[BostonCard]

It's been said that David Shaw's offense is perfect for quarterbacks because it's a pro-style offense and prepares them for life in the NFL. Is it safe to say that, with the changes to how NFL offenses are designed, this is no longer the case? I'm just wondering if it's time to toss out the 500 page playbook.

Possibly, but people have been talking about how Shaw's offensive philosophy needs to change for a number of years now and it hasn't. So I wouldn't hold my breath.
It might take a couple more 4-8 seasons (perish the thought).

I don't get why people hold onto this view of Shaw even though all evidence has pointed to the contrary.  Because he's said it more elegantly than I could, I will just link this post by SamuelMcF:

https://thecardboard.org/board/showthrea...#pid280499

Interestingly, I believe we tried to simplify the offense somewhat this year, and added changes. Many more swing passes, screens, and RPO looks. Throwing on first down...a LOT. Pritchard's influence is seeping in. I believe many people just see 4-8 and think we didn't change anything.

CTCard has also made this point numerous times in the past.

We ran a very different offense in 2020 than we did in 2011.  Arguably, the problem is that we've strayed too far from our roots, which were effective, and now run too much of a "me too" offensive philosophy that doesn't fit our strengths (as intimated by the OP)

BC

[BostonCard]

It's been said that David Shaw's offense is perfect for quarterbacks because it's a pro-style offense and prepares them for life in the NFL. Is it safe to say that, with the changes to how NFL offenses are designed, this is no longer the case? I'm just wondering if it's time to toss out the 500 page playbook.

Possibly, but people have been talking about how Shaw's offensive philosophy needs to change for a number of years now and it hasn't. So I wouldn't hold my breath.
It might take a couple more 4-8 seasons (perish the thought).

I don't get why people hold onto this view of Shaw even though all evidence has pointed to the contrary.  Because he's said it more elegantly than I could, I will just link this post by SamuelMcF:

https://thecardboard.org/board/showthrea...#pid280499

Interestingly, I believe we tried to simplify the offense somewhat this year, and added changes. Many more swing passes, screens, and RPO looks. Throwing on first down...a LOT. Pritchard's influence is seeping in. I believe many people just see 4-8 and think we didn't change anything.

CTCard has also made this point numerous times in the past.

We ran a very different offense in 2020 than we did in 2011.  Arguably, the problem is that we've strayed too far from our roots, which were effective, and now run too much of a "me too" offensive philosophy that doesn't fit our strengths (as intimated by the OP)

BC