Short Yardage and Anthony Dixon Key to Success
By Dennis Amo
Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon (24) dives over the pile for a touchdown on a fourth down play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
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The Buffalo Bills were not too bad on short yardage plays last year. Of the 3rd and 4th down plays that ranged in the 1-2 yard range they converted 72% of them. That lead to the Bills to rank 11th in the league in that category. For a rushing team that finished 2nd overall last year, 11th on 3rd and 4th down plays needs to be in the 80%.
Converting on those downs, will limit the other offense on the field and we all know that one of the best ways to be Tom Brady is to keep him on the bench. If their offense is not on the field, they will have a tough time putting points up on the board.
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"“I know from seeing winning teams that you’ve got to be good in those areas,” he said. “We’ve got to get it when it’s on the line. That’s where you win ballgames, keeping guys like Tom Brady and Drew Brees on the sidelines when you’ve got to have that first down.”– Anthony Dixon, Buffalo News"
The Buffalo Bills did address this situation and brought in Anthony Dixon through free agency. Dixon was a special team specialist for the 49ers but did thrive in the short yardage situations for them. Being a physical back he was able to convert 9 of 10 short yardage conversions for the 49ers.
Bringing that physical nature to the Bills backfield, will provide a nice change of pace and also relieve both C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson later in the game as well.
"“I think from a mentality standpoint, you’ve got to play with an edge,” he said.“You’ve got to play with a little bit of anger because it gets tough up in there.”– Anthony Dixon, Buffalo News"
I am excited to see where and how Dixon is used in the offense. If he will be with strictly big packages and goal-line formations or used throughout the field in any set?