When and why did the NFL go from split ends and flankers to wide receivers?
In the early days of American football, the primary pass-catching threats were split ends and flankers. Split ends lined up on the outside of the formation, while flankers lined up in the slot. However, as the game evolved, teams began to realize that they could create mismatches by using receivers who were faster and more athletic than the traditional split ends and flankers. As a result, the NFL began to phase out the use of split ends and flankers in favor of wide receivers.
The transition from split ends and flankers to wide receivers began in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Teams such as the Oakland Raiders and the Miami Dolphins began to use wide receivers such as Fred Biletnikoff and Paul Warfield to stretch the field and create space for their running backs. By the mid-1970s, the wide receiver had become the dominant pass-catching threat in the NFL.
There are a number of reasons why the NFL went from split ends and flankers to wide receivers. First, wide receivers are faster and more athletic than traditional split ends and flankers. This allows them to get open more easily and to make plays down the field. Second, wide receivers are better at catching the ball in traffic. This is important because it allows them to make catches in tight spaces and to avoid getting knocked off their routes. Finally, wide receivers are more versatile than split ends and flankers. They can line up in a variety of positions and they can run a variety of routes. This makes them more difficult for defenses to cover.
Related Questions:
- When did the NFL begin using split ends and flankers? In the early days of American football
- Why did teams begin to use wide receivers instead of split ends and flankers? They realized wide receivers were faster and more athletic
- What are some of the advantages of using wide receivers over split ends and flankers? Speed, athleticism, ability to catch in traffic, and versatility.
- When did the wide receiver become the dominant pass-catching threat in the NFL? By the mid-1970s
- How did the use of wide receivers change the game of football? It allowed teams to stretch the field and create more scoring opportunities.
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