Today, “Naptime Huddle” continues its October series on trick
plays* with the Halfback Pass. Then, in a
rare combo-platter post, some parting shots on Sunday of Week 5 in the NFL.
Oh, and by the way, “Naptime Huddle” is now on
Facebook! If you support what we’re
about, hit “Like” and share us with your friends. In addition to post links, you’ll get news
updates and random thoughts throughout the week and on game days.
The Halfback Pass
If a team has a running back who is also good at throwing, it
can tuck away the Halfback Pass in its playbook for a rainy day (actually, a
dry, sunny day would probably be better).
The play is simple: The
quarterback pitches the ball to the halfback, making the play look like a run
toward the sideline. As happens during
the flea flicker, the defense,
notably the cornerbacks and linebackers, will then back off their coverage of
the receivers to pursue the halfback.
Meanwhile, instead of running with the ball, the halfback will look for
an open receiver downfield and throw the ball while he is still behind the line
of scrimmage.
As with any trick play, if the defense isn’t fooled there is potential for disaster in
the form of a loss of yardage or, even worse, an interception. Here, though, is an example of a
successful halfback pass by the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson, currently with
the New York Jets, is actually a prolific passer. So far in his career he has thrown for seven
touchdowns and 143 yards.
Week 5 Thoughts
- After Week 2, NH took a look at the season’s Unexpected Undefeateds. With five weeks in the books, we can now list the “Bewildered Beatens,” those teams who find themselves in unfamiliar territory with either zero or one win: the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals. Some teams are no strangers to winless stretches—e.g., St. Louis and Miami—and shouldn’t be so bewildered. The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons have put together two wins each, but as 2010 playoff teams they should be equally bewildered. I suppose the Colts’ fortunes shouldn’t be surprising since they are missing future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, but many were under the impression that the Colts also had a talented supporting cast and coaching staff.
- Broncos fans finally got what they wished for as second-year
quarterback Tim Tebow replaced much-maligned Kyle Orton after halftime in what
was ultimately a losing effort against the San Diego Chargers. Was his comeback attempt enough to land him
the starting job permanently? Will Tebow
now have a Tom Brady-like run after
replacing a veteran QB? Only time will
tell…
- Minnesota finally put the ball in the hands of its best
player, running back Adrian Peterson, to run all over the Arizona Cardinals for
the Vikings’ first win of the season.
Will they finally admit that QB Donovan McNabb is not their best
player, and maybe not even their best option at quarterback?
- How much does “Naptime Huddle” love the Buffalo Bills right
now? T
H I S
M U C
H (I’m holding my arms open real
wide now.) Their multi-faceted play on
the field is not only giving the team its best start in three years, but they
are also giving the fans a real show each and every week. The Bills’ win over the Eagles was one to
remember, as RB Fred Jackson ran for almost 200 yards and the defense got four
interceptions (a career high for Eagles QB Michael Vick) and a fumble.
Well, that’s it for now.
I hope you’ve enjoyed Week 5 so far.
Tune in to Monday Night Football
tonight as the Detroit Lions try to stay undefeated against division rival
Chicago Bears!
*Yes, I realize that the first post in this series was called "Trick and Treat." I like the new title better.
