Simps

September 20th, 2012 at 4:19 PM ^

I've been waiting for an OC to have the balls to run something like this. Everyone always says the option won't work because the athletes on NFL defenses are too fast and athletic but really it can work with slight tweaks like the Panthers are using to keep Cam from getting hit. I'd love to see us run something similar to the play described in the article for Fitz. It would save some hits on Denard and on the plays the DT halls ass to get Fitz it'll be a easy scamper up field for Denard. You can even add another hot read off the SS/SAM backer for a quick slant or seam if they load the box.

Joined: 08/11/2012

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stephenrjking

September 20th, 2012 at 4:44 PM ^

Not everybody says that. Many have argued (accurately) that the option exposes the QB to ferocious hits that are unacceptable to the long-term success of the team.

Read options help a bit, since the QB isn't running right into a defender, but only a bit.

Some moneyball-minded team will hopefully decide to give a full mobile-QB offense a try when they find their current and future QB options are terrible, though. There are a dozen mobile QB-type players whose skillsey makes them a backup at best but who could be seriously worrisome in a unique run-oriented offense. Get 4 of them on your roster, convert some into part-time TEs and slot backs, and put 3 QBs on the field at once with run-pass packages and misdirections.

Lets say that someone like KC does this. There are coaches who can be hired to run the offense. Guys like Dennis Dixon and Vince Young are easy to acquire, and Denard would be a great pickup as a slot back that can throw.

The talent is cheap and it is abundant. It can work. But nobody has the guts to invest a few years on such a big risk--they might miss out on drafting the next Jake Locker.

Joined: 03/15/2012

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Blue in Seattle

September 20th, 2012 at 4:55 PM ^

Tampa Bay shut down the run read option in the first week.  So the thing I've been hearing is that the Saints are the ones who don't know how to defend the run option.

 

Break It Down: Why Cam Newton could not solve Tampa Bay’s defense

This picture in particular reminded me of the Michigan - Alabama game,

And the panthers were blocking the optioned man, similar to Michigan, and look at the safety with the two middle linebackers, Pretty much man to man coverage, but it's 3 on 2 for the RB and QB.  I think that's why Denard never pulled the ball, and why Cam Newton didn't against Tampa Bay.

And that is the reason why Borge said he wouldn't have called plays differently.  Because his best option was to try and pass against man to man coverage.  The problem with that was Alabama's secondary was better than Michigan's recievers man to man. Which is one example used in this article from Smart Football "Why Nick Saban doesn't teach backpedaling"

Now with a little more game experience under their belts, maybe the Devins can win the battle of Man to Man against NDs secondary.  Because I'm pretty sure ND will start off loading the box against the run.

 

Joined: 07/02/2008

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jblaze

September 20th, 2012 at 6:05 PM ^

ND would be crazy to play D like Bama. They have to blitz Denard, and hope he throws INT's or at least drop the LBs in coverage (but that encourages Fitz and Denard to run).

They can't rush 3-4, have their backers cover the option and let their CBs play man. Denard, the Devins and Gallon would shread ND's CBs 1-on-1

Joined: 08/29/2008

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jsquigg

September 20th, 2012 at 10:11 PM ^

I'm sick of hearing: The spread can't work in the NFL!!!

Has there been a spread option coach who has had a shot?  I, too, would love to see Chip Kelly get a shot.

Joined: 09/06/2009

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