Part 2. The Florida Offense: Efficient and QB Friendly. Success In The Running Game Will Be The Key
Updated: Jul 23, 2022
“Most important of those hires could be the addition of Rob Sale of the New York Giants as offensive coordinator…”
By LOREN MEADOWS
GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst
For the third time since 2014, the Florida Gators have hired a new head coach. Billy Napier brings a buttoned-up CEO type style to a program that has been moderately successful since its last SEC title in 2008.
Napier also is the third successive Florida hire that brings a certain offensive pedigree to Gainesville following offensive (or supposed) gurus Jim McElwain and Dan Mullen. However, unlike the previous coaches Napier has hired a number of accomplished, respected coaches on the offensive side of the ball as well as an “army” of analysts to create an informative advantage that will assist in dictating weekly offensive game plans.
Most important of those hires could be the addition of Rob Sale of the New York Giants as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Sale will be assisted by former Super Bowl starter Darnell Stapleton. He brings a high level of expectations to a maligned unit. Sale, who served as offensive coordinator at Louisiana from 2018-2020, will be charged with eliminating many of the miscues that plagued the Gators in 2021 as well as working to develop efficiency on third down and the red zone.
In previous stops at Clemson, Colorado State, Alabama, and Arizona State, Napier was part of a number of offensive systems that were extremely sound and efficient during his tenure. When looking at Napier’s offense at Louisiana you can see parts of each philosophy put to use in effective ways to create an extremely successful offensive attack that led to three straight 10-win seasons in Lafayette.
During his time at Louisiana, Napier incorporated Colorado State’s traditional tight end and H-Back pro schemes, Alabama’s RPO’s (run-pass options), and the outside zone to produce a quarterback friendly offense that minimized turnovers and stressed running the ball effectively.
In 2021, Napier’s Louisiana offense averaged 31.4 points per game with a 414-yard per game average. The run game was the focus of the Louisiana offense with 57 percent of Louisiana’s plays being on the ground. Louisiana’s ground game produced 202 yards per game to go along with 34 touchdowns. The effective ground game would allow Napier to effectively use play action to assist his signal callers. Louisiana’s quarterbacks would throw 22 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions which would rank fourth nationally in percentage of interceptions per pass play at 1.08 percent.
With the commitment to the run game expected to continue at Florida, look for the Gators to utilize the 11 (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) and 12 (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR) personnel groupings in their formations. This will give the offense the flexibility to play to the strength of its personnel which is beneficial in both the run and pass game.
The ability to run the ball will be key as Napier and Sale will look to gain an advantage at the line of scrimmage in order to allow other parts of the offense to flourish. The Gators will imply facets of the outside zone, multiple counters using tight ends and tackles, as well as some inside zone to establish the run game.
Success in the run game will allow the Gators to utilize play-action, bootleg, and run-pass options to challenge opposing linebackers and safeties eye discipline. Pre-snap shifts and motions will add to the “window dressing” that will assist in both the run and pass game. Most important could be what role the offense can play in the positive development of projected starter Anthony Richardson, a gifted physical talent who looks to be the next great QB at the University of Florida.
Once again, the ultimate challenge is putting the plan to practice. Will the Florida offense eliminate the mistakes that plagued them in 2021 causing crippling losses, or will they take the step toward national prominence with an exceptional talent at the helm?
Pros of the Florida Offense:
Window Dressing--With the utilization of multiple tight ends, along with pre-snap shifts and motions the Gators will give the opposing defense a lot of information to process while simultaneously giving clues to the quarterback how to proceed. While the defense reacts to shifts -- which are sometimes followed by motion -- the quarterback will be given clues to what defense may be played in the secondary as well as tipping off blitzes and stunts.
The QB Position--This is less about the who and more about the what. The Gator offense will be tailored to provide the quarterback with as much pre-snap information as possible. Motions and shifts could provide advantages in both the run and pass game. The Gators will utilize passing concepts including multiple ways to flood an area as well as RPO’s that should allow the quarterback simple reads allowing them to play freely and make efficient decisions.
The Offensive Guards--Even though the Gators could possibly utilize the outside zone more than any other run play, it will be the prospective guard tandem of Ethan White and O’Cyrus Torrence who could play a major role in the Gator offense. White has made possibly the greatest transformation of any Gator player over the last four years, working to make himself a potential NFL draft pick. Torrence, an All-Sun Belt performer, is one of the nation’s best at his position. The run game is only as good as its middle and the ability for the Gator backs to utilize the one cut philosophy could rest on the rush lanes these two could help create.
Efficiency--What should be evident from the first game against Utah is that this offense will be a more disciplined unit. The multiple false starts and penalties that would kill positive drives and literally take points off the board will hopefully be eliminated by Napier and his offensive staff. Napier and Sale consistently took their offense to task for unnecessary penalties and mistakes. This attention to detail should lend itself to an efficient offense that no longer beats itself and executes an efficient sound offense.
Special Teams Partner--This is not necessarily a function of the offense. Napier has placed huge importance on the role special teams can play in the outcome of the game. The Gators special teams will be key in establishing field position allowing the offense to put as many points on the board as they possibly can.
Cons of the Florida Offense
Wasted Tight Ends--While there has been much talk about how the tight end position will be utilized under Sale and Napier it is in the run game where you see that usage. In 2021, of the three tight ends Louisiana played, only one ranked in the top ten on the team in catches scoring one touchdown. With no clear number one receiver, will the tight end position play more prominent in the pass game or will they only be used as blockers on the edge? Florida has talent at the position and if healthy the tight ends could really help in the development of the offense.
No Big Dawg Wideout--While the Gators return receivers with 110 catches, there is no clear-cut number one receiver that has proven to be consistent matchup nightmare for defenses. Justin Shorter, Xzavier Henderson and Trent Whittemore take the throne and dominate on a weekly basis. Was the quarterback play the reason this unit failed to flourish in 2021? The addition of transfer Ricky Pearsall (Arizona State) could provide the unit with a new big-play threat.
O-Line Depth--Once again, the run game will be a major point of emphasis. The depth of the offensive line will play a major role in the consistency over the course of the season. The prospective group of Richard Gouraige, Ethan White, Kingsley Eguakun, O’Cyrus Torrence, and Josh Braun look to be a solid first unit. However, SEC conference play can be extremely challenging. The health of the offensive line along with emergence of four to five backups will be key.
Backup Plan--The thought by many is that Anthony Richardson and his immense physical talents will be the engine that makes the offense go. Unfortunately, Richardson has shown an inability to stay healthy. With an offense that could depend on his ability to sometimes go “off script” and at let his talent take over, should he not be available against some of the Gators toughest opponents the Gators would take a major step back in the playmaking department.
Who Moves the Ball
Richardson, Quarterback--From speeding tickets to nickname changes, in 2022 the lights will shine brightest on this Gainesville native. Richardson will be expected to perform at a high level on a consistent basis. As athletically gifted as any quarterback to play at Florida, will Richardson show improvement as a passer and grasp the entire offense under Napier and Sale?
Montrell Johnson, Running Back--Johnson was the Sunbelt Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2021 when he rushed for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first season in Lafayette. Now in Gainesville, Johnson showed promise for an easy transition to SEC football this spring. His previous knowledge of the system and coaches should lead to Johnson playing meaningful snaps for the Gators early.
Nay’quan Wright, Running Back--Wright has played a solid role the last two years for the Gators. His versatility as a runner and pass catcher (12.8-yard average in 2021) will give Napier and staff the ability to use Wright in different ways on offense. Injured for most of spring practice, Wright impressed position coach Jabbar Juluke with his leadership ability and willingness to take solid mental reps.
O’Cyrus Torrence, Offensive Guard--In 2022 at Louisiana, Torrence was the second highest rated Group of 5 lineman according to Pro Football Focus. At 6-5, 247 pounds, Torrence is as gifted as he is physically imposing. If Torrence can adjust to SEC play, look for him to possibly play himself into the first day of the NFL draft and garnish SEC conference honors. At Louisiana, Torrence was part of an offensive line that only allowed 1.86 sacks per game.
Justin Shorter, Wide Receiver--Shorter was the top receiver in his class in 2017. Since then he played sparingly at Penn State and has enjoyed moderate success since transferring to Florida in 2020. Shorter is a physical presence at the receiver position and worked in the spring to fine tune his game and take the next step in his development. Look for new receiver coach Kerry Colbert to play a major role in whether Shorter becomes one of the SEC’s best pass catchers.
Ricky Pearsall, Wide Receiver--2021 was a breakout year for the Arizona State transfer. Pearsall’s 48 catches for 580 yards led all Sun Devil receivers last season. Pearsall brings physicality and run after the catch ability to Gainesville. His arrival should give the Gators another versatile weapon that could help the screen and return games.
Vince Lombardi once said, “Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work.” While the Florida offense is not packed with a ton of household names, a commitment to execution and sound play could allow its many moving parts to produce positive results. After a mistake-filled season that could have still cultivated winning results, it will be interesting to see what a little discipline and attention to detail can do for this offense.
Comments