On 3rd down, we predictably go to the spread, which has been a massive failure because, without the extra protection, the line collapses too fast for plays to develop. We start moving the ball a little in 12 personnel, then shift to spread on third downs and get sacked.
Play calling seems to be: 1st down: Run up middle, 2nd down: Run off tackle or deep sideline route. 3rd down: Spread ... leading to sack or failed QB draw.
As much our offense struggled last season, the playbook then seems far bigger than what we have now. (Granted, frosh QB limits some options.) The quicker hitter over the middle to Nykiem showed promise earlier this season, but has been absent lately. Get Benson the ball moving laterally to the line either with a pass or a toss, giving him a chance to use his speed. We haven’t thrown a pop pass in the red zone or on third down all season, even though it was one of our most effective plays in recent years. We grumbled about the shovel pass last year, but it worked on short yardage better than what we are doing now.
To be fair, opt outs and injuries have created an enormous challenge for our coaches. But we have enough pieces that we should be better than what we are doing.