A play to rip out of the playbook before McGahee gets killed...

[Ebenezer]

This one has got to be removed...even the Browns had it figured out most of the day...

1 WR (Reed), 2 TE and Shelton in the backfield. We probably saw it 8 times yesterday and I don't think there was anything called out of the formation except a run to Willis. That is just not going to cut it. Everybody in the stadium knew WM was getting the ball. If you are going to play that you need to have EM or LE out there at the flanker spot and you have to throw it once in a while.

[Captain gameboy]

I would add the fake timeout play into the trash bin as well.

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

Trick plays only work if the other team buys it. If the Browns would have figured out the reverse to Evans would that play need to be thrown out? If the Browns bought it and got out of their stances, who knows what would happen.

[Ebenezer]

I would add the fake timeout play into the trash bin as well.

I'll keep it...but don't have DB run it...he didn't sell it at all...he started walking off with 11 on the play clock and looked back at the center just before the snap...you sell that play by walking off with 3 on the clock and walking toward the ref to call time out.

[the REAL Rudeman]

This one has got to be removed...even the Browns had it figured out most of the day...

1 WR (Reed), 2 TE and Shelton in the backfield. We probably saw it 8 times yesterday and I don't think there was anything called out of the formation except a run to Willis. That is just not going to cut it. Everybody in the stadium knew WM was getting the ball. If you are going to play that you need to have EM or LE out there at the flanker spot and you have to throw it once in a while.

Agreed. And besides, we need more flea-flickers.

[Dozerdog]

I said this when GW was coach-

Trick plays should only be used if you need momentum in a game. When trick plays fail, the momentum shifts the other way.

If you have momentum, then don't waste the trick play & element of suprise when you do need or try one.

[justasportsfan]

Mularkey should involve Dorenbos in all of the trick plays. DUH!!!!

[Ebenezer]

can we get back to the original post???

This one has got to be removed...even the Browns had it figured out most of the day...

1 WR (Reed), 2 TE and Shelton in the backfield. We probably saw it 8 times yesterday and I don't think there was anything called out of the formation except a run to Willis. That is just not going to cut it. Everybody in the stadium knew WM was getting the ball. If you are going to play that you need to have EM or LE out there at the flanker spot and you have to throw it once in a while.

this was not to be meant as a thread about trick plays...it was meant to show that the Bills are getting predictable.

[Ingtar33]

The Bills aren't using the trick plays to be game breakers, they're using them to keep the defense honest. Just how they are working, is we give the defense the same looks over and over again, run identical plays from multiple formations, get them complacent, and thinking they have a read on what we are doing, then show them what they expect, and pull a rabbit out of the hat.

This has two effects. One, it lets us run the plays we run best, and run them successfully, mostly because while the defense knows its coming they have to play it honest, so they don't get caught. Two, sometimes it breaks something big (like Evans’s reverse).

That's just plain old good coaching.

[Ingtar33]

BTW: the Bills run maybe 12 different plays all game (not counting the trick plays). They just use different formations to make them look different. The trick plays are necessary to keep the defense on it's heels.

[clumping platelets]

I guess this means the page stays

[Ebenezer]

BTW: the Bills run maybe 12 different plays all game (not counting the trick plays). They just use different formations to make them look different. The trick plays are necessary to keep the defense on it's heels.

but out of that formation (mentioned above) all they do it run to McGahee...it is pretty obvious.

[Drive 4 Five]

can we get back to the original post???This was not to be meant as a thread about trick plays...it was meant to show that the Bills are getting predictable.

The thing about predictability is that it really does not matter if the defense knows what you are doing, in theory, if executed properly, it cannot be stopped.

As for this specific formation, perhaps it is viewed as the best personnel in which to successfully run the ball when you need that crucial 3rd & short and the defense knows you are going to run?

[Ingtar33]

but out of that formation (mentioned above) all they do it run to McGahee...it is pretty obvious.

I've little doubt something odd will come from that formation some week. Trust me, other NFL coaches will look at that and say "all they do is run McGahee." In essence this line proves my point. Trick plays don't work if teams don't come to this conclusion.

[MikeInRoch]

BTW: the Bills run maybe 12 different plays all game (not counting the trick plays). They just use different formations to make them look different. The trick plays are necessary to keep the defense on it's heels.

I have a close relative who is an NFL coach who said that Drew plays much better when there is a small playbook - or at least when he was in New England that was the case.