Why I feel the fullback could be vital this season

[shaka]

Alternate Title: Why I get half mast talking about Lee Ward

Why has the role of the fullback diminished?  

Traditional fullbacks are not really offensive threats.  Often the fullback brings up the image of a slow hulking manbeast wearing a neckroll.  Most teams have replaced the fullback with the slot receiver.  The thought being you can still run the ball just as effectively with the slot receiver because you force the defense to adjust by taking out a linebacker and putting in a db.  With it being a pass happy league you have another passing option in the slot, and if you decide to run you have one less linebacker to worry about.  

Why it makes sense for the Panthers?  

Short answer: Shula

Long answer:  Mother Fuggin Mike Shula.  Ball control, grind it out offense with an emphasis on running the ball and play action.  Unrelated to Shula is the uncertainty about LT.  Fullbacks are known for their blocking ability and should be able to help our LT out.  I'll touch on running the ball with a FB active in the offense with a quote from the article linked below:  

"Seahawks Pro-Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch refers to Robinson as 'his eyes' and has noted that he trusts Mike Rob to help lead him to daylight. As Robinson puts it - "you read it like a runner - that's why he calls me his 'eyes', because we're supposed to see the same thing."

They're not only supposed to see the same thing, they're supposed to do the same thing - and in the Seahawks zone-blocking run game, Robinson is often tasked with leading Lynch to the correct crease and picking up a defender that tries to fill it."  

I think the quote speaks for itself but just in case, (Fug the seahawks) it's hard to doubt the success of Seattle in recent years or the image they have of a run dominant team.  And I think most can agree we try to emulate their style in a stout defense and run first smash mouth mentality.  (fug seattle)  If it's good enough for them, I think it's good enough for us.  

Also note, we run the option.  It doesn't have to be the focal point of the offense but with a fullback you can do things like this:
(side note:  Lee Ward (6' 250 35 reps at combine, 4.89 40) is physically similar to Bruce Miller (6'1" 254 35 reps at combine, 4.99 40) 
Side note to the side note:  Fug the 49ers)

 

Then there's play action, which is another big part of our offense.  I will let this gif do all the talking for me.  

(Another side note:  I hate the Seahawks)

Look at that!  Three defenders all keyed in on Lynch!  Also note the db who has to either pick up the TE or the fullback out of the backfield.  If not for the pressure from the linebacker blitzing from the outside, you could probably imagine the QB running for the easy score too!

If you don't see the value of lining up Lee Ward and Tolbert/Stewart in the red zone or on third and short I don't think I can help you.  

 

Source for gifs and quotes  http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/4/11/4210246/nfl-draft-2013-tight-ends-h-backs-delanie-walker-chris-gragg-justice-cunningham

 

So please forgive me for posting about being on the Lee Ward hype train constantly but damn I'm excited!  Lastly its my first thread created here on the the Huddle so take it easy on me!

[Seltzer]

Fantastic post!

[Darth Biscuit]

35 reps of 225 at 250.  That's... that's...  I love this guy.

[h0llywood]

Great first thread. I'm sure Igo would approve on the subject.

and don't worry about citations. You're not writing an MLA/APA paper

[Nick_81]

Good thread.  I've been on the train since we picked him up.  Hopefully we can utilize him.  I'm not sure that he'd last on the PS.

[shaka]

Great first thread. I'm sure Igo would approve on the subject.

and don't worry about citations. You're not writing an MLA/APA paper

Thanks!  I did the citation for two reasons.  

1) To avoid any issues with content.  Also I like to give credit where credit is due.  

2) It's a pretty good article but I think it's from 2013.  It's commentary on the role of the fullback is pretty decent and I figured some people might want to read more about it.  Half of it is scouting for the draft however.  

[X-Clown on 1]

Not sure how we'll fit him into the 53 man, and if we PS him, we'll most likely lose him to another team.  I'm perplexed.

[Razeyfingers]

Not a big deal but, how good is Ward's catching? It would be nice to complement his blocking with the counter to it, soft hands to catch in the flats or short middle passes.

 

We already know what Tolbert can do. Do we really need Ward that badly over say another lineman?. .  which we seem to go through like candy

[Khyber53]

I hope he makes the team. He could be a long-term contributor. Tolbert will be turning 30 this year, and he may only have one or two more good years on him.

Honestly, we've had Brandon Williams on the roster for his potential for a long time, but nothing fantastic has happened there yet. Williams might have a physique, but this ain't a Mr. Universe contest, and we could really use a street fighter like Ward.

[Thorrez]

The main problem I have with leading with a fb is that Norwell is so great at pulling so that voids a lot of the benefit. 

[SgtJoo]

So instead of #KeithToCarolina can we #FreeWard?

[heelinfine]

Damn good post.

[OceanPanther]

I know  Lee has not faced NFL Defensive Ends, or a bull rush up the middle, or tried to pick up a line backer like Luke,, but from watching his college video, I think he's got a chance to make the 53 man roster and will be a better blocking back in the near future than Tolbert.  I know I'm not going to be popular with this statement. Time will tell.

[zacka77ack]

I want to see Ward make the team so he can hit Earl Thomas in his big fat mouth on a run block into the endzone.