FG Formation - Solder
Did a search for "Solder Field Goal" and didn't see any threads or comments, but did anyone notice Solder splitting out wide in the Divisional game? It was briefly shown and mentioned by Nantz. I think this was for the second quarter field goal to make it a Patriots 10-3 game. I may be wrong here with the timing.
I think this brings up an interesting Chip Kelly connection and area to possibly exploit in the next game--or two, hopefully.
Kelly--and Urban Meyer--often line their conversion units up in what's essentially an
A-11 formation or "swinging gate." If the defense has an appropriate call, they'll all reset into a normal kicking formation and kick the ball. If the D looks confused, they snap and usually get a one on one situation where they usually convert for two relatively easily.
I know many CFB fans are keenly aware of this, but it is something that hasn't arrived to the NFL yet. Could we see it this weekend? If not for a XP conversation, it seemed that Belichick is willing to do it in a 4th and medium scenario from around 35 yards out for Gostkowski. The Patriots just split out Solder. As he started out at TE at CU, he's obviously somewhat experienced in catching the football. At 6-8, he could get a < 5'10" CB from the D's FG unit on him create more than a foot advantage when you factor in arm length. A lollipop out to him could be successful or draw a flag.
As for its advantage, I'm unsure. I wonder what others think. If it can help convert a key 4th down, I'm in favor of it. Kelly would often do it in the first quarter. I suppose his thinking it that an 8-0 lead early creates confusion for the opponent--forcing them into bad, panicked decisions. I also assume that they've practiced this well enough where Belichick thinks they could execute in a game at a solid success rate. So if you can convert more of these than you fail, it's another edge in a time of the year where every team is obviously very good.
