Routes/Receivers/Coverage Question

[AZGrizFan]

Is it just me, or does it seem like our recievers are struggling to get open lately? With the exception of the CW game, it seems like every pass JJ throws the receiver has someone draped all over him, with the rare exception (Jones' 72 yard reception comes to mind). I don't recall them having that problem last year, so what's the deal? IMHO it could be a function of (or a combination of) three things:

1) O-line is unable to sustain the pocket long enough for the routes to develop
2) Our pre-snap sets are predictable and we're tipping something that tells the defenders what routes are being run
3) Our inability to establish the run negates any advantage of play-action, so inability to suck up the LB's on the play fake means no open passing lanes

Now granted, given the caliber of our upcoming competition, these issues might correct themselves, but it's concerning to me that our receivers NEVER seem to be open...and when they ARE open, JJ doesn't have time to find the open guy and instead tries to force it in while running for his life.

Thoughts?

 

[George Ferguson]

I think the receivers have been open ALOT, but as you said, the pocket collapses too fast. A healthy Chase Naccarato is going to change what we see from this offense in the coming weeks.

 

[BWahlberg]

I think the receivers have been open ALOT, but as you said, the pocket collapses too fast. A healthy Chase Naccarato is going to change what we see from this offense in the coming weeks.

:thumb: Agreed

Not meaning to knock on some rising studs we have in Burke and Jannssen but I think we see the vital role that a dangerous slot WR plays in this offense. Hendu and Van are stretch the field type of guys while Jones, Burke, and Jannssen are possession receivers (Rogers is too when he gets healthy).

I don't know what the deal is with Berland b/c I thought he'd contribute (so did Jordan Johnson in an off-season interview) but Naccarato is that game-breaker guy that will beat slot coverage and help keep the interior pass coverage tight - it'll help open up those deeper routes too.

 

[Will C]

It probably a combination of a lot of things. I agree that the Griz are not establishing the run so PAP plays don't freeze the LBs or DBs and the OLine is not providing enough time for a 5 step drop to let plays develop. I would like to see the Griz utilize the middle of the field more too. Don't see a lot of over the middle passes anymore. Also, not a whole lot of RB screens. Chase Reynolds screen plays were a thing of beauty. I still think there is a lot of potential with this offense just need to start finding their identity and confidence in the next 5 games.

 

[Will C]

Nothing to do with the offense, but it feels like the defensive swagger is back this year. These guys are out to prove that the losses from last years team weren't crippling. I see a lot of potential in the defense too. We will see what the secondary is like when the Sac State game rolls around, but overall Im excited about this group.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Nothing to do with the offense, but it feels like the defensive swagger is back this year. These guys are out to prove that the losses from last years team weren't crippling. I see a lot of potential in the defense too. We will see what the secondary is like when the Sac State game rolls around, but overall Im excited about this group.

+ 1 then some :thumb:

 

[PlayerRep]

It probably a combination of a lot of things. I agree that the Griz are not establishing the run so PAP plays don't freeze the LBs or DBs and the OLine is not providing enough time for a 5 step drop to let plays develop. I would like to see the Griz utilize the middle of the field more too. Don't see a lot of over the middle passes anymore. Also, not a whole lot of RB screens. Chase Reynolds screen plays were a thing of beauty. I still think there is a lot of potential with this offense just need to start finding their identity and confidence in the next 5 games.

I agree with you, and others, about the middle of the field. Also quick passing game a bit more. I think our play-calling has been more mixed and less predictable this year. It's not just run run. I don't know the answer, but it seems like something needs to be done to help and work with our o-line.

 

[PlayerRep]

Nothing to do with the offense, but it feels like the defensive swagger is back this year. These guys are out to prove that the losses from last years team weren't crippling. I see a lot of potential in the defense too. We will see what the secondary is like when the Sac State game rolls around, but overall Im excited about this group.

I agree. The defense is very good and getting better. D-line is very good. Backers can run and are improving each game. Secondary seems improved from prior years.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Nothing to do with the offense, but it feels like the defensive swagger is back this year. These guys are out to prove that the losses from last years team weren't crippling. I see a lot of potential in the defense too. We will see what the secondary is like when the Sac State game rolls around, but overall Im excited about this group.

+ 1 then some :thumb:

Agreed. Better tackling, better ball pursuit, better coverage (for the most part)...and MUCH better hitting! :shock:

 

[Grisly Fan]

Nothing to do with the offense, but it feels like the defensive swagger is back this year. These guys are out to prove that the losses from last years team weren't crippling. I see a lot of potential in the defense too. We will see what the secondary is like when the Sac State game rolls around, but overall Im excited about this group.

