Zampese Year 2

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(03-16-2017, 11:59 PM)Fan_in_Kettering Wrote: With an offensive line incapable of solid blocking on the pass or the run, you have to throw out 95% of your playbook.  You can run only a few plays with mixed success:  Run plays through A- or B-gaps, delayed draw plays, swing passes, screen passes, quick slants, and that's about it.  Everything else will get blown up before there is time for the play to develop.  

I have seen an awful lot of blame for the lack of a running game on the offensive line, and much of it is warranted.  However, I have an issue with the personnel and their utilization that certainly didn't help the running game or offense in general.

It starts with Hill.  Virtually never targeted in the passing game until Gio was out injured.  Not very adept at picking up a pass rusher.  So, if I am the opposing defense, I am probably going to use more press coverage and also have my players crowding the line of scrimmage in anticipation of the run. 

With Gio in, almost the opposite is true.  He was clearly the receiver out of the running back tandem and the defense would adjust accordingly.

I never understood, with the talent the Bengals possess at the TE position, why there were so few multiple TE formations that would allow one to stay in to help block.  The Bengals didn't run nearly enough screens, and their TE screen (which is good for 10 yards every time) might have been run a grand total of five times all season...and three were in one game.  Core's vertical speed was never put to good use while AJ was still healthy.  They stayed with Ced O wayyyyy too long at RT.  When Sexy was given his lone chance, the line looked pretty good...so how much of it was Ced and Hill?  

All these things point to inept coaching.  Losing Hue was a tremendous blow. I put Zampese's performance in Year 2 as #1 on the Bengal's list of priorities in the offseason. If his strategy for having Ced at LT next year is to have a bunch of short passes and run the ball, be prepared for a horrible season.  Opposing defenses will love only defending 10 yards of the field.   The offensive line was much better once Ced was benched and I think Smith's power at RG (IF he can stay healthy) will definitely help short yardage.  Ced and Zampese...the 2017 Bengals are in your hands.