Class in Session. Running Back 101 (Why Seattle should not jump off a ledge)
Sit down as class is about to begin. Coach Goose is going to get behind the podium and teach a little course called RB 101
Yes #37 is out. But I think Seattle may be surprised at the West Coast Offense with a true Tailback rather than a HalfBack.
If you want to see how the offense may look over the next few weeks, take a look at Brian Westbrook of the Eagles. A smaller speedier back in the West Coast Hybrid that Andy Reid runs. While I am not saying that MoMo is Brian Westbrook, his style is similar.
So lets Break down a couple of things that is the Running backs Job (Goose loves using the term "Break Down")
Running
We all know Morris has Speed. This will definitely help him in Breakaways. Where he lacks compared to Shaun is his Cutback Ability. The vision that a RB has is developed over time. Call it a sixth sense if you will. I think Mo will find this rhythm over time in the next week or two. Especially will more reps with the #1 offense.
Blocking
Neither Back is great at Blocking. The good thing is Mo has been here for 5 years and knows the playbook. He will be in the right place at the right time. "Get your body between the Defender and the QB"
Pass receiving
Big plus here. Its almost like getting Deion Branch. Holmgren has a new Weapon to tinker with in this new offense. Mo is a better receiver, and his speed allows him to run actual patters, rather than just being a dump off safety valve (Basically the 4th read in #8's passing progression).
Some observations when watching the Hawks over the next 3-6 weeks while Alexander is out and Morris is at Tailback
Depth.
You may see Morris line up deeper in the backfield. 6yds instead of 4-5. Morris is faster off the snap of the ball and quicker to take the handoff. The deeper he is in the backfield will allow the Oline to engage the defense and open the hole, and also allow Morris to make his 1st read. The injuries at guard may play a positive role here. Because Morris is quicker, linemen will not need to keep there blocks as long as they would with a slashing cutback runner like Shaun.
Edge or Strech Plays.
Look for more plays in the 5/6/7/8 gaps. The gaps are set up like this left to right
7-5-3-1-2-4-6-8 (the Dash between 1 and 2 is the center). Edge plays will take advantage of Mo's speed. Also watch the Guards trap and pull more to the outside
Will this coax Seatown of the Ledge. Maybe not. But what you are going to see over the next few weeks will be different. And different is not always bad.
Yes #37 is out. But I think Seattle may be surprised at the West Coast Offense with a true Tailback rather than a HalfBack.
If you want to see how the offense may look over the next few weeks, take a look at Brian Westbrook of the Eagles. A smaller speedier back in the West Coast Hybrid that Andy Reid runs. While I am not saying that MoMo is Brian Westbrook, his style is similar.
So lets Break down a couple of things that is the Running backs Job (Goose loves using the term "Break Down")
Running
We all know Morris has Speed. This will definitely help him in Breakaways. Where he lacks compared to Shaun is his Cutback Ability. The vision that a RB has is developed over time. Call it a sixth sense if you will. I think Mo will find this rhythm over time in the next week or two. Especially will more reps with the #1 offense.
Blocking
Neither Back is great at Blocking. The good thing is Mo has been here for 5 years and knows the playbook. He will be in the right place at the right time. "Get your body between the Defender and the QB"
Pass receiving
Big plus here. Its almost like getting Deion Branch. Holmgren has a new Weapon to tinker with in this new offense. Mo is a better receiver, and his speed allows him to run actual patters, rather than just being a dump off safety valve (Basically the 4th read in #8's passing progression).
Some observations when watching the Hawks over the next 3-6 weeks while Alexander is out and Morris is at Tailback
Depth.
You may see Morris line up deeper in the backfield. 6yds instead of 4-5. Morris is faster off the snap of the ball and quicker to take the handoff. The deeper he is in the backfield will allow the Oline to engage the defense and open the hole, and also allow Morris to make his 1st read. The injuries at guard may play a positive role here. Because Morris is quicker, linemen will not need to keep there blocks as long as they would with a slashing cutback runner like Shaun.
Edge or Strech Plays.
