

He had it all taken away. Watching NFL games with a prison mop in his hand. He's determined to give it everything on every play. I respect that.

Will it shorten his career? Probably. But I can't help but respect a guy who leaves it all on the field like that. Twice a game I have to watch Brady or Manning curl up in the fetal position when the rush is on to avoid a hit and I want to puke. Nutless.