When AJ returns

[House of Pain]

I know that the date hasn't been set on when AJ comes back, but I'm a little concerned that the offense will have problems integrating their crippling run attack with AJ.

Everything I've read about Schaub, Foster, Tate, the O-line (as a whole) and AJ all seem to boil down to getting them in a 'groove' so they can dominate. I'm worried that there won't be enough snaps for all of them to consistently find that groove and possibly won't be 'warm' when we need to change our offensive attack. Am I overreacting?

[ThaJokaa]

Yes, AJ said he doesnt care if he gets the ball as long as they win. Now if it comes to Clutch time, we have AJ again. AJ will just be doing what JJ has been doin but better

[Allstar]

I would love to see teams stack the box against us when AJ returns. It will be glorious.

[GlassHalfFull]

Originally Posted by House of Pain

I know that the date hasn't been set on when AJ comes back, but I'm a little concerned that the offense will have problems integrating their crippling run attack with AJ.

Everything I've read about Schaub, Foster, Tate, the O-line (as a whole) and AJ all seem to boil down to getting them in a 'groove' so they can dominate. I'm worried that there won't be enough snaps for all of them to consistently find that groove and possibly won't be 'warm' when we need to change our offensive attack. Am I overreacting?

Don't borrow trouble.

[Dutchrudder]

I am firmly in the "Sit AJ until we lose a game" crowd. We don't need him, so don't risk losing him for the playoffs. We will likely play the Steelers, Ravens or Jets and will need him to free up the box for Foster and Tate.

[sandman]

This offense is one Ben Tate average-yards-per-carry from being top 5 in total offense.

The passing offense is one Kevin Walter average-yards-per-completion from being top 10.

They are averaging 20 yards less passing yards per game than they did last year as a top 5 passing offense.

Based on those numbers, it may be more of a redistribution of passing wealth once he returns as compared to a rob Foster to pay AJ scenario.

[TheCD]

Originally Posted by House of Pain

I know that the date hasn't been set on when AJ comes back, but I'm a little concerned that the offense will have problems integrating their crippling run attack with AJ.

Don't worry. We are a run-first team and Kubiak has said this since he got here. The run game will continue as we have seen it. The difference is that in the passing plays, we will actually see stats like receivers with more than 2 catches, and we won't see Owen/Joel/Arian as the receptions/receiving yards leaders.

What will happen is we will likely gash more teams. We should be able to keep the ball out of Matt's hands enough that he doesn't make his 1 WTF pass every game. Matt is a great QB when all of the throws are available and he doesn't have to force any passes. Also, come clutch time, we have the receiver that will catch the ball when we have to win, period (vs. Miami in the game won from Matt's QB sneak, or Washington last year).

With as well as we have been running, teams will have one of two options: 1. Stack the box to stop the run, or 2. Cover Andre.


Doesn't sound like a problem to me.

[Norg]

WR dont effect ur run game alot

if anything AJ coming back will help our run game it will make them leave a saftey to spy on AJ AJ will make other teams double cover him

[Ryan]

Some of the passes that have been going to the TEs and JJ/KW will be going to AJ. AJ can get his usual 7-8 catches a game while not interfering with anything in the running game. I think we'll be fine. If anything AJ just wants to be on the field helping any way he can.

[TEXANS84]

I'm looking forward to Jacksonville trying to call us "dirty" again after 6's rain all over them to #80.