What's wrong with our Red Zone offense?

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Bad play calling, bad execution. There's no simple answer.

Exactly.

I felt like, despite average play calling, we still should be able to execute one of the average calls effectively enough to score.

First, we dropped two probable scores. That's a game changer right there. We're not having the same conversations if even one of those balls is caught. Maybe a little grumbling but not the onslaught of negativity.

Second, only the Portis option was what I consider a bad play call. It was a really low percentage play to begin with so it should never have been called. The other plays were "top of list" plays. Zorn's post game conference gave a small window into their thinking. He commented that the 4th and 1 play at the goal line was their #1 goal line run. Now ignoring the fact that they actually had that ridiculous play as their #1 goal line run you can tell they simply followed script. They take a gander at the list of plays and pick one near the top. What concerns me is that not all goal line situations are the same. So you can't just call your #1 play. You have to consider what the defense has been doing, what you have been doing, how much yardage you need, etc... To me the #1 run there isn't the right call even though it is your default #1 run play on your list. You need 18 inches you go up the gut or simply sneak it. You made that list in your office two days ago. Forget it. It should only be a starting point.

Zorn needs to get more in tune to the game and more reactive to what is happening rather than trying to simply hit the high notes on a checklist of "good plays". Scarp all the pre-game theoretical play calls and figure what is going to work in the situation that is playing out in front of you.