This is my question since I have limited knowledge of the game. I know we were a spread offense last few years.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Just more traditional formations. Drop back passing 3 step, 5 step. Probably run from the eye. Still allows for a wide variety of formations and plays, it just doesn't necessarily rely on the QB to be another running threat. Though they certainly can be effective when needed.

Is that also more snaps from the shotgun?

(03-29-2013 11:13 AM)JMUDunk Wrote:  Just more traditional formations. Drop back passing 3 step, 5 step. Probably run from the eye. Still allows for a wide variety of formations and plays, it just doesn't necessarily rely on the QB to be another running threat. Though they certainly can be effective when needed.

Listening to Stoss and Selig's Modcast today, Birsong is actually excited about this offense moreso than the AirRaid. He likes the 5 step drop and he has the size to see the field and make pocket passes. I like the sound of that but we'll see how it unfolds during the actual season.

Birdsong is probably more of a pro style QB anyway, so it will probably work quite well. Too add, just seems like he is more comfortable being in the pocket than the other recent QB's at JMU. Plus he seems to have a really good eye for the field and able to scan the field in sections.

I believe we ran a pro-style offense in 2004 correct?

I'd say the pro-style has better run-oriented formations that feature the running backs. The typical criticism of it, is that it is more predictable than a something like a pistol offense. For instance, the QB didn't hand the ball off, so it's going to be pass. While that's not necessarily true as it could be a draw, etc., it's not the same type of deception as a pistol where the qb pretty much has the option to keep it or hand it off on every other play depending on how he reads the defense.

I find it amazing how several NFL are now going to the pistol offense for several plays. The pistol does seem effective, but you certainly have to have the personnel to make it work. I don't think predictability is always bad as long as the Offensive line knows exactly what to do and what to expect from the opponents defense.