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Topic: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Topic: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

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L.C.
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What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/25/2015 9:41:59 PM

Over the last four games Ohio is averaging 2.6 yards per rush. Last place in the MAC is CMU at 3.1 yards/rush, so this is not good at all. Was it because of the defenses? Well, Akron does lead the MAC in rushing defense, but the other three teams are in the bottom half of the conference in rushing defense. Buffalo is #7, giving up 4.3 yards/rush (they gave Ohio 1.6/rush). WMU is #9, giving up 5.2 yards/rush (they gave Ohio 3.3/rush). Miami is #11 in rushing defense, and are giving up an average of 4.5/rush (Ohio got 4.1). Akron gives up 3.0/rush, and Ohio got 1.5.

So... against these four foes, Ohio only netted about half the yards/carry that these teams have given up to everyone else. If this continues, Ohio can't win many games. Ohio's offense in not a pure passing attack, and none of the quarterbacks have cannon arms. They are all accurate, and able to hit open receivers effectively as a part of a play action passing game. The problem is that, if they is no rushing threat, the play action passing game is dead.

With the rushing attack nonexistent against Akron, WMU, and Buffalo, that forces Ohio to pass more than they would like, and allows defenses to focus primarily on the pass, and the results of that can be bad, as happened in 2 of the 3 games. The first four games Vick threw the ball an average of 26 times a game with very high efficiency. The last 2 games he has averaged 43 passes a game, with low efficiency.

I felt like the defense played respectably against Buffalo, considering the injuries. Other than the points off turnovers the defense gave up 24 points, and 7 of those were a garbage-time TD against Ohio's subs at the end of the game. I suspect that 17-24 is about what most of use expected Ohio's defense to give up, considering the injuries. The rushing attack, however, did not get the job done.

We saw this happening last year, but last year the offensive line was riddled with injuries, and was playing a number of true Freshmen, so it was understandable. This year the offensive line has 3 Redshirt Seniors, a redshirt Sophomore, and a Redshirt Junior. There have been a number of injuries on the offensive line, but the players that are out are backups, Lowery and Anderson.

By all accounts the team is cohesive this year, and working together, and has a renewed sense of pride. I just don't understand why the running backs aren't getting more room to run. The minimal rushing gains have not been the fault of the running backs. I suppose part of it is that Vick hasn't been a threat to run the ball, but against Buffalo he did run it a few times. The rushing attack also faltered in late 2012 and 2013 when TT wasn't a threat to run.

The 2015 version of the Bobcats has been playing well, with this one glaring exception. The old rule is "Run the ball, stop the run, win the game". Ohio has been unable to run the ball, and they need to find an answer to that. At this point I doubt there are many that think Ohio will beat BG, but I do know this - if Ohio can't run the ball they have no chance, but if they do run the ball better, even if they don't beat BG, they maybe they will win some more games down the stretch.

Last Edited: 10/27/2015 2:13:23 PM by L.C.

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colobobcat66
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/25/2015 10:45:52 PM

L.C. wrote:

Over the last four games Ohio is averaging 2.6 yards per rush. Last place in the MAC is CMU at 3.1 yards/rush, so this is not good at all. Was it because of the defenses? Well, Akron does lead the MAC in rushing defense, but the other three teams are in the bottom half of the conference in rushing defense. Buffalo is #7, giving up 4.3 yards/rush (they gave Ohio 1.6/rush). WMU is #9, giving up 5.2 yards/rush (they gave Ohio 3.3/rush). Miami is #11 in rushing defense, and are giving up an average of 4.5/rush (Ohio got 4.1). Akron gives up 3.0/rush, and Ohio got 1.5.

So... against these four foes, Ohio only netted about half the yards/carry that these teams have given up to everyone else. If this continues, Ohio can't win many games. Ohio's offense in not a pure passing attack, and none of the quarterbacks have cannon arms. They are all accurate, and able to hit open receivers effectively as a part of a play action passing game. The problem is that, if they is no rushing threat, the play action passing game is dead.

With the rushing attack nonexistent against Akron, WMU, and Buffalo, that forces Ohio to pass more than they would like, and allows defenses to focus primarily on the pass, and the results of that can be bad, as happened in 2 of the 3 games. The first four games Vick threw the ball an average of 26 times a game with very high efficiency. The last 2 games he has averaged 43 passes a game, with low efficiency.

