Simple Formations Take Advantage of Complex Defenses

J.T. Curtis’ offense isn’t complicated. Rarely will the Patriots line up in anything but the basic pro set. And you know what is coming – the veer option. Yet, for 28 years, teams have had trouble stopping it. Since 1975 – the first year Curtis utilized the split-back veer – the Patriots have reached the championship game 22 times, winning 18 titles. Since 1977, they have lost only two district games. The Patriots made 10 consecutive appearances in the title game from 1979 to 1988. “What I liked about (the veer) and what I still like about it today is, it is so much of a mental challenge, because it is about teaching. It’s really about teaching a quarterback to make decisions on the field, based on what he sees, rather than to predetermine, and I have control over it.” The key to successfully running the veer offense, says Curtis, is to present the players in practice