Wildcat Offense Weaknesses

The newest offense to come to the NFL and college is the "Wildcat offense". In this offense, as its been adopted by several teams, a back takes the direct snap from the center as another running back or wide receiver comes in motion. The options this offense were developed for are:
1. The Running back takes the ball himself and runs.
2. The running back gives the ball to the other runner in motion around the end.
3. The Running back fakes both and throws the ball.

However, many teams (Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Ole Miss Rebels) are not having any threat of the pass from the quarterback position. Essentially, its a direct snap offense with only 2 options and none of them involve the pass. If the person taking the snap has no ability to pass the ball, the defense should load up on the run and stop that play very easily.

Another drawback of using this offense is that many of these teams are, for some reason, putting their quarterbacks at wide receiver. Defensive coordinators are essentially now having 11 defenders defend 10 men. And that man on offense is defenseless. All it will take is one aggressive cornerback who wants to end a career and I believe this trend of putting your quarterback out at wide receiver will stop.

The Miami Dolphins in particular were in danger of telegraphing what they do when they run out of this formation.In the first 5 games of 2009, Ronnie Brown had not thrown a pass and only either ran or faked to RIcky Williams or Patrick Cobbs on this play. However, in a matchup with the Jets, the first play they ran out of this formation included a Ronnie Brown 21 yard pass play. Even though the yardage was modest, this was huge for the effect on the rest of the game. From then on, the Jets had to defend the potential pass, a Ronnie Brown run, a Ronnie Brown handoff to Ricky Williams or a direct handoff to Patrick Cobbs.

One effective use of the wildcat with all options that I have seen is Notre Dame. They put their running back at Quarterback and when he takes the snap, he can and has thrown the ball. You know have to defend all options.

One option off the wildcat formation that I haven't seen yet has been the involvement of the wide receivers in this formation. If having to defend 3 options involving a running back is devastating, then why not incorporate more speed? Why not have the Running back take a direct snap and then have the option to hand off or pitch to 2 wide receivers running in opposite directions parallel to the line of scrimmage. Essentially the quarterback (running back) would be selecting which end around to run. To me, this would be unstoppable.