Last season in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins became notorious for their inventive offense, featuring a unique pre-snap motion that allowed playmakers like Tyreek Hill to maximize their impact on the field. This tactic, introduced by head coach Mike McDaniel, was so effective that it prompted other teams, including the 49ers and Rams, to adopt similar strategies. However, it seems this innovative approach may have been a little too successful.
Dubbed the “cheat” motion by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, the maneuver has drawn scrutiny from the NFL, leading to a significant rule change for the 2024 season. According to the updated NFL rulebook, there will now be restrictions on how receivers can move pre-snap.
The new rule specifies that “If an eligible receiver who is on the line of scrimmage moves backward or changes his stance (from two-point to three-point or vice versa) and does not come to a complete stop before the snap, it is considered a false start.” Additionally, while backfield players can adjust their stances, they must not do so abruptly or move forward, as it could result in penalties for false start or illegal motion.
This rule adjustment is reportedly a direct response to the Dolphins’ tactics, where a receiver would begin angling toward the line of scrimmage just prior to the snap. Such pre-snap motion was prominently utilized by McDaniel in the very first week of the previous season, quickly catching the attention of other teams. The popular application of this tactic by teams like the Rams and the 49ers, led by Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan respectively, underscores the NFL’s tendency to emulate successful strategies.
The connection among the three teams most affected by this rule change – the Dolphins, 49ers, and Rams – extends beyond their innovative use of pre-snap motion. All three head coaches, McDaniel, Shanahan, and McVay, share a common lineage, having worked together on the Washington coaching staff in 2013. Known for their creativity, these coaches now face the challenge of adapting to a new set of constraints.
Although the NFL has moved to curb this particular pre-snap motion, the history of these coaches suggests that they are likely to find new ways to push the boundaries of strategic gameplay. As the rulebook evolves, so too does the game, with coaches and players continually looking for the next competitive edge.