Warrior General Games

While our running game hasn't been bad by any stretch, some of the guys are wondering about the prospect of training blocking a bit.

Obviously, there is certainly merit to it. However, do you find it to be worthwhile at this stage of a player's development? In other words, is it worth sacrificing a few points that could be going to second-tier skills (catching/vision for burners and speed/jumping for possession types, for example)?

Blocking numbers for starting five wideouts: 9, 9, 7, 7, 8

I don't think it can possibly hurt in the long run to train both blocking and strength to 20+.

I've seen some pretty ridiculous looking plays and some super long blocks from WRs.

I've actually been tossing around the idea of making a couple of blocking Wide receivers ala Hines Ward. For a team with a powerful running attack, they could definitely make a difference when the back breaks into the backfield.

Originally posted by Forbin
I don't think it can possibly hurt in the long run to train both blocking and strength to 20+.

I've seen some pretty ridiculous looking plays and some super long blocks from WRs.

agreed. Full out blockers are not worth it but having wideouts who can hold a block is valuable in a pitch situation.

If you run to the outside a lot, it's worth it. If not, it's not.

On pitch plays a WR holding his block can get the HB around the corner for several extra yards. But this requires your team to be willing to run frequently, and have the HBs who can actually get to the outside without being chased down by a lineman.

In a pass heavy attack, you probably wouldn't want either your #1 or #1 WR wasting points or training on blocking or strength, because you'll find yourself in enough 3rd and long situations that not having more speed will hurt.

I'd definitely be interested in seeing a run-heavy team with almost pure blocking WRs. That could be very difficult to defend against.

That depends on what "a bit" is. If you're talking about getting blocking to 20 for a level 25+ WR, I'd look at any WR that doesn't have that as a deficient build.

If "a bit" means getting it to 35, that's a whole different story.

I got a WR with 22 strength and 7 in blocking. He has 11 pancakes this year.

I have a WR with 27 pancakes this season and he's been instrumental in allowing us to run the ball outside.

Depends on where you use the receiver more than anything at the #3 spot your wasting points in blocking at #2 he needs it he's an every down guy.Bottom line is we lead our league in rushing and third in passing and yes we do it for our #2 and a little on the back up. also if you are going to run that day a lot i have used a TE at the #2 as a backup for that reason.
EDIT when you do that though your tipping off the defense ahead of time your gameplan.

Originally posted by ibflounder
Depends on where you use the receiver more than anything at the #3 spot your wasting points in blocking at #2 he needs it he's an every down guy.

One of the best runs in GLB is pitch left from the singleback position, because it draws the D into the nickel, taking an LB off the field and instead putting on CB #3, who is often dominated by WR #3 - assuming WR #3 has strength and blocking.

This team:

http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1540

I really believe they have 4 serious run blocking receivers. Have been promoted two years in a row, are now in USA AA, and their average player level is 3-5 levels below everyone else in the league. They have a beastly running game despite an anemic looking line because their receivers can all block and they almost always pitch to the outside.

Originally posted by Sarg01
Originally posted by ibflounder

Depends on where you use the receiver more than anything at the #3 spot your wasting points in blocking at #2 he needs it he's an every down guy.

One of the best runs in GLB is pitch left from the singleback position, because it draws the D into the nickel, taking an LB off the field and instead putting on CB #3, who is often dominated by WR #3 - assuming WR #3 has strength and blocking.

But this run goes straight into 2 CB's. Unless your WR's can hold the blocks for a long time it's difficult to break off a large gain with this formation, especially if the defensive AI is set up correctly.