Running vs. Blocking

What do you think the biggest problem with our running game is...The O-Line or the running backs???

I voted running back...

[jerek]

Our backs. Lack the speed and the recognition to find the holes. I've watched tape where a number of different times we had a big hole and Dayne or Gado just didn't hit it. Makes the Morency trade that much more frustrating IMO.

[Mr. White]

I think that while the pass blocking has improved, the run blocking has gotten worse. I'll vote OL.

Originally Posted by jerek

Our backs. Lack the speed and the recognition to find the holes. I've watched tape where a number of different times we had a big hole and Dayne or Gado just didn't hit it. Makes the Morency trade that much more frustrating IMO.

I agree...

[hollywood_texan]

Both of your options are part of the problem, but the lack of a potent passing attack that defenses can respect is the biggest reason the running game is suffering.

Linebackers and safeties are leaning forward and not backwards. The defensive lineman don't have to maintain their rush lanes when rushing the passer is also a big problem from what I see with the passing attack, which makes it harder to get the ball downfield via the passing game.

A passing attack that uses the entire part of the field at anytime will make the offensive line's job easier on run blocking.

I believe you run first and then pass. But, it is hard to run first when the defense doesn't respect that you can pass it first at any time.

A clear indication we can't pass the football is when Kubiak elects not to run the 2 minute offense in the first half of the Dolphins game.

Originally Posted by Battle Red Bull

I think that while the pass blocking has improved, the run blocking has gotten worse. I'll vote OL.

I acctually think our run blocking is pretty good...How many times do you see defenders slicing through to make plays on our guys in the backfield ??? I've seen plenty of space to run on occasion but it seems like neither one of our backs have enough lateral speed to cut back or change direction...our Running backs are definitely a problem...

Originally Posted by hollywood_texan

Both of your options are part of the problem, but the lack of a potent passing attack that defenses can respect is the biggest reason the running game is suffering.

are you serious??? Our passing game is the only thing we have going right now....

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by hollywood_texan

Both of your options are part of the problem, but the lack of a potent passing attack that defenses can respect is the biggest reason the running game is suffering.

Late in the third, and into the 4th, our passing game had the defense on their heels....... Dayne got some nice chunks....

he does look a little slow, but if get's to a hole, he's hell to bring down.

But getting hit by Linebackers & DTs in the backfield pretty much has me blaming the Ol.. There was one play we had 7 guys run blocking on 5 defensive players....... couldn't make a whole......

Dayne would have done better if he'd have followed his fullback more often, but I still voted Offensive Line.

[sleepwalker]

Losing Davis really really really really really hurt our running game...Now I hear Salaam is out...We have some serious run game issues we are going to have to just live with.

Originally Posted by sleepwalker

Losing Davis really really really really really hurt our running game...Now I hear Salaam is out...We have some serious run game issues we are going to have to just live with.

But what about the scheme??

I definitely think our OL has problems and neeeds some work, but I really don't like either one of our backs...It seems like all they can do is run straight...Make a move for christ sakes....I know kubes is on the one cut and go tip....but do you really have to run up your linemans back???

[TheOgre]

I think the problem is both. We don't have a featured back, and we have a line that can neither pass-block nor run-block effectively.

[Texans Horror]

A better o-line will open up holes for the running backs and improve their game. This has been the major difference between what was happening in the pre-season running game and the regular season. The O-line has not been opening holes/lanes. Injuries have affected this as much as anything, but to be realistic, the Texans did not have a good running game even when they had the starting offensive line in there.

[OzzO]

Just what I noticed in the Miaimi game, there seemed to be quite large lanes open up on the left side between guard and tackle and the running back either didn't notice the opening or went with the play as called and continued right and only gaining minimal yards.

So in that situation, I think it's more on the RB not noticing a spot when it opens irregardless if the play is designed that way.

[TK_Gamer]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

Late in the third, and into the 4th, our passing game had the defense on their heels....... Dayne got some nice chunks....

he does look a little slow, but if get's to a hole, he's hell to bring down.

But getting hit by Linebackers & DTs in the backfield pretty much has me blaming the Ol.. There was one play we had 7 guys run blocking on 5 defensive players....... couldn't make a whole......

Dayne would have done better if he'd have followed his fullback more often, but I still voted Offensive Line.

I think both are bad, but I think our main problem is the quickness of the backs to hit the holes. If they dont hit it quick the hole becomes a hole for the defense rather than a hole for the running back, dayne has been dropped at the LOS many times because he tried to push the pile with a wide open hole righ next to him, next thing you know a LB is comming thru the hole to finish him off. all our backs seem to hit the point of contact really quick but not neccesarrily the hole The difference between being tackled at the point of impact and making it thru the hole and then being tackled is about 3 yards or more, with that we would be moving the ball down the field, at least to a 3rd and short.

[TexansLucky13]

You have to have a strong Line of Scrimmage before you can run the ball effectively. We have an impressive set of RBs who can do a lot in this scheme. We just need the O-line to operate well enough to give them some lanes to run through.

[Crazyhorse]

I think the O-line is the bigger problem because we get no push off the line, and we don't sustain the blocks either. If we did Weigert would not be the first one to the pile to help the runner up. Sherman has turned the O-line into a Green Bay retirement camp. We need to get the rookies into the game. both Winston and Spencer showed great drive and aggression during the preseason. I know Spencer is gone but Sherman needs to get his head out his ### and give Winston his shot. Bedell was worse than horrible Sunday and almost cost us the game. Makes you wonder if coaches have the teams interest first or are thinking about their own agenda. If Sherman is still hung up about losing the Green Bay job he needs to get over it and help make this team a winner.

[CenTexNative]

If the line could block better it would open the offense up in every catagory.

[Bamaborn-Texasbred]

I didn't vote. I think it is a combination of the two, plus we have played some really good defenses.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by TK_Gamer

I think both are bad, but I think our main problem is the quickness of the backs to hit the holes. If they dont hit it quick the hole becomes a hole for the defense rather than a hole for the running back, dayne has been dropped at the LOS many times because he tried to push the pile with a wide open hole righ next to him, next thing you know a LB is comming thru the hole to finish him off. all our backs seem to hit the point of contact really quick but not neccesarrily the hole The difference between being tackled at the point of impact and making it thru the hole and then being tackled is about 3 yards or more, with that we would be moving the ball down the field, at least to a 3rd and short.

We'll get there, I'm sure. Right now, It looks like a young team trying to learn to run... I'm sure he is being told to go where the hole is supposed to be. This is GreenBay's power running, not ZBS..... hopefully we'll get to ZBS soon, and the RB will be given more freedom.