I felt like the defense played respectably against Buffalo, considering the injuries. Other than the points off turnovers the defense gave up 24 points, which is about what most of us expected, I think, considering the injuries. The rushing attack, however, did not get the job done.

We saw this happening last year, but last year the offensive line was riddled with injuries, and was playing a number of true Freshmen, so it was understandable. This year the offensive line has 3 Redshirt Seniors, a redshirt Sophomore, and a Redshirt Junior. There have been a number of injuries on the offensive line, but the players that are out are backups, Lowery and Anderson.

By all accounts the team is cohesive this year, and working together, and has a renewed sense of pride. I just don't understand why the running backs aren't getting more room to run. The minimal rushing gains have not been the fault of the running backs. I suppose part of it is that Vick hasn't been a threat to run the ball, but against Buffalo he did run it a few times. The rushing attack also faltered in late 2012 and 2013 when TT wasn't a threat to run.

The 2015 version of the Bobcats has been playing well, with this one glaring exception. The old rule is "Run the ball, stop the run, win the game". Ohio has been unable to run the ball, and they need to find an answer to that. At this point I doubt there are many that think Ohio will beat BG, but I do know this - if Ohio can't run the ball they have no chance, and if they do run the ball better, they maybe they will win some more games down the stretch.

LC, you usually have good answers, not good questions, but this is a good one. I am relatively sure that the unwillingness to run our only experienced QB because of fear of additional injury counts for something. I also think that experience alone is not what matters the most, it's talent level. Our offensive line was probably way over rated going into this season. Lots of great guys, but not at the level that we need.

ytownbobcat
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/25/2015 11:23:27 PM

We ran mostly between the tackles yesterday. We used several quick flare passes to Cope and Smith to get the ball outside with some success. There were a few runs outside the tackles that were not sweeps that has some limited success. Missing Papi's speed I am sure.
I wonder if our offensive coaches know we will have issues against certain opponents defenses?
Can the coaching staff know from watching film that we will be challenged to run the ball?
UB was big at DL and they were quick. I expect the same versus Kent. Our OL hasn't dominated
the LOS since the Miami game. As mentioned elsewhere a veteran OL does not take into account our talent level. This OL group has struggled against better MAC teams for the last 3 years,

Other possible contributing factors: Vick is not a physical runner and poses little threat. Sprague seems to be the better runner. We did not throw many downfield passes yesterday perhaps due to a lingering Vick arm/shoulder injury. The pass to Marhefka may be the exception.

Last Edited: 10/25/2015 11:30:36 PM by ytownbobcat

ou79
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/25/2015 11:36:44 PM

I think the pass to Marhefka late in the game was thrown by Windham.

Monroe Slavin
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 1:54:44 AM

Another theory that could fit the facts: As we make so many average MAC qb's look good and allow them to lead to lots of points, our rigid coaching is such that if you've seen us once then you can certainly stop us the next time you see us as we ain't got nothing new.

This take is certainly plausible. It will, of course, register with the apologists as nothing but heresy.

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GoCats105
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 7:25:18 AM

L.C. wrote:

Over the last four games Ohio is averaging 2.6 yards per rush. Last place in the MAC is CMU at 3.1 yards/rush, so this is not good at all. Was it because of the defenses? Well, Akron does lead the MAC in rushing defense, but the other three teams are in the bottom half of the conference in rushing defense. Buffalo is #7, giving up 4.3 yards/rush (they gave Ohio 1.6/rush). WMU is #9, giving up 5.2 yards/rush (they gave Ohio 3.3/rush). Miami is #11 in rushing defense, and are giving up an average of 4.5/rush (Ohio got 4.1). Akron gives up 3.0/rush, and Ohio got 1.5.

So... against these four foes, Ohio only netted about half the yards/carry that these teams have given up to everyone else. If this continues, Ohio can't win many games. Ohio's offense in not a pure passing attack, and none of the quarterbacks have cannon arms. They are all accurate, and able to hit open receivers effectively as a part of a play action passing game. The problem is that, if they is no rushing threat, the play action passing game is dead.

With the rushing attack nonexistent against Akron, WMU, and Buffalo, that forces Ohio to pass more than they would like, and allows defenses to focus primarily on the pass, and the results of that can be bad, as happened in 2 of the 3 games. The first four games Vick threw the ball an average of 26 times a game with very high efficiency. The last 2 games he has averaged 43 passes a game, with low efficiency.

I felt like the defense played respectably against Buffalo, considering the injuries. Other than the points off turnovers the defense gave up 24 points, which is about what most of us expected, I think, considering the injuries. The rushing attack, however, did not get the job done.

