The Erhardt-Perkins offensive system is a popular and effective strategy used in football.
Developed by offensive coordinators Mike Erhardt and Jerry Perkins, this system has been widely adopted by numerous NFL teams and college programs.
The Erhardt-Perkins system emphasizes simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency, allowing teams to execute plays effectively while keeping the defense off balance.
History of the Erhardt-Perkins System
The Erhardt-Perkins system was first introduced in the late 1970s by Mike Erhardt and Jerry Perkins.
Both coaches were known for their innovative offensive strategies and sought to create a system that would maximize the strengths of their players while exploiting the weaknesses of the opposing defense.
Erhardt and Perkins believed in simplifying the offensive playbook to allow players to focus on executing plays rather than memorizing complex schemes.
They aimed to create a system that would be easy to teach, learn, and execute, while still providing enough flexibility to adapt to different defensive formations and strategies.
Over the years, the Erhardt-Perkins system has evolved and been refined by various coaches who have implemented it.
It has become a staple in the NFL, with teams like the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Atlanta Falcons utilizing this system to great success.
Key Principles of the Erhardt-Perkins System
The Erhardt-Perkins system is built on several key principles that contribute to its effectiveness:
- Simplicity: The playbook is designed to be simple and easy to understand, allowing players to quickly grasp their roles and responsibilities.
- Flexibility: The system provides multiple options and adjustments based on the defensive alignment, allowing the offense to exploit weaknesses and create favorable matchups.
- Efficiency: The emphasis on simplicity and flexibility enables the offense to execute plays quickly and efficiently, putting pressure on the defense and preventing them from making timely adjustments.
- Communication: Clear and concise communication is crucial in the Erhardt-Perkins system. The play calls are designed to be easily communicated to the entire offense, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Key Components of the Erhardt-Perkins System
The Erhardt-Perkins system consists of several key components that work together to create a cohesive offensive strategy:
1. Formation and Personnel Groupings
The Erhardt-Perkins system utilizes a variety of formations and personnel groupings to create mismatches and confuse the defense.
The offense can line up in different formations, such as the I-formation, shotgun formation, or spread formation, depending on the situation and personnel available.
Additionally, the system employs different personnel groupings, such as 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers) or 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers), to create different looks and force the defense to adjust accordingly.
2. Play Concepts
The Erhardt-Perkins system features a wide range of play concepts that can be executed from various formations and personnel groupings.
These play concepts include:
- Vertical Passing: The offense looks to stretch the defense vertically by sending receivers on deep routes, creating opportunities for big plays downfield.
- Horizontal Passing: Quick, short passes to the sidelines or across the middle of the field are used to exploit soft spots in the defense and gain yards after the catch.
- Play-Action: The offense uses play-action fakes to freeze the defense and create opportunities for receivers to get open downfield.
- Inside and Outside Zone Runs: The running game is a crucial component of the Erhardt-Perkins system. Inside and outside zone runs are commonly used to attack the defense and create running lanes for the ball carrier.
3. Route Tree
The Erhardt-Perkins system utilizes a route tree that provides a framework for receivers to run precise routes based on the defensive coverage.
The route tree includes various routes, such as slants, curls, posts, and corners, which allow receivers to create separation from defenders and provide options for the quarterback.
4. Pre-Snap Adjustments
One of the strengths of the Erhardt-Perkins system is its ability to make pre-snap adjustments based on the defensive alignment.
The offense can change the play call, shift formations, or adjust blocking assignments to exploit weaknesses in the defense or create favorable matchups.
Personnel Needs of the Erhardt-Perkins
The Erhardt-Perkins offensive system is a popular offensive scheme used in American football.
It is known for its flexibility, adaptability, and emphasis on pre-snap reads and adjustments.
While the specific personnel needs may vary depending on the team’s preferences and variations within the system, there are some general requirements for players in the Erhardt-Perkins system:
Quarterback (QB)
The quarterback is a critical position in the Erhardt-Perkins system.
