The Prototypical West Coast Offense Running Back

There has been a great deal of debate about whether or not Seattle improved its running game with the free agent acquisitions of Julius Jones and TJ Duckett. The doubters contend they are has-been running backs and that they should be considered backups. Their supporters contend they were not getting a fair shake with their previous teams and their numbers prove they can still get the job done. The doubters miss the biggest difference; the offensive systems in which they played.

 Neither Dallas (where Jones came from), or Detroit (where Duckett came from) run a West Coast Offense (WCO).  Why should that matter? What is the WCO? The WCO simplified is 60% pass/40% run: spreading the defense over a much bigger area of the field, both horizontally and vertically; creating mismatches in the speed, size, or number of receivers defenders try to cover. While potentially throwing on any down and any distance to avoid tendencies that defenses could key on; simultaneously maintaining possession through the air instead of solely on the ground.

Well in the WCO to catch passes and block are valued equally with a running back’s ability to run the ball. These abilities haven’t been combined in a Seattle tail back since Ricky Watters. In the recent past with Shaun Alexander at tail back Holmgren used a balanced attack with 50% run/50% pass. Alexander was a power runner who was a terrible blocker and poor receiver. He just didn’t fit the WCO. Mo Morris did a better job in all these areas last year while filling in for Shaun Alexander; but without a backup to spell him he wore down as the game and season progressed. Last year proved Morris just doesn’t have the size (he is 20 lbs lighter than Jones and 40 lbs lighter than Duckett) to be an every down back for more than a game or two.

 Now with the additions of Jones and Duckett the Seahawks have three tail backs that can pass block for Hasselbeck, or slide into the flat and catch the short dump off pass. Rotating these three backs will keep them fresh all season, and most importantly they’ll be able to run whatever play coach Holmgren calls.

 What is a prototypical WCO running back? This is a back that might break 1,000 yds rushing if he was the feature back; but would also be one of the teams leading receivers. In fact, he could even lead in both categories as Roger Craig did in 1985 (1050 yds rushing & 1016 yds receiving).  They have to be able to pick up any blitz with a good solid block, otherwise the QB can be blindsided.  Sure hands and the ability to run after the catch are essential. They frequently turn a short pass reception into a big gain. Stamina is very important especially if the team only has one feature back. Over the course of the season they typically would have more pass receptions than rushing attempts. All of these qualities with even stronger blocking ability are also required of the fullback. John L. Williams comes to mind here. TJ Duckett is a possibility to move to fullback as has been suggested by coach Holmgren.

In conclusion, is Seattle’s run game improved? Probably, my previous blog explained zone blocking and how it will also help the run game. Even more importantly for the first time in years (except for a part of last season when Morris filled-in) Holmgren will have all the tools to properly run his much loved WCO. This year the advantages of running a true WCO will make Holmgren’s play calling less predictable and harder to defend.