I wonder, can our running game be good if our RBs aren't?

[DQ12]

I for one, think we probably involve Waters in the running game quite a bit, but far different from anything we've seen since at least 2010.  I think it's extremely unlikely that we do the QB/RB option read out of the shotgun, or the QB designed runs between the tackles like we saw out of Klein, and then Sams/Waters last year. 

RATHER, I think we see a return of the bubble option that CCQ made so famous.  Hey, that was marginally effective, and CCQ was in charge.  I don't think it's a stretch (lil running game humor  ) to say that Waters is probably a better runner that Coffman was.  That could be a really solid set, especially if we line up Lockett in the slot. 

Additionally, I think we do some more conventional option plays with Gronk lead blocking.  Hate on Waters all you want, but when we ran the conventional option last year, he was pretty damn good at (1) deciding when to pitch and (2) accurately pitching it. 

These are only a few great ideas on how to effectively run the ball without experienced running backs! 

[Cartierfor3]

Coffman had Daniel Thomas tho

[GoodForAnother]

the whole team is good and the running game is too

[Bqqkie Pimp]

We did a lot of the same things with Chad May & JJ Smith back in the day...  Also, I'm of the belief that we get the ball to Gronk on designed run plays more often this year out of one back sets. 

[DQ12]

Coffman had Daniel Thomas tho

Seems like an arbitrary point when only discussing coffman as a model for the WR option thing.

[j-dub]

warmack will be a stud.

[bones129]

We did a lot of the same things with Chad May & JJ Smith back in the day...  Also, I'm of the belief that we get the ball to Gronk on designed run plays more often this year out of one back sets.

I think Gronk will definitely get more carries this season. He deserves them.   

[eastcat]

Jarvis or Charles is going to plow some bitches playing defense this year.



Just watch

[millertime]

I think we'll see a decent amount of rushes between the tackles by Waters. The main purpose of those will be to set up the option pass to the TE/Gronk/slot receiver. That play was extremely effective last season.

[hemmy]

pop pass to the TE every play, running doesn't matter.

[WildcatNation]

Most people forget that the CCQ offense was very, very good. The defense being equally bad was what killed that team. We are talking Hrebec bad, iirc

[jtksu]

Hubert was a nice, solid RB for us.   He seldom showed greatness.   I don't see any reason this class of RB's can't be just effective.   I love Warmack but I can't see him as much more than a spot guy.   With Homerun capability, something Huber just didn't have.

[8manpick]

Coffman had Daniel Thomas tho

Seems like an arbitrary point when only discussing coffman as a model for the WR option thing.

It's really not though. The first option in that play is generally zone read to the running back coming back to the side away from the receiver. Need that defensive end to go with the running back so that Waters has the time to make the extended "pitch" to the slot receiver.

[Pete]

I don't know what to think about the run game anymore.

Earlier this off season I asked if this was the worst group of running backs we have had under Snyder since 1991 or so.   I am no expert, but I am concerned.

Catzacker is concerned about run blocking, which wigs me out about our run game even more.  However, I have zero ability to evaluate line play or players beyond looking at results (yards per rush, sacks allowed, etc)


In contrast, Bookie likes our run game possibilities and said this:

Leverette/Jones will turn out to be as serviceable as Hickman/Lawrence were back in the 90's. 

I just don't see it.  I mean, I'd love the crap out of that, but I am not that optimistic.

[Pete]

warmack will be a stud.

I only recall Bill ever playing one RB any meaningful amount of time as a freshman, and that was Sproles....AND Bill told the entire world that he regretted not red shirting him (Sproles got hurt and was lost for the rest of the season).

Bill has a smart phone now, so maybe he changes his mind on this stuff.  I can't see Bill playing Warmack this year unless our running backs are worse than I fear (which is really bad)....like a desperation move type thing. 

[steve dave]

gronks blocking better have gotten, like, a million times better than it was last year

[pissclams]

warmack will be a stud.

I only recall Bill ever playing one RB any meaningful amount of time as a freshman, and that was Sproles....AND Bill told the entire world that he regretted not red shirting him (Sproles got hurt and was lost for the rest of the season).

Bill has a smart phone now, so maybe he changes his mind on this stuff.  I can't see Bill playing Warmack this year unless our running backs are worse than I fear (which is really bad)....like a desperation move type thing. 

i agree with most of this except one thing, the shoestring option.  it's a new play i developed personally and it's meant to only be run by freshman running backs.  i think it could really be a feather in our cap this year and change things about how snyder thinks about freshman backs in the offense.  it could use some fine tweaking though.  the shoestring option, look for it in our sets.

[mhkpasa]

Jarvis or Charles is going to plow some bitches playing defense this year.



Just watch

I am not sure why, but this post got me  for football season. Probably the use of 'plow some bitches'

[steve dave]

Jarvis or Charles is going to plow some bitches playing defense this year.



Just watch

I am not sure why, but this post got me  for football season. Probably the use of 'plow some bitches'

I can see how that phrase would appeal to someone with a dumb and dumber themed profile

[mhkpasa]

Jarvis or Charles is going to plow some bitches playing defense this year.



Just watch

I am not sure why, but this post got me  for football season. Probably the use of 'plow some bitches'

I can see how that phrase would appeal to someone with a dumb and dumber themed profile

buurrrnnn 

[_33]

If we don't QB run out of the shotgun at least a little then we won't be able to do that one play where the QB fake runs and then hits the TE over the middle.  I like that play, but I also hate designed runs for Waters out of the shotgun.  What a pickle.

[Rage Against the McKee]

Most people forget that the CCQ offense was very, very good. The defense being equally bad was what killed that team. We are talking Hrebec bad, iirc

The CCQ offense was really the Daniel Thomas offense, though.

[MixBerryCrunch]

DT was pretty amazing.

[cas4ksu]

While I've voiced my concerns on the lack of experience in the backfield. I don't think we will have trouble running the ball IN MOST games because of the experience on the interior of the OL.

However against high level defenses, I am concerned. The ISU game will tell us a lot in terms of how far along we are running the ball early on.

As for ways to have Jake run the ball, think Mike Shannahan Denver Broncos bootleg stuff. Jake is more than able to get out on the edge on a run/pass option play like a bootleg and pick up a first down. It's a good way to utilize 1. his a bit above average running ability. 2. his strength (his arm) outside the pocket.

That being said, when running a boot you have to have some semblance of a run game for the bootleg game to work. I'm confident that our offensive staff will be able to adapt to the personnel available.

Granted, I would have said the same at the beginning of last year and that clearly was not the case.

[kslim]

The more I think about it the more I dismiss my initial feeling of our rb's sucking


This could prove to be a great group with a all big 12-2 back surprising us