09-20-2021, 01:40 PM
(09-20-2021, 01:19 PM)Joelist Wrote: Watch the game - the scheme WAS to blame for a lot of it. Empty backfields are terrible when you are dealing with a strong defensive front. Taylor's theory was it spreads the defense out - but what if the defense has 8 guys up within 10 yards like the bears did all day? They sat on the short routes and Taylor was refusing to go deep until it was too late. Even with his receivers and Burrow telling him they needed to do so.
If Taylor had ACTUALLY wanted to protect Burrow he should have done Max Protect and sent his receivers a LOT deeper. Challenge the secondary and with the TE and back (or 2 TE) helping the line Burrow will be able to get the ball out there. Also, on a LOT of plays Burrow had time and a pocket but the play design gave him nowhere to throw.
It was five vs four. They rarely had to blitz. The OL was the primary reason they lost. Better play calling could of helped...sure. Mixon in the backfield and better blocking when back there would have helped...sure. But shouldn't need the OL plus Mixon to block their four DL. We shouldn't make this more complicated than it is. The OL needs to be improved as soon as possible. Or else it's Brandon Allen starting most of this season.
