07-28-2015, 10:37 AM
(07-28-2015, 10:32 AM)ochocincos Wrote: I think part of it is that they didn't trust the run game enough, even though it was working against SD. The run game was more established last year, but with the lack of WR talent, it was almost a no-brainer that it would be wise to focus on defending the run game and force the pass game to take shape.
That leads into my thought that the Bengal OCs the past four years have tried to outsmart the opposition by doing what they felt wasn't expected. If the Bengals are leading at the half, the expectation would be that they would run more in the second half. I definitely noticed that Gruden was guilty of trying to outsmart the opposition by calling pass plays when the expectation is to run (e.g. throwing a 20 yard pass instead of running on 3rd and 2).
I'm hopeful this year that with the return of MLJ and Eifert along with the additions of Moore, Alford, and Kroft, our pass game will be better and open up the run game more. I'll hold off judgement on Jackson's playoff playcalling if/when the Bengals have more legit pass catchers healthy come the playoffs.
I agree with you.
Last year the receiving core was completely decimated so, if I remember correctly, the box was stacked because the defense didn't fear Dalton and his 3rd string receivers.
