Offense

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Welcome to NFL 2018, where defense exists in name only.

The key question now is how to take advantage of a world where the defenses are not allowed to play. In this world, the things that are important are:

1. Quarterback. Same as it's been for 40 years since the 1978 rules changes. But now it's even more important. You're going nowhere without a Patri - er, franchise quarterback.

2. Ball hawking safety. In a game where defenses aren't allowed to touch receivers or quarterbacks, I think an increasing importance should be placed on a ball hawking free safety, someone who can play the ball instead of playing the receiver. Turnovers are ultra-important now because a turnover is essentially worth two scores. You're likely preventing one on defense and scoring one on your subsequent possession.

3. I think that small quick corners may come back into vogue. Offenses are going to long, tall receivers knowing that those guys can win a fight for the ball, and if they don't win, it'll be pass interference. So you can't draft long, tall cornerbacks to battle them. The only way to win is to clearly beat them to the ball. I could be wrong on this, but it's a theory that I'll throw out.

4. Running backs who are essentially receivers, and fullbacks. I think we may move back into a mode where there is no classic halfback. They'll all be essentially fourth receivers. Then you'll add a fullback into the mix because defenses will be spread so wide to cover the outside guys.

That's in addition to all the normal stuff like pass rushers and pass protectors. I'm not saying they're the most important things, but they're things that will evolve in the no-defense era.

It was just a few years ago that the NFL was extremely focused on exploiting the Los Angeles market that had shown only casual interest in the NFL.

How better to gain their interest than with "Circus offenses?"

Coincidentally both of those teams are doing pretty well and just might be around for the playoffs, or more.