Josh McDaniels

I definitely tend to lean toward the defensive side of the football when it comes to Xs and Os so this week’s exploration of all things Erhardt-Perkins Offense was an interesting one. As we did with our defensive system week we’ll sum things up here with the most need-to-know information.

The biggest thing to take away from it is that while the Patriots current offense is a derivative of the Erhardt-Perkins “pass to score, run to win” offense it has evolved into something much different than what it was at it’s inception.

Of course many of the core concepts remain the same, especially when it comes to moving the football and maintaining possession. However today’s Patriots offense has elements of Charlie Weis, Urban Meyer, and Josh McDaniels that are very much a part of it (among others I’m sure… Bill O’Brien anyone?).

This is how all football schemes are: ever-evolving. The Patriots version is often referred to as an “amoeba” offense, in that it can take any form they need for the purpose of moving the football. Perhaps more specifically they are fans of running the same play out of multiple formations, whereas other teams will often run multiple plays out of the same formation. The shape changes, but what comes out of it is often the same.

The origins of the Erhardt-Perkins offense are very much of the “ground and pound” variety, and obviously the Patriots would no longer be considered a “ground and pound” team. They can when they need to, but it’s just one tool in a much larger toolbox.

The other evidence of this is how many different types of running backs and tight ends the Patriots will have on their roster whenever the 2011 gets under way. Each different player brings a different strength to the party, enabling the Patriots to do a variety of different things, often from the same personnel groupings.

Clearly Bill Belichick’s football philosophy on both sides of the ball is one of disguise, and keeping the other team on their toes at all times. This might seem like a common sense approach, but it is not easy to coordinate 11 men on a field with multiple shifts, checks, and audibles. It’s clearer to me now why the Patriots put such a premium on FBI (Football Intelligence) when acquiring personnel.

While the terminology might be the last holdover from the true Erhardt-Perkins offensive system, the core of building a tough, diverse offense that can play in all weather conditions remains.

Over the course of Bill Belichick’s tenure the offense has evolved a great deal, primarily due to Charlie Weis, and later expanded upon by Josh McDaniels. Clearly the Bill O’Brien modifications and additions will be ones based around a diverse group of tight ends and running backs.  Clearly this Amoeba Belichick version of the Erhardt-Perkins offense will continue to grow and evolve.

This ensures that the effect of the Patriots’ systems and influence of Bill Belichick will continue to reverberate throughout the NFL for decades.