Why does everyone want us to run the ball more? | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Why does everyone want us to run the ball more?

normaldude

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Chad Pennington is the #2 rated passer in the NFL..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/b...NFL&year=season_2008&sort=49&timeframe=ToDate

While our running game has a mediocre 4.2 yds/carry average..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/b...rence=NFL&year=season_2008&sort=40&timeframe=

And for the upcoming game, the NY Jets have one of the best run defenses in the league..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/b...nce=NFL&year=season_2008&sort=1136&timeframe=

I've never seen a situation where a team had the #1 or #2 rated passer in the NFL, and the fans were saying that they should throw the ball LESS.

I mean, I think Ronnie Brown is one of the most talented RBs in the league. But our current oline run blocking isn't that great, which limits the running game.

Pre-emptive response to those who say "When we run the ball more than ___ times/game, we usually win": The reason for that correlation is because if a team is winning, they tend to run the ball more, in order to run out the clock. And when a team is losing, they tend to throw the ball more, in order to catch up. Thus, the run-win correlation, and pass-loss correlation.
 
Put it this way: In most seasons, I do my fair share of armchair coaching.

But this year, the coaching staff has taken a 1-15 team, and turned it into a 10-5 division leader. I think they know what they're doing.

I support the current pass-run balance (460 passes, 419 runs).

I support the current Ronnie-Ricky run balance (203 carries for Ronnie, 150 carries for Ricky).

I support the occasional use of the Wildcat.

I do occasionally question specific plays.

But overall, I think the coaching staff is picking the right balance of run-pass, and Ronnie-Ricky.
 
This has the makings of being a 3+ star thread. Very interesting topic. I have always been a proponent of passing to set up the run. That is why IMO we have been successful. Remember the Wanny-Ricky days of "03?
 
I would just like to see balance. I don't want to see 10 straight passes when the game is tied or we have the lead. Unless of course Pennington is completing all of those passes, lol.
 
I would just like to see balance. I don't want to see 10 straight passes when the game is tied or we have the lead. Unless of course Pennington is completing all of those passes, lol.

Haha. That's like yesterday, in the Finheaven chat room. On one play, the Wildcat flopped for no gain, so everyone was like "No more Wildcat!" and "The Wildcat no longer works!". Then 2 plays later, Cobbs rips a 44 yard run from the Wildcat, and everyone was like "Yeah, Wildcat!" and "The Wildcat is awesome!". lol.
 
I say this to those who would like to run more:

A lot of our pass plays are basically successful runs. How many times have we seen the following this year: Pennington drops back to pass. His first and second targets (usually Bess or Ginn, sometimes one of the TEs) are not open. Pennington steps up into the pocket, avoids the pass rush and stays poised. He hits an open Ronnie/Ricky/Fasano/Marin in the flat or 4-5 yards across the middle of the field. Said player runs for a few yards.

It's not like CP is dropping back and slinging it downfield all game.

That said, I would like to see Ronnie and Cobbs get a bit more touches. Whether it be on the ground or through the air.
 
You have to run the ball.. and you have to dedicate yourself to it to be successful.

We have arguably 4 very talented backs who are solid contributors. Why not use them...

Unlike previous seasons, our Pass has set up the run.. but we need to stick with the run and I would like to see better run block protection up front.. which has really hurt us. Allot of gang tackling in our backfield.
 
Haha. That's like yesterday, in the Finheaven chat room. On one play, the Wildcat flopped for no gain, so everyone was like "No more Wildcat!" and "The Wildcat no longer works!". Then 2 plays later, Cobbs rips a 44 yard run from the Wildcat, and everyone was like "Yeah, Wildcat!" and "The Wildcat is awesome!". lol.
A new wrinkle added. It was beautiful too. All predicated on defensive over pursuit. KC had trouble all day on contain while the Dolphins running game is designed to run outside on the perimeters.

I too also like to lossen the defense by passing to set up the run. However, I like trying it early on deep fly and post routes rather than dink and dunk. Stretch the field in hopes that your offense can and will go deep to get that safety out of the box. Then learn how to run block FB leads, off tackles and even some traps smash mouth style right up the gut. Very effective. Just ask the Giants. :)
 
Chad Pennington is the #2 rated passer in the NFL..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/b...NFL&year=season_2008&sort=49&timeframe=ToDate

While our running game has a mediocre 4.2 yds/carry average..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/b...rence=NFL&year=season_2008&sort=40&timeframe=

And for the upcoming game, the NY Jets have one of the best run defenses in the league..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/b...nce=NFL&year=season_2008&sort=1136&timeframe=

I've never seen a situation where a team had the #1 or #2 rated passer in the NFL, and the fans were saying that they should throw the ball LESS.

I mean, I think Ronnie Brown is one of the most talented RBs in the league. But our current oline run blocking isn't that great, which limits the running game.

Pre-emptive response to those who say "When we run the ball more than ___ times/game, we usually win": The reason for that correlation is because if a team is winning, they tend to run the ball more, in order to run out the clock. And when a team is losing, they tend to throw the ball more, in order to catch up. Thus, the run-win correlation, and pass-loss correlation.

We actually rank above 15th in the league in passing attempts so we are actually running the ball most of the time.
 
The strength of our skill positions on offense clearly lies with the running backs. Logically it would make sense that we would be a predominantly a running team. HOWEVER, we've proven that our O-line is not a dominant one and we do not do all that well running in standard formations in expected run downs. Therefore, given we have a very bright and accurate passer with a limited arm, I think we are playing to the strength of the team by using the short passing game with TE's and short ins and curls to the WR's.

When our talent level changes at WR and we get a little more help on the OL, then I think you will say a slight change in the playcalling. I guarantee you that this coaching staff and FO would love to run in down the other teams throat and throw deep with play action, but we just don't have the talent to do so....yet.

Overall, I can't tell you how good I feel about this team regardless of what happens next week. Busted out all my Dolphin apparrel that I put into storage last year and were it proudly each week. This FO and coaching staff are doing a tremendous job and I am finally ....FINALLY excited about its future.
 
Haha. That's like yesterday, in the Finheaven chat room. On one play, the Wildcat flopped for no gain, so everyone was like "No more Wildcat!" and "The Wildcat no longer works!". Then 2 plays later, Cobbs rips a 44 yard run from the Wildcat, and everyone was like "Yeah, Wildcat!" and "The Wildcat is awesome!". lol.

that wasn't just yesterday,that's every sunday in the chatroom...every time a play works is cool but when it doesn't work then it was a bad call b y Henning and Sparano needs to be fire...I've only complained about 1 call all year and it was the fade yesterday on 4 and 1....I wanted us to go for it but play action to Fasano or Martin,not a fade with that wind

Ozzy rules!!
 
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