Cj Anderson makes a great point

[bothsocksup]

Broncos running back was talking about his big game tonight against Kansas City, and he mentioned how its taken a while but now he is starting to understand how offensive line is schemed, and the offensive line is starting to figure out how he runs.

I'm hoping next year we can the 4 back rotation and let one back get hot and stay hot. Of course all running backs should be spelled at some point, but in my opinion we have a lot of talent in the backfield, but the rotation never let any of them get into a rhythym

 

[Shark58]

that's definitely part of it. the offense also has to scheme to bring out the best abilities of the skill players and play to their strengths (no slow powerbacks getting the ball in our own endzone!).

looking at the depth chart, the offensive backfield is probably the area I feel best about for the team next year, and with the question marks surround who will be QB, not that any of them were consistent throwing threats, production from the RBs will be vital to any success moving the ball next year.

I agree though that either regular rotations (perhaps based on sets) would help the cause.

 

[qdawgg]

The crazy thing is, between 2 different offensive coaches, we still never established a RB rotation. Even when one guy would play really well; get a 1st down, catch a ball out of the backfield, pick up a blitz - we might never see that RB again the rest of the game.

 

[OrangeTarheel]

The crazy thing is, between 2 different offensive coaches, we still never established a RB rotation. Even when one guy would play really well; get a 1st down, catch a ball out of the backfield, pick up a blitz - we might never see that RB again the rest of the game.

Yes, and I don't know whether there is a reality or timeline in which that works. Ever. Has running back by committee ever worked?

 

[SoBristol]

Other than PTG, which RB ever showed much in October or November? The returning RBs need to make a lot of improvement between now and September. One of the big keys to next season.

 

[ssbriefcase]

Other than PTG, which RB ever showed much in October or November? The returning RBs need to make a lot of improvement between now and September. One of the big keys to next season.

Adonis was averaging over 6 yds/carry until smith decided not to play him. As many times as he was stopped at the line, he had plenty of 10+ yard carries. All the while never getting the ball 10 times in any game to get a rhythm. Terrible decision making by Smith with this group.

 

[SmilinBob]

Adonis was averaging over 6 yds/carry until smith decided not to play him. As many times as he was stopped at the line, he had plenty of 10+ yard carries. All the while never getting the ball 10 times in any game to get a rhythm. Terrible decision making by Smith with this group.

Who decides who goes into the game the position coach or OC?

 

[ssbriefcase]

Who decides who goes into the game the position coach or OC?

Smith

 

[SmilinBob]

Smith

Really? I don't get that. If I'm the OC and have something I want to do and the RB coach puts in the wrong people and thus now I can't do what I want to maximize efficiency? Interesting.

 

[ssbriefcase]

Really? I don't get that. If I'm the OC and have something I want to do and the RB coach puts in the wrong people and thus now I can't do what I want to maximize efficiency? Interesting.

Yeah it is revealing. Under Marrone, Hackett would over ride Wheat if he wanted a certain back in. So imo, someone higher up than a position coach should've straightened this out early in the season. But is that part of Shafer's system of coaching?

 

[SmilinBob]

Yeah it is revealing. Under Marrone, Hackett would over ride Wheat if he wanted a certain back in. So imo, someone higher up than a position coach should've straightened this out early in the season. But is that part of Shafer's system of coaching?

I sure sure as heck don't know as I didn't know that was the chain to begin with!

 

[Finwad32]

As ssbriefcase said, typically position coach makes call on personnel groupings. But, OC or DC have the right to veto and put in whomever they see fit.

bothsocksup I completely agree. As a running back, it takes time to find a rhythm and hit a groove. Usually you need to take a couple shots from the defense to get moving. The body boosts the adrenaline and your focus level increases. I cannot stand this platoon stuff. Your starter should see lion's share, with 1/2 backups spelling him every 3rd drive or late in a long drive when his legs may be used up a touch.

 

[Crusty]

As ssbriefcase said, typically position coach makes call on personnel groupings. But, OC or DC have the right to veto and put in whomever they see fit.

bothsocksup I completely agree. As a running back, it takes time to find a rhythm and hit a groove. Usually you need to take a couple shots from the defense to get moving. The body boosts the adrenaline and your focus level increases. I cannot stand this platoon stuff. Your starter should see lion's share, with 1/2 backups spelling him every 3rd drive or late in a long drive when his legs may be used up a touch.

Completely agree. I hate this stupid platoon system. We did just fine with two feature backs. They both blocked well and they complimented each other in running style. What the hell more do you need? We could have used Jerome this year, but they chased him off. Now, we are going to a 12 package emphasis and I wonder how they are going to handle our tight ends - another platoon system?

What bothers me most is that Lester should have a system that he just pulls off the shelf. After being HC and calling his own plays at Elmhurst for 5 years, one would think he has a system he likes to run. Instead, he is going to sit down with Shafer and decide what to do? I am really apprehensive.

 

[qdawgg]

AAM should have been the featured RB with PTG playing the same role he did under Jerome Smith. Then GM or McFarland in there in certain situations. I know people will give me some over this because AAM isn't a Heisman candidate and isn't faster running the 40 than Deion Sanders but he played really well when he got carries and he also caught the ball out of the backfield in the 4 - 5 instances he was given the chance. He didn't have to be in there for every single play as a real #1 RB but he should have gotten the bulk of the carries at the start of the game to help establish some sort of run.

 

[bothsocksup]

AAM was really impressive this year in my opinon, never looked slow, always got positive yardage, and broke off a bunch of great runs. If i was him i would look back at my 4 years on the hill and wonder what the hell happened to my football career.

 

[Crusty]

AAM was really impressive this year in my opinon, never looked slow, always got positive yardage, and broke off a bunch of great runs. If i was him i would look back at my 4 years on the hill and wonder what the hell happened to my football career.

I doubt he wonders that. He probably wonders why he didn't push back from the training table more often. He really squandered his opportunity.

 

[ssbriefcase]

I doubt he wonders that. He probably wonders why he didn't push back from the training table more often. He really squandered his opportunity.

That's only one part of the story. Almost all of that was during his freshman year. But how did I know that's how most will think of it. That's ok, he graduated in 3 years, and is working on his masters...