madness
10-20-2008, 10:39 AM
A lot of people are under the impression that our running is struggling mightily and I'm hear to tell you although it definitely could be better, it really isn't as bad as people say it is.
First thing to realize is that we run a varient of of the WCO. Once we understand that, we can understand how a lot of things differ from a convential offense.
Here is a little breakdown of a typical WCO.
The objective of the West Coast Offense is to:
Spread the defense out horizontally as well as vertically, forcing slower linebackers into coverage.
Maintain possession of the football by utilizing a short passing attack almost as an extension of the running game.
Create mismatches with speed, size, or number of receivers.
Avoid tendencies that defenses can key on by throwing on any down and distance.Ideal player qualities:
Quarterback - More of a focus is placed on decision-making and accuracy over arm strength in this system. A quarterback must be able to choose from multiple options and deliver the ball quickly. Mobility is also a big plus.
Running Back - In the West Coast Offense, running backs are generally used more as receivers out of the backfield than in other systems, so you need a guy with all-around skills. Good hands and route-running skills are a must.
Tight End - The tight end’s role is generally that of a possession receiver and blocker. The ability to catch the ball in traffic is a huge plus.
Wide Receiver - With the focus on a short passing attack, precision and timing are of the utmost importance, so receivers have to run precise routes. Straight-line speed isn’t as important as an ability to separate in traffic. And an ability to make plays after the catch can turn a good receiver into a superstar in this offense.
Offensive Linemen - You’re generally not trying to pound the ball on the ground in the West Coast Offense, so guys who can consistently blow defenders off the line aren’t necessary. Actually quicker, more mobile linemen are more ideal because of their ability to pull or get outside in a rolling pocket on plays designed to get the quarterback outside.Yesterday's receiving and rushing stats:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TH class=nameCell>Receiving</TH><TH>REC</TH><TH>YDS</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>LG</TH></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>L. Evans (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0022910) </TD><TD>8</TD><TD>89</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>R. Royal (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0021273) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>J. Reed (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0021166) </TD><TD>3</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>F. Jackson (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0024204) </TD><TD>3</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>M. Lynch (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025399) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>R. Parrish (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0023490) </TD><TD>2</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>D. Schouman (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025609) </TD><TD>1</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>18</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TH class=nameCell>Rushing</TH><TH>ATT</TH><TH>YDS</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>LG</TH></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>M. Lynch (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025399) </TD><TD>19</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>F. Jackson (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0024204) </TD><TD>9</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>T. Edwards (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025479) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>12</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Lynch and Jackson combine for a total of 153 all purpose yards. That number could be better but not too shabby. With the no call on the Lynch facemask, it could have been +20! :mad:
Now here's some key statements that may help explain our running woes.
"Basic football knowledge leads one to believe that the "correct" offensive philosophy is first to establish a strong running game. This will control the clock and the tempo of the game and set a physical tone while wearing down the defensive players. Additionally, the defense will need to adjust to stop the running game, bringing more players closer to the line of scrimmage and center of the field. As that change occurs, the offensive team will pass the ball in the now open, deep areas of the field. Overall, at least 50-60% of the offensive calls will be some form of a running play. The West Coast offense is essence the exact opposite of this classic style (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/1635/style.html) of play."
"The West Coast Offense emphasizes short, quick passes in place of a running game. At least 60% of the plays called will be passes and in stricter practices of the West Coast offense it could range up to 80% or more." (On a side note: Trent's completion % falls in the line of WC QB's such as Joe M. and Steve Young as opposed to verticle passing QB's such as "John Elway (57%), Dan Marino (59%), and Ken Stabler (59%).")
"A defense still has to bring players close to the line of scrimmage to adjust to the offense, the difference being that the defense needs to be spread out across the entire width of the field as opposed to being concentrated in the center to counter a running game. In this way the defense is now vulnerable to the run and the deep pass at the same time."
