Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

I'd like to see them roll Ben out to keep Raji on the run. The good thing about Ben is that he throws well whether he is going left or right so we won't have to worry so much if they move Matthews around - just roll away from him. The bad thing is that we will have to count on stellar tackle play in order for them to hold the outside.

[flippy]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

We have the personnel to f with them big time.

Go 2 TEs to start the game. Then spread everyone out and go no huddle and force them to keep Raji in the game when they typically wouldn't want.

Then next series go 3 wides. And run it. Again no huddle. And try to keep Raji off the field while we run it.

Then next series start using a pony package with Mendy and Moore/Redman in the backfield and take whatever the confused GB defense gives you. Again pressing it with the no huddle.

Keep GB off balance and score early. They've never been down more than 7 this season. So let's be overly aggressive and take it to them early.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

Good thought Ruth. A big key will be running out of 11. Because they need to show it and then run alot of PA out of that personnel group. Running PA (anytime) freezes the DL as well as everyone else. If they are in a stunt, you can catch them reading mid stunt and see the stunt coming. You can also get them to stop getting upfield until they identify PA and that helps the OL recover. On top of that, get a S or LB flat footed from PA, could be a big play downfield for Wallace or Sanders, or a trailing/out of position LB on Miller. I really think a HEAVY dose of PA will need to be put in the gameplan to help out Legursky along with a heavy does of counter in the run game. The Steelers were very productive the first time against the Jets in the counter game and also running out of shotgun, minus the safety of course. Get BJ cocked or gap power and run the counter away (weak). That will give a deeper handoff and give the RB the room because BJ will get some push. Running straight power will see some handoffs and Mendy running up the back of Bronco. 2 weeks boys & girls. Coaching could help negate some of the battles Bronco will lose...Let's see where our "coaching" is.

Another point should be attacking Mathews. Use his motor against him. Slow the man down...He's a baller. It really is a simple play design. 10 personnel, Shotgun, RB side car ....Mathews is identified at the LOS. Can actually go 0 personnel and motion Ward side car. Gives BB & OL the chance to find man-up guy on Ward so the OL can find him to block. The outside WRs stretch the field while the inside push between the seams to get the LBs turned. The play is a screen playside Mathews. Identified at the line. Now the OT on Mathews lets him get the corner but doesn't release. He mirrors Mathews because Mathews will chase it down from behind. G playside has the man covering Ward or RB identified from motion so pass can be completed. Bronco releases but backside holds. A play often run by good screen teams.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

Another good point, JPN. Since Clay Matthews' strength involves his ability to pursue relentlessly all over the field, we should not run away from him and allow him to chase the back down when Mendenhall inevitably dances a bit before hitting the hole...we should run right at him (which is not hard for us, since we pretty much run to our right almost exclusively anyway). Clay would not take kindly to a pulling Kemoeatu coming at him with a head of steam behind him.

[snarky]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

I'm not sure I want to go all pass crazy simply because we have Legursky at center. Part of the offensive game plan, IMO, has to be winning the time of possession battle. Keep Rodgers off the field.

I thought Arians did a great job in the AFCCG running out of some different formations. If we can find room to run the ball and stay in 3rd and short, I would rather go that way than change our offensive character simply to wear down Raji.

[pfelix73]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

They can just double down on the NG with one of the Guards. Chip the NG then the OG will zone block and peel to the LB's. They pull to the right alot with Kemo leading the way as well. Even though Raji is a great player, I don't think he is as good a player as Ngata. Their DL don't scare me as much as say the Ravens or the Jets did.

Legursky will have a good game.

[flippy]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

If we run at Clay Matthews, he's probably gonna get hit by the hotel a couple of times. That would slow anyone down.

[grotonsteel]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

[quote="RuthlessBurgher"Since Clay Matthews' strength involves his ability to pursue relentlessly all over the field, we should not run away from him and allow him to chase the back down when Mendenhall inevitably dances a bit before hitting the hole...we should run right at him (which is not hard for us, since we pretty much run to our right almost exclusively anyway). Clay would not take kindly to a pulling Kemoeatu coming at him with a head of steam behind him.[/quote]

[flippy]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

Its also a shame we're not that good at executing screens.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Offensive strategy to help out Doug Legursky at center

Its also a shame we're not that good at executing screens.

Unfortunately for us...That isn't something that just get better over night either.

BA needs to use the "less is more" line on thinking against a disciplined D. Don't get greedy and try to get 3 or 4 guys out in front. Good defenders read that right away when the beat their guy and see 2 or 3 same color jerseys coming free out of the corner of their eye. The peel off and find the eligible guy. If you have the entire OL backside play stay home and block...Harder to read & also can help the QB with the play. You can design a successful screen with two OL out in front. Designate them people to block presnap. Leave Scott, Kemo, & Adams home to give BB a side to fade to (left) and create time & space for the RB. Adams pushes Mathews by and holds in backfield to cut him off when he reads it & tries to run it down. Use motion to find the RG target. If you start with Mendy, Miller, or Ward in the slot...Motion him side car to BB. RG finds the man to man defender and on release finds him. If they are in zone, he has first inside guy clear. Bronco would have 2nd man free. You want first guy out to find the guy covering the guy cathing the ball or get first man free because the defenders job is to force it back inside. Less guys disciplined in their assignment could net a bigger play than all five OL releasing. We always see the Steelers trying to set up the screen and all defenders coming free. They read it and the OL is looking downfield and the RB is surrounded by defenders flowing to him. Even if BB gets the ball out, 3 OL go down field like they are looking to run for a TD themselves a one defender splits them all and makes the play. The conversation on the way back to the huddle is, "I thought you were getting him." Block backside to give BB a place to drop away and onside corner to cut off read...Let the defenders in the middle of the field read and react. Ravens and Giants do this alot and they are very good screening teams.