The Landry Shift

[Whirlwin]

The real purpose of the famous up and down Landry shift was actually very practical.

It was a way to disguise movements of the backs and receivers. When the lineman moved up, the backs and/or receivers shifted and it was harder for defenses to see where everyone moved. That was the primary purpose.

I remember someone on the team mentioning it kept them focused. I don’t recall who it was. It was just too many years ago. But I’m also positive about what you said also.

 

[cowboyed]

The Landry Shift is traditional but I think the offensive unit should move on to line dancing.

 

[eromeopolk]

No NFL team has that unique offensive shift formation. No NFL team has ran the Flex defense. I remember Buddy's Boy ran the flex for one play in the game to honor Landry.

The 4-3 D, shift formation, shotgun, flex defense, shuttle play, and converting DL to OL are just a few things that Tom Landry contributed to the NFL. Except for the flex D that is too hard for NFL DC to implement, everything else is still in the NFL today. That is what you call LEGACY.

 

[Risen Star]

It was a way to cheat and essentially false start every down.

I have no respect for it.