No Huddle Coming?
September 6th, 2011
Months ago Kellen Winslow talked on the Real Man Channel, NFL Network, about how he thought a no-huddle offense was the next evolution for Josh Freeman and the Bucs.
For Joe, Winslow’s quick answer didn’t sound like something out of left field.
After Winslow explained to Eisen that Josh Freeman could be talked about among the all-time great quarterbacks, Eisen asked Winslow what’s next for No. 5.
Winslow was quick with an answer. “I think the no-huddle system is next for [Freeman]. Calling plays at the line, not huddling up so much,” he said. “There’s only so many coverages you can run when you run no-huddle offense.”
The Bucs didn’t show any no huddle or much of any up-tempo in the preseason, so Joe asked Winslow about this after the Bucs-Dolphins preseason game. Winslow replied, “It’s preseason. You’ll see a lot more to the offense this year,” before saying goodbye to Joe.
What that meant is unclear. But a no-huddle and a faster pace to the Bucs offense is something Joe will look for on Sunday. The Lions, one of the oldest teams in the NFL, will no doubt be suffocating from extreme heat that they’re unaccustomed to in the second half. What a great time for the Bucs to roll out the no-huddle.
Frankly, as slow as the Bucs start games under Raheem Morris, Joe wouldn’t mind seeing the Bucs come out of the gate pushing the tempo.
September 6th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
I’m not sure what’s unclear about what he said? Its preseason so they don’t use the full playbook and therefore won’t show all the cards they will play in the regular season. Isn’t that just standard operating procedure?
September 6th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
You know…I was thinking as I watched the start of the last game that they should go no huddle.
Another point on it…during the lockout camps, Freeman probably got use to going no huddle…or at least got a lot of practice at it.
September 6th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
I like it and I agree. That is one of the reasons Free is HUGE in crunch time. Step on the D’s neck and don’t let off…STEP HARDER!
September 6th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if they break out the no-huddle against the Lions. I’ve suspected all along that they were keeping everything, and I mean everything, under wraps this preseason and allowing the pessimists to believe it was all falling apart. I guarantee you we’ll see an offensive performance we wouldn’t have suspected.
September 6th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
I love this thought! I believe this is what will push them to the division title! With the weapons Free has, there I no reason not to do it. It will also move the “umknowns” on offense to well known. Similar to how Manning did it in Indy.
Excited for the weekend! First step to a 12-4 season.
September 6th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
It seemed like Free was always at his best in the 2-minute drill last season.
Of course, part of that may have been attributable to the scheme the defense was running given the situation, but I’d still love to see more of it.
Here’s hoping that Olson has found some ways to leverage that effectiveness throughout the game.
September 6th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@FLBoyInDallas – That’s some wishful thinking but I do hope you’re right.
The Patriots had no problem scoring by running basic plays. Even if the no huddle is a surprise Week 1 tactic, it doesn’t matter – defenses adjust. If no-huddle was so great, every team would use it all the time and Jim Kelly would have four rings.
September 6th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Should the Bucs do some no hudde GREAT. My only request is this – don’t wait until the second quarter to start scoring ok? It really is ok for the Bucs to start with a lead. Really it is…..
September 6th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Hopefully the no-huddle mixed with our slow starting offense doesn’t lead to 5 straight 3-and-outs with a time-of-possession of about two minutes.
I don’t think the no-huddle is going to bother the Lions because they are old… for the most part, the Lions are young where it counts. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch is older on defense but other than that, it’s the Lions’ Oline that skews their average age. Still, Honolulu Blue in the heat of Tampa (hopefully) mixed with a no-huddle offense will hopefully lead to a few breakdowns on D from the Lions.
September 6th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
They better start out no huddle on Sunday. There’s no reason not to. Put the Lions back on their heels. But we’ll probably get the same ol slow crap out of the gate. Even though Rah always claims to play agressive.
September 6th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
“will no doubt be suffocating from extreme heat that they’re unaccustomed to in the second half.”
This is where I would want to start pounding the rock effectively with our big backs, then using play action. If it comes from the no-huddle so be it.
I totally agree Mr Lucky,
I beleive we can and should score in our first possession. And our defense could learn to love us for it later.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Lol @ lucky u right man n to fly boi n Dallas n bucfanatic n cali y’all took the words right out of my mouth….GO BUCCS#1. 12-4 division winners freeman 4th in mvp votes watch with 33 tds n 10 ints with the no huddle 37 tds 7 ints
September 7th, 2011 at 6:56 am
@RustyRhino
Wouldn’t it be better to pound the rock in the first half in order to wear them out BEFORE the halftime mark?
This is a valid question, and one I’ve been pondering since the Alstott days. The way he use to pound into the defensive line…I remember opposing defenses saying how hard he hit.
Imagine if, for once, that was the plan…have two big bruising backs…a halfback and a fullback…and just pound into the line…all over. Focus on hitting them hard, not gaining yardage. Then, when the heat and hard hitting wears them out at halfway through the second quarter, bring in the smaller, faster backs with the bigger guys lead blocking.
I think it would work, especially given the rules protecting offensive players now. I think it would be especially effective in a no huddle, where we can alternate the two big backs and the defense has no time to catch their breath.
September 7th, 2011 at 9:17 am
The no huddle is a great idea, especially against the Lions, the strength of their D is the line, their back 7 are nowhere near the talent level of that line. We need to come out and put that D on its heels, fast paced, move the ball downfield, come to the line call the play, go. I think Free can handle a Manning type game plan, have 3 play options for each down, call it at the line, go.
September 7th, 2011 at 9:42 am
In what world do you all live in, where we are ready right now to run a high-tempo no-huddle offense?
I think we could be unstoppable once Freeman and everyone else can master it, but come on. No OTA’s. Reduced time in training camp. The IMG workouts were cute, but do any of you really think no-huddle installation was part of those workouts?
By the end of the season, I expect to see something outside of the 2 and 4 minute drill scenarios from a no-huddle standpoint. Otherwise, I’ll be very surprised if we pull that rabbit out of the hat early on.
September 7th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
“I’ve suspected all along that they were keeping everything, and I mean everything, under wraps this preseason and allowing the pessimists to believe it was all falling apart.”
I’d like to buy this argument about a bad pre-season, but I heard the same type comments during the Perkins, Williamson, Bennet, Wyche years, so it’s kind’a worn out it’s welcome with me. I don’t care if Freeman is under center, in the shotgun and/or no huddle, all I’d like to see is good solid play that doesn’t end up with good field position for the Lions after a punt.
September 7th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
This is a no brainer for me. Josh is so smart and puts in the time studying film that he should be given the Peyton Manning treatment. He understands defenses and knows what to expect. Let him be the man and let him flourish into the star he is!!!! GOOOOO BUCCCSSSS!!!!!! 4 more days!!!!! yes sir. 11-5 maybe 12-4 is my prediction. I think Brees is on the decline which only helps us!!!