I have the ultimate two remaining answers on the 1st and goal, one of which has already been proposed.
1. The Ravens showed us yesterday how to run the tush push, without possible harm to the QB. Utilize a strong non-QB. They use the TE. Take the snap from center the old-fashonied way and tush push works, about 99% of the time. I think I have seen it stopped once.
2. I remembered this morning Johnny Walker, RB for UT in the 80s, he flew over the pile, and this tactic was copied by Bo Jackson, among others.
If I remember correctly, Walker would line up in the I, run to the line, take the handoff from a QB taking the snap directly from center, plant both feet on or about the 2 yard line and fly over the pile at the goal line. He was such a great flyer, he might have been able to take off from the 3, but I don't remember.
I just saw an article online and he was nicknamed "Sky" Walker. I don't remember that, but he definitely flew over the goal line whenever needed.
Maybe we need to recruit a flyer, but we can afford to do this now that we have NIL.
So, we now have at least four ways to gain one yard of which we utilized 0 the other day, and all four require taking the snap directly from center:
1. QB sneak
2. fake FB dive, roll out, run pass option
3. Tush push-strong man not QB.
4. Fly over the goal line.
Is there any problem with teaching the QB and strong man to take the snap from center? serious question.