Rocket backfield is a term that former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden use to say quite a bit and even used it at times during his tenure. Rocket backfield is when the offense features two running backs in the backfield instead of the traditional halfback and fullback formation. It can be quite effective as it creates more headaches for the defense and can cause more mismatches in the passing game. Gruden used it heavily when he was with the Raiders and Eagles, and it help those teams put up a lot of points.
Now fast forward to today, where the Bucs have maybe the best running back duo in the NFL with Doug Martin and Charles Sims. New Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter is very creative as he came out last year with a very effective six man line formation and using a three tight end formation to help lead the Bucs to the 5th rank rushing attack. Could Dirk get more creative and bring back the rocket backfield formation, and utilize the talents of Martin and Sims even more, that remains to be seen.
One thing is for sure that we will see more of is Sims being used more in the slot and out of the backfield to create mismatches for the opposing defense. Sims has natural hands and is a pretty good blocker as well. So it is possible that we could get a rocket backfield look from the Bucs offense this year which could make the offense more dynamic. Koetter wants more explosive plays so the rocket backfield might just be in the works for 2016.
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