[Schneed10]

It has already been alluded to here in this thread, but since run/pass ratio is one of the most poorly understood metrics in football and one of the most poorly-reported by the media, I think it has to be said very clearly:

Run/pass balance is not often the CAUSE of losing, it is most often a RESULT of losing.

If you come out in the first half and average 2.0 yards per carry behind an offensive line that isn't getting any movement, and your defense lets up two TDs, then you'd be insane to keep trying the exact same thing. Game situation and in-game adjustments may dictate that you have to throw more often.

Some might say well you shouldn't abandon the run because it wears down the defense and gives you an advantage in the 4th quarter. That's a luxury you can afford only if you're leading or within one score.

The way to bring run/pass ratio into balance isn't to call more running plays, it's to... run the ball better.

A more effective offensive line is what makes that possible. If we see the Redskins blocking effectively early in games and still get away from the run, then Jay should be fired. But I highly doubt he'll do that because while I don't think he's anything special as a coach, he's not an idiot. If our offensive line moves (including Bill Callahan) are effective, then we should see the run pass balance improve. That wouldn't be an indicator that Jay's playcalling won us any games.

I view our run/pass ratio this year to be an indicator of how effective our offensive line is. That's equally on McCloughan and Gruden - McCloughan to the extent he picked the players, and Gruden to the extent he and Callahan coached them.