Why don't teams try more trick-plays?

[Brian]

When your offense is running as ineptly as the Jets were yesterday, why not open it up a little bit?

I don't understand - especially after that classic Boise State / Oklahoma game - why teams in that situation don't run more trick plays (hook-and-ladders, flea-flickers, statue-of-libertys, etc.).

Is it because the coach thinks it takes away from the "spirit of the game"? Are they that hard to execute, and Boise State just caught lightning in a bottle? Are plays like this never practiced?

I'm trying to think of some reasons why coaches don't use these more to keep the defense off-balance. Most teams will use one per season - I'm thinking they should shoot for one per quarter

[SanchezMVP2009]

I agree, more teams should try and use trick plays.

[Walter]

Because the NFL is cluttered with offensive coordinators with no imagination or common sense, i.e. Brian Schottenheimer.

[candyman82]

When your offense is running as ineptly as the Jets were yesterday, why not open it up a little bit?

I don't understand - especially after that classic Boise State / Oklahoma game - why teams in that situation don't run more trick plays (hook-and-ladders, flea-flickers, statue-of-libertys, etc.).

Is it because the coach thinks it takes away from the "spirit of the game"? Are they that hard to execute, and Boise State just caught lightning in a bottle? Are plays like this never practiced?

I'm trying to think of some reasons why coaches don't use these more to keep the defense off-balance. Most teams will use one per season - I'm thinking they should shoot for one per quarter

Although it makes things more exciting, if you use them too much your opponent will know them and look for them. The best trick plays are the one nobody has ever seen before

[SanchezMVP2009]

Because the NFL is cluttered with offensive coordinators with no imagination or common sense, i.e. Brian Schottenheimer.

Agreed!

[bills_red]

Because the NFL is cluttered with offensive coordinators with no imagination or common sense, i.e. Brian Schottenheimer.

And the guy in my sig : )

[candyman82]

And the guy in my sig : )

Steve Fairchild sucks

[Adam Mac]

They are so much fun to watch but need everything to go right in order for them to work. A team must take a lot of time in practice to work out the kinks and find the perfect time within a game to try one. I love to see them but think they are used just enough

[candyman82]

Since the statue of liberty play, everyone expects tons of trick plays. Its not gonna happen