Reason for TO's "struggles"...?

[Dale]

I had stumbled upon a TO highlight package from Philly over at YouTube.com after watching that rap video posted earlier.

Quick question: Do you think one reason TO isn't have as much of a statistical impact is that he doesn't have a mobile QB throwing him the ball?

This is not an indictment of Bledsoe (this thread doesn't need to become that). But watching some of TO's bigger plays over the years, it seems like a number of them have been undesigned when McNabb -- or even Garcia -- scrambles around to eventually find an open TO for a big game.

Heck, even before McNabb and Garcia, he had Steve Young throwing him the ball.

Do you think the presence of a pure pocket passer is restricting his game and limiting one of his strengths, that being the ability to break free with a mobile QB running around?

Just a thought...

 

[SBChamps]

I think the fact TO missed most of TC has more to do with it then Bledsoe being a pocket passer.

TG being Bledsoe's first option most of the time has something to do with it as well.

 

[parchy]

I don't think it's limiting insofar that it's changing the way he gets the ball. If Bledsoe could stay on his feet a little longer I doubt it'd be much of a problem. So it probably has less to do with the pocket passer mold and more to do with Bledsoe himself. Because McNabb is pretty stationary himself in his own right.

 

[Paniolo22]

I had stumbled upon a TO highlight package from Philly over at YouTube.com after watching that rap video posted earlier.

Quick question: Do you think one reason TO isn't have as much of a statistical impact is that he doesn't have a mobile QB throwing him the ball?

This is not an indictment of Bledsoe (this thread doesn't need to become that). But watching some of TO's bigger plays over the years, it seems like a number of them have been undesigned when McNabb -- or even Garcia -- scrambles around to eventually find an open TO for a big game.

Heck, even before McNabb and Garcia, he had Steve Young throwing him the ball.

Do you think the presence of a pure pocket passer is restricting his game and limiting one of his strengths, that being the ability to break free with a mobile QB running around?

Just a thought...

I agree 100%. Randy Moss found out the same thing when he went from DC to KC. That's why he was looking forward to big things with AB. These guys are better at broken plays than they are at running routes. I also think it's one of the reasons TO wanted to go to ATL when he was free. The ultimate mobile QB, Mr. Broken play MV to get him the ball.

 

[SuspectCorner]

JMO but i think bledsoe and owens need to gain a familiarity for one another. and that only comes thru repetition. i think they'll get there. i hope they'll get there. they better get there.

 

[Dale]

I agree 100%. Randy Moss found out the same thing when he went from DC to KC. That's why he was looking forward to big things with AB. These guys are better at broken plays than they are at running routes. I also think it's one of the reasons TO wanted to go to ATL when he was free. The ultimate mobile QB, Mr. Broken play MV to get him the ball.

Yeah, I agree.

I agree with the previous posters saying TO and Bledsoe simply lack familiarity. I guess my question, though, becomes even once/if they gain that, won't there be that certain aspect of the McNabb-TO connection missing? Now, maybe we find ways for a pocket passer to get TO the ball that his previous quarterbacks couldn't but it seems doubtful.

As to McNabb not running much. Yeah, he's a pocket passer in the sense that he basically is always doing everything in an attempt to set up the pass. He's not a running quarterback by any means. But check out the highlight reel of McNabb-to-TO sometime. As Paniolo said, it's amazing how many "broken plays" they hooked up on to produce big yardage.

 

[Crown Royal]

TO provided a great outlet for these guys when plays broke down, but it isn't as if TO doesn't get open or make plays when the guy stays at home.

I think his first year in Philly, McNabb was being dubbed as the most pocket passing year of his career - ie, he didn't scramble nearly as much as he had in the past.

IOW - I think that TO has made big plays off his QBs buying him time, but I don't think it was so significant that he has been rendered useless by a pocket passer.

Heck, lots of his bread and butter plays with mcnabb were short slants/routes from 3 step drops that TO gained a huge YAC rating.

Concise answer: Not rly.

 

[Idgit]

I agree 100%. Randy Moss found out the same thing when he went from DC to KC. That's why he was looking forward to big things with AB. These guys are better at broken plays than they are at running routes. I also think it's one of the reasons TO wanted to go to ATL when he was free. The ultimate mobile QB, Mr. Broken play MV to get him the ball.

