Pro Sports Weekly june 15-21st “Stories to Ponder during the offseason” column

June 20, 2005 on 2:21 pm | In Uncategorized |

In a recent Pro Sports Weekly column, Chris Colston mentions several stories worth pondering as observed in offseason workouts/minicamps. One of interest to Lion fans:

“Looking for the latest NFL trend? How about the three-receiver set, which more teams will be using in 2005. Add Detroit to the list of teams employing the package, with Roy Williams at split end, oft-injured Charles Rogers at flanker, and rookie Mike Williams (or Kevin Johnson?, not mentioned in column) in the slot.”

We all know that NFL coaches are quick to appropriate concepts, sets, players, coaches, etc. that have lead to success for other teams. The success of Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts offense is probably the root of this 3 receiver trend. Also, when considering the investment made by the Lions for the aforementioned players and also factoring their respective athletic abilities, it is no surprise that the Lions would attempt to find ways to utilize their talents all at once.

This is a very good sign. It appears that some of the philosophical rigidity we witnessed in Steve Mariucci’s West Coast offense (did you say Milque Toast?) may be loosening. I value the high percentage plays that make up the West Coast offense, but I will queue up with the rest of Lion fans who were decrying it’s lack of aggressiveness downfield last season. I also think in utilizing more three wide receiver sets, the team will be able to exploit the relatively weak NFL secondaries who have been further disadvantaged by recent NFL rule changes like the “5 yard” contact rule and “horse collar” tackling. They will be able to spread the field and in many cases one of their receivers will be matched up with a nickleback, which is a desirable scenario. They may even see the more enticing situation where a strong safety or linebacker is forced to cover the slot receiver, which if I were the Lions, would make my mouth water. In red zone offensive packages, this set should really make matters difficult for opposing defenses.

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  1. An aggressive passing game? I wouldn’t know how to react–other than it would increase the chances of an interception ruining my Sunday. On the other hand . . . with a running threat in the backfield, maybe some decent blocking, a quality tight end–my suffering may be over. One more thing . . . HEY BLOGMAN–THANKS FOR THE NAILS CARD! I’M FINDING A WAY TO MOUNT IN ON THE WALL OF MY OFFICE AS I WRITE THIS!

    Comment by Hondo — June 23, 2005 #

  2. good post. I’m looking forward to a variety of sets. It isn’t like the Colts can’t run with their 3WR set. I think it can compliment one another and create openings.

    In fact, its could be considered a modification of the college spread attack.

    I think, clearly, that had to be what the Lions had in mind when drafting M. Williams.

    I think this is the best offseason we’ve had in some time, and if Joey can show himself as a player with the talent he has lacked (even if he is adequate) than this could be a wild card team.

    Comment by orangeandbrown — June 24, 2005 #

  3. What about the NFL.com article claiming that of the top three QBs taken in the ‘02 draft, Carr ranks the highest?

    This guy –

    http://www.thepostgame.com/2005/06/harrington-carr-ramsey-and-nflcom-on.html

    – thinks it’s Harrington, but based on what?

    Comment by Bronczilla — June 30, 2005 #

  4. The 3 WR sets are going to put a fair amount of stress on opponent defenses. If they go nickel to compensate, Jones gets to run at one less LB. If they stay in a standard 4-3, Mike Williams will be able to abuse almost any LB covering him. It’s going to be a good season, boys!!!

    Comment by Gerry — June 30, 2005 #

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