The running game is based totally on the G play. Right now we are weak there. We need a roadgrader in the middle. So far I've like what I've seen from Mangold, but we need to guys to surround him to knock the DL off the ball. Without that we won't be able to run the ball affectively
Ya know, after hearing others and a friend of mine really pointing this out, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to pass more often...Obviously with more thought about it, because my 1st comment in this thread was just a heated reaction to the thread title, because you have to run sometimes. Now, not insane ratio of everything pass, but some mix-ups of runs...My friend pointed out the style of offense Andy Reid/Donovan McNabb run...Alot of throws, take chances when they occur, dump-offs, screens...And try to run when you can... The Eagles offense has been very successful passing the ball, Reid has tried to run the ball more, trying to get some sort of balance, but clearly the Eagles are a pass offense... So, after thinking about it, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be a pass-1st type offense...It'd be different, I wouldn't mind giving it a shot.
I know you are kidding, but essentially by going to a pass-happy offense Pennington will not be as productive as he has been. The play action passing will be renedered useless. Pennington is awesome at the play fake. To curtail the running game is to remove one of Pennington's most valuable assets as a QB. Let's go with Barlow to carry the load and sub in Blaylock, WWashington, and Houston in the late 3rd quarter or in the 4th as change of speed when the opposing D is tired. We need to start doing sweeps with Washington or Smith.
I was just doing my best champ impression. I agree you have to have a running game, I'd like to see Cedric Houston at least get a chance. If he averages 2.5 yards a carry we're breaking even to where we are now.
I basically agree, but I think what you really should say that is we must continue to try to establish the run. So far we've tried plenty, but haven't succeeded at all.
Fair enough - we keep trying. Something has to work with the personnel we have. Mangini has to find it. I will be quite dissappointed if Blaylock starts and plays the entire first half.
It might help if we opened it up a little in the early part of the game and got the D back peddling a bit. Pennington has shown he can throw with a little zip. Go up field outside of the Hash marks right away and open up the middle of the field. I also would love to see Washington get a few screen or dumps over the middle after we establish outside down the field. We didn't really open it up until we were threatened by TN and the Pats had established a big lead. We need to be much more aggressive early. Stop jabbing, especially with a young D, punch them in the mouth on the first play and keep swinging. We shouldn?t be feeling them out in the early part of the game.
BINGO. You said it perfectly winston. The biggest key is to come out swinging. Not let the opponent set the tone. The run will fall into place if we put the ball in Barlow's hands, and we come out moving the football from the passing attack on the first drive. A reverse to Smith on the first possession would do wonders IMO. (Give him the option to toss it if Coles or Cotch get wide open downfield.)
I agree completely - a perfect opening drive would have a few 5+ yard runs, some of the nice 5-15 yard passes we've seen in the first two weeks, and one "special" play (as Alio sugested perhaps a reverse, or a flea flicker, or even a bomb). If the Buffalo D is allowed to tee off on Pennington, things could get ugly.
THe last three posters encapsulate exactly what I meant. Winston, notably, in suggesting that we come out swinging, aggressively, stretching the field horizontally, outside the hash marks. That's a great idea. Props to Winston. And Alio, in suggesting that we come out of the gate with a trick play. Kudos, Alio. Remember, that differential in the NE game was 7 points. And that was with a completely conservative, lackluster offense in the 1st half. The problem was that as a finesse team, we came out trying to slug it out with a power team. Duhhh. We weren't going to be able to shove the ball down NE's throat. Hopefully we craft a stategy to open the game with for Buffalo -- something that I noticed has been completely lacking the first two games. We need to come out of the gate strong and finish strong. Put the Bills on their heels, as well as land on all fours when all is said and done. Mangini has emphasized so often the idea of "finishing". that's all good and well, and ultimately, important. But what about starting? I know the only thing that starts me in the morning is thick cup of joe. Without it I'd get routed...
