Pulling the Center a Thing?

[Nate Dogg]

I've played and/or watched football for over 20 years now and I can't say that I've ever seen a center pull and block the right tackle's man on a passing play in any game. Like ever. Is this a real thing? I thought it was a mistake at first but then it seemed like it was by design. I don't know what to make of it lol.

[rippadonn]

The same center can be seen leading the blocks into the end zone waaay downfield. I don't know how a probowler can be underrated but Ryan Khalil is.

Cam said "He's my everything". Indeed.

[Bartin]

I've certainly never seen it on a passing play. I think it must have been a heads up play from Ryan where he knew the protection call for the play was bad so he improvised to pick up the free rusher when there wasn't anyone for him to block.

[PantherNation123]

I don't recall this play you're referring to, but it could've been an RPO or a very odd blitz pickup set by Kalil prior to the snap.  Video would be helpful here

[brandon_87]

I saw another team run it this year and it was the durt time I'd ever heard of it as well, also over 20 years of playing and watching football.

[shaqattaq]

20 hours ago, rippadonn said:

The same center can be seen leading the blocks into the end zone waaay downfield. I don't know how a probowler can be underrated but Ryan Khalil is.

Cam said "He's my everything". Indeed.

Indeed! When he came out in the Giants game, the whole O-line went downhill and we damned near lost as a result. At least that was part of the reason. He is certainly a very special player.

But his brother is crap! ( I couldn't resist)

[Mr. Scot]

I've seen centers pull before. Doesn't happen that much because it's not easy.

[MHS831]

Not to be a "know it all" but in certain five-step drops (I was the OL coach for a high school for several years) the center holds A gap, looks for blitzes or stunts, and then peels back to the blind side to help the T.

I am not sure that is what happened, but our C sure ear-holed a bunch of DEs and OLBs who thought the were about to get a sack.

So he is not really pulling, if that is what happened.

[panthers55]

2 hours ago, MHS831 said:

Not to be a "know it all" but in certain five-step drops (I was the OL coach for a high school for several years) the center holds A gap, looks for blitzes or stunts, and then peels back to the blind side to help the T.

I am not sure that is what happened, but our C sure ear-holed a bunch of DEs and OLBs who thought the were about to get a sack.

So he is not really pulling, if that is what happened.

If I remember the play, there was no one over him so our guard and tackle engaged their tackle and DE leaving an outside rusher on the right side unaccounted for. Ryan saw the issue and hustled over to engage the outside rusher. I don't think it was designed that way, more of an alert play on Ryan's part given it was a passing play from the inception and not one where Ryan pulls or where we use misdirection.