I agree with you that a key element of our red zone 'woes' is the offensive line. However, I think poor play calling is also an element in our red zone impotence. I don't agree with you about Joeckel though; he gets beat like a drum too often. Beadles wasn't that good to begin with... that's why Denver let him go. Wiz is a vet, and while I think he isn't a world stopper at center, he is probably better than a rookie would be in that position. We just need to get our starters at RG and RT healthy and we should be okay on that side of the line.

 

As I said, the other seemingly apparent problem with our red zone offense is the play calling. I'm not a professional coach, but I have to wonder what is Olson thinking when he calls the same running play up the middle four times in a row? Is he doing a 'gut check'? There are better times for that than in a real game!

 

Why, considering we have two tall TE's, some very effective WR's, a highly mobile QB and fast, pass catching RB's... why don't we do more 'play action' when we're close like that? Other teams do that and are very effective at getting into the end zone. In fact, once upon a time that's what the Jags did run with great success (I'm referring back to the TC days). 

 

Perhaps there are factors that I'm not aware of or considering. But I know this; from the one yard line, if you can't punch it in after two tries, it's foolish to keep running the same play that's already failed. That was straight up on Olson, as is the lack of imaginative play calling in those situations. You don't have to be a rocket scientist (or a pro football coach) to realize that we don't have a very good run blocking line. Therefore, alter the plays when at close range like that to take advantage of what you do have.

 

It looks to me like with the talent we do have on the offensive side of the ball that the play action would be our 'go to' play... especially when close to the goal line.

 

 

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