(01-09-2024, 10:13 AM)Cleatwood Wrote:

(01-09-2024, 10:11 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: Not being able to run the ball is crippling, no matter who is playing the skill positions.  The defenders rush the passer, the secondary covers tighter than they would if the QB had time to go downfield, and as a result, not only are you not able to run the ball, no one is open downfield.   The defenders don't have to give any cushion to the receivers, because they know the QB isn't going to have much time in the pocket.  And it all starts with not being able to run the ball.

They were historically bad at running the ball. They got stuffed for zero or negative yards like 50% of the time!

It does seem like very often on first down we ran for minus 2 yards.  That puts the QB in a very tough position.  Also, not being able to run in the red zone, when the defensive cover guys don't have to give any cushion because they are protected by the back of the end zone.  In the last game, 3rd and goal on the 1 yard line and we call a pass play- that tells you everything you need to know about our offensive line.

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