New Formations

by: Michael Steffes

The Seahawks added several new wrinkles to their offense last night and I thought I would give you my thoughts on them.

Weaver at tailback and Schmitt at fullback-- Interesting concept for short yardage plays. It keeps Weaver's role simple and allows Schmitt to get some time as a lead blocker. We will have to see if it sticks. This worked the first time they tried it, and failed the second. One thing I would like to see the Hawks do from this formation is pass, they have their choice of two good pass blockers in the backfield, as well as using one of them in the pattern. Plus, the defense will be thinking run all the way. What this means for Duckett we will have to wait and see, although I think it is funny that people have already moved from Forsett to the Weaver/Schmitt combo as the reason to cut TJ. Guy hasn't played a real game yet and Seahawk fans dislike him. Good thing Tim Ruskell and Jim Mora do.

Nate in the slot-- Great Idea! The coach hinted about this previously. It allows Jordan Kent to get on the field with Nate and Taylor. The touchdown pass came from this set up. The benefit here was that Taylor, an accomplished run blocker at Auburn, and likely our most physical receiver is able to spring Nate's long YAC with a nice block on the edge. This is something I think we will be seeing more of in the regular season for sure.

Carlson flexed out wide-- Carlson was lined up in the slot several times last night as well. On the first play he was in the slot making up what looked like a 5 WR set. Essentially it was. On other plays, the team used their "Tiger" formation, which includes 2 WRs, 2 TEs, and a back. Usually this will dictate the defense have early down personnel in, looking for the run. However, when Carlson then lines up flexed out the Hawks are in a passing formation, forcing the defense to make the adjustment. This is another example of how Carlson will help keep defenses honest this year, assuming he gets his game to where the team wants it to be. ~END~