In the dynamic world of American football, the "D" in "D-line" or "defensive line" is the front line of defense, tasked with stopping the opposition's running game and rushing the quarterback to disrupt the passing attack. However, the "D" in "dm position in football" is less known, and that's because it doesn't refer to a traditional defensive role. Instead, it's a unique position in the evolving landscape of professional football, the "Lead Dog" in a supportive role, often used in specialized formations.
At its core, the "dm" or "designated mewp" position is part of the offensive line, but it's not like any other offensive lineman role you've seen before. It's a strategic position designed to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses. But to understand the dm position, we must first dive into the roots of this innovative role.
The Evolution of the Offensive Line
The dm position is a product of football's ongoing evolution, driven by data analytics, film study, and a commitment to innovative thinking. Teams are always looking for the next edge, the new weapon to counterbalance the ever-improving defense. In recent years, this trend has led to the rise of the spread offense, a Schneider's "Moneyball" approach to football, where teams are deploying unconventional personnel to gain an advantage.
The spread offense, with its emphasis on space and numbers, has popularized the use of tight ends and running backs in the passing game. But the dm position is another leap forward in this offensive revolution, a testament to the creative thinking of pro offenses and the quest for new ways to move the ball.
Birth of the "Backwoods Badger" - The Original dm
To find the origins of the dm position, we must look to the New Orleans Saints and their then-offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael Jr. In the early 2010s, Carmichael recognized a gap in the defense's linebacker corps. Seeing an opportunity, he deployed fullback Mike Karney, who was strong at the point of attack and had the mobility to move around the field, as a lead blocker and receiver out of the backfield. This was the first iteration of the dm, often referred to as the "Backwoods Badger" for its blue-collar, downhill running style.
Karney's success in this role was fleeting, but the idea had taken root. Decades earlier, the Saints had used H-backs and tight ends as lead blockers, and now, they were taking that concept one step further with the dm. Football is a game of inches, and the dm position was created to gain those crucial inches in the run and pass games.
Refining the Role - From "Backwoods Badger" to "Designated Mewp"
As the Saints experimented with the dm, other teams began to take notice. But it wasn't until the San Francisco 49ers and their head coach Kyle Shanahan that the dm position was truly refined and popularized. Shanahan, known for his innovative playcalling, saw the potential in this unique role. Under his tutelage, the "Backwoods Badger" evolved into the "designated mewp," a portmanteau of "meup" (a play on "me up" or "block me up") and "designated," referring to the player specifically assigned to this role.
Shanahan's 49ers used the dm not just as a lead blocker but also as a receiving threat, often lining him up in the slot or as the second tight end. This versatility stretched the defense thin, creating creases in the running game and matchup nightmares in the passing game. Key players in this role for the 49ers include Kyle Juszczyk, a lifelong fullback, and Super Bowl LIV MVP, Jimmy Garoppolo, who used the dm to great effect in his game-winning drive.
The Modern dm Position - Leveraging Personnel for advantages
The dm role is now employed by many prominent offenses, including the Baltimore Ravens, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Each team, of course, has its unique twist on the position. But at its core, the dm position remains about leveraging personnel to gain advantages in the trenches.
A traditional offensive line consists of five players: two tackles, two guards, and a center. By deploying a dm, teams gain an extra blocker, creating numbers advantages in the run game and greater protection for the passer. Moreover, the dm position forces defenses to adapt, often requiring linebackers or safeties to account for this new wrinkle. This defensive adjustment can leave the defense vulnerable elsewhere on the field, opening up opportunities for traditional receivers or mismatches with running backs.
Demands of the Role - Size, Strength, and athletic ability
Though the dm position is relatively new, the physical demands are well-established. Succeeding in this role requires a unique skill set, a blend of offensive lineman athleticism, fullback power, and tight end receiving ability. Size, strength, and vicious blocking are table stakes, but so too is the ability to move in space and catch passes out of the backfield.
To excel as a dm, players must be versatile, with the mental acumen to understand pass protection schemes and the physical prowess to execute them. They must be ready to block at a moment's notice, and just as quickly, matriculate into a route. Players who fit this bill often include former fullbacks and converted tight ends, players like Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, and Ben Watson.
Innovating the dm Position - Looking ahead
The modern evolution of the dm position is a testament to football's ongoing quest for innovation. As offenses continue to evolve, we can expect to see more iterations of this role. Perhaps we'll see smaller, more athletic dms, capable of lining up in the slot or on the perimeter. Or potentially, teams will deploy two dms, creating a "flex line" or double-tight end sets that blur the line between run and pass.
Regardless of how the dm position evolves, one constant remains: football is a game of matchups. And by deploying a dm, offenses are(dict) gaining new ways to create favorable matchups, forcing defenses to adapt and counter. In this ever-evolving arms race between offense and defense, one thing is clear: the dm position is here to stay.
The future of the dm position is bright, and as offensive coordinators continue to innovate, we'll likely see more players carving out this unique role in the ever-changing landscape of pro football. So the next time you watch your favorite team, keep an eye out for the "designated mewp," the unsung hero responsible for clearing the way to victory.