I think we'll now see the return of the H-back.![]()
If I'm not mistaken, I've seen our TE line up at H-back.
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I think we'll now see the return of the H-back.![]()
yes, me too, we neeeeeeeed a great O line coach, that would be sweeeeeeeeeet if we land him
I think we'll now see the return of the H-back.![]()
Great move with Gibbs, this is one of those acquisitions that the fans on the MB's have been clamoring for for years.
Shanahan to OC, not a big deal. Kubiak primarily oversees the offense and does that pretty well, great opportunity for Shanahan to advance his career but shouldn't change our offense much if at all.
Richard Smith I'm torn on. For some small stretches of games our defense looks fearsome, some stretches we bend but don't break, and for big stretches we just break. He doesn't have a ton of talent to work with (especially in the secondary) but if you read the national opinions about our team we're considered to have more than our fair share of young studs manning the D (MW, AO, TJ, Ryans, DRob, now Bennett). One of my least favorite things about Smith is that his D gives up enormous games to lackluster offenses at times, and consistently gets slapped around by the good ones. The problem is with all of these young players on defense and all the change that's going on there, bringing in a new DC might actually bring that unit a step backwards. Just look at Denver, they bring in the big name DC last year in Bates, and they suck it up this year. Big names do not guarantee success. At this point I say hold on to Smith, get him some more players in the secondary, and potentially allow Bush to have a bigger hand in the grand scheme of things to freshen things up.
Makes me wonder what changes might come at the fullback position, and especially if or how it affects Leach. Also, how does Breuner fit into the H-back situation, if at all..? I don't know enough about the position, but I seem to recall it being more similar to a tight end type guy than a fullback. Correct me if I'm wrong.
The H-back is a mix between the FB and the TE. Whereas the TE is mostly used as an extra blocker and sometime receiver, the elite H-back usually is utilized a "man for all seasons" in that he is expected to be a balanced mix of blocker, pass protector and receiver..........and he better have the brains of a QB, the hands of glue and the body of a battering ram...............
A couple of thoughts about today's hiring.
Two great things about this move:
1. It shows that Kubiak isn't all about him. That if he can find someone who he thinks will help, he is more the merrier. The former Denver hires on the staff have been the strongest parts of the offense.
2. It is a good thing for Shanny the younger. I was uncertain about him coming to the Texans until I heard him speak at a coaching clinic. You completely forget how old he is. He is very impressive talking football.
One of the best things at the coaching clinic he talked about was how things early in the game set up plays late in the game. That they watch defensive tendencies and then exploit them later in the game with certain play calls. It was neat seeing him show various examples of this. (notably part of the talk showed how the offensive line play in the ZBS could set up opposing teams for being exploited on the pass--we may be seeing more of this under Gibbs).
The plus for him is that he and Kubiak are completely on the same page. The negative for Shanny as OC is that if the offense struggled at all, the fanbase would be pointing fingers at him. It was harder to point fingers at Sherman because of his experience level, but less so if the struggles happen under Shanahan.
When you get someone like Gibbs to be assistant head coach, it gives Shanahan more coverage because you have so much experience on the offensive side of the ball that people won't put all the blame on him. So it is much more palatable to say Shanny for OC if you are doing it at the same time as getting Gibbs. Nice move.
As for your comment about Bates, he was always a meh in my book and not a big name. Nothing in his background suggested that he was a special type of coordinator. I am glad we passed on him.
That being said, I would love us to upgrade the defensive coaching if there is someone out there with the experience and track record that would be nice to see. Even if you have the caysh, you can't necessarily get the guy you want, so if they are looking to do a change, they are going to have to be pretty quiet about it or Smith gets hung out to dry.
One of the things I like about this is that I think it's going to make some offensive linemen want to come here to play.
I'm so psyched.
Wish we could get a hold of Monte Kiffin as DC. I love the Monte Kiffin style defense.
Pete, that was one hell of a post last page. I played TE and a little bit of H-back in a ZBS in HS for 4 years and I never got it explained like that. Yeah, we had clinics and film sessions, but to break it down like that is remarkable. We also called it "rail blocking". All of the linemen and TE would power step or rail block left or right depending on the call. We ran a CWM offense as well, and the call was made at the line.
