Need more Rod Smith

[StevenOtero]

Better coaching would have Zeke involved more in the passing game.

More Rod Smith isn't the answer.

 

[mattjames2010]

We ran Zeke 17 times and threw it to him eight, so essentially there weren't enough touches for the backs to get Smith into the game. Rod's role is to give Zeke a break if we have to use him too much. We haven't done enough on offense for Zeke to need a break.

And why should Zeke be out there that much? Because he was our top 5 pick?

 

[mattjames2010]

Better coaching would have Zeke involved more in the passing game.

More Rod Smith isn't the answer.

Zeke has never shown anywhere, in college or the pros, he's a dynamic pass catcher.

 

[Roadtrip635]

How about making Zeke the primary target on a couple passes and not just screens or checkdowns? Zeke should be catching 5-6 passes a game not 2-3. Dak needs to improve, but he doesn't design or call the plays.

 

[mattjames2010]

How about making Zeke the primary target on a couple passes and not just screens or checkdowns? Zeke should be catching 5-6 passes a game not 2-3. Dak needs to improve, but he doesn't design or call the plays.

Again, where in Zeke's career has he shown he's a dynamic receiving threat outside of screens and dumpoffs? What are we basing this on? Not even in college was Zeke this.

He's not Barkley...

 

[CowboyRoy]

Is he banged up or something? I'm not entirely sure why he's not being used more. We can all sit around and talk about how good Zeke is as a runner and a blocker, but Zeke doesn't seem to be a great pass catcher. He's taken a couple screens to the house, but other than that, not much else.

Last year Rod Smith not only showed he can be an effective runner, but also a really good pass catcher. He was also showing this in the preseason as well.

I get Zeke is a 3 down back due to his blocking ability, but we have to find a way to get Smith in the game at some point - at the very least, so he can catch those dumpoffs that Dak loves. Getting 1 yard a catch from Zeke isn't going to cut it.

Where do people get these ideas from?

So lets get Garrett calling plays again and have Rod Smith take carries away from Zeke. LOL

 

[Roadtrip635]

If Smith is a JAG, what the hell is Zeke? Zeke averaged 4 YPC, while Morris averaged more YPC. Zeke is also not someone running many routes nor have I ever seen him line up anywhere else outside of the RB position and make a play.

Maybe, just maybe, Zeke isn't as outstanding as we all think he is?

Gurley wasn't thought of as a pass catcher and started to look like a bust until McVay came along.

 

[mattjames2010]

Where do people get these ideas from?

So lets get Garrett calling plays again and have Rod Smith take carries away from Zeke. LOL

I didn't say carries. Read.

 

[aikemirv]

If Smith is a JAG, what the hell is Zeke? Zeke averaged 4 YPC, while Morris averaged more YPC. Zeke is also not someone running many routes nor have I ever seen him line up anywhere else outside of the RB position and make a play.

Maybe, just maybe, Zeke isn't as outstanding as we all think he is?

Troy Hambrick anyone!

 

[mattjames2010]

Gurley wasn't thought of as a pass catcher and started to look like a bust until McVay came along.

What the hell are you talking about? Gurley had 441 receiving yards his sophomore year and 6 TDs. Zeke had a college career high of 220 yards.

 

[StevenOtero]

Zeke has never shown anywhere, in college or the pros, he's a dynamic pass catcher.

Hard to show that when you're not even being sent on anything but simple flat/screen routes.

 

[mattjames2010]

Hard to show that when you're not even being sent on anything but simple flat/screen routes.

Do you think they have never done this with Zeke in practice? Ever stop to think they realize that's just not his game?

Which is fine, Peterson was never much of a pass catcher either - but Zeke isn't exactly a legendary runner like Peterson either. Great top 5 pick.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

I would have to see Elliott fail on the same routes that Rod Smith found success on before I could make that call. It's up to the coaches to send him out on something other than a screen or check down, I see no reason why he couldn't if they were to dial it up.

 

[Roadtrip635]

Again, where in Zeke's career has he shown he's a dynamic receiving threat outside of screens and dumpoffs? What are we basing this on? Not even in college was Zeke this.

He's not Barkley...

And Barkley caught 14 passes for 80 yds which is a record dating back to the 1950's for fewest yards on that number of catches. Scheme, play design, play calling and execution all matter. It's not just one thing, or an individual player, it all needs to come together to make it work. Rod Smith isn't going to make a difference, he'll be running the same plays but doesn't have the same level of talent.

 

[mattjames2010]

And Barkley caught 14 passes for 80 yds which is a record dating back to the 1950's for fewest yards on that number of catches. Scheme, play design, play calling and execution all matter. It's not just one thing, or an individual player, it all needs to come together to make it work. Rod Smith isn't going to make a difference, he'll be running the same plays but doesn't have the same level of talent.

You're not answering my question.

WHERE and WHEN has Zeke ever shown he is an effective route runner and receiver? With Barkley, he was coming out of college showing he is a dynamic pass catcher.

This is all assuming because Zeke was a top 5 pick. You can't even point anywhere.

 

[cowboyec]

yes....he doesnt sit the bench with the same gusto as he used to.
21

 

[StevenOtero]

Do you think they have never done this with Zeke in practice? Ever stop to think they realize that's just not his game?

Which is fine, Peterson was never much of a pass catcher either - but Zeke isn't exactly a legendary runner like Peterson either. Great top 5 pick.

Reports from the DC.com crew have stated that Zeke was involved in a lot more of the passing game in Training Camp.

During Team Periods...not just individual drills.

So, at this point...who knows?

 

[zerofill]

last night the catches Zeke got on screens, etc... were read. The defense was all over those. Zeke is more of a threat then Smith is, no matter how the ball gets in his hands. We need to design passing plays for Zeke, not get Smith in there for catching passes. 9 out of 10 times, Zeke will be able to do more with the ball in the open then Smith could.

 

[mattjames2010]

Reports from the DC.com crew have stated that Zeke was involved in a lot more of the passing game in Training Camp.

During Team Periods...not just individual drills.

So, at this point...who knows?

Then it's saying something that a guy who is out on the field far too much already, doesn't get as many chances as a receiver despite Zeke doing it in practice. If it's not translating during gameday, something is wrong.

Zeke is a good blocker and a good/great runner.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I didn't say carries. Read.

Its still a dumb idea.