Ten More Runs

I'm big on running the football. 

I was happy Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy went to the run more in the second half of the just concluded Cardinals game. The Chiefs ran on Jonathan Gannon in the Super Bowl. 

It would be good to see 10 to 12 more runs tacked on to total attempts. Our Passing Game depends on synergy with the run. I figure 40 passes and 30 runs ought to be optimum for EB's offense.

Sometimes more runs will be necessary. This weekend against Denver might be one of those times. Denver will be hungry for a win. Sean Payton wants to beat his nemesis Ron Rivera. Vance Joseph wants a vic over his buddy EB. Denver fans are pretty cranky about the Raiders loss.

Denver emphasized stopping the run against the Raiders. They did a pretty good job. The Commanders should still run the ball more than they did against the Cardinals. Perhaps the Broncos are better against the run this year. Last year they lost 7 games when teams ran for 100 or more against them.

EB passed a lot against them with the Chiefs. But this is a different team with different needs. The Offense gave up 6 sacks. Whether it be the QB or the offensive line it does not matter. Spend less time blaming and more time fixing. 

I watched the game on TV so I can't see the whole field. I don't know for a fact Sam's passing lanes were clogged. He is usually quick getting the ball out. Something was different. Were the receivers getting open? Was the line just getting physically beaten? Was Sam self-conscious about getting balls batted?

The word was the Cardinals were purposely trying to clog the passing lanes and keep their hands up to bat balls. One batted ball was picked. Whatever it was that slowed Sam down you can bet dollars to donuts that Sean Payton has seen it. If he can he will try to repeat it.

I was surprised somewhat the jet play wasn't used more.

You can drill passing lanes and run blocking. A good running game can back off the rush and spring the passing game. But it gets more complicated if your line is just getting physically defeated.