We saw this happening last year, but last year the offensive line was riddled with injuries, and was playing a number of true Freshmen, so it was understandable. This year the offensive line has 3 Redshirt Seniors, a redshirt Sophomore, and a Redshirt Junior. There have been a number of injuries on the offensive line, but the players that are out are backups, Lowery and Anderson.

By all accounts the team is cohesive this year, and working together, and has a renewed sense of pride. I just don't understand why the running backs aren't getting more room to run. The minimal rushing gains have not been the fault of the running backs. I suppose part of it is that Vick hasn't been a threat to run the ball, but against Buffalo he did run it a few times. The rushing attack also faltered in late 2012 and 2013 when TT wasn't a threat to run.

The 2015 version of the Bobcats has been playing well, with this one glaring exception. The old rule is "Run the ball, stop the run, win the game". Ohio has been unable to run the ball, and they need to find an answer to that. At this point I doubt there are many that think Ohio will beat BG, but I do know this - if Ohio can't run the ball they have no chance, and if they do run the ball better, they maybe they will win some more games down the stretch.

L.C. you make some great points. It's not like there are so many injuries that the line can't hold up. And it's also not like Ohio doesn't have a stable of running backs to change the pace. And I don't buy the argument that the QBs aren't getting enough leeway to run the ball.

So what does that leave us with? I think it comes down to the same thing it has been for a while now: playcalling.

It's not that Ohio calls bad plays. The Ohio offense has just become way too predictable. It's not good when half the posters on this board know what play is coming next, because we all know how big of football experts we are. Things just look way, way too vanilla.

How about starting out with some deep throws to loosen up the D? The little 3-5 yard slants and outs and screens aren't cutting it. The defense can stack the line on both runs and passes because they know Ohio isn't going to try and chuck it deep until they get down by a couple of scores.

I'm not worried about Vick throwing it 26+ times a game. Hell, throw it 50 for once and see what happens. If he's accurate enough he'll make some plays. But at least take some shots downfield. Then hopefully that opens up the short passes and running game.

L.C.
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 10:45:58 AM

GoCats105 wrote:

...So what does that leave us with? I think it comes down to the same thing it has been for a while now: playcalling.

It's not that Ohio calls bad plays. The Ohio offense has just become way too predictable. It's not good when half the posters on this board know what play is coming next, because we all know how big of football experts we are. Things just look way, way too vanilla.
...

It would be very interesting to have a contest during chat, and have the people on chat guess what the next play will be. I think few would be nearly as accurate as they think they would be.

When it comes to football there aren't all that many things that are new under the sun. As has been pointed out here, the Single Wing, from 100 years ago or so, is still a very effective offense. In the end it's all about execution.

GoCats105 wrote:

...I'm not worried about Vick throwing it 26+ times a game. Hell, throw it 50 for once and see what happens. If he's accurate enough he'll make some plays. But at least take some shots downfield. Then hopefully that opens up the short passes and running game.

He did just throw it 50 times against Buffalo. Sprague threw it 50 times against CMU last year. Neither worked out vary well. Vick and Sprague can both be effective QBs, but using either to throw it 50 times is not the most effective use of them, in my opinion.

Ohio has 4 games left. I'd like to see them figure out what needs to be changed to make the running game more effective. I don't care whether it's the I-formation, the single wing, or a change in the blocking assignments. I don't care if they run zone reads, trap plays, jet sweeps, power sweeps, or options. I do know that they need to get the opposing defenses out of their comfort zone.

I do agree with your idea of more deep passes. Vick is very effective at those. If they are in man for man, throw at them deep. If they are in Cover-2, throw some 20 yard outs (between the cb and safety zones). Mixed in with those, they will have to find a way to run it, though.

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joefromperry
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 11:03:06 AM

Is it just me, or does it seem to anyone else that the rushing started going downhill when Oulette was relegated to the sidelines?

BobcatSports
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 11:11:11 AM

I've commented before I just do not understand this staff being so enamored with the diminutive Daz. Can see it as a change of pace back, not as the primary back. AJ moves the pile, takes punishment and seemed to get stronger as the game moved along last year. Don't understand why he has been relegated to the Witness Protection Program this year.

ytownbobcat
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 11:25:39 AM

When our ball carrier got to the LOS there was a plethora of defenders waiting for them. If we use a spread formation we still seem to have 5 blockers on the opponents 4+3= 7 Dl and LBs waiting.
Passing game was effective on third and long situations as early in the game as our first possession. Later in the game that became less available. Once our running game was stifled they teed off on Vick on obvious passing downs.
A few of Vick's longer passes were very high trajectory which makes me think he has a 15-20 yard max distance in which he can pass with velocity. I expect there is an elbow or shoulder injury. I was surprised they didn't go to Windham earlier in the game. Windham is also not a powerful runner so he does not offer much beyond what Vick does.

