Fansided

Why 2014 is the year of the uptempo offense in the NFL

By Jeff Weisinger

Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on in the first quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on in the first quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Improve the pace of a game, making offenses move like clockwork

Think of it this way: every team already has an uptempo offense installed, usually the two-minute drill package which is used at the end of the half or end of the game.

The concept of the two-minute drill is the foundation of the uptempo offense.  In ways, it’s a modernized version of the “K-Gun.”

If executed correctly, an uptempo offense can improve a quarterback’s efficiency in the pocket as it calls for quicker reads and throws, leading to a higher completion percentage and quarterbacks getting hit less.

Franchise quarterbacks like Denver’s Peyton Manning, the Saints’ Drew Brees and, most recently, Philly’s Nick Foles have enjoyed vast success in a faster paced offense. Instead of stopping momentum by huddling, they’ve mastered calling plays and making adjustments at the line through various adjustment calls before the snap and hand signals to the receivers.  The quick calls and signals streamline the process, allowing players to line up quicker, possibly beating the defense at the snap.

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