+ 1 then some :thumb:

Agreed. Better tackling, better ball pursuit, better coverage (for the most part)...and MUCH better hitting! :shock:

We have seen several hits through the ball carrier, driving them back and off their feet instead of just hitting and trying to drag them down -- a lot of the time just bouncing off. Tackling is much improved.

 

[rimrockgriz]

It probably a combination of a lot of things. I agree that the Griz are not establishing the run so PAP plays don't freeze the LBs or DBs and the OLine is not providing enough time for a 5 step drop to let plays develop. I would like to see the Griz utilize the middle of the field more too. Don't see a lot of over the middle passes anymore. Also, not a whole lot of RB screens. Chase Reynolds screen plays were a thing of beauty. I still think there is a lot of potential with this offense just need to start finding their identity and confidence in the next 5 games.

We haven't been able to execute the screen pass since Delaney came here. Therefore we only call it a couple of times per game...FACT... :egriz:

 

[horribilisfan8184]

It probably a combination of a lot of things. I agree that the Griz are not establishing the run so PAP plays don't freeze the LBs or DBs and the OLine is not providing enough time for a 5 step drop to let plays develop. I would like to see the Griz utilize the middle of the field more too. Don't see a lot of over the middle passes anymore. Also, not a whole lot of RB screens. Chase Reynolds screen plays were a thing of beauty. I still think there is a lot of potential with this offense just need to start finding their identity and confidence in the next 5 games.

I agree with you, and others, about the middle of the field. Also quick passing game a bit more. I think our play-calling has been more mixed and less predictable this year. It's not just run run. I don't know the answer, but it seems like something needs to be done to help and work with our o-line.

How about having them study the NDSU offense game film focusing on how to block and hold without getting it called.

 

[GrizLA]

It probably a combination of a lot of things. I agree that the Griz are not establishing the run so PAP plays don't freeze the LBs or DBs and the OLine is not providing enough time for a 5 step drop to let plays develop. I would like to see the Griz utilize the middle of the field more too. Don't see a lot of over the middle passes anymore. Also, not a whole lot of RB screens. Chase Reynolds screen plays were a thing of beauty. I still think there is a lot of potential with this offense just need to start finding their identity and confidence in the next 5 games.

I agree with you, and others, about the middle of the field. Also quick passing game a bit more. I think our play-calling has been more mixed and less predictable this year. It's not just run run. I don't know the answer, but it seems like something needs to be done to help and work with our o-line.

How about having them study the NDSU offense game film focusing on how to block and hold without getting it called.

It would be great if the Griz would keep the pass receiver in front of them when they are in the end zone with two Griz defenders no where near the Bison...td for NDSU...

 

[PlayerRep]

It probably a combination of a lot of things. I agree that the Griz are not establishing the run so PAP plays don't freeze the LBs or DBs and the OLine is not providing enough time for a 5 step drop to let plays develop. I would like to see the Griz utilize the middle of the field more too. Don't see a lot of over the middle passes anymore. Also, not a whole lot of RB screens. Chase Reynolds screen plays were a thing of beauty. I still think there is a lot of potential with this offense just need to start finding their identity and confidence in the next 5 games.

I agree with you, and others, about the middle of the field. Also quick passing game a bit more. I think our play-calling has been more mixed and less predictable this year. It's not just run run. I don't know the answer, but it seems like something needs to be done to help and work with our o-line.

How about having them study the NDSU offense game film focusing on how to block and hold without getting it called.

It would be great if the Griz would keep the pass receiver in front of them when they are in the end zone with two Griz defenders no where near the Bison...td for NDSU...

The tight end was standing at the back of the end zone, so not possible to keep him in front of the defender. In any event, near the back of the end zone, the defender is supposed to be in front of the receiver not behind the receiver. The NDSU said the plays was sort of a broken play.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Nothing to do with the offense, but it feels like the defensive swagger is back this year. These guys are out to prove that the losses from last years team weren't crippling. I see a lot of potential in the defense too. We will see what the secondary is like when the Sac State game rolls around, but overall Im excited about this group.

+ 1 then some :thumb:

Agreed. Better tackling, better ball pursuit, better coverage (for the most part)...and MUCH better hitting! :shock:

We have seen several hits through the ball carrier, driving them back and off their feet instead of just hitting and trying to drag them down -- a lot of the time just bouncing off. Tackling is much improved.

That tackle that Hermy had coming down the line was fucking EPIC. Absolutely blew that guy up....love seeing that shit. :thumb: :thumb: