View topic - Once and for all, WTF?

[isfry Profile]

OK, I know it's been said and resaid, but I need some answers. For the whole season, the last two games in particular, our offense has sputtered, at best, until the last half of the fourth quarter, when we desperately need it, so we go no huddle, hurry up and throw a bunch of short to medium range passes, with great success. The obvious question is, why don't we start out like that, get a quick lead, and let our D just suffocate the opponent for the rest of the game? A couple of simple answers, all or none of which may be a factor. One, opposing defenses tire, and the last half of the fourth quarter is the only time it would be as easy as we have made it look to march down the field. (maybe) Two, we have so much trust in our defense that the game plan is to play super conservative on offense, don't take any risks, let the defense give us some golden opportunities, and then, at the end, if we have failed to capitalize on those opportunities, take the leash off. (maybe) Three, Arians is truly the moron many think he is, and it's all his fault. When the chips are down and time is running out, and the no huddle is the only hope, Ben calls the plays, which results in better play calling. (maybe)

All of these things may factor in, but I am curious to hear what you guys think. I mean, I'm no football genius, but I've been saying for weeks, OK if we truly have no running game (due to OL, Parker, Miller, whatever...) and the 4 WR shotgun, no-huddle has worked (Ben seems to thrive in it) why not start out with it, score some quick points and let Woodley, Harrison, and company pin their ears back from the get-go?

[4nic8 Profile]

You don't win in poker very often, do ya?

[isfry Profile]

You don't win in poker very often, do ya?

Actually, I do. However, if I folded every time I had bullets (see BB7, HW86, HM83) and went all in every time I had 2-7 (see running out of trips bunch or up the middle with no FB) I would be as big an idiot as Arians.

[4nic8 Profile]

But are you showing the other players your hand before you make your move?

I am expecting this offense to reach deep into it's bag of tricks come playoff time. The good thing about not having an offensive identity is the other teams won't know what to key on.

[Hagerstown Steelman Profile]

I think the reason they do not open up earlier is the fear of making a mistake (ie, Indy game or early in NE). However, this is a bad excuse. Or Arians is too proud to give up some control. Tomlin has given Lebeau more control than Cowher ever did and look at the results. Arians should do the same with Ben.

Indy runs the no huddle all the time. Teams can not really prep for it since they don't know when it is coming.

I would like to see the no huddle if not for an entire drive atleast used sporadically through out the game. 3 plays here or 4 plays there to keep the other teams defense off balance. To me this even would maximize the run game. A couple of quick passes and then a draw play or shuffle pass and we would gouge other teams repeatedly.

A side benefit to the no huddle is that if you catch a team totally mismatched then they have to burn a time out which can be huge at the end of the game.

[isfry Profile]

I agree, Hagerstown. Furthermore, you make an interesting point. Tomlin (the head coach) has given the reins of coordinating the defense to LeBeau (the defensive coordinator). Bruce Arians (the offensive coordinator) should give the reins of coordinating the offense to Ben (the QB). I agree with you, and I'm not sure there's a worse critique you can give to an OC.

[isfry Profile]

But are you showing the other players your hand before you make your move?

I am expecting this offense to reach deep into it's bag of tricks come playoff time. The good thing about not having an offensive identity is the other teams won't know what to key on.

Let's hope you're right.

[NOVAStiller Profile]

Isfry - good analysis.

If I might add a Fourth: those opposing defenses are also playing a more cautious, prevent defense in the 4th quarter allowing for those short quick passes off the line to happen. Regardless, I too hope that we are saving our best for the playoffs - you have to wonder if this is true though.

I really like the fact that it looks like we are only going to be facing teams in the AFC playoffs that we have already played this year (exception Denver, Jets, Dolphins). LeBeau will eat this up!

[indysteel Profile]

I don't know what the answer is....

However, this is professional (key word) football. You don't "hope" to make it to the playoffs and then, if you do, open up another entire section of your playbook that you've been saving in case you do make the playoffs that has all of the "I double dog dare you" plays. You play to win, every week.

Now, you may change patterns (i.e., Steelers passing earlier versus running in last trip to SB). You might change tactics somewhat. But, at this stage of the year, you are what you are.

Christ sake, if the no huddle was that great, every team in the league would be using it all the time every weekend. In fact, the Bungals tried that almost....last count, they have NEVER won a SB.