Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=Schneed10;380583]It's just funny how this time last week, everyone was screaming to put the load on Clinton Portis and ride the workhorse. Now that Campbell had a big day, necessitated by passing to catch up, everyone wants to see us pass all the time.

How about this, we put together a complete offensive performance where we're both running and passing effectively?[/quote]

Yep, I was the main culprit in fact. But my thing is, if we're going to declare we're a smashmouth team, then let's ride CP for a good number of carries in doing so. (We don't have to re-hash that argument, by the way)

But I've always, and still do, believe that our offense is more geared and suited toward a spread offense implementing the no-huddle offense; faster pace. In other words, while I think we are very capable of playing smash mouth football, I think persononal wise, we're actually more finesse than we'd probably like to admit.

I'm not jumping ship, but I'd prefer to see more of what we've seen the past two games.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;380606]When we pass early, and take say a 17 point lead at halftime and then start running to maintian possession, it's called "lack of a killer instinct."

It's very rare that you can fully succeed without being able to run and stop the run effectively. Ask Elway (Terrell Davis) or Manning (Addai/Rhodes).

People can mock balance all they want, but ultimately it's the best formula for the personnel we have.[/QUOTE]

That's because a 17 point lead is not sufficient to start running to maintain possession in the third quarter.. Killer instinct (see Belichek, Bill or Martz, Mike) is to keep attacking until the 4th quarter and the game is well in hand.. I'm not advocating giving up on the running game.. I'd just like to see us be more pass focused.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;380606]It's very rare that you can fully succeed without being able to run and stop the run effectively. Ask Elway (Terrell Davis) or Manning (Addai/Rhodes).

People can mock balance all they want, but ultimately it's the best formula for the personnel we have.[/quote]

Agreed, and personally, I could even see the "mighty" Patriots running into a bit of trouble in late December and January, when the weather gets crappy and they have no running game to lean on.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;380456]Go back to 1983 when the Redskins set an NFL scoring record, where we a passing team? A running team? No, we were a balanced team 50-50. You need both especially as winter approaches. You need running to eat up the clock and tire your opponents defense.[/quote]

That's living in the past. The Rams set a new scoring record running this offense. The Pats are going to break that scoring record by passing. Eating up the clock instead trying to score more points has lost us too many games around here lately.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10;380583]It's just funny how this time last week, everyone was screaming to put the load on Clinton Portis and ride the workhorse. Now that Campbell had a big day, necessitated by passing to catch up, everyone wants to see us pass all the time.

How about this, we put together a complete offensive performance where we're both running and passing effectively?[/QUOTE]

I think everyone would like to see us put together an offensive performance where we are running and passing effectively. I wouldn't mind, however, seeing us go with a run-heavy approach with teams like the Jets and a pass-heavy approach with teams like Dallas.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=GhettoDogAllStars;380489]I agree with you, although I wouldn't have in the past.

When we were driving late in the game against the cowboys yesterday, I was saying, "Keep throwing!" On the last scoring drive we had, we threw something like 6 or 7 consecutive times. I think only one was incomplete, and one other wasn't for a first down. I had this terrible feeling we would pass our way into the red-zone, and then get stuffed trying to run it. We didn't, and we ended up scoring a touchdown. Coincidence? I think not.

I believe that you don't stop doing something that works, just for the sake of balance. You wait until the defense stops you.[/quote]

Thank you. Balance is for losers. Scoring TD's is what it's all about.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=Schneed10;380583]It's just funny how this time last week, everyone was screaming to put the load on Clinton Portis and ride the workhorse. Now that Campbell had a big day, necessitated by passing to catch up, everyone wants to see us pass all the time.

