Wildcat is effective because all four options look the same
Gary Horton breaks down why the Dolphins' Wildcat works by taking a look at four plays.
Wildcat Formation
Check out how to beat it and what other teams the Wildcat would work with.
• How to stop the Wildcat
• What other teams could run it?
• MIA-HOU Preview: How do the Texans counter the Wildcat?
There are four options in the Wildcat, and all of them look the same. Plus, when the Dolphins use their base package in the huddle it prevents the defense from adjusting its personnel. Even though there could be some slight variations (like instead of having QB Chad Pennington in, Miami could bring in an extra receiver), every time the Dolphins run it RB Ronnie Brown is lined up at quarterback in the shotgun and RB Ricky Williams is lined up in the slot to the left. Right before the snap, Williams motions to the right and crosses in front of Brown. Meanwhile, LG Justin Smiley pulls to the right and either blocks the B-gap between the RG and RT or heads around the outside. This makes it hard for the defenders to pick up any keys. They might know the options -- but they still don't know which one to defend. Should they guard against Brown on a dive up the middle, Williams on a sweep, or even prepare for Brown to throw it to one of his tight ends?
This is the bread-and-butter play for this formation, and Brown runs it well.

Wildcat: HB Dive
This play works off the HB Dive, because defenses aren't sure which back to go after.

Wildcat: HB Dive - RB Sweep
This play-action pass is tough to defend because of Brown's athleticism.

Wildcat: Play-Action Seam Pass
This play confuses the defense because it is not expecting Brown to throw it.

Wildcat: Play-Action HB Pass
These plays look so similar and happen so fast that the defense barely has time to react. That's what makes the Wildcat so dangerous.
Gary Horton, a pro scout for Scouts Inc., has been a football talent evaluator for more than 30 years. He spent 10 years in the NFL and 10 years at the college level before launching a private scouting firm, The War Room.

