Why does our play action pass suck so bad?

[AceBoogie]

I'm just simply looking for answers here. I'm not talking about Cam's read option fake when he pulls it back to pass, I'm talking about traditional play action pass. Its not even a fake, Cam just kind of nods to the running back. It's something that I always thought would improve, but never has. Anyone want to enlighten me?

[L-TownCat]

Thats been a bit of a mystery to me too.

Its not that hes bad at it, its that he just doesnt even do it.  He does normal PA like he does the Read option PA. 2 hands on the ball and he pretends to fake, no he thinks about it, no he pretends to think about the fake....

i need to sit down...

[CRA]

Three reasons IMO

1.  Our traditional generally is weak.  Play action works in this scenario when you have the opponent concerned about your rush attack.  We generally have to get in shotgun/zone looks for our run to open up.  So we run for 1-2 yards and then suddenly think going play action is going to set something up

2.  Cam doesn't sell it well.  There actually is an awesome clip on Peyton and the effort time he puts into it.  I'm sure it is on you tube....his real handoff vs play action are virtually identical.

3.  I simply think Cam doesn't like those traditional power runs....b/c they don't work in terms of running and the play action of those clustered power run formations is kinda a weak idea given you aren't threatening with the rush.  So for example, on a play action that isn't going to generate much...is it worth selling it out fully if it meant turning his back to defenses allowing for Byron Bell to protected him blindly....I think Cam is most worried about getting hurt in those scenarios.

Cam sells the heck out of a zone read play action pass/run.

[The Huddler]

Idk

[KSpan]

While a QB really selling a handoff doesn't hurt, defenses are reading their keys to determine run/pass.  For the front 7, they're typically keying on a certain lineman or on a back, so that's where effective play action is sold. My guess is that comparing Carolina's OL vs other OLs on good play-action could be just as interesting as comparing QBs.

[0115]

inb4 shulla.

[beastson]

inb4 shulla.

I mean...

 

fug it.

[Ivan The Awesome]

If you're running the same three running plays for 2 yards, play action ain't going to work. 

 

Maybe with this revamped O-line and a healthy Stewart those same run plays will be for 4-5 yards and play action can finally work.

[the butch]

About that only time I see it work is in the shotgun to freeze a LB so Olsen can squeak by over the middle.

[t96]

Simple answer for early last year.... With DeAngelo running into the back of the linemen, the LBs and secondary could play the pass every single time and they'd still get a tackle for loss if we ran it.

[Kurb]

1a) Cam doesn't sell it.

1b) Shula doesn't design them well.  When a OLineman comes out passblocking or not pulling for a PA pass......welp..

[uncfan888]

[tiger7_88]

If they're successfully and regularly stopping your standard running plays from the I-formation or single back with their front four, why would LBs and DBs react to your play-action?

[Snake]

Three reasons IMO

1.  Our traditional generally is weak.  Play action works in this scenario when you have the opponent concerned about your rush attack.  We generally have to get in shotgun/zone looks for our run to open up.  So we run for 1-2 yards and then suddenly think going play action is going to set something up

2.  Cam doesn't sell it well.  There actually is an awesome clip on Peyton and the effort time he puts into it.  I'm sure it is on you tube....his real handoff vs play action are virtually identical.

3.  I simply think Cam doesn't like those traditional power runs....b/c they don't work in terms of running and the play action of those clustered power run formations is kinda a weak idea given you aren't threatening with the rush.  So for example, on a play action that isn't going to generate much...is it worth selling it out fully if it meant turning his back to defenses allowing for Byron Bell to protected him blindly....I think Cam is most worried about getting hurt in those scenarios.

Cam sells the heck out of a zone read play action pass/run.

I think the lack of a Oline that can really run block is the biggest problem but all this is true.