How about this, we put together a complete offensive performance where we're both running and passing effectively?[/quote]

You will never ever hear me say put the load on Portis cause it doesn't work when we get down inside the 20.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan69;380648]That's living in the past. The Rams set a new scoring record running this offense. The Pats are going to break that scoring record by passing. Eating up the clock instead trying to score more points has lost us too many games around here lately.[/QUOTE]

Ok, forward into the future. Let's look at the lions offense, Awesome WR's, pretty good RB's, OL, etc. and a "genius" OC (Martz) that you would probably like as the next coach (NOT!!!) All they do is pass the ball even though they have a pretty good offense. What happened to them against a tough D? If you don't balance your game you become predictable and if you go against a half decent DC, they will shut you down.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;380436]And that's why I said are we trying too hard to be a smash mouth team.

Yes, we can run the ball and pound people, but that doesn't have to be the game plan week in and week out.[/QUOTE]

One of the major criticisms I have had of Gibbs this second go round has been his over-adherence to the run first philosophy. Running the ball is fine if that's what works, but you adjust the philosophy to best suit the personnel that you have, not vice versa. There have been times when we have looked dominant pounding the power running game, but not this year, not with this line.

The strengths of the personnel should be the first consideration. Can anyone really question that our offense looks most effective this year when we are going three wide and looking to pass first? Spurrier had the same problem. Different principles obviously, but the philosophy came before the personnel. When it became clear we didn't have the talent to execute his offense he just kept with it and the results became worse and worse.

Gibbs is in a different league than Spurrier, so I have to think when reviewing the tape from these past two weeks with Saunders they will continue to stick with what has worked recently.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

I would say it is way more exiciting to watch the games when we throw!

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan69;380433]I think the balance attack approach is such a bunch of BS. You do what you have to do to score TD's. If the opponent is weak against the run then run it. If they are weak in coverage then pass it. All depends on the opponent and how they play defense.[/QUOTE]

It still remains that the championship teams can run the ball and run it very well. No matter if they open things up with the run, or open things up with the pass, being an unbalanced team will only get you so far. Case in point, the Colts. They were a heavy passing team but didn't win it all until they started relying more on a stronger running game than what they did in seasons past. So, to say that needing a balanced offensive attack is BS is completely wrong. I do agree with you that you attack the weakness of the defense, but eventually you're going to have to rely on both the passing and the running aspects of your offense to be most successful.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=SFREDSKIN;380672]Ok, forward into the future. Let's look at the lions offense, Awesome WR's, pretty good RB's, OL, etc. and a "genius" OC (Martz) that you would probably like as the next coach (NOT!!!) All they do is pass the ball even though they have a pretty good offense. What happened to them against a tough D? If you don't balance your game you become predictable and if you go against a half decent DC, they will shut you down.[/QUOTE]


That's just it! How many points did the mighty offense of Detriot score yesterday? 10? Wow. How exciting. <tic>

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=skinsguy;380702]It still remains that the championship teams can run the ball and run it very well. No matter if they open things up with the run, or open things up with the pass, being an unbalanced team will only get you so far. Case in point, the Colts. They were a heavy passing team but didn't win it all until they started relying more on a stronger running game than what they did in seasons past. So, to say that needing a balanced offensive attack is BS is completely wrong. I do agree with you that you attack the weakness of the defense, but eventually you're going to have to rely on both the passing and the running aspects of your offense to be most successful.[/quote]The reason the Colts can run the ball effectively is twofold:

1) Teams have to respect the pass first with Manning, Harrison, Wayne, and Dallas Clark.

2) The Colts have a very good RB in Addai.

Now that the Skins are showing that they can excel passing the ball, I'm hoping that it will help open the run game. Our backs aren't too shabby either.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=SouperMeister;380706]The reason the Colts can run the ball effectively is twofold:

1) Teams have to respect the pass first with Manning, Harrison, Wayne, and Dallas Clark.

2) The Colts have a very good RB in Addai.

