Where was the running game?

[Mack Herron]

While the Chargers ran at will with LT, the Colts did the same with 2 mediocre RBs. Meanwhile, with Dillon, Faulk and Maroney, and the most solid offensive line we've had since BB has been here, we turn tail as soon as the going gets tough and give up on the run in the second half of our 2 most important games. I don't think it is personnel because this is the same line that opened up holes in the past (better in fact). Dillon and Faulk are running well, while Maroney has been talented but dissapointing. I have been critical of the play calling all year because whenever the going got tough they fell back on the passing game. This lack of confidence instilled a passive attitude. Running is all about attitude, about enforcing your will. I think the coaches failed to establish confidence in the offense that we could run, and this lack of confidence was self-fulfilling. With a 21-3 lead in the first half, the Colts came out and ran again and again against the strength of our defense (one ofhte NFLs better lines against the run). They pounded away. The Patriots came out against a Colts defense that is not a great run defense, and we went almost exclusively to the pass. We are built on a balance of talent, and by eschewing the running game completely, we went away from our strength and the Colts had to defend only the pass. Much easier to defend when you know what is coming. With the game on the line at the end, the Colts ran 6 times down our throats for the win. Brady throws into double coverage to well-covered receivers.

 

[Keegs]

McDoogle sucks as on OC...

everyone gets outraged about it on this board b/c many of the people on here like to pat each other on the back constantly and try to keep their comments as conservative as possible so they don't upset people.

but it's a fact that McDaniels is horrible and should be replaced.

I don't know if he has snot in his nose or not.

 

[belichickaholic]

While the Chargers ran at will with LT, the Colts did the same with 2 mediocre RBs. Meanwhile, with Dillon, Faulk and Maroney, and the most solid offensive line we've had since BB has been here, we turn tail as soon as the going gets tough and give up on the run in the second half of our 2 most important games. I don't think it is personnel because this is the same line that opened up holes in the past (better in fact). Dillon and Faulk are running well, while Maroney has been talented but dissapointing. I have been critical of the play calling all year because whenever the going got tough they fell back on the passing game. This lack of confidence instilled a passive attitude. Running is all about attitude, about enforcing your will. I think the coaches failed to establish confidence in the offense that we could run, and this lack of confidence was self-fulfilling. With a 21-3 lead in the first half, the Colts came out and ran again and again against the strength of our defense (one ofhte NFLs better lines against the run). They pounded away. The Patriots came out against a Colts defense that is not a great run defense, and we went almost exclusively to the pass. We are built on a balance of talent, and by eschewing the running game completely, we went away from our strength and the Colts had to defend only the pass. Much easier to defend when you know what is coming. With the game on the line at the end, the Colts ran 6 times down our throats for the win. Brady throws into double coverage to well-covered receivers.

While I'm not looking to blame anyone, I too want to know why we didn't run the ball effectively. Was it just that Dillon had nothing left and was too slow? Was Maroney doing something with his stance to tip off the defenders? (he was always caught in the backfield) Was the line just not blocking well enough? If so, why did Faulk have success running until he got hurt?

In the 04 championship game, they had a similar situation to the 3rd and 4 at the end of the game and they put Seymour in at fullback and barrelled over the steelers. Why couldn't they just run the damn ball?

sigh

 

[mosi]

While I'm not looking to blame anyone, I too want to know why we didn't run the ball effectively. Was it just that Dillon had nothing left and was too slow? Was Maroney doing something with his stance to tip off the defenders? (he was always caught in the backfield) Was the line just not blocking well enough? If so, why did Faulk have success running until he got hurt?

In the 04 championship game, they had a similar situation to the 3rd and 4 at the end of the game and they put Seymour in at fullback and barrelled over the steelers. Why couldn't they just run the damn ball?

sigh

Agreed. Heck, 3rd and 4 should be a running down. Hell, I would have gone for it on 4th down as well. If you can't get 4 yards in two downs, well...

 

[BradyManny]

All their good runs came on draws - or that one that Dillon broke free.

Something isn't right - I have no idea what it is. Likely, it's a combination of a lot of factors, but that needs to be a high priority for next season.

At times this season, it just seems like there is a swarm of the other team awaiting the running back the moment the ball is snapped - you gotta think that's either the OL, lack of respect for our passing game or the design of our running plays.

I hope they tailor running plays to Maroney more in the future. Until he learns that he's not going to get a big hole everytime, you gotta get him outside whenever you can.

 

[Oswlek]

Faulk was hurt in the third quarter.

Dillon was clearly injured/fatigued based on the lack of use.

Maroney was struggling.

Do you want to win with Tom throwing or Evans running? I agree that running on a few downs might have helped, but personnel was more of a factor than anything else. I would bet just about anything that Faulk would have been used on a draw on 3rd and 4 if he were in there.

 

[holyredeemer]

Write the little snot nosed, out of his league, Offensive Coordinator and ask him why? I will be glad to PM you his email address.

NEM, you're good for a few laughs each wk. and have a couple of insightful comments here and there, but where the hell do you find the need to call Mcdaniels such ridiculous names? He's done nothing to you. ****, I dont run around belittling anyone because I don't agree with their coaching. He doesn't have a bad attitude, he's never said anything to embarass this team, and despite all of his naysayers, Mcdaniels just continues to do his thing.
Though in no way do I think highly of his playcalling, I still respect him merely for that. Also, stupid ****ty posts like this are above you (atleast I think) and easily push your already sour reputation down the drown. Ya let me down on this one old man, not that I am sure you care.