"The passing game normally will substitute for the running game with one basic principle.. it's easier to run down field and gain yards if you just cut out all the middle men and completely circumvent your O-line and their D-line. That way, you don't have to look for holes to run through. An average running game is normally needed to keep a defense "honest" and allow teams to run the short passes. Slants, quick outs, and curls are all mainstays of the West Coast."
In most conventional offenses, the idea is to run the ball to draw the safeties and linebackers in closer to the line of scrimmage, thus opening up passing lanes for a vertical attack. The West Coast Offense does just the opposite, using a quick, horizontal passing attack to set up the running game.
"Another key part of the Walsh implementation was "pass first, run later." It was Walsh's intention to gain an early lead by passing the ball, then run the ball on a tired defense late in the game, wearing them down further and running down the clock. The San Francisco 49ers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers) under Walsh often executed this very effectively.
Another key element in Walsh's attack was the three step dropback instead of traditional seven step drops or shotgun formations. The three step drop helped the quarterback get the ball out faster resulting in far fewer sacks. "WCO" plays unfold quicker than in traditional offenses and are usually based on timing routes by the receivers. In this offense the receivers also have reads and change their routes based on the coverages presented to them. The quarterback makes three reads and if no opportunity is available after three reads, the QB will then check off to a back or tight end. Five step and even 7 step dropbacks are now implemented in modern day WCO's because defensive speed has increased since the 80's. Some modern WCO's have even used shotgun formations (e.g. Green Bay, Atlanta '04-'06)."So as we can see, the short passing game sets up the run that usually doesn't pay dividends until later in the game which the Bills pattern fits. It's pretty common knowledge that teams scouting reports say stack the box to stop the Bills which actually works in the WCO's favor. Lynch and Jackson are getting a nice dose of receptions and Trent can deliver the intermediate to deep ball to keep defenses honest.
As I stated in the beginning, there is obviously room for improvement but a lot of what we are seeing is by design.
Sources:
http://football.about.com/od/offensivestrategy/a/West-Coast.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/357807/understanding_nfl_football_the_west.html?page=2&cat=14
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5913880/West-Coast-Offense-Simplified
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_coast_offense
First thing to realize is that we run a varient of of the WCO. Once we understand that, we can understand how a lot of things differ from a convential offense.
Here is a little breakdown of a typical WCO.
The objective of the West Coast Offense is to:
Spread the defense out horizontally as well as vertically, forcing slower linebackers into coverage.
Maintain possession of the football by utilizing a short passing attack almost as an extension of the running game.
Create mismatches with speed, size, or number of receivers.
Avoid tendencies that defenses can key on by throwing on any down and distance.Ideal player qualities:
Quarterback - More of a focus is placed on decision-making and accuracy over arm strength in this system. A quarterback must be able to choose from multiple options and deliver the ball quickly. Mobility is also a big plus.
Running Back - In the West Coast Offense, running backs are generally used more as receivers out of the backfield than in other systems, so you need a guy with all-around skills. Good hands and route-running skills are a must.
Tight End - The tight end’s role is generally that of a possession receiver and blocker. The ability to catch the ball in traffic is a huge plus.
Wide Receiver - With the focus on a short passing attack, precision and timing are of the utmost importance, so receivers have to run precise routes. Straight-line speed isn’t as important as an ability to separate in traffic. And an ability to make plays after the catch can turn a good receiver into a superstar in this offense.
Offensive Linemen - You’re generally not trying to pound the ball on the ground in the West Coast Offense, so guys who can consistently blow defenders off the line aren’t necessary. Actually quicker, more mobile linemen are more ideal because of their ability to pull or get outside in a rolling pocket on plays designed to get the quarterback outside.Yesterday's receiving and rushing stats:
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TH class=nameCell>Receiving</TH><TH>REC</TH><TH>YDS</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>LG</TH></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>L. Evans (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0022910) </TD><TD>8</TD><TD>89</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>R. Royal (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0021273) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>J. Reed (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0021166) </TD><TD>3</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>F. Jackson (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0024204) </TD><TD>3</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>M. Lynch (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025399) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>R. Parrish (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0023490) </TD><TD>2</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>D. Schouman (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025609) </TD><TD>1</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>18</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TH class=nameCell>Rushing</TH><TH>ATT</TH><TH>YDS</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>LG</TH></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>M. Lynch (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025399) </TD><TD>19</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>F. Jackson (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0024204) </TD><TD>9</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nameCell>T. Edwards (http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=00-0025479) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>12</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Lynch and Jackson combine for a total of 153 all purpose yards. That number could be better but not too shabby. With the no call on the Lynch facemask, it could have been +20! :mad:
Now here's some key statements that may help explain our running woes.
