we need to establish the running game better

[CChambers7284]

We have two guys who throughout their careers college/nfl, have shown that in a normal running offense they can handle the load. They dont need trick plays and the wildcat to be effective. If we start pounding ronnie and ricky we will win out the rest of the season.

 

[cheyannefan]

We have two guys who throughout their careers college/nfl, have shown that in a normal running offense they can handle the load. They dont need trick plays and the wildcat to be effective. If we start pounding ronnie and ricky we will win out the rest of the season.

That can only work if the O-Line proves that they can block a D-Line that KNOWS you're going to run the ball which they haven't done so far. Plus, Smiley is gone for the year so our line will very weak at the run.

 

[WhatsUp]

I second that. Alternate them as starters.

1 week ricky starts. Run him more like 20-22 carries. Not 10-12 carries each. Let them find a rythem.

Next week start ronnie.... run him hard. Then have them back each other up so they are not rusty.

 

[FinSolari]

Its the main reason why we run the wildcat and other trick plays, our o-line can't block on our regular base formation so we have to compensate for that.

 

[CitizenSnips]

your making the mistake of looking at the RBs and not the o-line. The RBs can run all over anyone, the O-line can't.

 

[cheyannefan]

Its the main reason why we run the wildcat and other trick plays, our o-line can't block on our regular base formation so we have to compensate for that.

Exactly, in the two games before we started running the wildcat we ran the ball a combined 38 times for just 100 yards (that is just Ronnie/Ricky not Ginn or Pennington) that is an average of 2.6 yards a carry. That is simple not good enough.

 

[Canadianfishfan]

Its amazing that our O-line can block well enough to establish the pass, but can't seem to find that certain something inside to establish the run. It's something the line should take great pride in establishing. I hope the line coach starts scheming a little better to create holes for our backs.

 

[Rhody Phins Fan]

We also don't commit to the run. We have success passing so we stick with that. We haven't gone into any game looking to continually pound the ball. It's a good thing because we've been doing what we do best but it also hasn't allowed our running game to get established. Against the Rams Ronnie had 42 yards on his first 10 carries and then only got 5 more carries for the rest of the game.

 

[rickyfan85]

We also don't commit to the run. We have success passing so we stick with that. We haven't gone into any game looking to continually pound the ball. It's a good thing because we've been doing what we do best but it also hasn't allowed our running game to get established. Against the Rams Ronnie had 42 yards on his first 10 carries and then only got 5 more carries for the rest of the game.

absolutely right....as i recall you and me got into a pretty heated exchange back in september or so when it came down to offensive philosophies....glad to see you've come around :-)

 

[Zach4Prez]

We need to incorporate some degree more of power running into our game plans. I agree with the above posters that we don't currently have the Offensive Line personell to win a game on the ground. But there is alot more to it, and while Ricky and Ronnie can't win the game without a line, they can tip things.

Taking down a load like Ricky or Ronnie, who can both be positively bruising, takes a big toll on a defense. NT's can take that all game, but everytime those guys put a lick on a LB, or even a DB, it add's up big time. As a former DB, I can assure you there isn't much I liked less then 5 or 10 collisions a day with a tough RB. Takes it right out of you.

There are only a handful of defenses out there (BAL) who can take the licking it takes to bring those guys down play after play and still have the gas to keep up with the kind of finesse offense Pennington can execute.

I think we still win the games with what Pennington and Co. have been bringing to the table, I just like mixing in a hair more power to soften up the opposition. I don't want Wannstedt era 40+ Ricky draws a day, but there is a balance somewhere.

 

[Sherif]

I think we mix up the run and the pass pretty well. We're balanced there. The problem is some feel that Ronnie & Ricky splitting carries makes neither as effective because they both had careers where they get tougher as the game goes on and pick up steam in the 4th quarter. Well with that mentality, it's why neither have been able to complete a season healthy. Also, they better get used to sharing the load and make an opportunity when they can because Polite and Cobbs may also step into the picture.

 

[Funkymonks]

Guys we had 149 yards rushing and averaged 4.2 ypc on sunday. Sure its not all from the same back, but its still 149 yards. Why put the wear and tear on your back if you get the same 149 yards out of 4 backs?