We can't keep doing this all year...

[*SHRacerX*]

(09-29-2021, 05:15 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: In a recent thread, Essex Johnson compared this team to the 2012 team. I compared it to the 2009 team. Both for similar reasons, which included our focus on running the football.

Well there's one big difference I noticed.

In 2009, our backup RBs (Bernard Scott, Larry Johnson and Brian Leonard) combined for 147 carries (9.2 per game). This kept us focused on running, but also kept us from killing CedBen. These RBs were also successful, rushing for 609 yards on 4.1 ypc, which was right behind CedBen's 4.2.

In 2012, we weren't quite as balanced, but still gave our backups (Peerman, Scott and Leonard) 77 carries, or 4.8 per game. This group was also very successful, rushing for 399 yards on 5.4 a pop.

This year?

We've had a grand total of 6 carries (all Perine) to backup RBs, or 2 per game. Mixon has 67 carries, which puts him on pace for 380 carries for a full season. This just isn't sustainable.

So the way I see it, things are going to play out one of three ways:

1) We maintain this pace and Mixon gets worn down and/or injured during this 17 game schedule.

2) We gradually start passing more...which I guess makes sense, but I kinda like the run focus we have right now.

Or

3) We start rotating our backs a little more.

Obviously, I'm a fan of option #3. It seems like this team has often been reluctant to use our backup RBs, instead looking at one guy as the "bellcow" and not really using the others.

I get that Mixon is paid the big bucks. You give him the lion's share of carries...but you also want to keep him healthy and fresh, while maintaining the balanced offense we've seen thus far, (which is working quite well, btw).

To do this, we need to see the other guys rotate in way more.

Thoughts?

I have said this in passing a few times in other threads....You are dead on.  I think to keep Mixon healthy and fresh down the stretch, there needs to be a better rotation of the backup RBs.  Evans has shown to be very promising.  A little bummed we let Patrick go, as Perine looks a little lethargic compared to the end of last year.  Amazing how a contract can do that.

As far as the reasoning behind it, I think you are right that they are somewhat trying to protect Burrow (why was I tempted to add an "S"?  I'm such a dick) and ease him in to things.  I think with 10 days to prepare for Green Bay, and they should want to get up on the Jags and unleash the pass rush on Lawrence.  Don't play this one so conservative early and allow them to stay in the game.  

One possible development:  without Higgins, I can't help but think they try to get some of that Burrow/Uzomah magic going this year.  TEs have been non-existent in the passing game with few exceptions.