Dear NFL: Bring Back the Fullback

[Jeremy Igo]

For fans of smash mouth football, the demise of the punishing NFL fullback has had a negative impact on maximum game enjoyment. Gone are the days of a 250lb work horse demolishing a linebacker as he paves the way to the end zone. Yes, I miss the blocking fullback. If you would frequently find yourself zoning in on a crushing block instead of the ball crossing the goal line, you probably miss them too. 

It seems we are not alone...

 

No fullback eclipsed 500 snaps last season for the first time in the PFF era. #BringBacktheFullback #NFL pic.twitter.com/ZLkjjPhs5B

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF)

June 24, 2015

 

As PFF noted, fullbacks have become a thing of the past. But could that change? 

Over the past decade, defenses have adjusted both physically and within their schemes to defend against the offensives without fullbacks. Linebackers have gotten smaller, faster. More defensive sub-packages are being used than ever. Across the league the typical 4-3 is giving way to hybrid nickel and other formations. Teams are less worried about their linebackers getting dominated physically, but being out run. 

It is my contention that now may be the perfect time to bring back the punishing fullback, before defenses can easily adjust to them. 

A few weeks ago I was promoting Lee Ward as a guy on the Carolina Panthers roster that could immediately fill this role. Ward is a pure blocking specialist, almost perfect in technique. A quick look at his highlight reel from college will get any red blooded American football fan excited. 

Also, Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula does have experience with this type of player. As offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, Shula utilized all time fullback great Lorenzo Neal as a blocking specialist, paving the way for the shifty Warrick Dunn and also for Mike Alstott in their rhino package. 

Could we see Ward in the same role in Carolina? Imagine him blocking for Jordan Todman, or perhaps on the goal line in front of Mike Tolbert. 

What say you Panthers fans... Are you ready for the blocking fullback to return? 

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[Jmac]

They have a mack truck waiting in the wings. Shula should know how to use the kid since they had a bruiser in Tampa Bay. We will see what happens Add Tolbert,Stew, and Cam to the mix and you have a wrecking crew to deal with.

Edited June 24, 2015 by Jmac

[Cary Kollins]

Vonta Leach was instrumental in Arian Foster dominating for those few years.

[frash.exe]

Honestly, I don't see it as a priority

 

people thought there would be a rush of teams following the Seahawks power football formula after 2013, yet that hasn't really happened at all. I'd rather like to see the panthers work on their red zone offense and no huddle/2 minute drills because that's where they have the most room for improvement. The offense needs to be able to function in fourth gear if we find ourselves behind.

[Jeremy Igo]

Honestly, I don't see it as a priority

 

people thought there would be a rush of teams following the Seahawks power football formula after 2013, yet that hasn't really happened at all. I'd rather like to see the panthers work on their red zone offense and no huddle/2 minute drills because that's where they have the most room for improvement. The offense needs to be able to function in fourth gear if we find ourselves behind.

Red zone touchdowns should be a #1 priority this season. A blocking fullback could be a part of the solution. 

[Cary Kollins]

Whoa, his highlight tape is glorious.

Dude annihilates would-be tacklers. Could be a steal.

[frash.exe]

Red zone touchdowns should be a #1 priority this season. A blocking fullback could be a part of the solution. 

i agree

having three pass catchers that are at least 6'4'' is also a good start

[CarolinaNCSU]

The way the NFL is going, obviously the need for a FB has decreased if you have a RB who can hold his on blocking.

 

But a Mike Shula offense?  I'd love to see a dominant, blocking FB opening holes for Stew or leading Cam down the field.

[TN05]

The big problem with blocking fullbacks is the same as the problem with blocking tight ends: they can't catch worth crap. Having a blocking fullback or tight end on field is a dead giveaway you are going to run the ball, unless you keep him on the field the whole game, which necessarily limits your quarterback's ability to throw.

[Nick_81]

I'd be all for that poo.  Too much focus on our passing game to begin with.  We try to be a run first offense anyway, and this would only help that... in a tremendous way.  You get defenses worried about a guy like Ward coming out of the backfield, with the receiving corps we have(err, think we'll have), and I believe panic will be widespread.  Most defenses won't have the personnel to compensate.  It opens up a poo ton of options, because they will have to focus on trying to stop it.

[Nick_81]

The big problem with blocking fullbacks is the same as the problem with blocking tight ends: they can't catch worth crap. Having a blocking fullback or tight end on field is a dead giveaway you are going to run the ball, unless you keep him on the field the whole game, which necessarily limits your quarterback's ability to throw.

Not necessarily.  You would still have two wide receivers, Olsen, and your running back on the field.  That's four options right there.  If the FB has any ability to catch a pass, you win.

Edited June 24, 2015 by Nick_81

[AceBoogie]

Similar to the way the post up Center has disappeared from the NBA. Problem is, kids growing up these days would rather be the one scoring the touchdowns instead of blocking for the man that does. 

[Jeremy Igo]

Similar to the way the post up Center has disappeared from the NBA. Problem is, kids growing up these days would rather be the one scoring the touchdowns instead of blocking for the man that does. 

Damn, I miss that guy too. 

[coralreefer_1]

Would we be even talking about this if we were not in a position to use/capitalize on such a thing?

 

Great if it happens, but let me ask the usual questions here on thhe hudddle.

 

Can he play LT?

Can we trust Shula to use such talent?

 

 

Now that the obligatory peanut gallery crap is out of the way, I would totally LOVE of such to come to pass!