Fix the running back room

[RustyBourneHorse]

I thought that the running game before the season would be our biggest concern prior to the season, and it seems to be. Because Jerry wasn't willing to find a viable replacement for Zeke (including possibly trading for Derrick Henry), we are where we are now. For those wondering where the running game is, Mike tried to run the ball earlier this season. It became clear that we are deficient in that area, so that's when he started relying on Dak's arm more. As well as Dak has played this season, this doesn't bode well for playing on the road in the playoffs. This is because, especially when you're on the road in the playoffs, you must be able to run the ball effectively. I don't care who your QB is. You must run the ball. The Bills game was a prime example where running the ball is key in bad weather games. If you've ever thrown or caught a football, it's much harder to do so when the ball is wet than dry. You know what's easier when the weather is bad? Running the ball!

Jerry needs to fix the running back room if we are going to try to have success. Being one dimensional in the NFL makes it that much harder to win. Unfortunately, because of our lackluster running back room, we don't have the ability to run the ball as we would like.

If I were Mike McCarthy, I'd start by seeing what Vaughn can do. At least with little screen plays, it's basically an extended handoff. Meanwhile, he needs to kick the tires on every running back currently available and see who can be viable. He and the FO should be bringing in running backs from now until the playoffs for workouts to see who can be a viable option to be a bandaid until the offseason. Then, start over with the running back room. Draft an olineman round one, sign Derrick Henry or Barkley, and then draft another back in round 3. At least then, we stand a reasonable chance of sustaining a run game. If we can do this, then our offense will be much more effective and efficient.

 

[rags747]

RB room is fine, OL room is another story.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

RB room is fine, OL room is another story.

Yes, the oline has some holes, which is why I said draft an olineman in round 1, but then I'd rethink how we use the RB game. Imo, I'd do something like have Henry or Barkley be the lead back, draft a back that compliments what we do, have Vaughn as a Sproles-scatback option, and maybe Luepke as a FB. I think that might be the injection our RB room needs.

 

[Coogiguy03]

You actually have to have a hole to run through to have a running game!! Have you watched the good teams and how far back opposing defenses go back when they're being blocked? Nobody goes back when our guys are blocking except our OL guys

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

You actually have to have a hole to run through to have a running game!! Have you watched the good teams and how far back opposing defenses go back when they're being blocked? Nobody goes back when our guys are blocking except our OL guys

I agree that we need a revamped oline, and that's a thread for probably tomorrow or Saturday. I think we either need a revamped oline room, a different oline coaching system, or a combination. That said, I think a back like Derrick Henry could've been what the oline needed to help them out. In the meantime, maybe using Vaughn for screen passes as extended handoffs would be good.

 

[john van brocklin]

I thought that the running game before the season would be our biggest concern prior to the season, and it seems to be. Because Jerry wasn't willing to find a viable replacement for Zeke (including possibly trading for Derrick Henry), we are where we are now. For those wondering where the running game is, Mike tried to run the ball earlier this season. It became clear that we are deficient in that area, so that's when he started relying on Dak's arm more. As well as Dak has played this season, this doesn't bode well for playing on the road in the playoffs. This is because, especially when you're on the road in the playoffs, you must be able to run the ball effectively. I don't care who your QB is. You must run the ball. The Bills game was a prime example where running the ball is key in bad weather games. If you've ever thrown or caught a football, it's much harder to do so when the ball is wet than dry. You know what's easier when the weather is bad? Running the ball!

Jerry needs to fix the running back room if we are going to try to have success. Being one dimensional in the NFL makes it that much harder to win. Unfortunately, because of our lackluster running back room, we don't have the ability to run the ball as we would like.

If I were Mike McCarthy, I'd start by seeing what Vaughn can do. At least with little screen plays, it's basically an extended handoff. Meanwhile, he needs to kick the tires on every running back currently available and see who can be viable. He and the FO should be bringing in running backs from now until the playoffs for workouts to see who can be a viable option to be a bandaid until the offseason. Then, start over with the running back room. Draft an olineman round one, sign Derrick Henry or Barkley, and then draft another back in round 3. At least then, we stand a reasonable chance of sustaining a run game. If we can do this, then our offense will be much more effective and efficient.

Agreed!
So glad we did not sign Pollard to a long term deal.
He is clearly not the same back since the injury.

 

[TwistedL0g1k]

Trading for Henry would have been a mistake. I've long said they should have added a RB in the draft (Deuce doesn't count). The OL is the FAR bigger problem. The current group of RB's would look a lot better with better blocking. Dak too for that matter.

 

[Eddie]

Where is this love fest for Henry coming from? What? Give up a top tier draft pick for a guy who'll last you half a season.

The guy is one step behind Zeke in the washed up category.

