(10-26-2020, 02:34 PM)mal234 Wrote:

(10-26-2020, 02:18 PM)PS9 Wrote: Yesterday, the run game was finally utilized to open up the passing game somewhat. They were grinding it away, to the point a few of the runs even got stuffed a little but Gruden stuck with it and got the tough yards. It helped a lot that Robinson made some fantastic runs.
Minshew’s TD to Conley was set up by the heavy run game. It was a Cover 0 look, as I mentioned earlier. 

I feel that I’ve seen Minshew grow in the offense. When the play breaks down he has a better idea of where his guys are when he is running for his life in the backfield. He has become more comfortable creating lately for sure. Starting around the Texans game.

 I also think Cole has really taken a step forward in the offense as well. Sharp route running and knowing where he is supposed to be.

A lot of people will not like to read this but Chark has run lazy routes lately at times. The last Jags throw of the day yesterday was absolutely a catch that a pro bowl level receiver needs to make or attempt. He ran a very lazy route and slowed up. I’m not saying this is an every down occurrence and I’m not saying it wasn’t a bit off target on the throw, but I am saying Chark is not playing hard every down.

Thanks for you insight.

I've found Gruden's comments (the past few weeks when the Jags have been losing/offense struggling) a lot to be interesting. He's been talking like he thinks that the Jags will get better. In spite of the team struggling and all of the losing they've been doing. 

He's also been stating at least prior to yesterday's game that he's felt bad about abandoning the run. Which is one of the reasons why I've been very critical of him the past few weeks. I've felt like he hasn't been doing his best to help the offense run as best as they can. The defense definitely has a lot of issues but the offense has been struggling too as of late, and I do largely hold Gruden accountable for that. 

I feel like if he hadn't given up on the run these past few weeks, the Jags would have a better record. I believe if this offense had utilized James Robinson/the run more the Jags would have at least 3 wins by now. I think they could have at least beat the Texans/Lions. Granted (especially with the defense playing as poorly as it it has), the offense could only carry the team so much. But I do believe they have enough talent/could have gotten enough production to be better than the 1-6 record the Jags currently have. When they do utilize the run more effectively they look much more competitive. When they don't we have these really ugly looking games, especially if the defense is also playing pretty rough.

James really has been a great addition to this team. I think he's been the best player on offense so far this year. I've also liked the effort I've seen from Shenault too and would like to see him used more. And Cole has been doing a nice job as well. Unfortunately, DJ does seem very frustrated. I think one reason he's upset is because he's not getting as many targets/scoring as much as did last year. Last year he was Gardner's favorite target and at one point I think he had the most TD's in the AFC. This year the ball has been spread around more and there have been some misses on both his and Gardner's ends. And it also hurts that the teams has this big losing streak going on.

I am interested in seeing how the offense plays going forward/after the bye. If they play more like they did yesterday, and in the first two games, I think that the Jags can get some more wins. Maybe even beat the Texans the second time around.

My opinion of what has been happening, and keep in mind I could just be an internet moron... What I have seen is teams dialing in on Minshew’s slow read. I’ve seen the last few games teams focusing on shutting down the run and forcing us to pass while in a deficit early. When we Telegraph our pass plays by say, having Chris Thompson in the game, they would send a blitz package. Minshew doesn’t handle blitz’s well and once he starts feeling the pressure he sees ghosts the rest of the game. Unfortunately once Minshew is exposed we are so far behind to then turn back to the running game. 

That’s my take- and again, I may just be a moron. Lol

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