I was told Sprague is still "weeks " away from playing. He offers a better roll out, option/ QB keep than Vick. Perhaps the fact that he can keep the defense "honest" may boost our running game once he returns.

GoCats105
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 11:27:00 AM

Another way of looking it at it would be the YPA factor when Vick does in fact throw. The higher the number the better. This list is from ESPN.com and is how QBs in the MAC rank nationally.

7. Matt Johnson, BG - 9.6
36. Cooper Rush, CMU - 8.1
37. Zach Terrell, WMU - 8.0
54. Derrius Vick, Ohio - 7.5
59. Drew Hare, NIU - 7.4
67. Drew Kummer, Miami - 7.3
75. Thomas Woodson, Akron - 7.2
80. Phillip Ely, Toledo - 7.0
95. Blake Frohnapfel, UMass - 6.6
96. Brogan Roback, EMU - 6.6
98. Joe Licata, Buffalo, 6.5
111. Riley Neal, Ball State - 5.9
119. Colin Reardon, Kent State - 5.2

So really Johnson is the lone outlier in this bunch. However, if you look at even further, you have to break it down by number of attempts.

3. Matt Johnson, BG - 345
7. Blake Frohnapfel, UMass - 309
8. Cooper Rush, CMU - 298
18. Riley Neal, Ball State - 260
25. Phillip Ely, Toledo - 246
28. Drew Hare, NIU - 244
29. Joe Licata, Buffalo - 243
34. Brogan Roback, EMU - 231
42. Zach Terrell, WMU - 223
45. Derrius Vick, Ohio - 219
96. Colin Reardon, Kent State - 144
100. Thomas Woodson - Akron - 138
111. Billy Ball, Miami - 123
114. Drew Kummer, Miami - 117

So what does this mean? Vick's numbers might be inflated a little since he hasn't thrown as much as guys like Frohnapfel, Neal and Ely. But it also could say some other things like:

-Vick's passes, while not very many do go for a pretty good chunk of yardage. That 7.5 while not great isn't terrible either. If the running game were getting 4, 5 or 6 yards a pop then Ohio gets more first downs, keeping control of the clock, scoring, etc.

-If Ohio isn't throwing as deep as we think, then its possible the receivers are getting elusive once the ball is in their hands. I'd be interested to see what the receivers' YAC numbers are.

A 7.5 YPA number tells me that Ohio is running shorter routes. My guess is the guys with the higher numbers are running deep crossing routes, post patterns and flys. If the Ohio offense loosens up a bit and chucks it downfield every once in a while, maybe a receiver makes a play and breaks a tackle. Who knows. Time to mix it up.

L.C.
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 12:05:21 PM

But, here's the key. Look at the games where Ohio rushed well, and the games where Ohio did not:
1. The three where Ohio had the least gain/rush were Akron, WMU, and Buffalo. In those three games combined, Vick was 68-111-3 for 667 yards and 2 TDs. That gives him an average gain of 6.0 yards, and a pass efficiency of 112, though he still did complete 62% of his passes.
2. At the other extreme, after 4 games Vick was 51-75-2 for 742yards and 6 TDs, an average gain for 9.9 yards/attaempt, and an NCAA pass efficiency of 172.

When Ohio is able to run the ball, the receivers are going to be more open, and Vick is going to have more time to pass. When that happens, he has been outstanding. When the opponents are able to take away the run, and make Ohio one dimensional, Vick gets less time to pass, and the receivers are more closely covered, which means Ohio has to throw shorter passes, and into tighter coverage. When that happens, Vick's numbers drop into more normal ranges.

joefromperry wrote:

Is it just me, or does it seem to anyone else that the rushing started going downhill when Oulette was relegated to the sidelines?

I think it is coincidence, not causation. After four games Daz had 40 carries for 240 yards (6.1 yards/carry) while AJ had 51 carries for 206 yards (4.0 yards/carry). The last four games Daz had 38 carries for 91 yards (2.4 yards/carry) while AJ had only 14 carries for 63 yards (4.5 yards/carry). Oddly AJ's numbers actually went up, but the sample size is small.

