I appreciate the nuanced breakdown, that makes it plain as day. So - and this is a real Q - how does Lamar Jackson's presence open the entire damn field up?
Better yet, I think to get the answer I'm seeking: how does a QB with the threat of running open the field up for skill positions?
I've always been under the impression (which I'm willing to accept isn't correct) that those who actually run separate routes on different parts of the field open others up. I guess my logic was that, if you have a bunch of people who get their money over the middle of the field, a defense would just clog it and dare them to throw outside to options that aren't as favorable.
Again, thanks for the breakdown.
Sorry was eating, watching BigBro, got side tracked watching bball and fell asleep.
First, I'd imagine it starts off the field? As a DC, "How am I going to stop this"?
So you've probably heard someone say ... "it forces the defense to play 11 on 11". Defenses have to account for that threat through scheme and personnel dedicated to that QB. Now you're forced to play everyone that can touch the ball.
It definitely helps RB's. I saw the Ravens & a few other teams with that type of QB use condensed, tight formations which usually gets the D to react in the same way. Real tight, everyone up close and in Baltys case last year, those are the designed runs that kill teams. Probably the deadliest run last year was Jackson on designed scrambles/runs. At times it was like a fake zone read attack bc Jackson was always going to take it.
But back to the formation/opposing defense. They're so tight and reduced that big runs are becoming easier bc there's basically 1 level to beat. Everyones heard "load the box" at one point. A lot teams with that physical identity don't mind if you do that at all bc again if you don't stop it with up front ur asking a lot from ur DB's, LB's are chasing with bad angles.
You can see both D have like 9 guys in sight, pretty close to the line.
So once you add in other variations, slights & additions it can be very confusing on a defense. We saw first-hand last year.
The big thing it does that really helps a RB imo is gap integrity-gap exchange. It puts a ton of pressure on ur LBs. It's a split second decision on a good rep now ur making that decision while with another ball carrier or potential ball carrier back there. Lots of decisions turn to guesses.
Combine that with one of the best OL performances we've seen in the running game and it adds to it a ton. Depending on their feet, initial step(s) you could be thinking IZ, Duo and get hit with power/trap. But again it's about the gaps imo concerning a RB. One hesitation, wrong move and now you ur looking at daylight if you beat 1/2 DB's.
From Warren Sharp
"The other less-talked-about side of mobile quarterbacks is their impact on the running game as a whole. In nine games with Joe Flacco as the starter last season, Ravens running backs averaged minus-0.11 EPA/A and had a Positive% of 38%. In the final seven games with Jackson as the quarterback, Ravens backs had an EPA/A of 0.04 and a Positive% of 46%. Gus Edwards, who seemingly came out of nowhere, finished the season as the league leader in Positive% at 57%, and it’s probably fair to attribute a lot of this to the threat of Jackson as a runner".
I don't think it can be understated what a athletic, smart QB can do. Combined with some solod, creative scheme. It's still uncharted waters for most players. Certainly at this level with this type of coaching.
As for WR/TE think about everything above. Going into the week you're focused on Lamar, the running game, blah, blah, blah. Everyone and their mother is talking about stopping that. So even a team like Seattle who plays some sort of C3 variation on most plays in their 43 base or we they wanna call it. They play probably the most bland, straight front you have and just stick to it. Even for a team like that who's comfortable in what they're playing. Not making crazy adjustments to counter Balty. You can see the effect it has on everyone.
He's a lot smarter than me, I'll **** up buzz/sky like a meathead ... Good clip of where everyone's head is at.
I saw a lot of confusion on motion too. Motion is a killer when you add in rpo/ro etc Esp on goal line drawing defenders in or away from the line. If you have physical, capable WRs that can block/catch its really a nightmare for a defense on GL. Now they're threat on sweeps, blocking, 1 on 1 outside ... Not easy when you absolutely have to play the run first and have no idea who's carrying the ball.
It's a big problem and you really don't need a Jackson to be that effective. We've seen what RT did last year. Josh Allen. Cam. Kap. Again it's still uncharted waters in a lot of cases. You need a lot to line up & happen.
QB, coaching, personnel ... It's not going away imo. Teams at the HS/college level aren't afraid to put these athletes at QB and the NFL has to get players from somewhere.
If I'm tasked with stopping this I'm focusing on my DL first & second. You need penetration up front. You have to interfere with that initial read/ho, look. You have to disrupt that exchange/look.
I'm also looking at more shells/ maybe 2hi looks to keep everything in front of me. Who cares about yards, stop the points & be physical with the QB.
Coaches will tell their QB's to get we you can and go down. Or the 1st down/Score rule. If you can pick up a first or score do it. If Not get what you can and get down. No one wants their QB taking shots even knowing the risk of running this offense. So I can't imagine lighting up a QB enough won't be a factor for some coaches.
That's almost impossible when players are so tight to the line. It gives the offense an advantage to get a hat on someone right away and again after that ur asking a lot from DB's mostly.
