What's wrong with our Red Zone offense?

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

I wanted to start this thread so we could discuss the Skins' Red Zone offense and only the Skins' Red Zone offense because I think that's our primary problem right now.

I'm a fan but I'm no football expert, so I'm hoping that some of the experts here can illuminate what's really going wrong for us in the Red Zone and how it can be fixed.

Would anyone like to take the first shot at it?

Many have already brought this up....Simplify.

-Often the most boring playcall is the most effective, B-gap ISO between Samuels & Dock. It's pretty easy to call a formation that makes the D give you the look you want. If they cheat to that gap, they've left the strong-side open, take it. You have a 280lb. Pro Bowl FB, let him clear the way. Folks see this once or twice and you've got a nice play-action set up.

- I don't think a Power back would've made any difference. Zone Blocking should not be called on the GL IMO. It requires a lateral step rather than "firing out". The D is bringing it down there and taking a lateral step will often cause the OL to get pushed into the backfield. On the last 4th down play this is exactly what happened to Dock. If you let Samuels & Dock fire out, they'll get a push, or at worst a stalemate, 9 times out of 10.

- Fade??? Why isn't it being called. In training camp I watched at least a 15 minute period where they ran nothing but fades. You're paying these big WRs to make plays, give them the shot. If they don't get it done, at least you know you need to find other WRs.

- QB sneak, if the C & Gs can't get a 1/2 yd, you don't deserve to win.

- Playcalling sequence. Play-action has to come on first down,or short yardage.

- Kelly & DT or Mitchell need to be on the outside in any GL package. The threat of a fade spreads the D, even if just a little and creates extra space.

- I don't know if Zorn allows JC to audible in the +10 or JC's just not doing it. Whatever the case, JC must have the ability to audible down there, and must do it.