Does Rivera trust the offense?

[CamMoon]

Merry Christmas everybody. As I finish off a different type of tree this holiday season I think about Ron Rivera and his apparent hot and cold relationship with going for it on 4th and short. A few years ago it wasn't uncommon for us to go for it on 4th and 5 or 6 if we were close to scoring territory. I can't remember one circumstance where that has happened this one, save the game being on the line or over at that point.

The offense was especially dreadful early in the season and Riveras coaching more or less reflected that. So did Shulas to an extent. We were incredibly conservative, maybe to a fault. But the lack of speed or real talent limits what you can do on offense. It makes more sense to control the clock and try to win time of possession so your defense, the better unit is in a better position to win the game for you. This also forces you to be more methodical when deciding when to be aggressive. Putting your defense on the field to defend a short field is disastrous when your offense can't match.

This is what seperates Rivera from middle of the pack coaches like John Fox and into top tier status. He and Cam deserve great credit for dragging 11 wins out of this team. However Shulas play calling is still inexcusable in most situations.

[Cyberjag]

We just successfully ran a fake punt.

[RelaxImaPro]

6 minutes ago, Cyberjag said:

We just successfully ran a fake punt.

Yeah, I'll give that to him... it took some balls to run that one and completely caught me waaay the fug off guard.

I'll give him credit for the call, but it was almost a disaster if the dude covering Dickson didn't panic, put him in a chokehold, and drag him to the ground for one of the easiest PI calls you'll ever see.  Was in good position to just put a hand up, contest, and give the Bucs an extremely short field.

Why we can risk that but not attempt a 50 yard FG or get uneasy about going for it on 4th and short deep in the opponent's territory I have no idea.

[Cyberjag]

I think the bigger question when you're considering going for it on fourth and short is if you trust the defense, just in case you fail.

[tiger7_88]

17 minutes ago, CamMoon said:

Does Rivera trust the offense?

[Cookie Lyon]

"If I trusted the offense, that would be neat."

[L-TownCat]

You’re on the right track just asking the wrong question.

He trusts the offense to do what he wants them to do.  

Now, the question is: Is what he wants to do, right for the team we have?

[csx]

2 minutes ago, L-TownCat said:

You’re on the right track just asking the wrong question.

He trusts the offense to do what he wants them to do.  

Now, the question is: Is what he wants to do, right for the team we have?

It's working. 

[L-TownCat]

12 minutes ago, csx said:

It's working. 

Yeah, a car with a fouled plug will work, but you’re not getting peak performance.

[UpstatePanther]

1 hour ago, L-TownCat said:

Yeah, a car with a fouled plug will work, but you’re not getting peak performance.

That's a great analogy, actually.

[csx]

2 hours ago, L-TownCat said:

Yeah, a car with a fouled plug will work, but you’re not getting peak performance.

I'm not concerned about fantasy points. I do hope they improve as it makes it more entertaining in the end. 

[L-TownCat]

5 hours ago, csx said:

I'm not concerned about fantasy points. I do hope they improve as it makes it more entertaining in the end. 

I too hope they get better.

Question: where did fantasy come from?

[ThPantherFan]

9 hours ago, CamMoon said:

However Shulas play calling is still inexcusable in most situations

shula is inexcusable, for sure.

[ThPantherFan]

9 hours ago, Cyberjag said:

We just successfully ran a fake punt.

Can't argue that.  Awkward throw.