Detroit Lions need more snaps under center, less shotgun

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions calls a play in the huddle against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions calls a play in the huddle against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 18: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions in action against theNew York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 18: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions in action against theNew York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

UNDER CENTER vs. SHOTGUN

The stats from that Week 2 game against the Giants are interesting. Especially in terms of how many times quarterback Matthew Stafford took the snap from under center (also known as a “handed snap”).

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Keep in mind that a “shotgun” offense is usually 7 yards behind the center, and a “pistol” offense is usually 4 yards behind the center. In these two formations, the quarterback receives the ball via a “thrown snap.” Here is the breakdown against the Giants:

  • 56 offensive plays
    • 30 plays – handed snap (53.5%)
    • 26 plays – thrown snap (46.5%)

It was surprising that there was a game that the Detroit Lions offense was under center for more than half the game. Less surprising that they had their best output of the season.

Many things go into a strong run attack. The Giants in particular did not have a great year in 2017, and that certainly played into a good game for Detroit.

Still, the Detroit Lions were on the road for a nationally televised game (ESPN’s Monday Night Football). And, at the start of last season, many pundits picked the Giants as Super Bowl contenders.

One guy did particularly well on that Monday night.