Dolphins' Rookie Pat White Can Take The "Wildcat" To New Heights

At the start of the 2008 season the Dolphins offense struggled with predictability.  They were a standard running offense with a clock-controlling mentality.  Offensive coordinator Dan Henning had built some great running attacks in Carolina but reinventing Miami’s offense would be a tough task. 

He had a quarterback with limited arm strength, a running back recovering from a major knee surgery, and a young offensive line in need of a left tackle since Richmond Webb left town in 2000.  Top draft pick Jake Long solidified the line but the offense was still too predictable. 

Before their week three matchup with the New England Patriots, the offense had amassed 514 yards and 24 points in two strait losses.  Henning needed something new and quarterbacks coach David Lee had the answer.  That week the “Wildcat” formation confounded Patriots head coach/defensive genius Bill Belichick and the rest is history.

This year the “Wildcat” is going to be a much bigger part of the offensive game plan because of rookie quarterback Pat White.  The “Wildcat” is like the option offense but with more choices.  White can be lined up in the shotgun or split out wide to act as a receiver.  If he can master the nuances of the formation, it will be nearly impossible to stop.

He’s development will directly impact the future of this formation in the NFL. 

Last year Baltimore was able to stop it by plugging the running lanes and forcing running back Ronnie Brown to pass.  Brown could not get the ball down field and the Ravens clamped down on the short passes. 

The Dolphins need a multi-talented player to run the formation, someone who can be a threat to run, catch and throw.  White’s arrival will do just that.  He will allow the Dolphins to pass more from the “Wildcat” formation, but more importantly pass down field.  He will also be a threat to catch passes when he lines up as a wide receiver.   

The “Wildcat” also needs big receivers that can block so Miami spent two draft picks on 6'5" Patrick Turner and 6'2" Brain Hartline.  Ernest Wilford will try to switch to tight end and will likely be more involved as a blocker.     

That should free up Ted Ginn Jr. to be the deep threat that keeps defenses from stacking up against the run.  He is a nightmare in the open field and with his speed and playmaking ability the Dolphins would be stupid not to get him the ball in this formation, whether it’s through the air or on the ground.    

In 2008 the Dolphins used the formation to run the ball while making opponents wary of the pass.  This year they will be able to pass and the “Wildcat” will be even more unpredictable than before.