Football, a question

[BobHunt]

why do so many times they go right up through the middle, it just seems like such a waste, they get stopped every time! Im a little uneducated about this, help me out!

[Billy Cox]

I am no expert on football, but I understand that running the ball up the middle and gaining 1-2 yards is a method of wearing the other team down. Sometimes the blocking works out and the 1-2 yards turns into 6-20 yards if a defender makes a mistake. It would also be easy to beat a team that passes or does an end-run on every play.

[Gary Swartzlander]

Under ideal circumstances the blockers have assignments that if carried out will open holes for runners. If you are successful in running the ball it brings the line backers in closer to stop the run and should open up the passing game. Billy is also correct about wearing down the defense. Remember that the offense has the advantage (most of the time) because the offensive players know where they are going while the defensive players don't.

[Billie Goodson]

Running the ball up the middle also forces the safeties to respect the run. If you can win the line of scrimmage as an offensive line -- then it falls to the linebackers and safeties to step up and stop the run. WHen a safety steps up and tries to stop the run -- like in a play action scheme -- it allows the recievers to break behind them and potentially break a big play. Also, defensive ends that are inexperienced or undisciplined will also begin to pinch in to stop the line plunges if they are working. Next thing you know, you fake handoff up the middle and pitch around the end.

The Falcons (Atlanta) are doin a variation of that now. They put Dunn in motion to the side of Vick, then he crosses Vick's face and Vick offers the ball, Vick is reading the linebacker, if the linebacker does not step inside, then he gives to Dunn and he gets 5-8 yards. If the linebacker steps inside to fill the hole, then Vick simply keeps the ball and runs around the end. His speed makes it very tough to beat him to the corner. Another 5-8 yard run until he meets the CB.

If you really want to see what coaches look for in plays, watch NFL Matchup on ESPN....this show really shows you the reads and the reactions that coaches diagram for/against in setting up specific plays.