Wildcat Formation Spreading Across NFL

The Miami Dolphins’ success using the wildcat formation in 2008 has sprung many other NFL teams to create their own wildcat packages.  Although some NFL teams have tinkered with the wildcat before, the 2008 Dolphins have had the most success running it and therefore are the first team people think of when they hear ‘wildcat”.  The Jets actually had a wildcat package in place since 2006 when their offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, took over.  Jets’ slash player and former Missouri quarterback Brad Smith was the centerpiece of the Jets’ wildcat package but the Jets never had major success with the formation.  Maybe the Jets didn’t use it enough or maybe the didn’t use the right personnel. 

Now the Jets are working with the wildcat package in practice again and this time they have Leon Washington taking the direct snap from center.  Many other teams are putting together wildcat packages too.  It is spreading across the NFL and the Dolphins’ success in 2008 using the wildcat is the reason why.  One of the major reasons why the Dolphins beat the Patriots last season was because they ran the wildcat so well in that game.  

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw almost all 32 teams implement their own kind of wildcat package this year.  It is used often by many college teams.  Last season the Clemson Tigers football team but current Browns running back James Davis behind center and put speedster and likely first round pick CJ Spiller next to him.  There are so many options when a speedster, back type of player stands behind center to take the snap, especially if the player can throw well and also if a quarterback is flanked outside.  The Eagles may have signed Michael Vick just because he can be used in a wildcat package and give headaches to defensive coordinators.  

The wildcat is creative, interesting and entertaining to watch and we will see much more of the wildcat all over the NFL in 2009.