A Return of the Running Game?

[30gut]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

I expect to see more of a lean to the run than 60/40 but I'd still expect it to be about 55/45 pass for a few reasons:
-Kyle is a passing play caller. He likes to throw the ball on first down to set up shorter distance on 2nd and third down where he prefers to run. He also seems to like to use the pass to set up the run on things like draws and delays. Plus, with RG3, using the threat of the bootleg pass will open up huge running lanes because the backside can't pursue so he will use play-action to set up the run.

-Scores will probably dictate it. We are still an improving team, not yet a team that can expect to enter the 4th quarter on most Sundays with a lead. Chances are we will either be close enough in score that the entire playbook is still viable or behind and needing to pass to catch up.

-RG3 needs to learn how to play QB at this level. The training wheels won't be on like they were with Campbell for 3 years. The plan is for RG3 to be a weapon with his arm first, then his legs for years to come. In order for that to come to fruition, he's going to need plenty of game reps and action. Expect them to expose him to many passing opportunities.

My expectation is similar.
As much as I want to see a return to the running game or the traditional Mike Shanahan Denver WCO (and its resulting near 50/50 run balance), I don't expect it. (I also have never wanted to be more wrong about anything, well except how much shotgun-zone read we'll run)

I don't think Kyle's philosophy will change especially now that we have Griff.
If anything Griffin, a QB with premeire arm talent, and more receiving talent (Garcon,Morgan) validates Kyle's pass focused philosophy and give life to his sound passing concepts.

I'm sure situations play a role in playcalling but not on a macro level.
Imo a team whose offense is only reactionary to what the defense was "giving them" without dictating or forcing the defense to stop their best plays will always being playing left-handed to the strength of the defense.
Afterall offenses script opening plays for a reason, they script plays with the intent of dictating to the defense not taking what the defense gives.
They set-up the defenses through playcalling and dictate match-ups.
Imo a good offense has an identity and plays to the strengths of its philosophies.
On the whole I think a teams philosophy guides their resulting pass/run ratio.
Meaning passing teams pass and their resulting ratio will still be titled towards the pass regardless of W/L record or score.(ala the Texans under Kyle or the Packers)
By the same token running teams will run ie. Jags.

Personally, I don't care about passing vs. running ratios. All I care about is scoring points. My preference in watching a game is wide open air it out football, but I know many Redskins fans hanker for the long lost days of the Hogs and 3 yards & a cloud of dust football. Whatever works for us to put up 24+PPG this season is just fine with me!

I don't really care about pass/run ratios either but if I'm gonna talk about play calling tendencies I woud feel silly without including the numbers so I'm not just spit balling.
My preference is for balance leaning towards run focus.
But I don't think many fans are clamoring for 3 yards and a cloud of dust as you say.
And right now your dour description of the running game seems to be the prevailing perception.
People don't see the beauty, nuance nor the utility in a good running game.
(my favorite players are still RBs my favorite non-Redskins is Adrian Peterson)

But, its not about style its about winning.
And either style can win with the right coaching, talent and exection.
I think people wrongly project an implication that one style is right and the other is wrong.