Its Gotta Be..

[JWsleep]

I think the WR play is tied up with the rest of the offense.

First, we have to get our formations and our shifts right. That's a big part of Gibbs offense, and we clearly are having trouble with it right now. The shifts disguise what we are doing, and put pkayers in favorable matchups.

Second, the QB and the WRs need to learn to READ together, especially on blitzes. I believe that Gibbs offense requires on the spot sycrhonized reads by the QB and the WRs. Right now, it's not flowing smoothly, and as a result Brunnel has to wait to throw until he's sure the WRs break properly. (I BELIEVE this is what's going on, but I could be wrong. Still, there are timing and reading elements in the offense that take time to develope.)

Third, Gibbs needs to open the playbook up and use more play action and other trickery. He's kept it simple to help folks learn the system, but that makes it simpler for the defenses too. Portis said that Bronw defenders knew the plays. That's due to simplifying. Gibbs runs a few basic plays out of multiple formations. Until we get the formations striaght, it's not so hard for the Ds we play.

Fourth, establishing the run. If we REALLY do this, you will see lots more WRs running open.

Fifth, good blitz pickups. That seeme to be coming, but it isn't perfect. SOmetime Brunnel is rolling out under pressure and that throws off plays.

Last, Brunnel has to hit WRs in stride. It looks to me like they are coming open quite a bit out of their first cuts, but the ball is late. That may be Brunnel learning the offense and getting used to the reads, and it may be his lack of arm strength. Let's pray it's the former and not the latter.

The WRs are good enough. Coles may be hurt, but he had over 100 yards. Gardner had over 100 last week. Thrash can play, Cooley can play, and I'd also like to see the other guys get involved. The talent is there.