New trend alert for NFL offenses; ranking top five pass-catching groups.
Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. Today’s installment covers:
The league’s top five pass-catching groups
But first, the offensive personnel grouping that might be having a moment …
As the NFL evolves into a passing league built around three-receiver sets, some team builders are looking to zig while the rest of the league zags. Instead of trotting out 11 personnel (3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 RB) to spread out defenses stocked with extra defensive backs and hybrid linebackers, shrewd schemers are utilizing old-school formations from 12 personnel packages (2 WRs, 2 TEs, 1 RB) to create and exploit mismatches all over the field.
During my time with the Green Bay Packers in the mid-1990s, I watched head coach Mike Holmgren feature two tight ends with Mark Chmura and Keith Jackson positioned as the Y (traditional tight end) and H (move tight end), respectively. The Pro Bowl tandem caused headaches for defensive coordinators
tasked with developing a game plan to handle a pair of big-bodied pass catchers with outstanding ball skills. Moreover, the duo helped Brett Favre claim multiple MVP awards while the Packers emerged as a perennial contender and eventual Super Bowl champion (1996 season).
While I don’t expect a tight end tandem to directly lead a team to a title in 2024, the recent increase in 12 personnel usage could be an indicator that more squads will employ a throwback approach during the upcoming season.
