I've been systematically reviewing the 2013 season's games and looking at these, and other plays that resulted in huge gains, and have been trying to identify those that had the highest degree of defensive "fooling". This one is the best example, but there are some running plays that came out of obvious passing situations that also worked like magic.
The key to the whole thing is the TE position, and the ability to draw the linebackers toward the numbers and getting the safeties biting on pass routes. (duh!) With defenses now adopting some of our zone concepts (yes, yes they are) the safeties are staying home more. This all comes from them relying on us not trusting our replacement tight ends. It is really that simple.
This year, Dallas actually decided to let our TE's run free, a lot. Their blatant, and obvious disregard to the TE's routes was risky also but it worked. Couple that with a commitment to edge rushing like they did and it paid off for them, more often than not. I really think that until we call their bluffs with deep shots, very early in the game, we are going to continue to see what we are seeing. The only way to open up the play action is to throw caution to the wind (pun intended) and make defenses think we want to pass, not run. (another duh!) But there simply is no way else to do it. If we go back to attempting to spread the field with multiple-WR formations we simply are playing right into what defenses want to see us do.
Empty backfield sets are another frustration for me. I know that Pete wants to play a little chess game on the first two series, to get a feel for what the D is being told to do, then coaching attempting to counter as we move into the second quarter, but at some point you just have to go back to the basics and have the O-line play nasty. I wanna see the D coming out of piles holding their jewels after being punched in them. I'm serious. Angry linebackers don't cover well. I want to see skirmishes and scrums early in the game. Please.
Watch our last three games and you will see us clearly trying to establish the run from the read option instead of using motion and more "traditional" formations. From what I see, we are handing it off early in the game and Russ starts keeping the ball later on. We do this again tomorrow, and it won't be pretty. Why can't we have Russ keep the ball early, roll the boot instead of run, then the hit the TE or the WR on the outs?
Remember the incomplete pass play to Miller in first series of the Superbowl? For some strange reason, we don't use that one lately either. If Pete has the audacity to try a few passes directly at Peterson's man I think that will set a tone as well. Don't mess with trying to tie him up, just go right at him. Play fearlessly Pete, we've got your back.
