Taking a shot downfield on 2nd and inches

[ArgoRavi]

I was just watching some of the '83 Grey Cup on ESPN Classics and noticed that early in the game the Lions took a successful shot downfield on second down and inches which resulted in a TD pass to Merv Fernandez. It really got me thinking how we never see this anymore in the league. I honestly can't recall the last time that I saw a team take a shot downfield on 2nd and less than a yard and I am almost certain that I haven't seen it this year. I realize that third and short this year has been a bit more of a crapshoot but even in recent years when it wasn't we still weren't seeing teams taking a shot downfield on 2nd and less than a yard. That is something that has really changed in our league in recent years.

[Will]

I don't recall seeing it at any point. The only pass on 2nd and inches I truly remember is Zach Collaros passing to Zander Robinson in 2013 against the Eskimos for a TD.

Speaking of ESPN's version of the '83 Grey Cup, I find it annoying that they suddenly skip to the Minter TD without showing the Tolbert and Pearson receptions that led up it.

[AngeloV]

I'm totally with Matt Dunnigan on this. I can't understand why teams line-up in tight formations on short yardage, bringing the D in tight, only to run a QB sneak. Makes no sense to me, but every team does it.

I remember in 90and 91, when the Argos had short yardage, they would empty the backfield and put 3 recieves wide on either side. It the D didn't respect that formation, and not account for each receiver, you had an easy pass play. If they did respect it, than there was lots of room for the QB to pick his hole on the sneak. Argos would routinely get 3-4 yards on sneaks back then.

[Will]

I'm totally with Matt Dunnigan on this. I can't understand why teams line-up in tight formations on short yardage, bringing the D in tight, only to run a QB sneak. Makes no sense to me, but every team does it.

I remember in 90and 91, when the Argos had short yardage, they would empty the backfield and put 3 recieves wide on either side. It the D didn't respect that formation, and not account for each receiver, you had an easy pass play. If they did respect it, than there was lots of room for the QB to pick his hole on the sneak. Argos would routinely get 3-4 yards on sneaks back then.

I believe Dunigan used a short-yardage play in 1990 to throw a TD pass to Mike Campbell.

[AngeloV]

I believe Dunigan used a short-yardage play in 1990 to throw a TD pass to Mike Campbell.

Yes he did...I believe it was at IWS. May have even been the same game as the Lance Chomyc "where's the tee" play.

[Will]

You can watch both plays as part of the introduction of Paul Woods' video of Foggie's 7 TD game.

[ArgoRavi]

I'm totally with Matt Dunnigan on this. I can't understand why teams line-up in tight formations on short yardage, bringing the D in tight, only to run a QB sneak. Makes no sense to me, but every team does it.

I remember in 90and 91, when the Argos had short yardage, they would empty the backfield and put 3 recieves wide on either side. It the D didn't respect that formation, and not account for each receiver, you had an easy pass play. If they did respect it, than there was lots of room for the QB to pick his hole on the sneak. Argos would routinely get 3-4 yards on sneaks back then.

I don't understand short-yardage offences in this league either. Why bring everyone into the box? I have been complaining about this for the last few seasons.

One of the reasons, I suspect, that we don't see teams taking a shot on second down and short anymore is because coaches aren't comfortable having their QB take the snap from centre and throwing the ball from that formation. Maybe the QBs aren't either since so many of them operate out of the shotgun in college as well.

I am going to sound like OV but let's see much less of the "same ole, same ole" and see some creativity on short-yardage again.

[AngeloV]

I don't understand short-yardage offences in this league either. Why bring everyone into the box? I have been complaining about this for the last few seasons.

One of the reasons, I suspect, that we don't see teams taking a shot on second down and short anymore is because coaches aren't comfortable having their QB take the snap from centre and throwing the ball from that formation. Maybe the QBs aren't either since so many of them operate out of the shotgun in college as well.

I am going to sound like OV but let's see much less of the "same ole, same ole" and see some creativity on short-yardage again.

I think it has more to do with the fact that very rarely does the starter stay in on short yardage...another thing that bugs me. From experience, I really believe there is less chance of a QB getting hurt on a sneak than from the pocket. I never got hurt on a sneak, but I did get hurt in the pocket when I played.

[Argo57]

I think it has more to do with the fact that very rarely does the starter stay in on short yardage...another thing that bugs me. From experience, I really believe there is less chance of a QB getting hurt on a sneak than from the pocket. I never got hurt on a sneak, but I did get hurt in the pocket when I played.

Polk high had leather helmets when you played Angelo.

[AngeloV]

Polk high had leather helmets when you played Angelo.

I never claimed to score 4 TD's in 1 game, and I don't sell women's shoes for a living. LOL!!