Where I would agree is this - last year, when there was no blocking, AJ fared better. Perhaps this year, too, in games where there no running room, AJ would be he better choice. A better answer, though, would be to figure out how to get more running room.

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Pataskala
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 12:39:42 PM

One problem is that we show no motion in any of our formations. We move a back from one side of the QB to another, or we move the back into the slot. But after that we're standing there for five or ten seconds, which gives the opposing D enough time to see the formation and figure out what we're likely to do. Three or four years ago we had a lot of movement. Not now.

We also don't do anything different. The last time we tried something different was the T'erd game (I think) where Windham walked up to the line and the RB took a direct snap. As I recall we got a TD on that play. I hope the coaching staff uses this time before BG to put some new things in the mix.

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bobcatsquared
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 3:20:53 PM

On a related note, does anyone else cringe whenever you see Vick running down the line of scrimmage leading to an option that gains 0 yards at best?

Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 3:58:33 PM

It would seem to make sense to feature AJ more and wear the defense down some using Daz (get him in space) for a change of pace and also mixing in Brown and Irons.

History has shown time and again when we have an injured QB that is not as much of a threat to run we don't do well. I thought Vick played well against Norfolk State three years ago and he threw a really nice corner route for a TD. I thought he should have started against UMASS and given TT more time to heal.

I am all for trying to put the best player on the field and at the same time try and make sure they are not put in a bad position because of an injury.
I am all for Windham playing more and if not, throw Duckworth in there and see what he can do. He has already taken his redshirt season.

Between the poor play and poor video, I was flipping channels and really did not watch every play closely. Apathy is starting to set in for me and I am sure many others. I respect the coaches and respect the players, but for God's sake mix it up. I have multiple concussions from banging my head into the wall and my computer desk factoring Albin and Mike London at UVA.

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Cats-22
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 11:27:12 PM

bobcatsquared wrote:

On a related note, does anyone else cringe whenever you see Vick running down the line of scrimmage leading to an option that gains 0 yards at best?

I agree, although I love the option I feel like it's too much to ask Vick and the RBs to execute the timing on that in addition to everything else they have to master. That's just my gut instinct based on no real data.

LC's stats showing Vick when Ohio rushes well vs. when they don't is about as clear a statistical signal as you ever get in football. That is really remarkable.

So, all that remains I guess is to figure out how to run for about 6 ypc for the remainder of the year....

Last Edited: 10/26/2015 11:27:44 PM by Cats-22

L.C.
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/26/2015 11:56:15 PM

colobobcat66 wrote:

Having read all the answers, this is the one I agree with the most. When the QB can't or won't run, the rushing drops off. Maybe the coaches need to rethink the ways they rush with a QB that isn't able to move well, or maybe Vick's ankle will improve a lot over the next ten days and it will become moot. One idea that comes to mind is adding perhaps some draw plays or shovel passes. When the defense knows the QB can't move, they rush him hard, and that "might" open up shovel passes as the bypass the running back. Perhaps they could do some normal pitch "power sweeps", aka "student body left". Those don't require a mobile QB.

The next thing is the offensive line. Even though the offensive line is 1/4 of the total team, and half the players on offense, and even though they are always very large, for some reason people always overlook them, and want to focus on the QB and RB. Nevertheless, when the rushing attack isn't working, the offensive line is the first place I would tend to to look. Are the running backs missing holes, or are there simply no holes at all? I'd say the latter.

Yes, the offensive line is experienced, but they also were probably over-rated. As for why they aren't performing better, for that I have no answers.

I do believe, and believe strongly, that if they can solve this issue, and they can get the ground game moving again, the offense will function fine again.

Last Edited: 10/27/2015 2:18:52 PM by L.C.

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Bcat2
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 6:21:37 AM

L.C. wrote:

colobobcat66 wrote:

Having read all the answers, this is the one I agree with the most. When the QB can't or won't run, the rushing drops off. Maybe the coaches need to rethink the ways they rush with a QB that isn't able to move well, or maybe Vick's ankle will improve a lot over the next ten days and it will become moot. One idea that comes to mind is adding perhaps some draw plays or shovel passes. When the defense knows the QB can't move, they rush him hard, and that "might" open up shovel passes as the bypass the running back. Perhaps they could do some normal pitch "power sweeps", aka "student body left". Those don't require a mobile QB.

