Ultra conservative isn't the right word. I like the mindset that Schottenheimer has with the running game, especially when it has been as potent as it has been this season. The way our running game is structured is actually very creative. Some of the ways we've been using our lineman is absolutely glorious, and I'm not just talking about Fant either. We've been doing some cool things with play direction in this sense.
Unfortunately our biggest fault is the passing game, this is the big problem, and it is not Russ. The play designs in the passing game are the problem. Very bear bones, a lot of concepts aren't used here. It looks like something from the techmo bowl game. Sometimes we stick to the run to a fault, even when it isn't working as well. Would love to see a running offense that was structured like Holmgrens 2005 offense was in the passing game. Russ would be very good in that type of offense.
Overall Schottenheimer is better than Bevell. He seems to know how to utilize his players better, mostly in the running game. Schottenheimer is also very good at working with Quarterbacks. I've seen a lot of improvement in Russell Wilson's pocket presence. His movement is getting a lot less hectic and more deliberate in the pocket. He is stepping up more, and looks less like a chicken with his head cut off. His internal clock is also getting better. I've seen him bail much earlier than in years past on plays. The pass blocking is better, yes, but some of that is Wilson's pocket manipulation being markedly better. That is all on Schottenheimer.
I still think Schottenheimer is a mediocre OC. He has a hard time shifting gears, and he seems to be too committed to his original game plan. Situational play calls aren't that great and the passing game structure is non-existent. I think our passing game would really benefit from a good TE, specifically under Schotty.
