a couple things i've been thinking about this weekend,

[Coryea]

With the Bud out, will we see more Watt rushing the QB? Watt has been in coverage a decent amount, even trying to cover Brown downfield vs Balt, and he's been seen hovering as a MLB type some too. WIth Bud that allowed them to drop Watt off, and sometimes Bud instead, but they still had one real good pass rusher rushing the QB. They don't have that luxury now, I'm hoping this results in Watt rushing the passer more.

The running game. We don't have to be dominant there, but it needs to be a threat. The issue I see are two main ones: 1. We try to run alot of times from passing formations, so our Olinemen are in a 2 point stance, they aren't moving anyone like that. 2. When we do have our Olinemen in 3 point stance ready to fire off, it's obvious we are running because we bring the extra tackle, the extra TE's, etc. The opposing team knows it's a run and they just stack the line. We never line up in an I or 2WR's, 2TE's, 1 RB, and call plays from these formations where you can run or pass just as easily, run some play fakes.

 

[slashsteel]

I rather them sharpen the knife than try to go against what is working for them. They can sprinkle in some different looks but not to the point it disrupts rhythm in the passing game. A far as pass rushing Watt more, he is a good run stuffer and sometimes it is good to drop him off in coverage. I think he already rushes on critical passing downs. So I would say if it is a running team they are facing stay the course. If it is a passing team like the Chiefs mix him up but rushing him a little more? Sure but remember the team has a D line pass rush capable and secondary blitz capable. I think Butler will go with the strengths of what he has at his disposal, we aren't just farting in frying pans here.

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[Coryea]

Definitely not suggesting we get away from what has been working on O, we are definitely a pass first team, but would like to see them be a bit more unpredictable. I think most teams are going to do what Baltimore did, alot of times when we were spread O they played tight coverage to take the quick stuff away, then had guys disguising like they were going to blitz, then would drop into the middle zones to take the quick stuff across the middle away, like the last pass to Washington.

 

[slashsteel]

Definitely not suggesting we get away from what has been working on O, we are definitely a pass first team, but would like to see them be a bit more unpredictable. I think most teams are going to do what Baltimore did, alot of times when we were spread O they played tight coverage to take the quick stuff away, then had guys disguising like they were going to blitz, then would drop into the middle zones to take the quick stuff across the middle away, like the last pass to Washington.

Did you take it that approach worked for the rats? I came away thinking drops was the only thing holding them back. Unpredictable is always welcome I am all for mixing that in.

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[Drink IRON City]

With the Bud out, will we see more Watt rushing the QB? Watt has been in coverage a decent amount, even trying to cover Brown downfield vs Balt, and he's been seen hovering as a MLB type some too. WIth Bud that allowed them to drop Watt off, and sometimes Bud instead, but they still had one real good pass rusher rushing the QB. They don't have that luxury now, I'm hoping this results in Watt rushing the passer more.

The running game. We don't have to be dominant there, but it needs to be a threat. The issue I see are two main ones: 1. We try to run alot of times from passing formations, so our Olinemen are in a 2 point stance, they aren't moving anyone like that. 2. When we do have our Olinemen in 3 point stance ready to fire off, it's obvious we are running because we bring the extra tackle, the extra TE's, etc. The opposing team knows it's a run and they just stack the line. We never line up in an I or 2WR's, 2TE's, 1 RB, and call plays from these formations where you can run or pass just as easily, run some play fakes.

Fichtner at his best.................



Salute the nation

 

[CoolieMan]

Definitely not suggesting we get away from what has been working on O, we are definitely a pass first team, but would like to see them be a bit more unpredictable. I think most teams are going to do what Baltimore did, alot of times when we were spread O they played tight coverage to take the quick stuff away, then had guys disguising like they were going to blitz, then would drop into the middle zones to take the quick stuff across the middle away, like the last pass to Washington.

but they didn't take that pass to Washington away....he and Ben beat the coverage

 

[Coryea]

Did you take it that approach worked for the rats? I came away thinking drops was the only thing holding them back. Unpredictable is always welcome I am all for mixing that in.

