32 replies to this topic

[Gokz1000]

Before Monday night football, I saw threads like this "Why John Fox football leads to close games", and people were begging for Jake Delhomme to pass and to get other receivers involved. Post Monday night football I see comments like this, "If John Fox calls a pass play against denver he is an idiot".

I honestly believe though that the first drive against Tampa Bay is a key reason we were able to run against them like we did. I know that at the end of the game, we were blowing through 8 and 9 man fronts but that doesn't happen every day. Especially not against playoff teams like NYG.

Even if it leads to interceptions, I honestly believe that John Fox needs to let Jeff Davidson run a balanced attack, especially at the beginning of games. If the opposing team thinks your going to run, pass to Muhammad. If they pull safeties down on run support, make them pay by running play action. I loved that first drive even though it ended in a field goal, because I guarantee you that passing to Moose and Jarret were probably the last thing on Tampa Bays mind.

Once the opposing defense is playing honest, then we can unleash Smash and Dash on them, but I hope we don't get back to being stale like we were at times this season and years past. Running even though the other team can obviously stop it.

[megadeth078]

We're playing the Broncos. We can wait until next week to consider passing.

[goodoleboy]

We're playing the Broncos. We can wait until next week to consider passing.

Yep. I found it interesting that the first play of the Bucs game was a wildcat run. We have not run that play since the bye. It would have been effective against Oakland, and the Lions. I think we didn't want to show it because the staff thought it would work against Tampa. Didn't work out but the game planning was obviously sound. Run it up the Broncos ass then come out tourching NY with playaction

[ShutDwn]

I normally agree that a ton of good teams, especially superbowl teams start off throwing the ball short and loosen the defense. However, I don't think those teams are as hot running the ball as we are right now.

Davidson's biggest problem right now to me is knowing when to switch it up. He doesn't know when is a good time yet, it frustrated me to see him call a pass when we were running so well.

[megadeth078]

What? You can't run 30 run plays in a row. We could barely convert a 2nd and 1 towards the end of the game because they knew what we were going to do. What got us those 9 yards in the play before you ask....it was a pass play.

[Delhomeboy]

What? You can't run 30 run plays in a row. We could barely convert a 2nd and 1 towards the end of the game because they knew what we were going to do. What got us those 9 yards in the play before you ask....it was a pass play.

I agree. Because of the 2 interceptions everyone's forgetting how good Jake's passes were. If not for two terrible drops by Hoover he would've had an 80% completion percentage.

[pantherclaw]

Nothing wrong with mixing up the play calling, but there is no doubt we should, and will remain run heavy.

[panthers55]

If we come out running we could just as easily go three and out as down the field. As evidenced Monday night, the running attack is designed to wear defensive lines down so that we will run wild in the fourth quarter when we are controlling the clock. You have to show run and pass coming out to set up things later on. I surely hope we throw at least one pass on the opening possession unless we march down the field on the ground. But honestly I don't think that will happen and we will need to air it out as they will put 8 or 9 in the box.

[megadeth078]

I agree. Because of the 2 interceptions everyone's forgetting how good Jake's passes were. If not for two terrible drops by Hoover he would've had an 80% completion percentage.

Don't forget King's drop early in the game too.

[pantherclaw]

Many drops last week make me sad.

[droptop67]

Just no more wildcat plays please. Everyone recognizes that play now. Unless you are actually going to have DWill throw the ball instead of run then you might have something. Imagine Dwill throwing to Jake on a smoke route. haha. Just kidding.

[Delhomeboy]

Don't forget King's drop early in the game too.

Shoot! Make that an 85% completion percentage.

[shinner]

yeah, lets have JD throwing the ball up for grabs 40 times instead of taking advantage of our ability to control the ball using our two great running backs. Awesome plan.

[Delhomeboy]

yeah, lets have JD throwing the ball up for grabs 40 times instead of taking advantage of our ability to control the ball using our two great running backs. Awesome plan.

Odds are Denver's going to come out stacking the box. Badly. So pass a few times early to loosen them up.

[Gokz1000]

yeah, lets have JD throwing the ball up for grabs 40 times instead of taking advantage of our ability to control the ball using our two great running backs. Awesome plan.

Congrats. You've managed to completely ignore the thread. Try reading before posting next time k?


Were not discussing throwing 40 times a game.

I'm saying we shouldn't become a stale running team is all.

This isn't even about balance. If the defense is hell bent the whole game on stopping our running backs, then pass. If the defense plays like the seahawks did during the NFC-C then run.

I just never want to hear this, "We came into the game knowing we were going to run, and no matter what the defense did, we ran any way just to prove we could. They dared us to run, and we did it."

It may work a few times, especially when the other team is tired a disheartened at the end of the game like Tampa Bay, but it'll catch up to you at the end of the day.

Just like throwing to Steve Smith over and over caught up us in 2005.