How to build a running game

[SVN]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/dr_z/09/21/running.game/1.html

 

[BelichickFan]

Bump.

This is worth reading, especially all the Patriots' stuff on page two. I especially liked this paragraph about Maroney :

"Surprised me, too, that they took him (Maroney)," said a scout who's friendly with the Patriots' personnel people. "He really didn't seem like their type. But they told me after the draft, 'Just watch. He'll fit in. He just ran in college the way they wanted him to. He can do it our way.'"

 

[Kdo5]

So from what I see here they say Dillon is only running good because he is angry that the Patriots drafted an RB...

 

[T-ShirtDynasty]

Bump.

This is worth reading, especially all the Patriots' stuff on page two. I especially liked this paragraph about Maroney :

"Surprised me, too, that they took him (Maroney)," said a scout who's friendly with the Patriots' personnel people. "He really didn't seem like their type. But they told me after the draft, 'Just watch. He'll fit in. He just ran in college the way they wanted him to. He can do it our way.'"

Awesome. I had that same paragraph copied, ready to quote it in this thread before I got sidetracked with work! I loved that quote.

Also refreshing look at Matt Light.

Nice read.

 

[BelichickFan]

So from what I see here they say Dillon is only running good because he is angry that the Patriots drafted an RB...

That's not exactly what he said - and I didn't really agree with that line - but you have to admit that adding Manoney has totally changed Dillon's year. Not that he may not have done well by himself but his mental outlook, his ability to pace himself, etc, is very different than it would have been.

 

[zippo59]

That's not exactly what he said - and I didn't really agree with that line - but you have to admit that adding Manoney has totally changed Dillon's year. Not that he may not have done well by himself but his mental outlook, his ability to pace himself, etc, is very different than it would have been.

Yeah I think they mean it's more because he doesn't have the pressure of knowing he has to carry the entire running load.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I often find myself scratching my head and Zimmerman's columns, but every now and then he puts down his trumpet and wine glass to talk some football.

Now the question I have, wasn't the running game behind Kaczur and Mankins a bit stronger last season, compared to Neal and Gorin? Ochmed or anyone else who has experience in O-line technique...I just have this impression that Nick and Logan created some big gains, Jacksonville comes to mind, or was that Ashworth?

Who remembers Britt at Alabama, were they a run first team or pass first?

A very interesting read SVN! Makes you wonder why TE was so important to BB's draft.

 

[R_T26]

What about the part where the Pats scout says you need a fast center for the run game to work. Maybe Koppen is getting locked up.

 

[Wotan_the_Wanderer]

Good read. Only thing I'd object to is the suggestion that Koppen is merely a quick smurf who gains an advantage by running around nonstop and tiring out his opponents. If Doc Z were to watch game film of last year's contest against the Raiders, he'd see what Koppen did against Sapp and more so, against Ted Washington one on one.

 

[Wotan_the_Wanderer]

Now the question I have, wasn't the running game behind Kaczur and Mankins a bit stronger last season, compared to Neal and Gorin? Ochmed or anyone else who has experience in O-line technique...I just have this impression that Nick and Logan created some big gains, Jacksonville comes to mind, or was that Ashworth?

I didn't quite see it that way. I thought the left side sans Light really struggled in opening up holes. Instead, I thought we were most effective running behind Neal oddly enough, especially when Mankins pulled and hit the hole.

Against Jax, I recall both Dillon and Faulk being pretty much useless in establishing a sustained, consistent running game. If we're thinking of the same long run by Faulk on the left side, I think that was from a hurry-up set. My memory, however, has been known to be hazy at times and I am by no means an O-line technique expert.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I didn't quite see it that way. I thought the left side sans Light really struggled in opening up holes. Instead, I thought we were most effective running behind Neal oddly enough, especially when Mankins pulled and hit the hole.

Against Jax, I recall both Dillon and Faulk being pretty much useless in establishing a sustained, consistent running game. If we're thinking of the same long run by Faulk on the left side, I think that was from a hurry-up set. My memory, however, has been known to be hazy at times and I am by no means an O-line technique expert.

Neal is a pretty good road grader, Tommy's sneaks always go behind him and Koppen. The sneak they did in the Miami home game last year sent Keith Traylor to the sideline for a rest after Neal pancaked him.

 

[flutie2phelan]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/dr_z/09/21/running.game/1.html

That article ... right on target ... provokes thinking.

Did he just say
that Matt Light is one of the top
run-blocking LTs?
I think he did.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I often find myself scratching my head and Zimmerman's columns, but every now and then he puts down his trumpet and wine glass to talk some football.

Now the question I have, wasn't the running game behind Kaczur and Mankins a bit stronger last season, compared to Neal and Gorin? Ochmed or anyone else who has experience in O-line technique...I just have this impression that Nick and Logan created some big gains, Jacksonville comes to mind, or was that Ashworth?

Who remembers Britt at Alabama, were they a run first team or pass first?

A very interesting read SVN! Makes you wonder why TE was so important to BB's draft.

'Bama was a running team when Britt was there. It was his senior year when their QB picked in the mid rounds this draft, started to play, but had not turned into a great passer yet. Britt was a two time ALL SEC and All American as a drive run blocker. Britt mostly played LT but also had reps at RT in college, I believe.

The opening on the Patriots O line was at ROT and OC is a ROT First, Last and Always. There are few O linemen who start their first game as a rookie but those that do, and Earned it, as opposed to be given it because of a gaping vacancy, will usually be future stars.

I still think that Britt has the talent to be a starter in this League; perhaps as an above average run blocking LOT, or a better than average pass blocking/run blocking ROT. It just goes to show the Pats are LOADED in the O-line and even paying full boat to keep qualified guys on the PS.

 

[AzPatsFan]

That article ... right on target ... provokes thinking.

Did he just say
that Matt Light is one of the top
run-blocking LTs?
I think he did.

That's not exactly news. When coming out many talked of Light as a
G or ROT. Even now, although less so than earlier in his career, there is occasional talk of moving him to ROT, and replacing him with a better pass blocker at LOT. People wouldn't be doing that if he didn't have the run blocking ability.

OC is and will be the ROT specialist for a while.

 

[AzPatsFan]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/dr_z/09/21/running.game/1.html

Dr z is still worth reading when he bears down. Here is a very good analysis of the run game, backed up by solid scouting.:rocker: