How the ‘Wildcat’ works

Published 11:26 pm Saturday, October 18, 2008

MIAMI — The ‘Wildcat’ formation gives Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown or the back behind center plenty of options. If he keeps the ball rather than handing to the motion back (usually Ricky Williams), he can bolt through the right side of the unbalanced line, which features both tackles to the right of the center, as he did for a 62-yard touchdown against New England. One variation calls for Brown to fake a handoff and roll left, looking for the tight end downfield. Against New England, the play worked for a 19-yard score to tight end Anthony Fasano.

“I am,” Fasano said about the scheme, “a believer now.”

Against Houston, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano unveiled another twist, getting all three running backs involved: Brown handed off to Williams, who sprinted wide and then pitched to quarterback Chad Pennington, who backed up from the wide receiver slot and fired to a wide-open running back Patrick Cobbs for the opening score.

Players said they have more than a dozen options on the set.

“Anytime you put in an awkward formation or awkward offensive set you never know how it’s going to work,” Pennington said. “Sometimes it just blows up in your face, and you never run it again. The key has been the execution of the plays as well as the communication.”

The execution has been almost beyond belief. The Dolphins’ offense has risen to 10th overall. After averaging 12 points and 257 total yards in the first two games, Miami averaged 27.7 and 407 in the next three.

Out of the ‘Wildcat’ formation, the only two passes have gone for 72 yards and two scores; Williams has averaged 6.9 yards rushing on eight carries; and Brown, who has handled the ball the most, is averaging 8.9 yards on 14 carries with four touchdowns. One play resulted in a sack.

“A lot of it, to be honest with you, is the running back making great plays,” Cobbs said. “Not everyone can do it, because not everyone has Ronnie Brown.”