What’s the best defense against a 22 formation?

But keep in mind that a lot of times a true heavy package has an OL-eligible as the TE2, so it wouldn't work especially well in that situation (not saying the Giants would go with a jumbo TE2 in heavy sets, but many teams do).

The other reason is that trickery alone may not make up enough of a difference to justify excluding the athleticism of the WR group in favor of catching the defense in a bad personnel group.

I would argue that the Giants, as presently constructed, are built for 11 and 12 personnel primarily, and they can run or pass out of either, so you'd get the same benefit of the defense not knowing what's coming, while also keeping the most dynamic playmakers on the field.

Also, just an aside - "22" is not a formation; it is a personnel group. You can line up 22 personnel in a variety of formations.

The personnel number system is used to identify the number of running backs and tight ends in the game.

10 Personnel = 1 RB, 0 TE, 4 WRs
11 Personnel = 1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs
12 Personnel = 1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs
13 Personnel = 1 RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR
21 Personnel = 2 RBs, 1 TE, 2 WRs
22 Personnel = 2 RBs, 2 TEs, 1 WR
Understanding NFL Personnel Groupings by name - ( New Window )

super heavy on D with a move TE like Waller. Also Gray and Barkley in at the same time in a "heavy" formation might be a little sus to DCs, neither are a blocking FB.

In comment 16118598 Gatorade Dunk said:

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But keep in mind that a lot of times a true heavy package has an OL-eligible as the TE2, so it wouldn't work especially well in that situation (not saying the Giants would go with a jumbo TE2 in heavy sets, but many teams do). The other reason is that trickery alone may not make up enough of a difference to justify excluding the athleticism of the WR group in favor of catching the defense in a bad personnel group. I would argue that the Giants, as presently constructed, are built for 11 and 12 personnel primarily, and they can run or pass out of either, so you'd get the same benefit of the defense not knowing what's coming, while also keeping the most dynamic playmakers on the field. Also, just an aside - "22" is not a formation; it is a personnel group. You can line up 22 personnel in a variety of formations.

Thanks GD. So if the defense leaves more DBs on the field then theoretically you should have an advantage running, right? Assuming your TEs and RBs can either block or draw attention away from the ball carrier?

In comment 16118622 HopePhil and Optimistic said:

Quote:

In comment 16118598 Gatorade Dunk said: Quote: But keep in mind that a lot of times a true heavy package has an OL-eligible as the TE2, so it wouldn't work especially well in that situation (not saying the Giants would go with a jumbo TE2 in heavy sets, but many teams do). The other reason is that trickery alone may not make up enough of a difference to justify excluding the athleticism of the WR group in favor of catching the defense in a bad personnel group. I would argue that the Giants, as presently constructed, are built for 11 and 12 personnel primarily, and they can run or pass out of either, so you'd get the same benefit of the defense not knowing what's coming, while also keeping the most dynamic playmakers on the field. Also, just an aside - "22" is not a formation; it is a personnel group. You can line up 22 personnel in a variety of formations. Thanks GD. So if the defense leaves more DBs on the field then theoretically you should have an advantage running, right? Assuming your TEs and RBs can either block or draw attention away from the ball carrier?

The Giants have a TE1 who can be the primary target in the passing game, a TE2 who is a capable blocker and receiver, RB1 can play a dynamic role in the passing game, multiple WRs who can be used in jet sweeps and other gadget plays in the running game, QB1 presents a threat to run at all times, etc.

They have tremendous versatility in the way they can deploy their personnel - they could openly declare that the next play is going to be a running play, and still keep the defense guessing by having 3-4 legitimate options to be the ballcarrier. And since they don't have to actually announce their intentions to the defense, they also have five legitimate receivers on the field no matter what personnel group they use (except when running a jumbo set with an extra lineman).

They can run out of passing formations and pass out of running formations, and they will - there will be definitely be times that they do something similar to your suggestion, but I'm just saying that I don't think they have to go crazy with trying to trick the defense because they have enough versatility to keep opponents guessing regardless of the personnel group and formation.

...also, 22personnel is a positional grouping, not a formation.

Defending any grouping or formation is going to need specific info regarding things like down/distance, what this team has shown on film and where their positional strengths/weaknesses might be.