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by: Matt Williamson
posted: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 | Print Entry
filed under: Green Bay Packers, Ryan Grant
Since Ryan Grant took over the Packers' starting running back job, Green Bay's rushing attack has risen from the dead. Grant is a good running back and an excellent fit in this zone-blocking offense, but he isn't the only reason for the improvement.
Grant is a big reason with his good size and ability to run with power. He fits this scheme well because he doesn't dance behind the line of scrimmage. Plus, he picks a hole, attacks it and gets what he can with his physical attributes. Remember, this rushing attack is based off what Denver has done so well under Mike Shanahan with decisive one-cut runners and athletic offensive linemen who rely more on technique and leverage than pure power and body mass. Grant fits it to a tee.
However, Green Bay's offensive line has also played considerably better than early in the season, from a run-blocking standpoint. This is especially true for the interior linemen, who are young players who have been quickly acclimated to the NFL. Even OTs Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton are somewhat new to this scheme. Offensive line play is very much about five men playing as one and after a year and a half together in Mike McCarthy's scheme, the Packers' offensive line is doing just that. These things take time and Grant is now reaping the benefits of improved blocking upfront.
Another reason why the Packers are running the ball more effectively is play calling. Green Bay runs the ball out of many different personnel groupings and formations. It isn't uncommon to see Grant in the backfield with two fullbacks. Grant also gets carries in a single back set with four wide receivers. These are two extremes, but the Packers also run the ball from any personnel grouping in between as well. Also, because their passing attack is so dangerous, they often see minimal players in the box. Like the Colts, Patriots and other great offenses, the Packers are now fully taking advantage of what the defense gives them.
Brett Favre and company can pick a defense apart with quick slants, hooks and other three-step drop routes that get the ball to their impressive wide outs quickly on underneath routes. Or, they can attack downfield and really press a defense vertically. This is still an offense that passes to set up the run, but the recent emergence of the running game has certainly opened up more play-action opportunities that make the vertical game even more effective. Plus, Grant has really helped Green Bay close out games, which was especially apparent on Thanksgiving in Detroit.
posted: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 | Print Entry
filed under: Green Bay Packers, Ryan Grant
Since Ryan Grant took over the Packers' starting running back job, Green Bay's rushing attack has risen from the dead. Grant is a good running back and an excellent fit in this zone-blocking offense, but he isn't the only reason for the improvement.
Grant is a big reason with his good size and ability to run with power. He fits this scheme well because he doesn't dance behind the line of scrimmage. Plus, he picks a hole, attacks it and gets what he can with his physical attributes. Remember, this rushing attack is based off what Denver has done so well under Mike Shanahan with decisive one-cut runners and athletic offensive linemen who rely more on technique and leverage than pure power and body mass. Grant fits it to a tee.
However, Green Bay's offensive line has also played considerably better than early in the season, from a run-blocking standpoint. This is especially true for the interior linemen, who are young players who have been quickly acclimated to the NFL. Even OTs Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton are somewhat new to this scheme. Offensive line play is very much about five men playing as one and after a year and a half together in Mike McCarthy's scheme, the Packers' offensive line is doing just that. These things take time and Grant is now reaping the benefits of improved blocking upfront.
Another reason why the Packers are running the ball more effectively is play calling. Green Bay runs the ball out of many different personnel groupings and formations. It isn't uncommon to see Grant in the backfield with two fullbacks. Grant also gets carries in a single back set with four wide receivers. These are two extremes, but the Packers also run the ball from any personnel grouping in between as well. Also, because their passing attack is so dangerous, they often see minimal players in the box. Like the Colts, Patriots and other great offenses, the Packers are now fully taking advantage of what the defense gives them.
Brett Favre and company can pick a defense apart with quick slants, hooks and other three-step drop routes that get the ball to their impressive wide outs quickly on underneath routes. Or, they can attack downfield and really press a defense vertically. This is still an offense that passes to set up the run, but the recent emergence of the running game has certainly opened up more play-action opportunities that make the vertical game even more effective. Plus, Grant has really helped Green Bay close out games, which was especially apparent on Thanksgiving in Detroit.
