Wildcat Formation: Just a Gimmick or the Future of Offense?

Last season, whenever quarterback Troy Smith lined up behind center, you knew something was going to happen.

Not only is Smith a gifted, Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, but he is also a pivotal part of Cam Cameron's Wildcat formation: an offensive strategy that the Baltimore Ravens used effectively.

Of course, the Wildcat formation was not dependant on Smith alone. Quarterback Joe Flacco not only aided with the formation, but excelled in it, as shown in a week eight game against the Oakland Raiders where Flacco caught a 43-yard pass on a play dubbed the "Wildbird."

With a one-two punch at quarterback to compliment their one-two-three combo of Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice at running back, the Ravens had finally laid the groundwork for an offense that could at least put some pressure on opposing team's defense, and give their defense a little rest.

And it showed on the scoreboard.

What, exactly, is the Wildcat Formation? Simply put, it's a gimmick play.

Normally, the ball is snapped directly to the running back, while the quarterback is often lined up as a wide receiver. If you have a back that can pass the ball, as is the case with Miami Dolphins' Ronnie Brown, then he can either run the ball or throw it.

In the Ravens' case, they had a mobile quarterback in Smith who could just as easily run as throw, and a tall target in Flacco who has shown he can catch the ball about as well as he can throw it.

Add to the equation backs such as McGahee, McClain and Rice, and the offensive bounty the Ravens enjoyed can be attributed to Cameron's brilliant, if unorthodox, style.

Of course, the Wildcat is not without its problems. It's easy to blitz against, as with a quarterback lined up as a receiver means you lose a blocker, and if a back takes the snap he may not have the poise in the pocket to face down the blitz.

However, the Ravens mostly avoided this by utilizing Smith as the throwing/running threat. And with the addition of tight end L.J. Smith to add another blocker/receiving threat, the formation should remain strong.

What is the weakness to this formation in the 2009 season? I have two words for you: John Beck.

Beck was drafted by Cameron as a Miami Dolphin back in 2007, so the reunion of these two could be interesting. However, Beck did not see a single snap in the Wildcat formation his rookie season.

Beck is untested, and that could spell trouble if he performs well in training camp and usurps the second quarterback position from Smith.

In the NFL, the third-string quarterback is basically an insurance option, which could possibly impact formations such as the Wildcat if Beck does not take to it quickly.

Of course, Smith still has a whole summer to show he is the man for the formation, and Beck has just as long to show he can perform just as well, if not better, than Smith.

Flacco's position as starter is all but ensured, barring a major injury.

The Wildcat formation was successful for the Ravens last season, and there's little reason to believe it will be any different this year. At least as long as the quarterbacks are all on board and up to task.