Niner Noise
FanSided

3 CFL rules NFL should adopt that could help SF 49ers

By Nathan Bannerman

Kick-off to begin the 107th Grey Cup Championship Game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Kick-off to begin the 107th Grey Cup Championship Game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /
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Calgary Stampeders
Calgary Stampeders offensive line (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Getty Images) /

No. 2: The SF 49ers use a lot of pre-snap motion. Removing the “illegal motion” rule would benefit the offence immensely.

Truly, one of the biggest reasons CFL receivers get a shot in the NFL is due to their speed coming off the line of scrimmage. It’s also a major reason why CFL receivers fail in the NFL. The CFL doesn’t require every player to be lined up on the ball and set themselves before the snap, which opens up a world of offensive possibilities.

The SF 49ers used pre-snap motion on nearly 80 percent of their plays in 2019. It was obviously extremely successful, and when they’re able to get all their healthy players back, they’ll take the league over again.

Now, give head coach Kyle Shanahan the option to move two or three players, while having his receivers hit the line of scrimmage at full speed, and this team is going 16-0 every year.

This CFL game between the BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders show how the pre-snap motion in the CFL works:

On BC’s first touchdown, you’ll see seven guys on offense lined up along the line of scrimmage. The key is the players in motion cannot cross before the ball is snapped, otherwise, it’s an offside penalty. But they execute it perfectly with four players moving out of the shotgun formation.

Imagine Shanahan having receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk crisscrossing across the field, while tight end George Kittle and running back Raheem Mostert break out of the backfield, throwing the defense off guard.

This highlight package quietly shows off Calgary’s defensive back Tre Roberson. He’s currently on the Chicago Bears reserve/non-football injury list, but if the SF 49ers need to replace Richard Sherman or any other defensive back, general manager John Lynch should see if Roberson is available.