"Basic football knowledge leads one to believe that the "correct" offensive philosophy is first to establish a strong running game. This will control the clock and the tempo of the game and set a physical tone while wearing down the defensive players. Additionally, the defense will need to adjust to stop the running game, bringing more players closer to the line of scrimmage and center of the field. As that change occurs, the offensive team will pass the ball in the now open, deep areas of the field. Overall, at least 50-60% of the offensive calls will be some form of a running play. The West Coast offense is essence the exact opposite of this classic style (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/1635/style.html) of play."
"The West Coast Offense emphasizes short, quick passes in place of a running game. At least 60% of the plays called will be passes and in stricter practices of the West Coast offense it could range up to 80% or more." (On a side note: Trent's completion % falls in the line of WC QB's such as Joe M. and Steve Young as opposed to verticle passing QB's such as "John Elway (57%), Dan Marino (59%), and Ken Stabler (59%).")
"A defense still has to bring players close to the line of scrimmage to adjust to the offense, the difference being that the defense needs to be spread out across the entire width of the field as opposed to being concentrated in the center to counter a running game. In this way the defense is now vulnerable to the run and the deep pass at the same time."
"The passing game normally will substitute for the running game with one basic principle.. it's easier to run down field and gain yards if you just cut out all the middle men and completely circumvent your O-line and their D-line. That way, you don't have to look for holes to run through. An average running game is normally needed to keep a defense "honest" and allow teams to run the short passes. Slants, quick outs, and curls are all mainstays of the West Coast."
In most conventional offenses, the idea is to run the ball to draw the safeties and linebackers in closer to the line of scrimmage, thus opening up passing lanes for a vertical attack. The West Coast Offense does just the opposite, using a quick, horizontal passing attack to set up the running game.
"Another key part of the Walsh implementation was "pass first, run later." It was Walsh's intention to gain an early lead by passing the ball, then run the ball on a tired defense late in the game, wearing them down further and running down the clock. The San Francisco 49ers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers) under Walsh often executed this very effectively.
Another key element in Walsh's attack was the three step dropback instead of traditional seven step drops or shotgun formations. The three step drop helped the quarterback get the ball out faster resulting in far fewer sacks. "WCO" plays unfold quicker than in traditional offenses and are usually based on timing routes by the receivers. In this offense the receivers also have reads and change their routes based on the coverages presented to them. The quarterback makes three reads and if no opportunity is available after three reads, the QB will then check off to a back or tight end. Five step and even 7 step dropbacks are now implemented in modern day WCO's because defensive speed has increased since the 80's. Some modern WCO's have even used shotgun formations (e.g. Green Bay, Atlanta '04-'06)."So as we can see, the short passing game sets up the run that usually doesn't pay dividends until later in the game which the Bills pattern fits. It's pretty common knowledge that teams scouting reports say stack the box to stop the Bills which actually works in the WCO's favor. Lynch and Jackson are getting a nice dose of receptions and Trent can deliver the intermediate to deep ball to keep defenses honest.
As I stated in the beginning, there is obviously room for improvement but a lot of what we are seeing is by design.
Sources:
http://football.about.com/od/offensivestrategy/a/West-Coast.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/357807/understanding_nfl_football_the_west.html?page=2&cat=14
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5913880/West-Coast-Offense-Simplified
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_coast_offense