DropKickFlutie
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2010
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I have a concern related to the running back by committee concept. Unpredictability is a big part of keeping a defense on its toes. Now, if an offense is rotating running backs based on publicly known stereotypes where one guy is known as an inside runner, or another is more of a 3rd down passing down back, isn't this completely giving away what you are doing?
I would imagine that an all around RB who can play every down, is highly valuable because it isn't transparently obvious what type of play will be run. I can agree that 3rd down specialists have a role in the NFL, but these players have exceptional pass catching and pass blocking skills that must be especially great since the opponent knows the play is likely a pass. What I don't understand is going after RB specialists who are only used in games for their publicly known strengths.
I bring this up because I have a hypothesis that one big reason the Patriots have gotten spanked in 2 straight playoff games now, is how completely predictable the offense is related to rotating the running backs. The offense did a good job of mixing things up in the regular season, but in both playoff losses, the offense fell in love with using the 3rd down RB far too much, and it made the offense much easier to defend against.
I would imagine that an all around RB who can play every down, is highly valuable because it isn't transparently obvious what type of play will be run. I can agree that 3rd down specialists have a role in the NFL, but these players have exceptional pass catching and pass blocking skills that must be especially great since the opponent knows the play is likely a pass. What I don't understand is going after RB specialists who are only used in games for their publicly known strengths.
I bring this up because I have a hypothesis that one big reason the Patriots have gotten spanked in 2 straight playoff games now, is how completely predictable the offense is related to rotating the running backs. The offense did a good job of mixing things up in the regular season, but in both playoff losses, the offense fell in love with using the 3rd down RB far too much, and it made the offense much easier to defend against.
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