09-13-2022, 05:21 PM
(09-13-2022, 04:04 PM)higgy100 Wrote: Play action only works when you're running the ball well. Outside of Mixon's 31 yard run he averaged less than 2 ypc. Bengals going to have to prove to the world they can get good, positive running yards on 1st/2nd down (I believe defenders hit the Bengals RB's on over 52% of their running plays last season before the LOS).
I believe that play-action will become a key staple of their offense in the next few weeks.
This isn’t quite true. Play-action simply works, regardless of how well you’re running. Each play has run fits, and defenders have to play those fits. Play-action works due to the freezing of the linebackers, primarily. There is essentially zero correlation to PA success and run game success. If you’re a terrible running team, play-action still works. For instance, Heinicke was the best PA QB in the league in 2021 despite Washington being a mediocre rushing team. Mayfield and Wentz were bottom half of the league in PA success despite being the two best rushing teams in the league.
That said, I think Cincinnati should incorporate it more along with RPOs.
