Question about offensive line protection

[TarHeel69]

We've had a tough time this year with consistent play from our offensive line.  Too often we've needed help, especially on the left side where Remmers currently resides.  Previously this has been accomplished by expecting Tolbert to help or keeping Olsen in to help.  Here is my question.

Is there any benefit to placing an extra guard/tackle along the offensive line(left or right side)? Is this even legal? The only rule I can find pertaining to the offensive line is that 7 players are required to be lined up on the line of scrimmage. Not looking to get bashed here. Just a thought.  I understand this would require redesign to account for the expected holes in the run game but I'm more focused on protection in the passing game and I know it would take an element of surprize out because with this type of formation the defense would know the guard/tackle wouldn't be breaking of his block to run a route.

[The_Rainmaker]

17 minutes ago, TarHeel69 said:

We've had a tough time this year with consistent play from our offensive line.  Too often we've needed help, especially on the left side where Remmers currently resides.  Previously this has been accomplished by expecting Tolbert to help or keeping Olsen in to help.  Here is my question.

Is there any benefit to placing an extra guard/tackle along the offensive line(left or right side)? Is this even legal? The only rule I can find pertaining to the offensive line is that 7 players are required to be lined up on the line of scrimmage. Not looking to get bashed here. Just a thought.  I understand this would require redesign to account for the expected holes in the run game but I'm more focused on protection in the passing game and I know it would take an element of surprize out because with this type of formation the defense would know the guard/tackle wouldn't be breaking of his block to run a route.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/greg-cosells-film-review-raiders-used-an-unusual-game-plan-to-beat-the-broncos-221018208.html

 

Quote

The game plan we saw from the Oakland Raiders last week was a total departure from what you see in the NFL. It was fascinating.

They decided that the best way to win was to use heavy sets, often with six offensive linemen, and run the ball right at the Broncos, effectively minimizing quarterback Derek Carr in the game plan. That seems counter-intuitive, since the Raiders have been so good passing the ball this season.

When the Raiders coaching staff got together last week to put together the game plan, I wonder what the genesis of that plan was.

Did the Raiders feel they could not have consistent success with 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) against a defense whose strength is its dime package? Or did the Raiders simply feel like they could dominate the Broncos on the ground?

Whatever the reason, it worked.

The Raiders got the Broncos out of what they want to do as a defense. Denver is at its best in a dime defense, with six defensive backs. The Broncos almost never play nickel with five defensive backs; it’s either dime or the base 3-4. We’ve seen other teams go with base offensive personnel to keep the Broncos in their 3-4 base personnel. The Atlanta Falcons did it in a win at Denver. The San Diego Chargers did it in their first meeting against the Broncos, a game the Chargers won. And the Raiders did it last week.

The Raiders did not line up in 11 personnel very often, unless it was third down. It was not part of their game plan.

Instead, on almost half of the Raiders’ snaps (37 of their 76 snaps), they had two tight ends on the field. On 22 of those snaps with two tight ends, the Raiders also had a sixth offensive lineman. That kept the Broncos’ 3-4 defense on the field. They were very multiple out of that personnel set, sometimes spreading out the Broncos when they wanted to pass the ball. Mostly though, when they had an extra tight end or offensive lineman on the field, they ran it.

The NFL has become a passing league, and the Raiders are a good passing team, but this was a departure from what is considered their strength. It did force the Broncos to abandon their strength on defense, however.

Here are two very successful plays for the Raiders. In the second quarter, running back Jalen Richard gained 28 yards. This came out of a personnel set with six offensive linemen and a tight end. The Broncos were in their base 3-4. It was a counter concept, with right tackle Austin Howard pulling across the formation to lead into the hole and sixth offensive lineman Denver Kirkland kicking out outside linebacker Shane Ray. There was an excellent block by left tackle Donald Penn on defensive end Jared Crick, and Richard ran through T.J. Ward’s tackle.

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[TarHeel69]

Thanks Rainmaker for the link.  I searched for the rules and personally hadn't seen any games where this was done.  My thought process was along the lines of what the Raiders did.  Slow down teams like Denver and help protect our franchise QB, especially with some of our long developing pass plays.  I also think it would help keep Olsen in play a little more.  Great example of what I was looking for.  Very much appreciated.

[LinvilleGorge]

Yep, tackle eligible. The extra OL in that situation essentially becomes a TE and is treated as such, hence being eligible to receive a pass.

[csx]

11 hours ago, TarHeel69 said:

Thanks Rainmaker for the link.  I searched for the rules and personally hadn't seen any games where this was done.  My thought process was along the lines of what the Raiders did.  Slow down teams like Denver and help protect our franchise QB, especially with some of our long developing pass plays.  I also think it would help keep Olsen in play a little more.  Great example of what I was looking for.  Very much appreciated.

We did it at least a few times verses the Rams

[KillerKat]

We need to move a lineman to TE3 or keep telling the official he's eligible every play

[KillerKat]

12 hours ago, The_Rainmaker said:

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/greg-cosells-film-review-raiders-used-an-unusual-game-plan-to-beat-the-broncos-221018208.html

 

 

when even the Raiders are smarter than Shula.

[csx]

15 minutes ago, KillerKat said:

when even the Raiders are smarter than Shula.

I know you are just making typical sparky negative comments but it states the Raiders are the first team to have used thus tactic extensively vs the Broncos. 

[LinvilleGorge]

One thing no one has mentioned is that we struggle mightily to put five decent OL on the field. Where is the 6th gonna come from?

[csx]

30 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

One thing no one has mentioned is that we struggle mightily to put five decent OL on the field. Where is the 6th gonna come from?

I think you missed the logic of the extra blocker. 

The extra body offsets the individual weakness.....by being an extra body.

I assume you were just bring negative for fun as well?

Negative smart-ass comments are better when there is some smart coupled with the assed. you can do better!

[LinvilleGorge]

15 minutes ago, csx said:

I think you missed the logic of the extra blocker. 

The extra body offsets the individual weakness.....by being an extra body.

I assume you were just bring negative for fun as well?

Negative smart-ass comments are better when there is some smart coupled with the assed. you can do better!

Good god, man. Calm down. Not everything has to be a detailed analysis of the roster and the game.

The oxygen has to be getting pretty thin up there on your high and mighty pedestal.