02-17-2022, 07:53 PM
(02-17-2022, 03:33 PM)Oasis5055 Wrote: Praises him for being flexible in giving Joe Burrow the system he wants and creating a possible Locker room atmosphere
Critical in saying that is it’s the offensive system and predictably in play calling that is leading to sacks and beating up burrow.
“When it was fourth down, and you could see they got in the shotgun, and they were probably not going to run the football,” McVay said, referring to Cincinnati’s failed fourth-and-1 play with under a minute left. “I said, ‘Aaron’s going to close the game out right here.’”
“ Cincinnati sported an 89 percent pass rate from the gun during its playoff run, per Sports Info Solutions. And the offense wasn’t too hard to figure out when Joe Burrow went under center, either. During the postseason, the Bengals passed the ball on just 24 percent of their under-center snaps.”
“ Taylor’s offense was inconsistent to the point that it finished 24th in DVOA variance. And in four playoff games, the Bengals averaged just 23 points largely because of woeful performances in the red zone.”
“ pointing out that the Bengals were one of nine teams to produce a negative EPA on play-action passes, or that they finished tied for 24th in EPA per attempt on under-center runs, per Sports Info Solutions—but I think you get the point. All of this is a bad look for an offensive-minded head coach who calls the plays.”
The Zac Taylor Conundrum
Taylor just led the Bengals to the Super Bowl and their best season in 31 years. But is that enough to mask his offense’s issues—and show that he’s the right person to develop Joe Burrow?
https://www.theringer.com/platform/amp/nfl/2022/2/16/22936210/zac-taylor-bengals-contract-extension-joe-burrow-development
As far as Zac’s schemes I think he’s solid. Mike Zimmer said he was really impressed with them before they played. I also know a NFL head coach and a NFL OC and both are impressed with his schemes.
Now to the play calling. Zac as has been noted gives Joe a lot of latitude in play calling or changing the play. As phenomenal as he’s done he’s still inexperienced. I know for a fact that Zac has protected Joe on some things he’s messed up himself. I’m sure he’s also bailed out Taylor as well. But… a former All-American QB and champion college OC and then D-1 major head coach once told me that a poor OL or a great OL either render you a great or awful play caller. I know that on offense they split up responsibilities depending on the situation. There’s a red zone coach to give an alternate play in the red zone. A third and long coach I’d suspect, a short yardage coach and other important situations they split up. So it’s more of a joint effort. They make suggestions not call the play mind you.
JMHO what this offense needs is a much much improved run game. Mixon is a great burst and open field runner. If teams have to worry about him in the open field heaven help them. But judging Taylor with this OL may not be fair. Next year we may see a huge improvement and don’t forget he called a lot of plays that worked in late moments of the playoffs. ?♂️
