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Wildcat Package Brings Direct Results in Miami
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"I am," Fasano said about the scheme, "a believer now."
Against Houston, Sparano unveiled another twist, getting all three running backs involved: Brown handed off to Williams, who sprinted wide and then pitched to Pennington, who backed up from the wide receiver slot and fired to a wide-open 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."
Over the last few weeks, players have wondered whether the success of the scheme can continue as defenses catch on, but Sparano said the formation is simply part of the team's basic offense now. Even four-yard gains, he said, are welcome. Surely, no one will get burned quite like New England did, when Miami scored four touchdowns off the Wildcat.
Yet the Dolphins aren't done tinkering.
"We've expanded it since we've been here," Sparano said. "We've been going round and round with it, trying to stay one step ahead."
