Mack Herron
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2006
- Messages
- 15,111
- Reaction score
- 21,142
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.