(11-27-2023, 10:33 AM)NYC4jags Wrote:

(11-27-2023, 10:20 AM)Caldrac Wrote: It was a bad play call against a defense that's been good against the run all year and was good all the way throughout the game against it. Period. A better call or decision in general could have changed the outcome. They were 9th against the run entering that game only allowing 95 YPG on the ground. 

I'll never understand this logic when it can be applied to the greatest missed opportunity of all time though regarding a play call argument. Wilson's pick in the SB loss to the Patriots when Lynch was in the backfield. 

A simple play call change there changes that outcome in the history books. 

We ultimately won, that's great. Again, though, arguing that a different play call wouldn't have worked there, when, they had multiple opportunities throughout the game in the passing game and Lawrence had adequate time in the pocket is just not a good, sound argument to make. 

It wasn't poorly executed. It was precisely snuffed out by a team's greatest strength defensively there. Bad play call to go up against a team's strength in that situation. Period.

The tinhorns have allowed 12 rushing TDs originating in the red-zone this season. (5 pass TDs)
So - I don't think their seasonal run defense is a worthy argument against the run call. 

I am with you in hoping to see our offense evolve into one that incorporates more power runs and a greater ability to gut out tough yards between the tackles.

But I've also seen that play work well for us plenty of times  - and I've watched this board all year scream "stop running it inside!!" ad nauseam. So I take a lot of these play calling criticisms with a grain of salt. 

This really does feel like on of those cases where "when it works our OC is brilliant, when it fails he's a moron" 

To your point again - the tinhorns did indeed look very well coached up to string out our outside runs all day. It was no doubt part of their preparation. We' have gashed a few teams this year with it. 

Personally - given the game situation and the way things had been going - I'd have taken the three points.

The narrative leading up to that game was how effective and good Etienne's been against them. He's had a few 100 all purpose yard games against them. Ultimately, it is what it is. They also noticeably tried to run it to the right and we just saw Harrison get blasted last week in the run game at home. 

We're on the right track offensively. I think it was maybe you who mentioned it but the overall run blocking scheme or concept seems to not work or gel well for this football team. Rauscher/Pederson/Taylor have to work on that somehow. Again, major credit to Press for sticking to it though. 

Etienne may not be getting 100+ yards rushing on the ground as much but the fact that they refuse to outright abandon it is a testament to their patience and understanding that even if it's a 2 or 3 yard gain you have to do it to keep a defense honest. Etienne will probably have himself a game though next Monday night.

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