08-29-2022, 10:23 AM
(08-29-2022, 09:18 AM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Measurably it won’t help the passing game. It will however help if on downs like 3rd and 4 we run it and break a TD run. Teams have been looking at our tendencies and with previous times zero chance we ever ran it on third and 3 or more. So I’d disagree. I think the run game opens up the passing game. But no better run blocking won’t help on third and long. But if a better run game keeps teams even so slightly from teeing off all the time then it’s helped.
This is a conversation that can go on for pages and I don't want to derail the thread, but I will say that if Cincinnati starts running the ball on 3rd and 6, the fanbase will carry ZT out of the stadium themselves. Also, I'm not sure what you are trying to say by "running game opens up the passing game". Normally, people will say that and mean "the passing game will be stronger this year because we will run the ball better". This isn't true, there is nothing to support this. Play-action doesn't improve with a strong running game, nor does the passing game normally. You don't hit bigger plays more often, you don't have a higher QB rating, you don't have a higher YPA. This has been true since 1999, which is as far back as I can go with the database I use. So, if you're saying that a better running game opens up a passing game, I would argue that the answer is factually no. If you're saying that you think it will open up the passing game, I would say that trends in data change all the time, so sure, it could change. I just don't see any reason why it would.
That said, yes, a running game really helps with your options in short yardage situations and allows you play with tendencies. If a team were to pass every play, defenses would get into their pressure packages and you'd have a bad time. That is certainly true.
