Prisco’s anti-"Wildcat” stance wrong

By Adam Sweeney  |   Friday, June 19, 2009  |  Comments( 6 )

Miami Dolphins
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You know that Hall of Fame voter who chose to use his ballot against Cal Ripken's induction? Or have you ever met the guy who sits on the edge of the pool as everyone else does cannonballs, claiming that swimming is overrated? I like CBSSports.com football writer Pete Prisco, but when attacking the "Wildcat" formation in a recent article, he comes off as that type of person.

Prisco asked Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints head coach, about why he didn't utilize the "Wildcat" formation that the Miami Dolphins made famous around the league last season.

"I just don't want to take snaps away from [Drew Brees]," Payton said.

Based on that statement, Prisco claims the "Wildcat" is nothing more than a gimmick that takes the ball away from the quarterback, the most important player on the team. Considering Brees is an elite QB, Payton was right to play to his team's strengths. At the same time, the Dolphins were right to use the "Wildcat" and make use of their own strengths.

Prisco went on to argue that the "Wildcat" is an insult to great quarterbacks.

"Can you imagine the look on Peyton Manning's face if the Colts told him on install day that the Wildcat was coming... How about Tom Brady," he asks. Well if it meant that Joseph Addai or Kevin Faulk was scoring four touchdowns in a game based on the scheme, they'd probably be quite pleased.

Prisco asks why you would risk getting your quarterback hurt by exposing him in such an open formation. Newsflash, Pete: The Patriots had the ball in the hands of their most valuable player, Tom Brady, when Kansas City Chief Bernard Pollard ended his season in Week 1 last year. Injuries can happen anywhere at any time.

One last thing to consider is that Brees, Brady and Manning are all relatively immobile pocket passers. The Dolphins know Chad Pennington isn't the second coming of Randall Cunningham. Baltimore blew up the "Wildcat" with a blitz-happy scheme and the Dolphins didn't have the speed to counter. That's why they brought in athletic West Virginia QB Pat White via the second round of April's draft. See, Pete? They're adapting.

If you don't want to do the same to a formation that gives the Dolphins a new wrinkle, then you can at least create a better argument. Prisco is without a doubt a great writer, but this time he dropped back to pass with no protection and without anyone open.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads Magazine.
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