Now that the Skins are showing that they can excel passing the ball, I'm hoping that it will help open the run game. Our backs aren't too shabby either.[/QUOTE]

I agree. Teams do have to respect the passing attack of the Colts first, because they are a pass first oriented team. However, my point to SF69 is simply, that being one deminisional will only take you so far. If we're talking about having a SB contender, you have to have a team that can pass and run effectively and balanced. Even if a team passes heavily in the first half, and it opens the running game in the second half, you still have to have both aspects working for your offense in order to be most successful.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

Of course, if you run AND pass well that is the best option. However, to say that one-dimensional teams aren't successful, or don't win championships, is wrong. Remember the 2000 Ravens? No offense to speak of, and they won it all. Can anyone explain that?

The bottom line is that "what works" is varied, and changes week to week. So, I think you try to do what you do best, and when/if the opposing defense stops you, then you move on to something else.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=GhettoDogAllStars;380720]Of course, if you run AND pass well that is the best option. However, to say that one-dimensional teams aren't successful, or don't win championships, is wrong. Remember the 2000 Ravens? No offense to speak of, and they won it all. Can anyone explain that?

The bottom line is that "what works" is varied, and changes week to week. So, I think you try to do what you do best, and when/if the opposing defense stops you, then you move on to something else.[/QUOTE]

The Ravens had a steady balance of run/pass on offense. Of course, they won because they had a record setting defense.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

I think it's a week-to-week/gameplanning issue. Exploit weaknesses. Dallas has a very strong run D and can put up points in a hurry. So we didn't run much. JC looked great against Philly opening it up and spreading the ball around, and Dallas has a suspect secondary. So we threw. And we SHOULD have won (again).

Tampa has a suspect run D, so I would expect more runs this week. I'd still like to see the no huddle/shotgun, just mix in some creative runs out of those formations to accompany the passing game.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=GhettoDogAllStars;380720]Of course, if you run AND pass well that is the best option. However, to say that one-dimensional teams aren't successful, or don't win championships, is wrong. Remember the 2000 Ravens? No offense to speak of, and they won it all. Can anyone explain that?

The bottom line is that "what works" is varied, and changes week to week. So, I think you try to do what you do best, and when/if the opposing defense stops you, then you move on to something else.[/QUOTE]

And how often have you seen a team like the 2000 Ravens win it all as opposed to teams like The New England Patriots, The Dallas Cowboys of the 90's, The 49ers and Redskins of the 80's? I don't want to have a fluke campionship team in Washington, I want to have a consistent winner.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=GMScud;380725]I think it's a week-to-week/gameplanning issue. Exploit weaknesses. Dallas has a very strong run D and can put up points in a hurry. So we didn't run much. JC looked great against Philly opening it up and spreading the ball around, and Dallas has a suspect secondary. So we threw. And we SHOULD have won (again).

Tampa has a suspect run D, so I would expect more runs this week. [B]I'd still like to see the no huddle/shotgun, just mix in some creative runs out of those formations to accompany the passing game[/B].[/quote]

Yes, I totally agree, if saunders/gibbs could come up with some complimentary running plays to the no-huddle/shotgun passing attack the running game might be more effective then it has when we go in with "jumbo packages".

Although, we do have Mike Sellers for a reason. So it is probably best to work in multiple different packages. I just dont want to see the skins let this little spark of offensive prowess go out. We need to take advantage of it, give it some AIR if you will, and it might just catch into a blazing inferno.

OK, dumb metaphor. But in all seriousness, this team has finally found something that could lead to a dominating offensive attack, so yes certainly "mix it up," but build off of what you've started, the running attack will come along too, but start off the game in Tampa with the flurry of passes we've seen from the fast-paced style of offense in the past two games, and then start to work the run in.

Now, I am not saying "pass at first to get up, run late to kill the clock." What I am saying is hit them with the no-huddle right off the bat, mix it up and confuse them by working in draws, sweeps, screens, even a gut here and there to keep them honest, but don't be predictable, and certainly don't let them stay in the game, GO FOR THE THROAT if they give you the deep ball later in the game.