 

[OmerV]

Jerry needs to fix the running back room if we are going to try to have success. Being one dimensional in the NFL makes it that much harder to win. Unfortunately, because of our lackluster running back room, we don't have the ability to run the ball as we would like.

If I were Mike McCarthy, I'd start by seeing what Vaughn can do. At least with little screen plays, it's basically an extended handoff. Meanwhile, he needs to kick the tires on every running back currently available and see who can be viable. He and the FO should be bringing in running backs from now until the playoffs for workouts to see who can be a viable option to be a bandaid until the offseason. Then, start over with the running back room. Draft an olineman round one, sign Derrick Henry or Barkley, and then draft another back in round 3. At least then, we stand a reasonable chance of sustaining a run game. If we can do this, then our offense will be much more effective and efficient.

We are going to improve the RB situation with a RB who has been sitting on his couch the first 16 weeks of the season? Is that what you really believe?

The thing to do is call up Malik Davis and/or find someone on another team's practice squad. You can't find RB's to bring in for workouts that make sense.

 

[32BellyOption]

Trading for Henry would have been a mistake. I've long said they should have added a RB in the draft (Deuce doesn't count). The OL is the FAR bigger problem. The current group of RB's would look a lot better with better blocking. Dak too for that matter.

Can’t say it would have been a mistake not knowing what we would have given up.

 

[baltcowboy]

Can’t say it would have been a mistake not knowing what we would have given up.

The Titans were not trading Henry. How many times does it have to get threw some of the board members skull.

 

[Coogiguy03]

JUST REMEMBER we don't draft them in round one

 

[visionary]

RB room is fine, OL room is another story.

 

[Sydla]

OL needs to be upgraded. Scheme needs to shift. They need a better combo of RBs. Pollard is fine but if you had paired him with say, a Raheem Mostert, who was a solid, not expensive type FA TB (granted Miami wanted him and he was likely going back there), I suspect our run game would be better.

Dowdle is more a third or even fourth type TB. They should have looked at getting a TB earlier in the draft (not the first round mind you) or hit FA for a solid TB (no, not Ronald Jones).

Trade wise, Henry would have been fine depending on the price. Giving up high picks and/or then paying him a ton would have been a dumb move.

 

[Shannon1]

The Titans were not trading Henry. How many times does it have to get threw some of the board members skull.

He will be a free agent maybe next year

 

[visionary]

The Titans were not trading Henry. How many times does it have to get threw some of the board members skull.

As many times as it takes to get the importance of a run game “threw” your skull

So i guess, infinite number

 

[cowboyschmps3]

I thought that the running game before the season would be our biggest concern prior to the season, and it seems to be. Because Jerry wasn't willing to find a viable replacement for Zeke (including possibly trading for Derrick Henry), we are where we are now. For those wondering where the running game is, Mike tried to run the ball earlier this season. It became clear that we are deficient in that area, so that's when he started relying on Dak's arm more. As well as Dak has played this season, this doesn't bode well for playing on the road in the playoffs. This is because, especially when you're on the road in the playoffs, you must be able to run the ball effectively. I don't care who your QB is. You must run the ball. The Bills game was a prime example where running the ball is key in bad weather games. If you've ever thrown or caught a football, it's much harder to do so when the ball is wet than dry. You know what's easier when the weather is bad? Running the ball!

Jerry needs to fix the running back room if we are going to try to have success. Being one dimensional in the NFL makes it that much harder to win. Unfortunately, because of our lackluster running back room, we don't have the ability to run the ball as we would like.

If I were Mike McCarthy, I'd start by seeing what Vaughn can do. At least with little screen plays, it's basically an extended handoff. Meanwhile, he needs to kick the tires on every running back currently available and see who can be viable. He and the FO should be bringing in running backs from now until the playoffs for workouts to see who can be a viable option to be a bandaid until the offseason. Then, start over with the running back room. Draft an olineman round one, sign Derrick Henry or Barkley, and then draft another back in round 3. At least then, we stand a reasonable chance of sustaining a run game. If we can do this, then our offense will be much more effective and efficient.

They can go and sign Fournette off the Bills PS!

 

[baltcowboy]

As many times as it takes to get the importance of a run game “threw” your skull

So i guess, infinite number

You really have no clue if you think Henry would have solved our running issues.

 

[visionary]

You really have no clue if you think Henry would have solved our running issues.

Like i said, infinite

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

We are going to improve the RB situation with a RB who has been sitting on his couch the first 16 weeks of the season? Is that what you really believe?

The thing to do is call up Malik Davis and/or find someone on another team's practice squad. You can't find RB's to bring in for workouts that make sense.

I'd be for calling up Davis or kicking the tires of someone on another practice squad. Someone who can do better than what we have now.