2 Random Questions About Our Offense

[flippy]

1. Should we try to sign a FB to replace Nix? If we're going to go far, I think we need to beef up the running game. And I think the #1 thing holding us back might be the lack of Nix.

2. Why don't we involve the TEs in the passing game? IMHO, TE's stretching the middle of the field open up the running game more than anything else.

[Mr.wizard]

1. Should we try to sign a FB to replace Nix? If we're going to go far, I think we need to beef up the running game. And I think the #1 thing holding us back might be the lack of Nix.

2. Why don't we involve the TEs in the passing game? IMHO, TE's stretching the middle of the field open up the running game more than anything else.

We do incorporate the TE, prior to the bengal game Mcdonald had 7 targets in three straight games. The problem is Mason Rudolph stayed away from the middle of the field because he has trouble reading the linebackers and safeties, so he mostly stay short or to the outside because its easier to see the coverage. mcdonald is in on more than 90% of the snaps and he is rarely kept into pass protect, so its not like they are keeping the TE out of the offense, the QB is just not getting him the ball.

[Ernie]

We do incorporate the TE, prior to the bengal game Mcdonald had 7 targets in three straight games. The problem is Mason Rudolph stayed away from the middle of the field because he has trouble reading the linebackers and safeties, so he mostly stay short or to the outside because its easier to see the coverage. mcdonald is in on more than 90% of the snaps and he is rarely kept into pass protect, so its not like they are keeping the TE out of the offense, the QB is just not getting him the ball.

prior to those 3 games.. Vance was targeted an average of 2 times per game (for 3 or 4 games). I give credit to as least targeting Vance more (not yesterday obviously). In the future perhaps they can do it in plays other than TE screens.

[Steel Maniac]

Kinda hard to predict how many times the TE will be targeted going forward when we don’t even know for sure who the starter at qb is next week.

[Eich]

Kinda hard to predict how many times the TE will be targeted going forward when we don’t even know for sure who the starter at qb is next week.

I'll be a little surprised/disappointed if it isn't Duck next week.

[whatever]

Kinda hard to predict how many times the TE will be targeted going forward when we don’t even know for sure who the starter at qb is next week.

Seems like the TE is usually the young QBs best friend. Big, easy, close check down target.

[Mr.wizard]

prior to those 3 games.. Vance was targeted an average of 2 times per game (for 3 or 4 games). I give credit to as least targeting Vance more (not yesterday obviously). In the future perhaps they can do it in plays other than TE screens.

But your just looking at targets, look at the number of offensive snaps Mcdonald is on the field for, he is out there on pass patterns, there is nothing preventing our QB from throwing him the ball. If we want the TE involved then its up to the QB, all the OC can do is call the play, he cant throw the ball for the QB.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

How many plays are being run for the TEs? Not just targets after all else has been exhausted, but plays in which VM is the primary target?

[Ernie]

How many plays are being run for the TEs? Not just targets after all else has been exhausted, but plays in which VM is the primary target?

Thank you.....

[Oh wow]

We don’t know how many plays are targeted to the TE. If he’s covered, you don’t throw to him and maybe that’s why some of these plays look broken?

All I know is Mason threw 2 TD’s to Vance the first game vs Seattle so I just knew he would be a favorite weapon for Mason.

IMO he probably threw too many passes to Washington because he is familiar with him.

Can’t blame the OC for all of Masons woes.

[Oviedo]

Can’t blame the OC for all of Masons woes.

True, but IMO he hasn't put MR in a position to be successful constantly running into 8 man fronts and creating third and long situations.

[Ernie]

True, but IMO he hasn't put MR in a position to be successful constantly running into 8 man fronts and creating third and long situations.

Its a combination of both.. but as has been stated the OC isnt doing us any favors.

[hawaiiansteel]

I'll be a little surprised/disappointed if it isn't Duck next week.

I'm sure it will be...

[papillon]

1. Should we try to sign a FB to replace Nix? If we're going to go far, I think we need to beef up the running game. And I think the #1 thing holding us back might be the lack of Nix.

2. Why don't we involve the TEs in the passing game? IMHO, TE's stretching the middle of the field open up the running game more than anything else.

No need to sign a fullback, use Vannett, he's non-existent in the passing game anyhow and maybe, you can use him the passing game as a change of pace out of the fullback position.
Hodges will target McDonald more, I believe he'll have 4 or 5 catches this weekend. You can give McDonald a breather with Vannett when necessary.

It just requires a little creative thinking

Pappy

[Mr.wizard]

True, but IMO he hasn't put MR in a position to be successful constantly running into 8 man fronts and creating third and long situations.

Isnt that really MR's fault, i mean if you call a run and they move everyone into the box, isnt it the qb's job to check out of the play? Thats the reason why they have the audible sometimes the defense lines up in a front that isnt great for the offensive play call, its poor QB play.