Quote:
Originally Posted by illdefined
Last season after seven games, the running back tandem of Ladell Betts and Portis had combined for 20 receptions. This season, Betts and Portis have 38 catches."
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Don't hurt me! I can explain! :cheeky-sm
I think this stat is purely product of system. Since in Gibbs' offense the backs would block almost exclusively on many passing plays, they never had a chance to catch the passes. Brunell would throw passes away last year, whereas now, he completes those passes to the back. It would fortify your explination of Brunell's increased completion percentage this year.
It's certainly been a positive change. Brunell is averaging near a half yard more per attempt this year. (6.7 in 2005, 7.1 in 2006).
I would argue that this is an instance of him grasping the system (Saunders' history involves a ton of checkdowns), but no matter how you explain it, it doesn't change what hes done.