Hurry up and run the ball is based on very sound principals. Oregon and Auburn generally average between 45 and 52 rushes per game, sometimes slightly higher that that. Omar focuses on the spread aspect with too much spotlight on the passing game. The secret is high number of up tempo rushing attempts and high number of run looks that turn into decisive play action passes. The defense is tired and confused.
Last week we demonstrated considerable improvement in play action emphasis and sophistication. But that's only half the equation. As I've pointed out countless times, mid level quarterbacks are cleansed by high rushing numbers and heavy play action looks. Not exactly shocking that previously struggling quarterbacks began to thrive in those conditions. NFL linebackers have too much to worry about and too much clutter in front of them to instantly identify that it's a play fake and not an actual run. Give them legit balance to worry about and the freeze step is there. When the offense basically refuses to run the ball those linebackers can guess pass, ignore the play fake, and be correct much more often that not.
Now it's a potential struggle between Philbin and Lazor. Philbin thrived with Aaron Rodgers and has no clue about situational influence, that lesser quarterbacks need to be protected unlike the freak quarterbacks. Philbin's instinct is to drop back and wing it, to worry about the annoyances like balance later, if at all. That philosophy is destined to fail with a quarterback on Tannehill's level. Sustained mediocrity. Now it's up to Lazor to bump our rushing attempts toward Eagle 2013 level, which was roughly 32 per game compared to Miami's 23. That's an entirely different galaxy. Philadelphia was 4th from the top and we were 4th from the bottom.
If we run 5-8 times more per game and our play action looks increase a similar number, we've got a chance. The young linemen will be protected also. If you force them to do nothing but pass block on straight drop back looks their pass blocking performance won't match their pass blocking reputation.
Versus certain opponents the slight of hand won't matter. They'll stampede the backfield. We're not in a position to worry about the exceptions. Running the ball and play action will allow fewer pratfalls against lower tier foes and higher percentage of wins against teams on our own level.
Last week we demonstrated considerable improvement in play action emphasis and sophistication. But that's only half the equation. As I've pointed out countless times, mid level quarterbacks are cleansed by high rushing numbers and heavy play action looks. Not exactly shocking that previously struggling quarterbacks began to thrive in those conditions. NFL linebackers have too much to worry about and too much clutter in front of them to instantly identify that it's a play fake and not an actual run. Give them legit balance to worry about and the freeze step is there. When the offense basically refuses to run the ball those linebackers can guess pass, ignore the play fake, and be correct much more often that not.
Now it's a potential struggle between Philbin and Lazor. Philbin thrived with Aaron Rodgers and has no clue about situational influence, that lesser quarterbacks need to be protected unlike the freak quarterbacks. Philbin's instinct is to drop back and wing it, to worry about the annoyances like balance later, if at all. That philosophy is destined to fail with a quarterback on Tannehill's level. Sustained mediocrity. Now it's up to Lazor to bump our rushing attempts toward Eagle 2013 level, which was roughly 32 per game compared to Miami's 23. That's an entirely different galaxy. Philadelphia was 4th from the top and we were 4th from the bottom.
If we run 5-8 times more per game and our play action looks increase a similar number, we've got a chance. The young linemen will be protected also. If you force them to do nothing but pass block on straight drop back looks their pass blocking performance won't match their pass blocking reputation.
Versus certain opponents the slight of hand won't matter. They'll stampede the backfield. We're not in a position to worry about the exceptions. Running the ball and play action will allow fewer pratfalls against lower tier foes and higher percentage of wins against teams on our own level.