For example, when we were running middle zone left, rail left...the line would step hard left with a DT usually lined up in the 1 technique as he said. We were actually told to widen our gaps to encourage a DT to shoot a particular hole. Anyways, the LG would rail block left into the RDT in the 1 technique. His objective was to turn the DT's shoulders and allow for the C to take over the double team as the RB was about to hit the hole while the LG would continue on his "rail" to the left, engaging with a LB attempting to either fill the hole or flow to the ball. If the block was made at the second level, it created an easy and obvious cutback lane for the RB. It was like an easy 12 yards. If the LB was able to shed the LG block before the RB passed, it was still a 5 yard gain. Sure, the play in theory failed, but it was still a 5 yard run on a "failed" play. That is the beauty of a true ZBS. I as well could talk about principles and assignments for hours.
Here is the thing though.. the use of fullbacks is not a "new" thing with the ZBS and the NFL. Fullbacks were used extensively in Denver while they were making the ZBS famous.
Now..its true that fullbacks in the "Denver" scheme were not used the same way others used them..yes they did run blocking but they were also (more importantly) used as receivers and for misdirection.. (I think...im pretty much talking out my ass here).
Anyway..my question is.. can the ZBS be implemented "fully" and still make use of our FB?
Either way..I hope Gibbs comes in and gives us a real honest-to-god direction to move forward with on the Oline.
I wonder about pass protection though. Despite the Falcons' impressive rushing numbers, Vick got sacked a bunch. Was a lot of this on Vick, like the Carr effect? I do remember a lot of Falcons fans complaining about the mediocrity of their o-line and how Gibbs made it look a lot better than it was.
The H-back is a mix between the FB and the TE. Whereas the TE is mostly used as an extra blocker and sometime receiver, the elite H-back usually is utilized as a "man for all seasons" in that he is expected to be a balanced mix of blocker, pass protector and receiver..........and he better have the brains of a QB, the hands of glue and the body of a battering ram...............
great move with gibbs..
and about smith, remember last year we did blitz quite a bit so i think we might see more of it in the future if the secondary gets settled
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Video watched but your challenge failed. I did not hum along.I challenge anyone to watch that video and not find yourself humming along.
We blitzed quite a bit?
Is this the same message board that "hailed" the coming of Mike Sherman?..
The same message board that later started questioning if Sherman was actually a good hire?..![]()
Where are the Denver connection complaints?
It seems that our O line will be starting from scratch again, not necessarily a bad or good thing, just something to ponder during the long offseason...
For the record...I'm all for the Gibbs hiring and the promotion of Shanny Jr.
I'm on the fence concerning our DC.
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Is this the same message board that "hailed" the coming of Mike Sherman?..
The same message board that later started questioning if Sherman was actually a good hire?..![]()
Where are the Denver connection complaints?
It seems that our O line will be starting from scratch again, not necessarily a bad or good thing, just something to ponder during the long offseason...
For the record...I'm all for the Gibbs hiring and the promotion of Shanny Jr.
I'm on the fence concerning our DC.
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One thing about Gibbs and its widely known, gibbs doesn't like the use of high draft picks on lineman. Gibbs would rather develop a atheletic type lineman from the 3rd rd or so.
For all of us who like nasty Alex Gibbs is perfect! To say he is gruff is an understatement! He hates the media and in Denver would fine his players for giving comments to the media, ask Stinky he got fined for giving a quote to an Idaho rag. According to Lance Z this morning that should bring a halt to the E Salaam show and Mckinney show on 1560. "Z" also said this will be a turning point for this franchise that you can look back on years from now and clearly see a corner was turned with this hire. Only negative is he may be a short term guy!
This has been the same philosophy in Denver & what Kubiak seems to have brought here.
I know Denver has used two first day picks in the last ten years on OL, but they didn't last long.
Most of their linemen have been late first day picks, or later... some even undrafted.
This has been the same philosophy in Denver & what Kubiak seems to have brought here.
I know Denver has used two first day picks in the last ten years on OL, but they didn't last long.
Most of their linemen have been late first day picks, or later... some even undrafted.
