Running game will be critical for road games...

[Portland Fanatic]

I'm glad JJ will be back for the second half because I think our running game on the road in Philly, Wash, and NY will be critical. Not sure what kind of weather we will encounter, but on the road running games are very important, but will be even more important in these citites this time of year.

In a way...it may be a blessing to know what we have in Barber and TT as we head into these cities...nice and cold. We know we have at least a two headed monster, and possible 4 if needed.

Our ability to run (i hope) may prove to be what helps us down the stretch on the road....

 

[TheHustler]

Yep. If our offense can consistently get 4 yards per rush, especially in the red zone, our offense will get MUCH better.

 

[DBoys]

I'm glad JJ will be back for the second half because I think our running game on the road in Philly, Wash, and NY will be critical. Not sure what kind of weather we will encounter, but on the road running games are very important, but will be even more important in these citites this time of year.

In a way...it may be a blessing to know what we have in Barber and TT as we head into these cities...nice and cold. We know we have at least a two headed monster, and possible 4 if needed.

Our ability to run (i hope) may prove to be what helps us down the stretch on the road....

Good post...

Watch the Skins vs. Denver and Giants games. Denver really exploited the Skins defense with sweeps and the Giants did the same thing.

People forget JuJo had 75 against Philly in the first half before getting hurt. I will be real honest with run defenses like Philly, Skins, or Giants we better have JuJo or we are in trouble.

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

I think our passing game now becomes more of an issue. We've used the running game in the past to kepp games close only to see some teams use the quick-strike passing game to get right back in it. That's what the Ginats dod to us and forced the overtime. The Commanders beat us with it. Yes, we do need to control the game with the run but we need to use a quick-strike passing offense to offset other teams'.

Also, in addition to the Giants, two of our upcoming games are going ot be with the Eagles and Broncos. When these teams played each other last sunday we saw the Bromkos go up to a 28-0 lead using a quick-strike passing offense. The Eagles then got back in the game, scoring 21 points, with a quick-strike passing offense, making the score 28-21. Then the Broncos ran off with it using the passing offense again. In the meantime, our defensive secondary is dinged with both Henry (CB) and Pile (FS) having groin sprains. That's not good considering hte pass-happy teams we're about to face.

**

 

[percyhoward]

Four of our first eight games were against run defenses that currently rank in the league´s top 10 (yards per carry).

Only one of our last eight games is against teams that currently rank in the top 14. Christmas Eve at Carolina.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

Four of our first eight games were against run defenses that currently rank in the league´s top 10 (yards per carry).

Only one of our last eight games is against teams that currently rank in the top 14. Christmas Eve at Carolina.

Ahhh....great stat.

There is no question that Drew is a threat...NOW we have a running threat and a passing threat...to go into the second half of the season having both is huge. Teams have to prepare for both...not just stuffing the run.

 

[lspain1]

Good points being made in this thread. Remember that our OL is key to the running equation as well as the RBs. The OL needs to continue to step up to make this strategy a success. NO MORE INJURIES!!!

 

[Portland Fanatic]

I think our passing game now becomes more of an issue. We've used the running game in the past to kepp games close only to see some teams use the quick-strike passing game to get right back in it. That's what the Ginats dod to us and forced the overtime. The Commanders beat us with it. Yes, we do need to control the game with the run but we need to use a quick-strike passing offense to offset other teams'.

Also, in addition to the Giants, two of our upcoming games are going ot be with the Eagles and Broncos. When these teams played each other last sunday we saw the Bromkos go up to a 28-0 lead using a quick-strike passing offense. The Eagles then got back in the game, scoring 21 points, with a quick-strike passing offense, making the score 28-21. Then the Broncos ran off with it using the passing offense again. In the meantime, our defensive secondary is dinged with both Henry (CB) and Pile (FS) having groin sprains. That's not good considering hte pass-happy teams we're about to face.

**

I'm not advocating going into a Steelers type offense where we only throw 18 times a game...I'm just saying that on the road in bad weather it is critical to be able to pound the ball. I also hope we fully exploit the use of Witten in the red zone...

We have the ability to run and pass...they must game plan for both against us...

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

I'm not advocating going into a Steelers type offense where we only throw 18 times a game...I'm just saying that on the road in bad weather it is critical to be able to pound the ball. I also hope we fully exploit the use of Witten in the red zone...

We have the ability to run and pass...they must game plan for both against us...

Yes, I agree. The point I was trying to make is that we should have a balanced attacked. We should revolve the offensive game plan around the running game - using the run to set up second and/or third and short oportuunities where we can run or pass. But we can't get predictable, always running on first and second down. We need to take enough shots downfield in those situations to keep defenses guessing and our offense gaining big chunks of yardage. We can establidh the run all we want, but if we don't build on that by implementing a quick-strike passing offense then we'll let teams hang around long enough to possibly catch up and beat us.

**

 

[CrazyCowboy]

And don't forget the A-train......his power will be even more important in the cold

 

[Portland Fanatic]

Yes, I agree. The point I was trying to make is that we should have a balanced attacked. We should revolve the offensive game plan around the running game - using the run to set up second and/or third and short oportuunities where we can run or pass. But we can't get predictable, always running on first and second down. We need to take enough shots downfield in those situations to keep defenses guessing and our offense gaining big chunks of yardage. We can establidh the run all we want, but if we don't build on that by implementing a quick-strike passing offense then we'll let teams hang around long enough to possibly catch up and beat us.

**

Amen to that...the run run pass...drives me nuts. Creativity! Especially in the redzone....maybe throwing three times inside the 10 would catch them all off guard because we don't do that.

 

[lspain1]

We've been counting on Rivera to help Petitti to get better. There are hints LA is trying to help Tucker get better. Maybe it'll work out. It could happen.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

And don't forget the A-train......his power will be even more important in the cold

To be honest...if JJ, Barber and TT all stay healthy I don't see him being active the rest of the season. JMO...

 

[WV Cowboy]

I'm glad JJ will be back for the second half because I think our running game on the road in Philly, Wash, and NY will be critical. Not sure what kind of weather we will encounter, but on the road running games are very important, but will be even more important in these citites this time of year.

In a way...it may be a blessing to know what we have in Barber and TT as we head into these cities...nice and cold. We know we have at least a two headed monster, and possible 4 if needed.

Our ability to run (i hope) may prove to be what helps us down the stretch on the road....

Not to mention that a solid running game also enables us to control the ball and the clock which quiets the home crowd.

That too is important on the road.

Good post.