11-06-2021, 11:53 AM
(11-06-2021, 11:46 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I think it is in the route design. Some of them take a while to uncover. Offensive line has been inconsistent and doesn't always provide Joe enough time.
What compounds that problem is the stupid run in to a pile when they are all set up to stuff the run and then you have to succeed on two or sometimes one (when they have a dumb play twice) play before punting.
I think that running to open up the pass might work for a play-action team like the Browns who have a great run-blocking line, but for the Bengals they need to play to their strengths and attack through the air. Then, when teams adjust and drop everyone back, gash them with Mixon and more short plays to the RB.
Interestingly enough, there isn't any evidence that running opens up the passing game. There is an analyst named Ben Baldwin, who is fantastic for advanced NFL data, who did research into this. His conclusion was that running game success has no correlation to play-action passing success, or passing success in general. Play-action seems to work because the mere threat of a run exists if the RB is on the field, the defenses have to play their gaps regardless.
Play-action passing is really, really good, though. The Bengals would still benefit from using PA more but I agree, let Burrow rip it. He has been playing fantastic and the team has the weapons on the outside to do very well. To your last point, I would love getting Mixon involved with more screens and actually routes out of the backfield. He is a very talented receiver and a lot of a running backs value comes from their ability to catch. He and Evans, really, would be great options out of the backfield.
