Will Gibbs Open Up the Offense Now?

[JWsleep]

Look--you have to remember that sometimes the play executed is not the first option on the play called. Sometimes defenses take away your primary, and you've got to check down. My feeling is that the conservatism is a combination of play-calling, situations (close games, long yardage, our good defense), AND the coaching of the QBs. I think Brunnell especially was told: DO NOT TURN THE BALL OVER. Take what the D gives you, be efficient, and move the ball. So when a long ball wasn't open (even if it was called), he checked down. Late in the game, he was more apt to take a risk. But they also (apparently) got the coverage they wanted late--don't know if it was the first time in the game, but that's what they were looking for. Also, everyone seems to forget the ball that Brunnell undertrew early to Moss (who was five yards behind the D). That's not bad playcalling, that's a bad throw.

So, what to do? One, say to Brunnell: go ahead and sling it a few more times. Two, call more plays that expoit these match ups. HOw about a FIRST DOWN PASS, maybe off of playaction? Three, don't make penalites on the O-line, block the blitz (way too many sacks and hurries), and establish the run. When you are in 3rd and 5, the safeties have to come up to stop the short route. Then you can get behind them. And if they cheat the run, likewise.

So I think it's a combination of things here. Hopefully, we'll keep burning folks deep, and everything else will open up. But don't forget that we do have a good D and a good running game. Those things need to be exploited as well.

PS I don't mind the WR screen... when it works!!!