The truth about Bledsoe and max protection

[Tuna Helper]

I have all of this season's Cowboy games on Tivo, and have noticed something that has really stood out ever since Flozell Adams went down. I watched the games from early this season, and compared them to what we are seeing on offense lately.

It is no surprise that Parcells has gone with a max protection scheme to help out Petitti and Tucker, however, in doing so, he has eliminated reads and options for Bledsoe. Early in the season, Bledsoe had more reads on passing downs. The RB, TE, and 3 WRs could go out on patterns without having to chip or stay in to block. This allowed Bledsoe to go through a logical progression, and shortened his time in the pocket with the ball in hand. He may go through as many as 4 or 5 reads before throwing, but his eyes were always moving.

Today, we go 2 WRs, and keep the TE and RB in to block or chip on the way out on a route. Most times, JJ, and/or our TEs get held up on these chips and never get to make a clean break. This leaves 2 options for Bledsoe (both WRs). Bledsoe then stubbornly holds onto the ball waiting for Glenn (who is often double teamed), and Key (who is never actually wide open) to get open. The lack of reads is forcing Bledsoe to actually hold onto the ball longer than if he had more reads, and the pass protection isn't helping, despite keeping the TE and RB in to block.

Notice today that our offense opened up when we let Petitti and Tucker fend for themselves without much help.

My point is that Bledsoe and our passing offense performs better when he has more reads, despite poor pass blocking. Why are we sticking with a max protection scheme that isn't working? Bledsoe is able to get rid of the ball faster when he has more reads.

Your thoughts?

 

[Eddie]

My thoughts:

- Tucker and Petteti got owned
- Johnson and Gurode are good 2nd stringers
- Rivera is a waste of $10 mil
- LA can bench 800 lbs.

 

[jimmy40]

My thoughts:

- Tucker and Petteti got owned
- Johnson and Gurode are good 2nd stringers
- Rivera is a waste of $10 mil
- LA can bench 800 lbs.

:laugh2:

 

[LaTunaNostra]

I have all of this season's Cowboy games on Tivo, and have noticed something that has really stood out ever since Flozell Adams went down. I watched the games from early this season, and compared them to what we are seeing on offense lately.

It is no surprise that Parcells has gone with a max protection scheme to help out Petitti and Tucker, however, in doing so, he has eliminated reads and options for Bledsoe. Early in the season, Bledsoe had more reads on passing downs. The RB, TE, and 3 WRs could go out on patterns without having to chip or stay in to block. This allowed Bledsoe to go through a logical progression, and shortened his time in the pocket with the ball in hand. He may go through as many as 4 or 5 reads before throwing, but his eyes were always moving.

Today, we go 2 WRs, and keep the TE and RB in to block or chip on the way out on a route. Most times, JJ, and/or our TEs get held up on these chips and never get to make a clean break. This leaves 2 options for Bledsoe (both WRs). Bledsoe then stubbornly holds onto the ball waiting for Glenn (who is often double teamed), and Key (who is never actually wide open) to get open. The lack of reads is forcing Bledsoe to actually hold onto the ball longer than if he had more reads, and the pass protection isn't helping, despite keeping the TE and RB in to block.

Notice today that our offense opened up when we let Petitti and Tucker fend for themselves without much help.

My point is that Bledsoe and our passing offense performs better when he has more reads, despite poor pass blocking. Why are we sticking with a max protection scheme that isn't working? Bledsoe is able to get rid of the ball faster when he has more reads.

Your thoughts?

Good post.

But what the heck (other than a steady diet of shotgun) do you suggest?

That darn run game has to get kick started, and give Drew the play action option.

If not, we is finished.

 

[jimmy40]

I have all of this season's Cowboy games on Tivo, and have noticed something that has really stood out ever since Flozell Adams went down. I watched the games from early this season, and compared them to what we are seeing on offense lately.

It is no surprise that Parcells has gone with a max protection scheme to help out Petitti and Tucker, however, in doing so, he has eliminated reads and options for Bledsoe. Early in the season, Bledsoe had more reads on passing downs. The RB, TE, and 3 WRs could go out on patterns without having to chip or stay in to block. This allowed Bledsoe to go through a logical progression, and shortened his time in the pocket with the ball in hand. He may go through as many as 4 or 5 reads before throwing, but his eyes were always moving.

