Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Dear NFL: Bring Back the Fullback

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

 Share

Recommended Posts

Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

Posted
Posted

For fans of smash mouth football, the demise of the punishing NFL fullback has had a negative impact on maximum game enjoyment. Gone are the days of a 250lb work horse demolishing a linebacker as he paves the way to the end zone. Yes, I miss the blocking fullback. If you would frequently find yourself zoning in on a crushing block instead of the ball crossing the goal line, you probably miss them too. 

It seems we are not alone...

 

 

As PFF noted, fullbacks have become a thing of the past. But could that change? 

Over the past decade, defenses have adjusted both physically and within their schemes to defend against the offensives without fullbacks. Linebackers have gotten smaller, faster. More defensive sub-packages are being used than ever. Across the league the typical 4-3 is giving way to hybrid nickel and other formations. Teams are less worried about their linebackers getting dominated physically, but being out run. 

It is my contention that now may be the perfect time to bring back the punishing fullback, before defenses can easily adjust to them. 

A few weeks ago I was promoting Lee Ward as a guy on the Carolina Panthers roster that could immediately fill this role. Ward is a pure blocking specialist, almost perfect in technique. A quick look at his highlight reel from college will get any red blooded American football fan excited. 

Also, Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula does have experience with this type of player. As offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, Shula utilized all time fullback great Lorenzo Neal as a blocking specialist, paving the way for the shifty Warrick Dunn and also for Mike Alstott in their rhino package. 

Could we see Ward in the same role in Carolina? Imagine him blocking for Jordan Todman, or perhaps on the goal line in front of Mike Tolbert. 

What say you Panthers fans... Are you ready for the blocking fullback to return? 



View full article

  • Pie 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jmac Grand Master

Jmac

Posted
Posted (edited)

They have a mack truck waiting in the wings. Shula should know how to use the kid since they had a bruiser in Tampa Bay. We will see what happens Add Tolbert,Stew, and Cam to the mix and you have a wrecking crew to deal with.

Edited by Jmac
Link to comment
Share on other sites
frash.exe Apprentice

frash.exe

Posted
Posted

Honestly, I don't see it as a priority

 

people thought there would be a rush of teams following the Seahawks power football formula after 2013, yet that hasn't really happened at all. I'd rather like to see the panthers work on their red zone offense and no huddle/2 minute drills because that's where they have the most room for improvement. The offense needs to be able to function in fourth gear if we find ourselves behind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Honestly, I don't see it as a priority

 

people thought there would be a rush of teams following the Seahawks power football formula after 2013, yet that hasn't really happened at all. I'd rather like to see the panthers work on their red zone offense and no huddle/2 minute drills because that's where they have the most room for improvement. The offense needs to be able to function in fourth gear if we find ourselves behind.

Red zone touchdowns should be a #1 priority this season. A blocking fullback could be a part of the solution. 

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TN05 Mentor

TN05

Posted
Posted

The big problem with blocking fullbacks is the same as the problem with blocking tight ends: they can't catch worth crap. Having a blocking fullback or tight end on field is a dead giveaway you are going to run the ball, unless you keep him on the field the whole game, which necessarily limits your quarterback's ability to throw.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Nick_81 Newbie

Nick_81

Posted
Posted

I'd be all for that poo.  Too much focus on our passing game to begin with.  We try to be a run first offense anyway, and this would only help that... in a tremendous way.  You get defenses worried about a guy like Ward coming out of the backfield, with the receiving corps we have(err, think we'll have), and I believe panic will be widespread.  Most defenses won't have the personnel to compensate.  It opens up a poo ton of options, because they will have to focus on trying to stop it.

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Nick_81 Newbie

Nick_81

Posted
Posted (edited)

The big problem with blocking fullbacks is the same as the problem with blocking tight ends: they can't catch worth crap. Having a blocking fullback or tight end on field is a dead giveaway you are going to run the ball, unless you keep him on the field the whole game, which necessarily limits your quarterback's ability to throw.

Not necessarily.  You would still have two wide receivers, Olsen, and your running back on the field.  That's four options right there.  If the FB has any ability to catch a pass, you win.

Edited by Nick_81
  • Pie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
coralreefer_1 Newbie

coralreefer_1

Posted
Posted

Would we be even talking about this if we were not in a position to use/capitalize on such a thing?

 

Great if it happens, but let me ask the usual questions here on thhe hudddle.

 

Can he play LT?

Can we trust Shula to use such talent?

 

 

Now that the obligatory peanut gallery crap is out of the way, I would totally LOVE of such to come to pass!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Davidson Deac II
      Week 12 Other NFL Games

      By Davidson Deac II · Posted

      Watching Rams/Eagles. Celebrating the St Louis Rams team that won the SB (Warner, Holt, etc..) while playing in Los Angeles seems wrong.  If I were in Los Angeles, no way I would attend a Rams game.  Probably wouldn't attend a Chargers game either.  Becoming a fan of a team that likes to move around just seems like a waste of energy as a fan.  
    • MHS831
      If you wanted Danny Dimes here’s the chance

      By MHS831 · Posted

      The only responses I am getting after providing statistics to put opinions in perspective seem to be from people who get angry and attack stats and people whose opinions differ from their own.  Have people on the Huddle ever overreacted, exaggerated, been wrong about players before?  Sure they have, so an alternative opinion with statistical support should not cause you to attack me or my views.  I am sorry your public schools failed you.  But your reactions are very revealing--you are stuck in Piaget's concrete operational stage--learn logic, how to debate a topic, and learn the difference between facts and emotional opinions.  When I paralleled Cam's stats with Jones' to point out how remarkably similar their careers have been to this point, It blew some 40 watt minds.  I think Jones, in a better situation, could be good--that should not upset you--
    • Dave Gettleman's Shorts
      Redzone Offense vs. KC by drive

      By Dave Gettleman's Shorts · Posted

      penalties and poor hands is what cost us in the RZ Bryce missing "high" in the back of the end zone is not an issue, you're taught as a QB to throw high in the back of end zone were only the receiver can catch or no one The duo of Ian Thomas and Tommy tremble can both go at the end of the season, both been here for multiple seasons and they've barely developed
×
×
  • Create New...