Question: Does the pistol help experience or talent?

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Re: Or if the ball is being ran.... The QB is further back

Aug 6, 2012, 4:59 PM [ in reply to Or if the ball is being ran.... The QB is further back ]

Careful with the terminology, now.

"Ace" formations usually mean that there is a single back in the backfield. The QB can be under center or further back in the Pistol..... or you can have a "twin Ace" formation with the RB hip-stacked on the QB. The Pistol formation has many "Ace" sets, but I don't yet know what names Clemson is using for them.

I don't think the question of the advantage of experience and talent is particularly valid. You need talent AND experience to consistently move the ball 3-4 yards on running plays against a good defense. I think it's more a question of slowing down the read of the defense so they're an eye-blink behind the offense - just enough to gain 1 yard or so more than you normally might. Do that 3 times and you might be looking at 3rd and 1 instead of 3rd and 4 or 5 as we found ourselves too often last year. The pistol also has the back hitting the point of attack quicker and running downhill instead of sideways as C.J. Spiller too often did (or had to do because the hole wasn't there).

Ellington is the perfect back for the pistol (Knemdiche might be better if he could hide). Add in the talent AND experience of Dalton Freeman, a good LT like Brandon Thomas and what will likely be a great pulling RG like Tyler Shatley (who has great lead-blocking experience as a FB and TE) and you just might have the ability to run inside to the left side all day long.

I can't wait to see the misdirection, traps and counter plays that can be run from the Pistol with this combination. If it works (and I think it will), some might not like it because it'll be similar to the old Frank Howard 3 yards and a cloud of dust, but those boring 3 yard plays from the pistol can suddenly go 50 yards when the blocking's right and the play-call catches the LBs out of position. Once the RB breaks open in the Pistol, he's gone to the safety level.

Should be fun to watch.

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Right - my playing days were heavy in single-wing and full house T formation, but I always liked the single wing formation. I played TE in that set and really enjoyed the blocking on running plays.

One play I'm thinking about from the wing formation in the pistol that I REALLY want to see: Put a kama-kazi 3-back wing in the right slot (I'm thinking maybe Rodriguez), put him in motion left, counter handoff left to the RB and pull Shatley into the 3-hole. LT kicks out on the DE, 3-back takes the OLB, C seals and you should have something that is very effective - sorta like the Redskins counter-trey, except a bit faster developing.

The possibilities with the Pistol spread are mind-boggling and very much like the old single-wing stuff on the blocking assignments, except you can run it to either side.

The pistol will be better for an inexperienced OL...

Or if the ball is being ran.... The QB is further back

It's a win all the way around.***

Would it improve the efficiency of the snap as well?

Re: Or if the ball is being ran.... The QB is further back

...and then comes the play-action passing game.***

Why does it have to be different?

Why does it have to be different?

...and quicker hitting.***

Depends on the play call

Re: Depends on the play call

Re: Depends on the play call

Re: Depends on the play call

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