Wide Receiver Positions

by: Michael Steffes

There was a comment asking to explain the different WR positions for the Seahawks, so I thought i would do my best. If anybody has any experience playing in a West Coast Offense, they may be able to add some intricacies, but here is how I understand the positions and their roles. For the breakdown...

FLANKER- The Flanker position, sometimes referred to as the "Z" receiver, is usually the top guy in the Seahawks rotation. The flanker usually lines up a step behind the line of scrimmage, which allows him a bit of a cleaner release. Usually the team tries to fill this position with a crisp route runner who has the ability to break a tackle or two. Darrel Jackson was the premier flanker for the Hawks in the Holmgren era. Courtney Taylor will be getting first crack at this position now.

SPLIT END- The split end or "X receiver lines up on the line of scrimmage. Generally, this is on the weak side, or the opposite side of the tight end. Because of Big Walt, this is often the left side in the Seahawks offense. I would say as a generality, the Hawks like to put their most athletic guy here. Speed, height, explosiveness are all key elements. It helps if the SE can break the jam effectively as well. This is where Nate will be lining up. A likely replacement could be Jordan Kent. I still haven't had a chance to watch the Vikes game, but I am suspecting this is where Kent lined up.

SLOT RECEIVER- The slot receiver lines up between either the SE or Flanker and the line of scrimmage, usually a step or two behind. The advantage the slot receiver has, is that often they find themselves being covered by a linebacker or safety. The primary requirements for a slot receiver are not speed and athleticism, but smarts and sure hands. They often settle in to a soft spot in the defense and attempt give the QB an easy target to hit. If they can get some yards after the catch that is even better, but they mostly need to get open and catch the ball. Bobby is the premier slot receiver around, in my opinion. This spot seems destined to be manned by Logan Payne before too long.

As reserve receivers, or the fourth guy coming on the field for the "Eagle" (4 WR) formation, a receiver can be asked to do any number of things. There is often a second slot receiver. Sometimes they go "trips" and put three receivers on one side, essentially creating a second flanker. It helps if this receiver knows the offense like the back of their hand. My guess, is the team sees Ben Obamanu filling this role right now.

Hope that helps. If anybody wants to add to this, feel free. I haven't been privy to any WR meetings lately, so I am just telling you my interpretation of how Holmgren's offense works.