Pete, that was one hell of a post last page. I played TE and a little bit of H-back in a ZBS in HS for 4 years and I never got it explained like that. Yeah, we had clinics and film sessions, but to break it down like that is remarkable. We also called it "rail blocking". All of the linemen and TE would power step or rail block left or right depending on the call. We ran a CWM offense as well, and the call was made at the line.
For example, when we were running middle zone left, rail left...the line would step hard left with a DT usually lined up in the 1 technique as he said. We were actually told to widen our gaps to encourage a DT to shoot a particular hole. Anyways, the LG would rail block left into the RDT in the 1 technique. His objective was to turn the DT's shoulders and allow for the C to take over the double team as the RB was about to hit the hole while the LG would continue on his "rail" to the left, engaging with a LB attempting to either fill the hole or flow to the ball. If the block was made at the second level, it created an easy and obvious cutback lane for the RB. It was like an easy 12 yards. If the LB was able to shed the LG block before the RB passed, it was still a 5 yard gain. Sure, the play in theory failed, but it was still a 5 yard run on a "failed" play. That is the beauty of a true ZBS. I as well could talk about principles and assignments for hours.
Pete
What do we need to fix the o-line? More talent @ LT & C or is there enough talent but we just need to get on the same page? If it is the latter I'm sure coach Gibbs will fix that. How do you feel Pitts will take to coach Gibbs? He isn't the most intense guy. Where does Mckinney fit in the ZBS? Is he atheletic enough to fit in?
For all of us who like nasty Alex Gibbs is perfect! To say he is gruff is an understatement! He hates the media and in Denver would fine his players for giving comments to the media, ask Stinky he got fined for giving a quote to an Idaho rag. According to Lance Z this morning that should bring a halt to the E Salaam show and Mckinney show on 1560. "Z" also said this will be a turning point for this franchise that you can look back on years from now and clearly see a corner was turned with this hire. Only negative is he may be a short term guy!
I've been an advocate of nasty ever since the Travis Johnson brohaha...
I like Travis. I don't mind the occasional 15 yarder.to get the opponents attention.
I imagine Gibbs will find the mediain Houston even easier to hate.
I take from the comments made by Kubiak that Gibbs is here to tutor Kubes as much as the O line. It shows that Kubiak is serious about learning his trade.
I love using smilies.![]()
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Sooooooo........
Who coaches the QB's now?![]()
yup. TJ knows that football is a full contact sport and isn't afraid to lay the wood to someone to send a message. When people are cheapshotting you or throwing downfield up by 30 in the 4th Quarter, its time to lay the wood. We need more like TJ imho. guys that arent afraid to stick their nose in it.
Interesting to note that George Foster, who was one of Denver's first round OTs, is a free agent from Detroit this offseason. I think Foster went to Detroit in the Dre Bly trade, but may be mistake.
FYI, Foster is a RT, so I don't know how that would jibe with what we want to do in free agency.
I posted it the other day they will be looking for four more just like Erick Winston...The olt being the lone exception and have a longer wing span. The last Great Denver OLT was a conveted TE from Colorodo Matt Lepsis. The link is in the draft and College boards. The beauty of the system is that you can groom guys to fit. Much like in the 3-4 defense you're looking for tweener guys in the middle rounds...Like Ezra Butler and TCU's Tommy Blake to fill the OLB role, in this scheme you're looking for guys who can run and are quick enough to get angles on guys. Spencer might fit. The problem with the scheme is we have great DTs within the division. Basicaly you're tring to get guys running out of poition and then sealing them and creating a running lane. One thing you can be certain of...anyone who posts a poor wonderlick will not be picked. You gotta be able to think quick on your feet.
'nother thing I just thought of...I though that Frye would make a good ZBS center. Especailly in our division. He's not prototypical....but He quats 685 and is quick and kinda stumpy. I think he will make a good barometer. If anyone can get it out of him Gibbs can.
I think the hiring of Gibbs is great news for a kid like Rashad Butler. If Butler can add some of the weight he dropped in Carolina, I expect him to atleast battle for a starting spot, and his most natural position in a ZBS might just be LT.