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Drops were absolutely a killer. I just want to give potential opponents more to worry about, and lets face it, when it's cold and windy, turning around and handing the ball off is alot safer and easier than throwing the ball.

 

[Coryea]

but they didn't take that pass to Washington away....he and Ben beat the coverage

Absolutely great play, but he had 3 guys around him and he was the guy most open, point is it was an extremely difficult play. A little threat of a running game won't allow teams to use their LB's so freely in coverage.

I'm not one of those 3 yards and a cloud of dust old schoolers, I love the offense in Ben's hands, I'm just wanting to see a little more diversity to make this offense tougher to prep for.

 

[FSF]

With the Bud out, will we see more Watt rushing the QB? Watt has been in coverage a decent amount, even trying to cover Brown downfield vs Balt, and he's been seen hovering as a MLB type some too. WIth Bud that allowed them to drop Watt off, and sometimes Bud instead, but they still had one real good pass rusher rushing the QB. They don't have that luxury now, I'm hoping this results in Watt rushing the passer more.

The running game. We don't have to be dominant there, but it needs to be a threat. The issue I see are two main ones: 1. We try to run alot of times from passing formations, so our Olinemen are in a 2 point stance, they aren't moving anyone like that. 2. When we do have our Olinemen in 3 point stance ready to fire off, it's obvious we are running because we bring the extra tackle, the extra TE's, etc. The opposing team knows it's a run and they just stack the line. We never line up in an I or 2WR's, 2TE's, 1 RB, and call plays from these formations where you can run or pass just as easily, run some play fakes.

We don’t really see our OLBs in coverage that often, we’ve run out of traditional 3-4 much less this year—about 50% of time—and playing 2 DL with our OLBs as de facto DE. That’s normally for pass defense and mix of 4 man rush or blitz (Mike Hilton did this a lot early in season).

Against run heavy offenses—yes we go 3-4 and if they mix it up, a OLB can wind up in coverage (particularly against Cover-3).

Watt would have a few more INTs if playing coverage—but he’s almost exclusively been in rushing assignments (leads team in TFL & QB hits on top of sacks).



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[Sarge]

we are definitely a pass first team,

It is my belief that this is out of necessity. I think that if the running game were any kind of consistent (other than consistently inconsistent) Ben wouldn't be throwing as much.

 

[Stainless]

I don't believe there is any way you were able to think about all of that and Ben.

 

[Coach]

With the Bud out, will we see more Watt rushing the QB? Watt has been in coverage a decent amount, even trying to cover Brown downfield vs Balt, and he's been seen hovering as a MLB type some too. WIth Bud that allowed them to drop Watt off, and sometimes Bud instead, but they still had one real good pass rusher rushing the QB. They don't have that luxury now, I'm hoping this results in Watt rushing the passer more.

The running game. We don't have to be dominant there, but it needs to be a threat. The issue I see are two main ones: 1. We try to run alot of times from passing formations, so our Olinemen are in a 2 point stance, they aren't moving anyone like that. 2. When we do have our Olinemen in 3 point stance ready to fire off, it's obvious we are running because we bring the extra tackle, the extra TE's, etc. The opposing team knows it's a run and they just stack the line. We never line up in an I or 2WR's, 2TE's, 1 RB, and call plays from these formations where you can run or pass just as easily, run some play fakes.

1 ) Watt will be used as a rush guy more often. The pass rush should be fine.

2 ) If you want to run the ball a bit better insert McDonald and use Washington over the high weight Johnson. Suddenly you have better block on the edge. It owed be nice if MacFarland hits the right hole, but he is getting a little better. And one day Randy might call play action by accident. Your are right about the OL. We could move Feiler back to RT, and insert Dotson at guard. Then we would run the ball a bit better.

 

[slashsteel]

Lets take out the WR that gets open the best and put in one that struggles getting open but he can block. I am thinking I am still happy cooch isn't our GM.

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[FSF]

With the Bud out, will we see more Watt rushing the QB? Watt has been in coverage a decent amount, even trying to cover Brown downfield vs Balt, and he's been seen hovering as a MLB type some too. WIth Bud that allowed them to drop Watt off, and sometimes Bud instead, but they still had one real good pass rusher rushing the QB. They don't have that luxury now, I'm hoping this results in Watt rushing the passer more.

