11-20-2021, 12:58 PM
(11-20-2021, 11:43 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Yep. He was a large reason there was so much optimism heading in to 2015. For the first time in a long time, the Bengals had balance on offense. They could beat you so many ways.
Here's to hoping Pollack, Callahan, and ZT can find some magic in the 2nd (almost) half and get the run game going. I actually think is has been pretty solid, but ZT has fallen back to his reliance on the passing game and Burrow is paying the price for it.
I think part of the reason ZT has relied on passing is because the run game has kind of stunk. It is well below average, Mixon has decent numbers because of his volume but he and the line aren't really playing all that well. On the other hand, the passing game has been quite strong by most measures other than EPA. For the run game, here is Cincinnati's ranks...
EPA per rush (23rd)
Yards per carry (22nd)
Success Rate (25th)
Explosive Plays (27th)
TD% (14th)
And for the passing game...
EPA per pass (15th)
Yards per attempt (1st)
Success Rate (9th)
Explosive Plays (5th)
Passer Rating (4th)
TD% (1st)
It makes sense that ZT wants to rely on the pass, it's the only thing working. I'd be a little frustrated if he ran just to run when it isn't working. That doesn't do anything. The main issue is that Burrow has really been playing risky ball, and that works when he is offsetting the turnovers with touchdowns. The problem is when he doesn't hit those touchdowns. The passing game is the only thing that works, and when it isn't working, Cincinnati is B A D.
