Letter from the Editor

The Transformation of the Offense
© More from this issue

          
The first college football game was played in 1869. This fall will mark the 137th year of this annual autumn ritual. The game has obviously changed dramatically over time – the rules, the officiating, the coaches, the size, strength, and speed of the players, the turf and equipment, and the information age with more games – high school, college, and professional – being broadcast via, radio, television, and the internet.

What has also changed over the years is the evolution of the offense. When Knute Rockne, the legendary Notre Dame coach was asked where he got all his offensive formations, he responded, ‘I got them from (Amos Alonzo) Stagg.’ Then, when Rockne was asked where Stagg got his plays and formations, he bruskly said, ‘He got them from God.’ Base offenses have certainly evolved over the last 100 years.

In this issue, AFM takes a strategic look at what makes basic play-calling and what makes offenses tick: the option, the Wing-T, and the high-profile passing game. Each one has their own quirks, strategy, and style. More specifically, this month’s edition includes:

• An in-depth look at the philosophy of Chuck Broyles, head coach at Pittsburg State (KS) and the owner of an offense that averaged 56 points per game last fall.

• The art of play-calling: the strategy and nuances involved when trying to be both a consistent and successful offense.

• The passing offense: what is really needed to make it work?

• The Wing-T: what are the ingredients necessary to be successful?

• Point-counterpoint: How do you defend a high-powered aerial offense with the 3-5-3 defense? Who really has the edge?

With each article the specific strategy of an offense is discussed but the defensive side of the ball comments as well. Our most recent AFM High School State Champions survey indicated that the three most popular offenses among last fall’s champions were the I backfield with variations or multiple pro set, the Wing-T, and the Option.

Next month we’ll examine the defensive side of the ball – what works best against these offenses and how do you consistently stop a high-powered attack – whether it be a running or passing game. We hope you enjoy this issue of AFM.

Respectfully,



Rex Lardner
Managing Editor
American Football Monthly
rlardner@lcclark.com
(561-355-5068)

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