Update: Kirk Cousins to Start vs Browns

[ethat001]

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

I think RGIII will play, but i think we're screwed if he's not healthy enough to be a serious run threat.

Our offensive line is absolutely horrible when pass-protecting traditional formations. Thats why our third down offense has been so bad. In obvoius passing situations, defenses have much better success stopping RGIII.


Our offense only has success out of the pistol read option formation, and it only has success then because RGIII is a legitimate threat to run. It opens things up for our receivers and Alfred Morris. If we play either a gimpy Griffin or Cousins, the Browns D wont have to respect the threat of a QB run and sack and the crap out of whoevers playing quarterback. If RGIII doesnt play, i hope Kyle calls some sort running play for Cousins early on. He's no RGIII, but if we make them view Cousins as a running threat, they we may be able to get away with running more of our normal - successful - offense.

Agree completely, great post. (except about Cousins running -- really?)

1) Morris is a great back, but without RG3 they'd stack the box on him.
2) On passing downs, hard to imagine Cousins success w/o max protect.

People always seem to forget when they talk about our offense / O-line / RB. Clearly we benefit greatly from the scheme, and RG3. If we play "straight up", with a traditional offense, I think we could regress back to last year with Beck/Rexy. Really really hope RG3 plays this game & stays healthy for the playoffs. Yes, the playoffs.


Couple of scary stats:
1) Logan Paulson has the lowest pass blocking efficiency of all tight ends

2) Tyler Polumbus is the 7th worst pass blocking efficiency of all offensive linemen.



Still really need to upgrade O-line. I'm hoping Compton learns quickly to hold up the RT spot, and maybe a couple of other late round gems next draft.