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Schneed10 · 03-25-2005, 11:43 AM

1) Continue to use zone-blocking schemes when running Portis. Running the old 50-gut and counter-trey like they used to run with Riggins doesn't work as well with Portis. Those old-school plays end up with a bunch of lineman all pushing at the same spot and the RB running in behind them. Portis's strength is his quickness and ability to cut, not moving piles. Zone-blocking schemes are designed to let him pick his spot and make a cutback, beating defenders to the hole. Having Casey Rabach is a big improvement over Raymer's athleticism, Rabach should be able to get out and block better.

2) Don't be afraid to use Betts when it's 3rd and 1. We were terrible at converting the short first downs last year, and especially terrible at the goalline. I think Betts should be used here.

3) Definitely throw downfield to Moss & Patten.

4) Run reverses and end-arounds to David Patten. He's so good at that, and it keeps overaggressive defenses honest.

5) How bout a fake punt once in a while? I'm not asking for one every game, but a couple trick plays over the course of the year would keep defenses on their toes.

6) STAY HEALTHY. Jansen coming back is huge, we need him and the rest of the guys to stay on the field.

7) Ramsey needs to improve his touch passing. He has proved that he is tough, poised, and can make the strong throws. We need to see him put a little air under the ball when necessary, and take something off his throws when necessary.

8) Get in synch early in the season. If the offense needs a few games to get used to each other or gel or any of that other crap, we're in trouble. In the NFL change is the only constant. You know you're going to have new players who have to learn the system. Whoever picks things up quickly has a big advantage.

03-25-2005, 11:43 AM	#8
Schneed10 A Dude Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Newtown Square, PA Age: 46 Posts: 12,458	Re: Offense this year 1) Continue to use zone-blocking schemes when running Portis. Running the old 50-gut and counter-trey like they used to run with Riggins doesn't work as well with Portis. Those old-school plays end up with a bunch of lineman all pushing at the same spot and the RB running in behind them. Portis's strength is his quickness and ability to cut, not moving piles. Zone-blocking schemes are designed to let him pick his spot and make a cutback, beating defenders to the hole. Having Casey Rabach is a big improvement over Raymer's athleticism, Rabach should be able to get out and block better. 2) Don't be afraid to use Betts when it's 3rd and 1. We were terrible at converting the short first downs last year, and especially terrible at the goalline. I think Betts should be used here. 3) Definitely throw downfield to Moss & Patten. 4) Run reverses and end-arounds to David Patten. He's so good at that, and it keeps overaggressive defenses honest. 5) How bout a fake punt once in a while? I'm not asking for one every game, but a couple trick plays over the course of the year would keep defenses on their toes. 6) STAY HEALTHY. Jansen coming back is huge, we need him and the rest of the guys to stay on the field. 7) Ramsey needs to improve his touch passing. He has proved that he is tough, poised, and can make the strong throws. We need to see him put a little air under the ball when necessary, and take something off his throws when necessary. 8) Get in synch early in the season. If the offense needs a few games to get used to each other or gel or any of that other crap, we're in trouble. In the NFL change is the only constant. You know you're going to have new players who have to learn the system. Whoever picks things up quickly has a big advantage.