That, it seems to me, is how the BIG BOYS get it done and blow teams out, and we can't afford to let games stay close if we can avoid it.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=WillH;380737]Yes, I totally agree, if saunders/gibbs could come up with some complimentary running plays to the no-huddle/shotgun passing attack the running game might be more effective then it has when we go in with "jumbo packages".

Although, we do have Mike Sellers for a reason. So it is probably best to work in multiple different packages. I just dont want to see the skins let this little spark of offensive prowess go out. We need to take advantage of it, give it some AIR if you will, and it might just catch into a blazing inferno.

OK, dumb metaphor. But in all seriousness, this team has finally found something that could lead to a dominating offensive attack, so yes certainly "mix it up," but build off of what you've started, the running attack will come along too, but start off the game in Tampa with the flurry of passes we've seen from the fast-paced style of offense in the past two games, and then start to work the run in.

Now, I am not saying "pass at first to get up, run late to kill the clock." What I am saying is hit them with the no-huddle right off the bat, mix it up and confuse them by working in draws, sweeps, screens, even a gut here and there to keep them honest, but don't be predictable, and certainly don't let them stay in the game, GO FOR THE THROAT if they give you the deep ball later in the game.

That, it seems to me, is how the BIG BOYS get it done and blow teams out, and we can't afford to let games stay close if we can avoid it.[/quote]

Good post. You mention the Gibbs jumbo package and how he loves to run out of this formation more than anything else. Then you talk about how Gibbs/Saunders need to "come up" with complimentary running plays out of the no-huddle/shotgun sets. Saunders has the plays in his arsenal. But I think this is where we've had an issue with the Gibbs/Saunders hybrid. The personnel packages in what Gibbs likes to run from and what Al likes to throw from are very different, so it makes fluidity more difficult. Those no-huddle drives involved very little running (Portis had only 12 carries). Is our O-line athletic enough to handle a few stretch plays and tosses? Portis has the speed for sure. I'm in no way suggesting we eliminate jumbo packages and Sellers packages, I just think it's imperative we mix in the run with this new found passing attack.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=GMScud;380743]Good post. You mention the Gibbs jumbo package and how he loves to run out of this formation more than anything else. Then you talk about how Gibbs/Saunders need to "come up" with complimentary running plays out of the no-huddle/shotgun sets. Saunders has the plays in his arsenal. But I think this is where we've had an issue with the Gibbs/Saunders hybrid. The personnel packages in what Gibbs likes to run from and what Al likes to throw from are very different, so it makes fluidity more difficult. Those no-huddle drives involved very little running (Portis had only 12 carries). Is our O-line athletic enough to handle a few stretch plays and tosses? Portis has the speed for sure. I'm in no way suggesting we eliminate jumbo packages and Sellers packages, I just think it's imperative we mix in the run with this new found passing attack.[/quote]

I agree going to an all passing game is nuts. We ought to run the ball every four or five plays just to keep our opponents honest. Our running game should consist of surprise stuff with Portis, Betts, and Sellers and scrambles by Campbell.

Also, ARE should pass more often. The guy is seriously good as a passer.

It's going to be years and a few rule changes before a team manages to go anywhere without being able to put up 30 or so points a game.

So be it.

ARE is looking pretty good when we decide to take passing seriously, Cooley is one of the best, and if Moss is back we have a fine group of WR's and a good backup, plus adequate to excellent receivers coming out of the backfield. We also have better pass blocking than run blocking.

If Gibbs hasn't seen the light by now, it's time for him to go. I hope he's seen it. If he has, we'll have a shot at the playoffs.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=skinsguy;380728]And how often have you seen a team like the 2000 Ravens win it all as opposed to teams like The New England Patriots, The Dallas Cowboys of the 90's, The 49ers and Redskins of the 80's? I don't want to have a fluke campionship team in Washington, I want to have a consistent winner.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but I think the point to be made is that the league has changed. It was once a rushing league, and now it's a passing league. I too want a consistent contender. What do the teams you mentioned have in common? HOF quarterbacks.