The running game. We don't have to be dominant there, but it needs to be a threat. The issue I see are two main ones: 1. We try to run alot of times from passing formations, so our Olinemen are in a 2 point stance, they aren't moving anyone like that. 2. When we do have our Olinemen in 3 point stance ready to fire off, it's obvious we are running because we bring the extra tackle, the extra TE's, etc. The opposing team knows it's a run and they just stack the line. We never line up in an I or 2WR's, 2TE's, 1 RB, and call plays from these formations where you can run or pass just as easily, run some play fakes.

The run... biggest problem is communication. It’s remarkable how often our OL has doubled a DL leaving a clear path for a DL to break up the play unopposed. Okorafor in particular has struggled with this a great deal.

It’s worth noting Okorafor wasn’t slated to be starter (Zach Banner). He’s former 3rd round (2018) and a massive guy (6’6” — 320 lbs) — so agreed with the 3 point stance—but neither he nor Villanueva(6’9” 325) have been in a lot of stance (especially when I reviewed all the big short yardage plays that failed us since 1st Baltimore game. But whereas Villanueva can overpower a DL, Okorafor gets pushed back a lot. I’m guessing that he doesn’t have strong legs (by NFL standards).

Again, for comparison sake: In week 1; Banner mauled DL, sealing the corner frequently.

You are very on point about the bringing in additional OL as eligible—there have been obscene breakdowns.

In fact, doubt Jerald Hawkins won’t see any time this year unless of injury (& thus may have played final game in NFL) as he really struggled; was terrible against Cowboys. To be fair—even DeCastro struggled in that game as did many others—especially the TEs.

Again you’re quite astute with the formations—kudos to you. The formations used to run out the game vs. Baltimore Wednesday definitely left in WR, so our WR had to block DBs instead of using extra OL to block in power formations. It worked enough for Snell to get enough momentum to get yardage.

Our RBs been getting hit in backfield so often—it’s hard to truly evaluate them.

 

[bermudasteel]

I don't believe there is any way you were able to think about all of that and Ben.

Beat me to it...

 

[Coryea]

Beat me to it...

Shocked you could make a 4 word post without the word Alabama.

 

[Stryker]

The run... biggest problem is communication. It’s remarkable how often our OL has doubled a DL leaving a clear path for a DL to break up the play unopposed. Okorafor in particular has struggled with this a great deal.

It’s worth noting Okorafor wasn’t slated to be starter (Zach Banner). He’s former 3rd round (2018) and a massive guy (6’6” — 320 lbs) — so agreed with the 3 point stance—but neither he nor Villanueva(6’9” 325) have been in a lot of stance (especially when I reviewed all the big short yardage plays that failed us since 1st Baltimore game. But whereas Villanueva can overpower a DL, Okorafor gets pushed back a lot. I’m guessing that he doesn’t have strong legs (by NFL standards).

Again, for comparison sake: In week 1; Banner mauled DL, sealing the corner frequently.

You are very on point about the bringing in additional OL as eligible—there have been obscene breakdowns.

In fact, doubt Jerald Hawkins won’t see any time this year unless of injury (& thus may have played final game in NFL) as he really struggled; was terrible against Cowboys. To be fair—even DeCastro struggled in that game as did many others—especially the TEs.

Again you’re quite astute with the formations—kudos to you. The formations used to run out the game vs. Baltimore Wednesday definitely left in WR, so our WR had to block DBs instead of using extra OL to block in power formations. It worked enough for Snell to get enough momentum to get yardage.

Our RBs been getting hit in backfield so often—it’s hard to truly evaluate them.

That two blocks with Johnson and I think Washington on the right side when Snell bounced it out to the edge for the first down, was a great job by the WRs.

 

[wig]

Lets take out the WR that gets open the best and put in one that struggles getting open but he can block.

Why ya gotta hate on James? All he does is make clutch catches baby!

 

[slashsteel]

Why ya gotta hate on James? All he does is make clutch catches baby!

I like his clutch catches I just wouldn't sit DJ for him.