So who is that starter at LG?

[Soonerpeace]

(08-29-2022, 10:23 AM)KillerGoose Wrote: 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. 

I never implied ZT was running on 3 & 6 but I did mention once in awhile versus the right defense he give an option for Joe to audible to a run on 3rd and 4. Again let me be clearer. Don’t know how I can say it any more succinctly. If we have a better run game and teams have to be more cognizant and force the DL not to tee off on Joe it will help. It hasn’t. A better run game could very easily make teams not so readily go into pure passing coverages. Never said a better run game was going to change the entire landscape of our pass blocking.