Personally, I have never been impressed by the Patriots rushing offense. They've had good games here and there, but I think their strength -- this year, and others -- has been their passing attack. Excellent QBs can't be stopped consistently. I don't think that will ever change in the NFL.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=Crazyhorse1;380747]I agree going to an all passing game is nuts. We ought to run the ball every four or five plays just to keep our opponents honest. Our running game should consist of surprise stuff with Portis, Betts, and Sellers and scrambles by Campbell.

[B] Also, ARE should pass more often. The guy is seriously good as a passer.[/B]

It's going to be years and a few rule changes before a team manages to go anywhere without being able to put up 30 or so points a game.

So be it.

ARE is looking pretty good when we decide to take passing seriously, Cooley is one of the best, and if Moss is back we have a fine group of WR's and a good backup, plus adequate to excellent receivers coming out of the backfield. We also have better pass blocking than run blocking.

If Gibbs hasn't seen the light by now, it's time for him to go. I hope he's seen it. If he has, we'll have a shot at the playoffs.[/quote]

Brunell better watch his back.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

The name of the game is ball control, it doesn't matter how you do it, so long as you do it, and it results in points. To try and force the issue is just plain stupid, if you can't run then don't continue to bang your head against a wall, throwing will eventually open up that running game if you are effective, 2nd and 2 will allow for a lot of running plays they then don't have to be for a lot of yards to move the chains. Our problem has been we for the most part can't get 1 to 2 yards when teams are waiting for it. IMO Gibbs is way behind in developing Campbell, he should be much further ahead at this stage of his career. The big question is after the past 2 weeks of letting Campbell open up will Gibbs revert back when he feels the pressure, or will he continue to attack in the air which should allow Campbell to learn at a much faster pace? I beleive he has to allow Campbell to attack down field with reckless abandon, he really needs those type of in game repetitions to really get his timing down, and understanding of what, and how defenses are scheming, you just can't simulate game speed and conditions in practice.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;380672]Ok, forward into the future. Let's look at the lions offense, Awesome WR's, pretty good RB's, OL, etc. and a "genius" OC (Martz) that you would probably like as the next coach (NOT!!!) All they do is pass the ball even though they have a pretty good offense. What happened to them against a tough D? If you don't balance your game you become predictable and if you go against a half decent DC, they will shut you down.[/quote]

Here is the problem with Det. John Kitna.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=offiss;380759]The name of the game is ball control, it doesn't matter how you do it, so long as you do it, and it results in points. To try and force the issue is just plain stupid, if you can't run then don't continue to bang your head against a wall, throwing will eventually open up that running game if you are effective, 2nd and 2 will allow for a lot of running plays they then don't have to be for a lot of yards to move the chains. Our problem has been we for the most part can't get 1 to 2 yards when teams are waiting for it. IMO Gibbs is way behind in developing Campbell, he should be much further ahead at this stage of his career. The big question is after the past 2 weeks of letting Campbell open up will Gibbs revert back when he feels the pressure, or will he continue to attack in the air which should allow Campbell to learn at a much faster pace? I beleive he has to allow Campbell to attack down field with reckless abandon, he really needs those type of in game repetitions to really get his timing down, and understanding of what, and how defenses are scheming, you just can't simulate game speed and conditions in practice.[/quote]

JC is in his first full season starting and is looking pretty good, how much further along do you want him to be??