Look for more plays in the 5/6/7/8 gaps. The gaps are set up like this left to right
7-5-3-1-2-4-6-8 (the Dash between 1 and 2 is the center). Edge plays will take advantage of Mo's speed. Also watch the Guards trap and pull more to the outside
Will this coax Seatown of the Ledge. Maybe not. But what you are going to see over the next few weeks will be different. And different is not always bad.
posted by Goose at 9:09 AM
12 Comments:
I'll stand by my opinion from yesterday that I'm not overly concerned about the #37 issue...excellent post btw Goose...however, the NFL requires you to be able to get 2-3 yards at about 5-6 points during the game...and I'm concerned about the consistency that M. Strong is going to give you, given that he's never been the primary option before
I'm concerned about the Hawks approach at Chicago on Sunday Night...watching that Defense on Sunday vs. the Vikings was like watching the Ravens of the SB year only quicker....the Bears have the speed to matchup in 3-4 WR sets and aren't going to be outran on the outside...the LB's are quick and there's always 3-4 guys in on every tackle...that being said...I think the Hawks have to be able to go up the gut in order to the Bears Honest and I just don't know how many times Mo Mo can hit the 3,1,2 and 4 gaps...
I would have the Bears as a heavy favorite if they had anyone but Grossman behind Center...
Love the breakdown! I think the edge speed rushes which pull the RG and C really is the way to attack the Chicago defense also (with Chicago's big uglies and run stuffing LB's), so this Sunday we'll see if the theories come to life on the field.
Plus, ESPN's injury guru Will Carroll has been writing that the injury could only be a 2-3 week spell. But I'd look for the Hawks to sit Alexander until he's 100% healthy since they'll probably keep winning in the weaker NFC West. That being said, I think Shaun returns Week 10 vs. STL at home.
It's hard to root against the Bears D line, especially with Terry "Tank" Johnson representing Montlake in the trenches
I think my favorite part of the game last night was the blocked punt. One of the "nuggets" that Goose told me once, "A blocked punt is the single most devestating play in a football game." We saw that lesson materialize in The Big Easy last night.
I think you are crazy Joe for thinking that Shaun will be out until Week 10. I think at the latest week 8. You don't want your top guy goin' in with no game experience goin' against your hated rival do you?
Anyways, have you heard that the Warner experiment is done and Leinart is in?
on the road versus a pissed off Falcons team...great decision Denny Green...great decision...(not that I in anyway desire Leinart to have success in the NFL)
2.0
Two things
One. Thanks for quoting me. Its always an ego boost
and 2
Props for having the quote word for word..."Single most devastating"...That was awesome and made me feel good.
Therefore next time I feel that you should be suspended, I will keep my mouth shut, in appreciation for the Quote.
I think the length of time Shaun is out will be in direct comparison to Mo's productivity.
Much like Jimbo training... the NFL season is a marathon, Dude. That's why I think Shaun will be out that long. Just in case. If Alexander returns Week 10 then he'll have 7 weeks to get back to speed before the 2nd season starts.
Oh, and Denny Green changed his mind today about Warner. Looks like Leinart won't start getting sacked for a few more weeks. I just love that they keep giving new "weapons" to the offense instead of building up the ARI offensive line.
We never did complete the Train/Champ Kind debate
Did Train take a swing at Joe over the weekend as promised?
no, but the fury was still raging on Sunday night...
Excellent post Goose......and don't worry....I'm not on the ledge. Unfortunately, I've never been a huge believer in #37. He had his most productive year when he was running for the $$. Simple fact is, he goes down real easy. Last year is the first time that I EVER saw #37 lower the shoulder and get that extra yard. I actually saw him run out of his own shoe once last season....and I couldn't believe it.
I almost think he needs a break. The only shitty thing, is that regardless of how well the guy is doing....he is the reigning MVP, and your "D" has to plan for him. With him out...and MoMo in, you can have that extra guy back in coverage if you aren't concerned about getting run over.
We'll see....I'll never lose the faith. It's an eternal flaw I guess.
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