I noticed that the offense switched to an empty set several time Saturday night. I could be wrong, but I really don't remember the offense doing this very often in past seasons. I can envision the team coming out in a Power I and running the ball on 1st down. Then move Casey to TE-2 with Foster as the singleback, and then motion him out as a receiver also. All no huddle, leaving LBs possible covering Foster and Casey. Just a thought, but I like it! Football is back mf!
Kubiak and Phillips have a lot of toys and options. It's going to be fun watching them move all of their pieces around. Every offseason, Kubiak adds a wrinkle to his offense. Last year, it was the usual bootleg/roll-out with a TE or RB running away from the play to open space. Foster and Dressen each made huge plays doing it. Scheme-wise, our two systems are nearly unstoppable.
Maybe not so much last year, but I've definitely seen him do it in the past. It depends on the situation but I like to have the RB back there to keep the D honest. But a mismatch is a mismatch so...
Preseason is always a good time for test running new/different sets. Kubiak doesn't usually go to empty backfield and/or vertical sets, even in third down situations. Partially because the personnel doesn't fit (few of the receiving corps are playmakers), partially because he strongly believes in his scheme. Empty backfield usually only works well in hurry up situations, because you're otherwise leaving your QB vulnerable. As our ZBS has strengthened over the years, they could be taking a second look to see if they can sneak in more 3 deep plays with the youngsters out wide.
they did back in 2009, with no running game. Shoot, that kid schaubie, would even do a fake handoff in an empty backfield and the defensive backs would still bite.