They need to have good decision-making skills, a strong arm, accuracy, and the ability to read defenses quickly.
The quarterback should be able to make pre-snap adjustments, identify potential mismatches, and distribute the ball effectively to various receiving options.
Offensive Line (OL)
A reliable offensive line is essential in any offensive system, including the Erhardt-Perkins.
The offensive linemen should be skilled in pass protection and run blocking.
They need to work well as a unit and communicate effectively to handle stunts, blitzes, and different blocking assignments.
Wide Receivers (WR)
Wide receivers play a crucial role in the Erhardt-Perkins system.
They should have good route-running ability, agility, speed, and the capability to make quick adjustments based on pre-snap reads and coverage recognition.
Wide receivers with strong hands and the ability to create separation are highly valued.
Running Backs (RB)
The running backs in the Erhardt-Perkins system should be versatile and able to contribute both as runners and receivers.
They should have good vision, elusiveness, and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
Running backs who can pass protect effectively are also valuable in this system.
Tight Ends (TE)
Tight ends play a significant role in the Erhardt-Perkins system.
They should be capable of lining up in various formations, including in-line tight ends, H-backs, or flexed out as receivers.
Tight ends with good blocking skills, route-running ability, and the size to create mismatches are ideal for this system.
Fullbacks (FB) and Slot Receivers (SLOT)
Depending on the team’s preferences and variations within the Erhardt-Perkins system, there may be specific roles for fullbacks and slot receivers.
Fullbacks should be versatile blockers and capable receivers, while slot receivers should have quickness, agility, and the ability to work effectively in the middle of the field.
Note that the Erhardt-Perkins system is flexible and can be adjusted to the available personnel. Coaches often tailor the system to suit the strengths and skills of their players, so the specific personnel needs may vary from team to team.
Erhardt-Perkins vs. West Coast Offense
The Erhardt-Perkins offense and the West Coast offense are two distinct offensive systems used in American football, each with its own principles, strategies, and personnel needs.
Here’s a comparison of the two:
Erhardt-Perkins Offense
- Philosophy: The Erhardt-Perkins offense is known for its flexibility and adaptability. It focuses on pre-snap reads, adjustments, and exploiting mismatches in the defense. The offense relies on a combination of versatile personnel and a relatively simple play-calling system.
- Personnel Needs: The Erhardt-Perkins offense values quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, read defenses effectively, and distribute the ball to multiple receiving options. It requires wide receivers who can adjust their routes based on pre-snap reads and exploit defensive weaknesses. The offensive line should be cohesive and effective in both pass protection and run blocking. Tight ends are utilized in multiple roles, including blocking, receiving, and creating mismatches.
- Play-calling: The Erhardt-Perkins offense uses a numbering system for play-calling, where each play is assigned a number. The number conveys the formation, protection scheme, and the routes for the receivers. This system allows for flexibility and quick communication between the coaches and players.
West Coast Offense
- Philosophy: The West Coast offense emphasizes short, precise passing plays to control the game’s tempo and move the ball methodically down the field. It relies on timing, rhythm, and short-to-intermediate passing routes. The offense aims to create mismatches through formations, personnel groupings, and route combinations.
- Personnel Needs: The West Coast offense requires quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, have a quick release, accuracy, and the ability to throw on the move. The wide receivers should have precise route-running skills, good hands, and the ability to gain yards after the catch. The offensive line needs to provide strong pass protection to allow for the timing-based passing game. The running backs should be capable of catching passes out of the backfield and running effectively in a zone-blocking scheme.
- Play-calling: The West Coast offense utilizes a complex system of verbiage-based play-calling. The play call is often longer and includes specific instructions for each position group. This system requires the quarterback to relay the play call effectively to the other players and ensures everyone is on the same page.
While both offenses have their unique characteristics, they also share some common principles, such as the importance of execution, creating mismatches, and exploiting weaknesses in the defense.
The choice between the two offenses often depends on the coaching staff’s preferences, the strengths of the personnel, and the team’s overall offensive philosophy.