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=offiss;380759]The name of the game is ball control, it doesn't matter how you do it, so long as you do it, and it results in points. To try and force the issue is just plain stupid, if you can't run then don't continue to bang your head against a wall, throwing will eventually open up that running game if you are effective, 2nd and 2 will allow for a lot of running plays they then don't have to be for a lot of yards to move the chains. Our problem has been we for the most part can't get 1 to 2 yards when teams are waiting for it. IMO Gibbs is way behind in developing Campbell, he should be much further ahead at this stage of his career. The big question is after the past 2 weeks of letting Campbell open up will Gibbs revert back when he feels the pressure, or will he continue to attack in the air which should allow Campbell to learn at a much faster pace? I beleive he has to allow Campbell to attack down field with reckless abandon, he really needs those type of in game repetitions to really get his timing down, and understanding of what, and how defenses are scheming, you just can't simulate game speed and conditions in practice.[/quote]

How do you figure Gibbs is "way behind" in developing Campbell? If Campbell is behind, then where does that leave guys like Alex Smith, Eli Manning, and oh yeah, Vince Young?

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=skinsfan69;380438]It's a passing league now. The rules beg you to pass it. All of the real good teams pass it to score. We need to adopt to this mindset. Sanders understands this, Gibbs and Bugel do not.[/quote]

you have your pulse on what's going on...now whether our philosophy and Gibbs will allow that to happen. Pound people when you get the chance but we need to still pass and not 2-5 yard dunk passes all the time.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=GhettoDogAllStars;380749]Yeah, but I think the point to be made is that the league has changed. It was once a rushing league, and now it's a passing league. I too want a consistent contender. What do the teams you mentioned have in common? HOF quarterbacks.

Personally, I have never been impressed by the Patriots rushing offense. They've had good games here and there, but I think their strength -- this year, and others -- has been their passing attack. Excellent QBs can't be stopped consistently. I don't think that will ever change in the NFL.[/QUOTE]

Well true, they all had HOF QBs, but the point is, they also had HOF or HOF worthy running backs too. Well, the jury is still out on the Patriot's but for the rest of the teams mentioned, there were guys like E. Smith, Roger Craig, John Riggins, Earnest Byner, etc... The pass first philosophy has always been in the league along with the run first philosophy. I believe it really comes down to what your team can do best. However, regardless, (and some of what Offiss said was true,) you still have to control the ball on offense. So, that means a combination of short and intermediate passes, and a strong running game. If a team is stronger with the running game, you go with that, if they're a stronger passing team, you go with that. But regardless, you have to control the ball and the clock. It keeps your defense well rested and strong, and it tears down your opponent's defense.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=offiss;380759]The name of the game is ball control, it doesn't matter how you do it, so long as you do it, and it results in points. To try and force the issue is just plain stupid, if you can't run then don't continue to bang your head against a wall, throwing will eventually open up that running game if you are effective, 2nd and 2 will allow for a lot of running plays they then don't have to be for a lot of yards to move the chains. Our problem has been we for the most part can't get 1 to 2 yards when teams are waiting for it. IMO Gibbs is way behind in developing Campbell, he should be much further ahead at this stage of his career. The big question is after the past 2 weeks of letting Campbell open up will Gibbs revert back when he feels the pressure, or will he continue to attack in the air which should allow Campbell to learn at a much faster pace? I beleive he has to allow Campbell to attack down field with reckless abandon, he really needs those type of in game repetitions to really get his timing down, and understanding of what, and how defenses are scheming, you just can't simulate game speed and conditions in practice.[/QUOTE]

I'm not really sure how you can say Gibbs is way behind in developing Campbell. There really isn't any evidence of this. In regards to letting Campbell continue to attack or "reverting back when he feels pressure", I believe we will game plan according to what strengths and weaknesses our opponent's defense has. We will attack when we need to and grind it out when the defense is tired.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

Do you all remember the"run and shoot offense"? It sure got far didn't it? Maybe in college (University of Hawaii) but not in the pro's.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

I dont want us to become much more of a passing team than a running team, remember our 2 high quality backs? However, I would like us to pass more, and keep it more 50/50 in our play calling.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;380773]JC is in his first full season starting and is looking pretty good, how much further along do you want him to be??[/QUOTE]

A few guys have touched on this so I hope I answer all your doubts.