Today, we go 2 WRs, and keep the TE and RB in to block or chip on the way out on a route. Most times, JJ, and/or our TEs get held up on these chips and never get to make a clean break. This leaves 2 options for Bledsoe (both WRs). Bledsoe then stubbornly holds onto the ball waiting for Glenn (who is often double teamed), and Key (who is never actually wide open) to get open. The lack of reads is forcing Bledsoe to actually hold onto the ball longer than if he had more reads, and the pass protection isn't helping, despite keeping the TE and RB in to block.

Notice today that our offense opened up when we let Petitti and Tucker fend for themselves without much help.

My point is that Bledsoe and our passing offense performs better when he has more reads, despite poor pass blocking. Why are we sticking with a max protection scheme that isn't working? Bledsoe is able to get rid of the ball faster when he has more reads.

Your thoughts?

My thoughts are what they've always been when it comes to Bledsoe, if you give him all freakin day to throw he's a damn good quarterback, just like almost every qb in the NFL. If you give himless than all day he sucks because it takes him too damn long to load up and throw the ball.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The entire problem with our offense is the line. The play of that group effects everything to do with the way our offense runs. When they play poorly Bledsoe, JJ, Witten and the WR's all look bad.

 

[Kilyin]

The running game doesn't need to be "great" or even "good" for play action. As long as the threat of the run is there, someone may bite on it. Parcells, Payton whoever is calling the plays is severely underutilizing PA. What's the worst that can happen? Sack and a fumble? Hell we can't even hand the ball off without that happening.

 

[Tripod]

I have all of this season's Cowboy games on Tivo, and have noticed something that has really stood out ever since Flozell Adams went down. I watched the games from early this season, and compared them to what we are seeing on offense lately.

It is no surprise that Parcells has gone with a max protection scheme to help out Petitti and Tucker, however, in doing so, he has eliminated reads and options for Bledsoe. Early in the season, Bledsoe had more reads on passing downs. The RB, TE, and 3 WRs could go out on patterns without having to chip or stay in to block. This allowed Bledsoe to go through a logical progression, and shortened his time in the pocket with the ball in hand. He may go through as many as 4 or 5 reads before throwing, but his eyes were always moving.

Today, we go 2 WRs, and keep the TE and RB in to block or chip on the way out on a route. Most times, JJ, and/or our TEs get held up on these chips and never get to make a clean break. This leaves 2 options for Bledsoe (both WRs). Bledsoe then stubbornly holds onto the ball waiting for Glenn (who is often double teamed), and Key (who is never actually wide open) to get open. The lack of reads is forcing Bledsoe to actually hold onto the ball longer than if he had more reads, and the pass protection isn't helping, despite keeping the TE and RB in to block.

Notice today that our offense opened up when we let Petitti and Tucker fend for themselves without much help.

My point is that Bledsoe and our passing offense performs better when he has more reads, despite poor pass blocking. Why are we sticking with a max protection scheme that isn't working? Bledsoe is able to get rid of the ball faster when he has more reads.

Your thoughts?

I found myself feeling this way today, too. We weren't even getting a hand on the nose tackle on some plays (the fumble for a TD). Johnson got pushed into Bledsoe's face more than once before Bledsoe finished his drop. We clearly were outmatched on the line so the dumpoff/safety valve scheme should have been used more to loosen up the blitz.

The offensive line isn't as bad it looked today. But they clearly weren't up to competing with this Giants D. A mismatch. Giants came to play. A loss would mean they would be 2 games down to us. They simply wanted it more than we did and their D played juiced all day.

 

[Tuna Helper]

Good post.

But what the heck (other than a steady diet of shotgun) do you suggest?

That darn run game has to get kick started, and give Drew the play action option.

If not, we is finished.

Good point. But if you remember early in the year, we weren't running the ball all that well either.

My suggestion is that we let Petitti and Tucker play with little or no help, allowing Bledsoe more options in the passing game. This will let him get rid of the ball faster.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I have all of this season's Cowboy games on Tivo, and have noticed something that has really stood out ever since Flozell Adams went down. I watched the games from early this season, and compared them to what we are seeing on offense lately.

It is no surprise that Parcells has gone with a max protection scheme to help out Petitti and Tucker, however, in doing so, he has eliminated reads and options for Bledsoe. Early in the season, Bledsoe had more reads on passing downs. The RB, TE, and 3 WRs could go out on patterns without having to chip or stay in to block. This allowed Bledsoe to go through a logical progression, and shortened his time in the pocket with the ball in hand. He may go through as many as 4 or 5 reads before throwing, but his eyes were always moving.

Today, we go 2 WRs, and keep the TE and RB in to block or chip on the way out on a route. Most times, JJ, and/or our TEs get held up on these chips and never get to make a clean break. This leaves 2 options for Bledsoe (both WRs). Bledsoe then stubbornly holds onto the ball waiting for Glenn (who is often double teamed), and Key (who is never actually wide open) to get open. The lack of reads is forcing Bledsoe to actually hold onto the ball longer than if he had more reads, and the pass protection isn't helping, despite keeping the TE and RB in to block.

Notice today that our offense opened up when we let Petitti and Tucker fend for themselves without much help.

My point is that Bledsoe and our passing offense performs better when he has more reads, despite poor pass blocking. Why are we sticking with a max protection scheme that isn't working? Bledsoe is able to get rid of the ball faster when he has more reads.

Your thoughts?

No offense (he he) intended but yeah thats how it works. max protect less to throw to. the problem is you cant leave Petitti and Tucker on their own.

 

[Tuna Helper]

My thoughts are what they've always been when it comes to Bledsoe, if you give him all freakin day to throw he's a damn good quarterback, just like almost every qb in the NFL. If you give himless than all day he sucks because it takes him too damn long to load up and throw the ball.

True, but you missed my point. I haven't pulled out the stopwatch yet, but I think I will. Bledsoe holds onto the ball much longer when he has max protection and fewer reads. He is better suited to having more reads. He gets rid of the ball much faster when he has 4 or 5 options, instead of 2.

Remeber, Key never gets open and Glenn is always double-teamed...and these are the only 2 options he has. If he is waiting for Key to get open, there is no o-line in the NFL capable of blocking a defense for that long.

 

[AmericasTeam31]

On our last drive, Bledsoe had to stiff arm a defender just to get the throw off to JJ. So I guess next game, Bledsoe will be a blocker and a QB. He did a better job blocking on that play then the OL did all day. Although I must say, as bad as things went to day, that is a good defense we played today. I think all in all, we did OK, but why are we throwing a bomb on 3rd and 1? Why not hit Key with the screen everyone hated from Thanksgiving?

 

[AbeBeta]

My thoughts:

- Tucker and Petteti got owned
- Johnson and Gurode are good 2nd stringers
- Rivera is a waste of $10 mil
- LA can bench 800 lbs.

Can't argue with any of that

 

[Tuna Helper]

No offense (he he) intended but yeah thats how it works. max protect less to throw to. the problem is you cant leave Petitti and Tucker on their own.

I know this is how it works, but it is hamstringing Bledsoe. Give him more reads and he gets rid of the ball quicker. Max protection scheme only works if you have receivers that can get separation. Keyshawn gets no separation. Even if you put a brick wall in front of Bledsoe, Key would never get wide open.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I know this is how it works, but it is hamstringing Bledsoe. Give him more reads and he gets rid of the ball quicker. Max protection scheme only works if you have receivers that can get separation. Keyshawn gets no separation. Even if you put a brick wall in front of Bledsoe, Key would never get wide open.

I dont think we give him enough time as it is. I dont think any QB could throw well behind this line honestly. When it collapses it does so 100%.

 

[Tuna Helper]

My thoughts:

- Tucker and Petteti got owned
- Johnson and Gurode are good 2nd stringers
- Rivera is a waste of $10 mil
- LA can bench 800 lbs.

Sure, but at least the Dallas cheerleaders are hot. :laugh2:

 

[Dave_in-NC]

Sure, but at least the Dallas cheerleaders are hot. :laugh2:

But the Panthers cheerleaders are more fun

 

[jwhardin]

The ol has problems, but has no one noticed how inaccurate bledsoe has become in key situations. How many passes were off target today even whenhe time. Games that have been close were have been decided by int by bledsoe or throwing errant passes.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I think the team needs to pass the ball to set up the run and I'd like to see more shotgun when they are at home. I don't think the problem is so much at the OT spots as it is with the center and guard spots. On the times that the OT's were "beaten", the G-Men were able to penetrate on Rivera and Johnson and that forced Bledsoe to move and then get sacked or hit.


Rich..............

 

[LaTunaNostra]

The ol has problems, but has no one noticed how inaccurate bledsoe has become in key situations. How many passes were off target today even whenhe time. Games that have been close were have been decided by int by bledsoe or throwing errant passes.

It's been noticed, and commented on.

But any QB needs to find his rhythm, and Bledsoe did not have the luxury of establishing that today.

You might argue some other QB would make something happen with his feet or need less time, improvise (sigh), but I don't think anyone can argue that Bill has not been able to give Drew the protection he needs to reach a
comfort level.