Case Study: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL over the past two decades, and a significant part of their success can be attributed to their implementation of the Erhardt-Perkins system.
Under the guidance of head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Patriots have consistently fielded a high-powered offense that adapts to different opponents and situations.
The Erhardt-Perkins system has allowed the Patriots to maximize the talents of their players and exploit mismatches against opposing defenses.
Quarterback Tom Brady, who spent the majority of his career with the Patriots, thrived in the Erhardt-Perkins system.
The simplicity and flexibility of the system allowed Brady to quickly diagnose defenses, make pre-snap adjustments, and deliver accurate passes to his receivers.
The Patriots’ success with the Erhardt-Perkins system can be seen in their numerous Super Bowl victories and sustained excellence over the years.
Their ability to adapt and execute plays effectively has made them a formidable force in the NFL.
New England’s Offensive Scheme | PFF
FAQs: Complete Guide to the Erhardt-Perkins
1. What makes the Erhardt-Perkins system different from other offensive systems?
The Erhardt-Perkins system stands out for its simplicity, flexibility, and emphasis on efficiency.
It allows players to focus on executing plays rather than memorizing complex schemes, while still providing enough flexibility to adapt to different defensive formations and strategies.
2. Which NFL teams currently use the Erhardt-Perkins system?
Several NFL teams currently utilize the Erhardt-Perkins system, including the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, and Detroit Lions, among others.
3. How does the Erhardt-Perkins system benefit the quarterback?
The Erhardt-Perkins system benefits the quarterback by simplifying the playbook and providing multiple options and adjustments based on the defensive alignment.
This allows the quarterback to quickly diagnose defenses, make pre-snap adjustments, and deliver accurate passes to his receivers.
4. Can the Erhardt-Perkins system be effective at the college level?
Yes, the Erhardt-Perkins system can be effective at the college level.
Many college programs have adopted this system and achieved success by maximizing the talents of their players and exploiting weaknesses in opposing defenses.
5. How does the Erhardt-Perkins system create mismatches?
The Erhardt-Perkins system creates mismatches by utilizing different formations, personnel groupings, and play concepts.
By forcing the defense to adjust to these different looks, the offense can exploit weaknesses and create favorable matchups.
6. What role does communication play in the Erhardt-Perkins system?
Clear and concise communication is crucial in the Erhardt-Perkins system.
The play calls are designed to be easily communicated to the entire offense, ensuring everyone is on the same page and able to execute plays effectively.
7. How does the Erhardt-Perkins system adapt to different defensive formations?
The Erhardt-Perkins system allows for pre-snap adjustments based on the defensive alignment.
The offense can change the play call, shift formations, or adjust blocking assignments to exploit weaknesses in the defense or create favorable matchups.
8. What are some common play concepts in the Erhardt-Perkins system?
Common play concepts in the Erhardt-Perkins system include vertical passing, horizontal passing, play-action, and inside and outside zone runs.
These concepts provide a variety of options for the offense to attack the defense.
9. How has the Erhardt-Perkins system contributed to the success of the New England Patriots?
The New England Patriots have achieved tremendous success by implementing the Erhardt-Perkins system.
The simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency of the system have allowed the Patriots to maximize the talents of their players and consistently adapt to different opponents and situations.
10. Can the Erhardt-Perkins system be combined with other offensive systems?
Yes, the Erhardt-Perkins system can be combined with other offensive systems to create a hybrid approach.
Coaches often incorporate elements from different systems to suit the strengths of their players and create a unique offensive strategy.
Summary
The Erhardt-Perkins system is a highly effective offensive strategy in American football.
Its simplicity, flexibility, and emphasis on efficiency have made it a popular choice among NFL teams and college programs.
The system’s key principles, components, and case studies demonstrate its effectiveness in maximizing player talents, creating mismatches, and adapting to different defensive formations.
By understanding and implementing the Erhardt-Perkins system, teams can gain a competitive edge and achieve success on the football field.