Campbell is in his third year, the experience he's getting now should have started his first, even though he was allowed to start last season as well as the first half of this season Gibbs has held back the offense, we saw the same offense, and the same calls as we saw with Brunell, very conservative.

Only now that we are coming out and throwing and when I say throwing I mean down field not the usual 2 yard out pattern that Gibbs has been calling for the previous 3 seasons, are we able to start to see what Campbell is capable of, I think he was ready from the very start of this season to open up the passing game, I beleive we had 8 games of wasted time an experience for Campbell at the least. Take a look at the development of Cutler who is a year behind Campbell, as for Alex Smith? The guy looked very good last season when Norv was calling the plays, I wouldn't judge him under Nolan, I think we all are very aware of what kind of coach Nolan really is. I am not saying Campbell isn't on his way, all though I am very concerned by some of his decision making, in particular the INT late in the game when he could have probably ran it in for a TD, IMO there is no excuse for that, That play was all instinct, and he failed, will he make the right decision next time? I hope so! You have to do to learn and only in the last 2 games have we seen the offense start to open up, I would like to buy into the theory that Campbell wasnt ready but I haven't seen anything different since Gibbs arrived, I think from listening to a lot of the interviews of the players Moss, and Campbell in particular you hear a lot of comments like we can only do as much as the coaches allow us to do, is a subtle message to Gibbs that he is holding them back.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=12thMan;380400]Over the past two weeks, we've all seen Jason Campbell get more comfortable running the offense and particularly take to the no-huddle offense. I've noticed two things happening in the process.

[B]1. The offense seems to be much more in synch and in rythm. Campbell also seems to be on top of his reads more and hitting the open receiver. Also, we know one of Campbell's strong suits is his poise. This hurried fashion seems to suit his demeanor quite well.[/B]

[B]2. I've also noticed the defense seems to be more on their heels in response to this style of play by the Skins. We're less predicatable and they can't situational substitute. It looks like we're even throwing more on first and second downs. [/B]

What I'm getting at is, and maybe this just me, should we become more pass oriented going forward. Not suggesting we abandon the run or not give Clinton his opportunities, but I think we may have tapped into something over the past two weeks; we can actually move the ball without eating up a lot of the clock, which in turn helps us manage the clock more effectively.

Should Gibbs/Saunders flip the script some and become a pass first offense? Is smash mouth football overrated and just something we're "trying too hard" to hang our hat on?

Just to be clear, I'm not suggesting we become Air Coryell and let Jason air it out 50 or even 40 times a game. But if this team is going to compete for the rest of the season and put up points, for that matter, the template from yesterday's game may be what the doctor ordered for the personnel we curently have.[/quote]

Not with a $50 million running back we shouldnt become a passing team

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

[quote=skinsfan69;380441]I think you will start to see us really opening things up now. Gibbs has to look around the league and see what the real good teams are doing. He's stubborn as hell but I don't think he is stupid. We have got to start scoring more points. The goal can't be 21 or 24 points. He has to have the mindset to score 30 or more every week. And you don't do that in today's NFL playing smashmouth. I'm sorry but that stuff is out like bucket seats, or the mullet haircut.[/quote]

I still like bucket seats, but never the Mullet. So why don't we compromise. I do not care how we do it; run or pass, return punts or kickoffs, scoop and score or pick 6. Hell, they could just kick 10 field goals a game for all I care. The goal is to put more points on the scoreboard than your opponent. I agree we need 30+ points a game. Just put the damn points up already.

Re: Should Gibbs Flip The Script: Passing Team Now?
 

What we've seen is classic Saunders playcalling. We still run a ton, but it isn't always at the expected time.

Everyone who thinks the offense has looked good these past few weeks owes Saunders an apology. In the spirit of the holidays, even if you don't mean it.