Moss's problem is that he's not nearly as effective on grass. Oakland was a bad place for him to go to. And nobody looks forward to playing with Aaron Brooks.

TO wanted to go to Atl, because he has his home there, and because his coordinator from SF is there running a system he's familiar with. I doubt it had anything to do with Bledsoe's mobility.

 

[Tass]

He may be at his best on broken plays but he's still a good 'regular' WR.

 

[Dale]

He may be at his best on broken plays but he's still a good 'regular' WR.

Oh yeah, I agree. By season's end, I still expect a big season. All I'm saying is I think it's one element of his game -- a mighty dangerous one because of his size, strength and ability to break free -- that we'll never really see here. Perhaps a new element will emerge, or we'll make better use of the ones Bledsoe can capitalize on.

 

[Ben_n_austin]

Oh yeah, I agree. By season's end, I still expect a big season. All I'm saying is I think it's one element of his game -- a mighty dangerous one because of his size, strength and ability to break free -- that we'll never really see here. Perhaps a new element will emerge, or we'll make better use of the ones Bledsoe can capitalize on.

I just don't think that T.O. is the player that he once was. I just haven't seen the same T.O. that I've seen in previous years. I hope I'm wrong, but that's just how I see it, Dale.

 

[Rampage]

its both. the missed time and an average im=mobile qb

 

[Rack]

I think the reason for TO's struggles is he missed most of training camp, he broke his hand, and our OL hasn't been giving the QB enough time to find him (TO).


He's doing fine IMO. Still adjusting to running less routes where he can catch the ball on the run.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Don't forget T.O. is learning a new offense.....and his hammy/broken hand

 

[MapleLeaf]

Still adjusting to running less routes where he can catch the ball on the run.

...this is possibly the biggest change for T.O. It's not that he can't get open, but rather he is paired with a QB where he is either open when Bledsoe can get the ball out or he is out of the play.

There is no "busted play route" in Bledsoe's arsenal due to his limited mobility.

Also, this forum has discussed at great length Bledsoe's subtle inaccuracy. How many of his passes forces the receivers to adjust to catching the ball instead of getting the rock while running in stride.

It was one of the criticisms I saw in an analyst piece on Fox the year after Brady took the Patriots to the SuperBowl. It was basically the explanation of the difference between Brady and Bledsoe.

If T.O.'s numbers are going to increase he will have to gain more of Drew's confidence as being the first read, be prepared to get the YAC on his own without the QB's help and get open initially because Bledsoe isn't available after the rush.

 

[the kid 05]

Dale - are you saying he would do better with romo a more moble qb then bledsoe?

 

[TEK2000]

Ya gotta look at how they used TO as well. Thus far the Cowboys have lined TO up and played him like any old regular wide reciever...just line up and run a specific route.

The Eagles used to move him around all over the field to find ways to get him the ball. They would find ways to beat the double coverage. He even lined up in the backfield a few times I think.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Ya gotta look at how they used TO as well. Thus far the Cowboys have lined TO up and played him like any old regular wide reciever...just line up and run a specific route.

The Eagles used to move him around all over the field to find ways to get him the ball. They would find ways to beat the double coverage. He even lined up in the backfield a few times I think.

So then that begs the question... why not do something similar.... why not use some high percentage TO strength plays....

those who read my posts on hear know that I am very PRO TO... but I am pro TO mainly because I believe it can lead to WINS.....

 

[Future]

How about the fact that he has what, 8 drops? Mobile QB or not, if the ball hits your hands you gotta catch it.

 

[peplaw06]

So then that begs the question... why not do something similar.... why not use some high percentage TO strength plays....

those who read my posts on hear know that I am very PRO TO... but I am pro TO mainly because I believe it can lead to WINS.....

It also takes some time to integrate a guy like that into the offense, especially if you're going to be changing the way your team lines up, goes into motion, etc.

I agree with Rack and others who have said his missed time in TC is the main culprit as far as that is concerned.

I could easily be wrong, but I don't recall seeing TO go in motion one time this season.