I've got a few questions to those of you with a little more than an average knowledge of the intrinsics of the NFL.
1. Is formation (e.g defensive 4-3) fixed throughout the match?
And assuming it's NOT fixed:
1a. Can it be changed (e.g change from defensive 4-3 to 3-4) at anytime while the ball is dead?
1b. If team A's formation changes, and B responds by changing its formation as well, are there any strict rules that prevent the above pattern from being repeated without end (i.e team A switches back to its original formation, followed by B switching as well, etc)?
2. Can the same position be substituted several times on the same play? I.e., team A substitutes WR-1 with WR-2, followed by defense substituting CB-1 with CB-2, and team A reacts by subbing back WR-2 with WR-1.
3. Regardless if the formation has changed or not, can players change their starting position, as long as it does not lead to illegal formation?
E.g (a), left and right side WR switch positions?
E.g (b), left WR joins right WR on the right flank?
4. Are there any strict rules distinguishing OL/DL positions (other than that only Center can make a snap)? Specifically, Offensive Tackle vs Offensive Guard, and Defensive Tackle vs Defensive End.
Assuming - YES, there are:
4a. Do these rules affect what's considered illegal action? For example, differences in how the player can block/tackle.
4b. Is being, say, the Right Defensive End, assigned to the player? Or is it simply a consequence of positioning further outside than the Right Defensive Tackle? And similarly, in case of Offensive Tackle/Offensive Guard.
Thanks in advance for answers to any/all of the above.
"Too many people don't nowadays and look where that's getting us."
What is - apologize?
bghandras
Posts: 841
Posted on 2019-09-19 14:27:46
Defensive formations are overrated. Treat it that there are 11 players on defense, they cant line up ahead of the line of scrimmage, but they can be anywhere else prior to the snap. In that sense 3-4, or 4-3 is totally obsolete concept, most teams mask their defense, and may not blitz or pressure with those they show they would. To further illustrate the point, the extra pass defensive positions can be called
- nickel safety
- slot corner
- coverage linebacker
The responsibilities are not the same, but the person fulfilling them can be.
Also note that in some cases the offense's actions dictate the coverage and the pressure, and the defense is just reacting, forcing some of the defenders into coverage (even though they were lined up at the front), or forcing defenders into blitz (even though they were lined up behind the front).
There are formation rules on offense, like 5 offensive linemen must be nominated and they are not eligible receivers, cant go beyond the line of scrimmage on pass plays, etc. But defense does not have any of those limitations.
On substitution: The rule is vague (or i do not understand the intricacies). The way i understand is that the offense can substitute before they broke the huddle, and the referees must provide enough time for the defense to make follow up substitutions. It is possible that offense subs while in the huddle, defense does too, then offense does more subbing. But then defense should get some time to substitute themselves.
What limits this whole thing is breaking the huddle (while in huddle, the team is not threatening to snap the ball), and by the clock. There is limited time to snap the ball. It has happened a few times awkwardly, that offense tried to be sneaky, make a substitution late-ish, the referees were extremely generous to the defense, not allowing the offense to snap the ball while defense deliberated substituting, and the clock went to 0, and delay of game penalty for the offense. It has also happened that offense tried something similar, the referees thought the defense did not want to sub (they were slow or what, no idea), and the offense surprised the defense. It is a risky 2 way street, and not a black and white rule, lot depends on the referees.
