from off the net
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CoachO
BORAS, KEENUM, & TAVON
First, thought I’d chime in with a few random thoughts about the comparisons in the Boras/Keenum tandem vs. the Cignetti/Foles pairing. I am not trying to say that Boras has reinvented this offense. But there is little argument that they have been more efficient and more productive.
i’ve read a lot of “Boras Is using the middle of the field” comments. While i agree they seem to be making better use of the middle of the field, I think the credit is somewhat misplaced. This is more about Keenum and the willingness to look there and get the ball out on time.
The play calling has not been dramatically different. But the “execution” has been much better.
There were two plays that jumped off the page to me that are examples of what I mean. Both were completions to Britt. The first play was on the first pass of the game. Keenum stood in the pocket and threw the ball as Britt CAME OUT OF HIS BREAK and connected for a 13 yard gain on a basic “in” route.
This play has been used numerous times throughout the season but for whatever reason Foles never seemed to throw it on time. By the time the ball would arrive, the “separation” was gone because the DB had plenty time the close on the route. And isn’t it curious that the receivers (Cook included) aren’t dropping passes when the ball gets there when its supposed to?
The other play was the TD pass to Britt. How many times this season have we seen receivers get behind CBs only to be forced to slow up for an under thrown (late) pass, or worse yet have the CB make up the ground and close the “separation” because the ball wasn’t there yet?
Keenum released the ball as soon as Britt was “even with” (running by) Sherman and laid it out there for Britt to be able to “make a play”. Again, something that Cignetti/Foles tried quite often. The difference being the “execution” of the QB.
I think Boras is doing a good job of staying committed to the running game. Something I thought Cignetti had a tendency to go away from which only exposed the glaring shortcomings of the passing game. I do think Cignetti became way too predictable and was way to focused on forcing the ball to Tavon. Be it Keenum or Boras, they are making a point of getting others more involved and the Jet Sweep is not being called every 4th play from scrimmage. What I want to see more of, is Tavon out of the backfield as a receiver. They ran a basic swing pass on a circle route with him lined up as a RB yesterday. He was isolated and made the guy miss with a classic spin move and picked up 15 yards. That is exactly how he should be “schemed” in this offense. It was how he had most of his success at WVU. Line him up in different positions, (he is NOT an every down wideout) and how you use him becomes less predictable.
Tavon isn’t an accomplished receiver. There is a reason they have to hand him the ball or throw him bubble screens to get the ball in hands. One perfect example yesterday was a crossing route he ran on 3rd down. He cut off the route five yards short of the chains and ran it under the coverage of the LBs. When the ball was thrown he ends up running right into the coverage and drops the ball. On the deep sideline route he didn’t give himself a chance by being pushed too far outside and actually catches the ball out of bounds. That he even caught the ball was newsworthy because he rarely wins contested balls due to his lack of size. His success as a WR has come strictly when facing straight man coverage. His speed allows him to run away from defenders on crossing routes. The problem has been teams RARELY play anything but zone against him which nullifies him as a downfield pass catcher.
THE OLINE
I’ve seen stats brought up about the rankings (6th in YPC) and sacks allowed (2nd) and how those stats somehow are indicative of how they’ve performed.
At the risk of overstating the obvious, I don’t think anything can be made of either stat. In terms of the overall performance of the unit, I doubt there is little to argue about. This unit has been a microcosm of the season. It has been painstakingly inconsistent from one game to the next.
Making the decision to go in a completely different direction (youth movement) tells me they weren’t going to pay high $ for aging vets anymore. With that comes the obvious growing pains while they develop. With all the injuries (again) to me, it only shows that Boudreau is capable of making due with whatever he has to work with. I know this isn’t a popular POV with many, but the extent of the injuries this team has endured the past few years is unprecedented.
Is there anyone who can say they can objectively expect anything more from any unit who has been forced to mix and match personnel as much as they did throughout the year? Anyone think it’s not a coincidence that for the first time all season they have trotted out the same five man unit the past month which happens to end up with a three game winning streak?
The tendency is to look at the individuals when evaluating the offensive line. But the production is more a byproduct of the collective group than a bunch of individuals. For the first time all season, they have been able to line up next to the same guy. The communication and cohesiveness has been better because of it. That ultimately translates into less mistakes and better play overall.
Moving forward, IMO, this unit isn’t the major concern that many seem to think it is. Wichmann has gained valuable experience and will most likely come to training camp being a valuable depth guy on the inside. Bring back Reynolds and they are in a much better place than they were going into 2015.
Barnes has shown to be steady and a definite upgrade over previous years. Especially when the Guard play has been ok next to him. The games Barnes appeared to struggle were with the likes of Donnal and Rhaney playing guard. Coincidence? I think not. Given the hand he was dealt, playing along side six different guards, including Donnal and Rhaney who were BOTH lost, I think Barnes has been better than average. He was good to very good in the early part of the season (when both Brown & Saffold were still healthy). He has been better than average the past month with the same line mates (Wichmann & Reynolds) settling in. As Wichmann has gotten better, so has the entire unit. Including Barnes. When forced to play next to raw rookies (Donnal, Rhaney and Wichmann early on) Barnes “struggled”. How much of that was him trying to cover for the mistakes of others?
As a first year starter, they could have done worse. IMO, he is only going to get better as the others around him improve right along with him.
Get J. Brown back and suddenly the unit doesn’t look as frenetic as it has appeared at times this year
Robinson’s issues have more to do with a lack of understanding WHAT he is supposed to do opposed to HOW to do it. When he hesitates, he is out of position. Which invariably causes technique to go out the window. When he fails to recognize blitzes pre snap, he whiffs more often than not or ends up holding out of desperation. Better preparation will lead to better technique and less reaching.
Making the assumption that the lightbulb comes on for Robinson and he decides to learn what to do (his issues are more what not how to), I know they would prefer to use Reynolds at RG and Brown at LG. So I would envision a unit that included that alignment going into camp with Wichmann being the primary backup inside. Then you have Williams, Donnal and Battle to compete on the outside. Saffold is the wildcard. IF he is in their plans at all, he could be the ultimate swing guy at all four spots.
MANNION
This was never meant to be anything more than a redshirt year for him. They invested a 3rd round pick on him. And to me, he was a big reason they only extended Foles two years. And by most accounts can walk away after next with virtually no financial repercussions.
Aside from the physical attributes Mannion brings, IMO the biggest intangible is his intelligence. This is not going to be a case of a young QB who takes forever to “learn” the system.
It would shock me if he isn’t given every opportunity to compete from day one moving into the offseason.
I’m basing my thoughts on Mannion on what I watched throughout training camp. He just has something about him that stuck out to me.
I mentioned coming out of the preseason that the sooner he is elevated to the #2 the better. IMO he will be given every chance to compete for the starters job. Mostly due to the implosion of Foles.
I like what Keenum has shown this far. But it think Mannion offers more upside. And I don’t see them bailing on him.
Most don’t get to see them in practice (outside of camp), so they just make assumptions. More often than not guys like Mannion are out of sight out of mind until the these type of conversations.
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Agamemnon
