6 replies to this topic

[monter]

I know the playoffs are almost over, and I've been meaning to ask this question for a while, but I keep forgetting...

I know 5-wide formations are common with a lot of spread teams. I also know that there must be 7 players on the LOS.

But can the 5 wide receivers all be on one side of the field? In other words, do both tackles have to be covered?

Say, for instance, there's a formation like this:

55 76 79 50 61        88 82
                           19 25 80

      11

Would that be legal? If I understand the rules correctly, this formation would not be legal, but the following one would:

88 76 79 50 61        55 82
                           19 25 80

      11

Where a Tight End is basically playing left tackle, and another lineman is "split out" in the formation...

I have seen teams use a "seven wide" formation, where three linemen are tight, and two are "split out", but even in this formation, both "end" linemen are covered.

[TXMike]

I know the playoffs are almost over, and I've been meaning to ask this question for a while, but I keep forgetting...

I know 5-wide formations are common with a lot of spread teams. I also know that there must be 7 players on the LOS.

But can the 5 wide receivers all be on one side of the field? In other words, do both tackles have to be covered?

Say, for instance, there's a formation like this:

55 76 79 50 61        88 82
                           19 25 80

      11

Would that be legal? If I understand the rules correctly, this formation would not be legal, but the following one would:

88 76 79 50 61        55 82
                           19 25 80

      11

Where a Tight End is basically playing left tackle, and another lineman is "split out" in the formation...

I have seen teams use a "seven wide" formation, where three linemen are tight, and two are "split out", but even in this formation, both "end" linemen are covered.

The tackle can be uncovered but that does not make him eligible. If there are 7 on the line and a player numbered 50-79 is on the end, you will only have 1 eligible receiver possible on the line and that will be the player on the other end of the line (assuming he is also not numbered 50-79) The linemen can be anywhere on the LOS, split out or in tight, as long as you have 5 guys numbered 50 - 79 on the LOS and no more than 4 players behind the line, it will be legal. Both formations you diagrammed are legal, you just have onwe less eligible receiver in the first one.

[monter]

The tackle can be uncovered but that does not make him eligible. If there are 7 on the line and a player numbered 50-79 is on the end, you will only have 1 eligible receiver possible on the line and that will be the player on the other end of the line (assuming he is also not numbered 50-79) The linemen can be anywhere on the LOS, split out or in tight, as long as you have 5 guys numbered 50 - 79 on the LOS and no more than 4 players behind the line, it will be legal. Both formations you diagrammed are legal, you just have onwe less eligible receiver in the first one.

This:

If there are 7 on the line and a player numbered 50-79 is on the end, you will only have 1 eligible receiver possible on the line and that will be the player on the other end of the line (assuming he is also not numbered 50-79)

Is the interesting part. I get the rest.

Why is this, out of curiosity? If there are 5 players numbered 50-79, and let's say the left tackle is uncovered, why is the outermost receiver on the LOS the only receiver on the LOS who is eligible?

Just curious.

[TXMike]

Eligibility to receive a forward pass is based on 2 things, what number are you wearing and where were you at the snap. If you have an ineligible number (50-79), it does not matter where you line up, you cannot receive a FORWARD pass. If you have an eligible number , you are eligible as long as, at the snap, you are in the backfield or you are on one end of the line of scrimmage.

[monter]

Eligibility to receive a forward pass is based on 2 things, what number are you wearing and where were you at the snap. If you have an ineligible number (50-79), it does not matter where you line up, you cannot receive a FORWARD pass. If you have an eligible number , you are eligible as long as, at the snap, you are in the backfield or you are on one end of the line of scrimmage.

Ok...I gotcha. So you have to be wearing an eligible number and be either on the end of the line or in the "backfield" in order to receive a forward pass.

[TXMike]

Ok...I gotcha. So you have to be wearing an eligible number and be either on the end of the line or in the "backfield" in order to receive a forward pass.

You got it. Ready to sign up as a ref? ;-)

[monter]

You got it. Ready to sign up as a ref? ;-)

Me? A ref? I don't think I'm ready for that...