The next thing is the offensive line. Even though the offensive line is 1/4 of the total team, and half the players on offense, and even though they are always very large, for some reason people always overlook them, and want to focus on the QB and RB. Nevertheless, when the rushing attack isn't working, the offensive line is the first place I would tend to to look. Are the running backs missing holes, ore are there simply no holes at all? I'd say the latter.

Yes, the offensive line is experienced, but they also were probably over-rated. As for why they aren't performing better, for that I have no answers.

I do believe, and believe strongly, that if they can solve this issue, and they can get the ground game moving again, the offense will function fine again.

Mr. Lowery, get well soon. The dominoes start to fall with him back.

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UpSan Bobcat
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 9:46:06 AM

Vick's inability to run the ball probably is the biggest key. It's one less thing for the defense to have to plan against. I think offensive line play (with injury a factor) also has contributed, along with White's injury the last two games. White is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and the others all averaging between 4.1-4.5 yards per carry, which isn't bad. But I'd guess Vick's rushing yards are negative since his injury. We can hope the extra rest will result in a healthier team against Bowling Green.

L.C.
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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 1:53:06 PM

Arkley asks the same question:
http://tinyurl.com/os9cyzd

He doesn't have the answer, either. Let's hope the coaches find the answer, or, if the answer is more mobility from Vick, Vick is back to 100% by BG.

He addresses the same topic intermixed into his blog as well, and reaches a lot of the same conclusions we reached here:
http://tinyurl.com/o7jybya

He mentions that if the offensive line isn't able to create any holes, the best bet may be OUellette, as it was last year in the same circumstances (note: the quotes below are from the blog, not the articles):

Arkley wrote:

Sophomore A.J. Ouellette may be the best option moving forward. He�s Ohio�s best when it comes to getting every last yard, but lacks the explosive element. But with no creases being formed up front, the Bobcats may have no choice but to go with Ouellette in a search to maximize every touch.

He also suggests that the offensive line needs to step it up:

Arkley wrote:

The offensive line, as a group, simply has to play better. It�s my opinion that the group hasn�t played up to capabilities, or expectations, over much of the last four games. Until that group takes a step forward, expect the offensive struggles to continue.

Last Edited: 10/27/2015 2:08:04 PM by L.C.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

Casper71
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Member Since: 12/1/2006
Post Count: 3,031

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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 3:07:33 PM

Funny, ask Tom Brady and the Pats what they think of the running game. I've long thought that a Pro Style QB (with a modest running game) was the way to go. I am just not a fan of our pistol. I think you can spread it out just as effectively with a pro style. Of course, the problem is we haven't recruited a thrower who has made it to the field in like forever. Give me a JC QB who can throw the ball, please.

Bcat2
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Member Since: 7/6/2010
Post Count: 4,295

Status: Offline

RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 3:28:37 PM

Casper71 wrote:

Made me wonder. Brady would be the standard. Brady is completing 68% to Vick's 63%. Brady is better at taking the sack (16) instead if pressing which might result in the int like Vick's three vs Buffalo. Question, is there a difference in how the ratings get computed because Brady's QB Rating is 113 and Vick's is 134 and just seems unlikely. You know since Ohio would not have a thrower or anyone who could pass the ball.

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." JFK

Bobcatbob
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Member Since: 12/21/2004
Location: Coolville, OH
Post Count: 1,347

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RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 3:37:36 PM

To one specific point, OUr option "option" is a non-issue. Vick is no threat to run right now and for similar reasons it takes way too long to develop. The pitch man is usually 8 - 10 yards behind LOS if he gets the ball (why?) and the sideline becomes the contain man. I'm not sure why we even show it. Besides a lack of success, it's just another chance for a D to take a shot at our QB.

Casper71
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Member Since: 12/1/2006
Post Count: 3,031

Status: Offline

RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 4:01:30 PM

I'd really like to go back and look at what Boo and Theo3 and or even Bowser and Everson did in the way of running. Seems like they were not banged up like our QBs have been the last 3-4-5 years. Is it the pistol that is offensive? The personnel themselves? Or, something else? All I know is something sure ain't working.

UpSan Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 8/30/2005
Location: Upper Sandusky, OH
Post Count: 3,802

Status: Offline

RE: What happened to the Rushing Attack?

Posted: 10/27/2015 8:50:38 PM

Bcat2 wrote:

Casper71 wrote:

It's a completely different formula for college and pros. I calculated his NFL passer rating to be 91.1, which is still very good.

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