The Wildcat offense (or Wildcat formation) is an offensive football scheme that is utilized by every level of the game today, from high school to pro football. The general formation can be used in a variety of ways but the distinguishing factor is a direct snap to the running back, an off balance offensive line, and the same pre-snap route running regardless of the play type (run, pass, pitch, etc).
History of the Wildcat Offense
The prelude to the Wildcat was the "Wing-T" formation widely credited to the University of Deleware coach Tubby Raymond. The Wildcat formation's similarities to the Wing-T is the use of the same route running pre-snap. The Wing-T utilizes a motion across the formation to draw a reaction from the defense, but runs several different plays from the same look.
Having the half back take the snap in the Wildcat Offense provides the formation with an 11 on 11 scheme rather than playing a 10 on 11 play. When the quarterback is standing and watching for a reciever the offense essentially "loses" a player (the quarterback) because of his stagnant position.
The Wildcat in College
The Wildcat was popularized in college by current offensive coordinator for the Auburn Tigers and current quarterback coach for the Miami Dolphins, Gus Malzahn and David Lee respectfully, when both worked as offensive coordinators for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Malzahn in 2006 and Lee in 2007.
The Wildcat package is used today by a variety of college football teams and it has taken defense coordinators some time to try and "catch up" to the novel formation.
The Wildcat in the NFL
In a December game between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers engaged in a formation that saw DeAngelo Williams, the running back for the Panthers, receiving the snaps from the center. The Panthers ran this formation for the opening drive. Dan Henning, offensive coordinator of the Panthers received praise for his drive and later, with the Miami Dolphins, developed the scheme into the Wildcat used by the Miami Dolphins today.
Today the Dolphins are widely credited with starting the Wildcat trend in the NFL. In the 2008 season and through 11 games the Miami Dolphins implemented the Wildcat offense for an average of over six yards a play. In September of 2008 the Dolphins utilized the Wildcat offense against the New England Patriots in only six plays, five of which resulted in a touchdown (four rushing and one passing).
Wildcat Controversy
Since the formation's conception there has been a mist of controversy regarding where the formation got its name. Two stories seem to be at the forefront of the controversy.
First, the story has it that the offensive scheme got its name from the Wildcats of West Genesee High School, in New York, where Miami Dolphins assistant coach Steve Bush once worked. Second, and ultimately accepted story, is that the offense was created by the wing formation guru Hugh Wyatt. Wyatt, coached the La Center High School Wildcats in Washington state. Wyatt published an article in a 1998 issue of "Scholastic Coach" magazine where he detailed his scheme.
 |
