The fact that our playbook has route combinations only combined with PA is not a good reason to run a PA. You could easily do the same route combinations without using a fake that fools nobody. And you could add in an extra receiver for another option.
As far as the linebacker keys... yes, they're taught to read their keys. But on 3rd and 9 without any chance of a run, they already know it's a pass. You're not going to make them hesitate enough to open a receiver when they know what's coming. Furthermore, the specific plays Michigan ran were jump balls to the end zone by receivers. They weren't crossing behind linebackers.
I'll give you that the line is terrible and two extra blockers could help on pass protections. But they're terrible at pass protection AND the only defenders they can pick up will be right in front of them after the fake. If they weren't coming forward, they could stay with the QB and pick up a defender.
Bottom line, I-formation PA pass was a horrible play call on 3rd and 9. And throwing it to Gallon instead of Funchess is even more puzzling.
I don't think Al understands the reasoning behind a play action pass. There is no reason to run a PA pass unless the other team legitimately thinks there is a chance you might run the ball. On 3rd and 9, not a single person watching the game thinks you are going to run the ball out of I-formation. The two guys in the I could easily be used as additional receiver options. Borges seems to think that every opposing coach has the knowledge of a kid playing Madden for the first time.
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The fact that our playbook has route combinations only combined with PA is not a good reason to run a PA. You could easily do the same route combinations without using a fake that fools nobody. And you could add in an extra receiver for another option.
As far as the linebacker keys... yes, they're taught to read their keys. But on 3rd and 9 without any chance of a run, they already know it's a pass. You're not going to make them hesitate enough to open a receiver when they know what's coming. Furthermore, the specific plays Michigan ran were jump balls to the end zone by receivers. They weren't crossing behind linebackers.
I'll give you that the line is terrible and two extra blockers could help on pass protections. But they're terrible at pass protection AND the only defenders they can pick up will be right in front of them after the fake. If they weren't coming forward, they could stay with the QB and pick up a defender.
Bottom line, I-formation PA pass was a horrible play call on 3rd and 9. And throwing it to Gallon instead of Funchess is even more puzzling.
I don't think Al understands the reasoning behind a play action pass. There is no reason to run a PA pass unless the other team legitimately thinks there is a chance you might run the ball. On 3rd and 9, not a single person watching the game thinks you are going to run the ball out of I-formation. The two guys in the I could easily be used as additional receiver options. Borges seems to think that every opposing coach has the knowledge of a kid playing Madden for the first time.
I'll take trivia and Charleys over mafia and wine any day.