LJ's Problem
 

This may have been addressed in another thread and if so, point me there... But, what do you think LJ's problem is this year?

Is it that he isn't running angry?
Is it that Herm's loudly proclaimed our offense to be a running offense and so it's predictable?
Is it that we have no good lead blocker?
Is it that we miss Willie Roaf?

I'm sure it's a combo, but...what do you think?

All of the above plus the interior line is blocking line dogsh*t, every single one of them, especially Wiegmann.

Opponent's D are stacking the box (8 in) against our weaker O line. Huard needs to burn 'em a few times.
Shots down field.

LJ Fumbles?????

Game plan better to use LJ/ TE's in flat more.
the last LJ catch/run that saved the game example.

Well our passing threat level is way down, and our tackles have problems so the outside run isn't as effective. What does that leave? Stack the middle.

We're much much easier to gameplan for than we were at the end of last year.

I think the loss of Willie Roaf really hurts. We can't run stretch plays or toss plays to the left, which used to be our bread and butter. Without that as a viable option, the defense knows it can key in on stopping the run up the gut. Basically, our options are more limited in the running game, which always makes it easier for an opposing defense.

Opponents I think are commiting to LJ. They are basically saying we're gonna make Huard beat us. It's exactly what I would do as the opposition in that situation, make the backup have to throw. Fortunately for us Huard has been solid.

Our offense is conservative. We dont stretch the field, which allows teams to play 8 and 9 in the box. We run very little misdirection, allowing teams to overpersue to the point off attack. We try to run to set up the pass, but in the modern day of football and the sheer speed that linebackers have, it would be beneficial IMO to pass to set up the run. We also need to quit calling draw plays in obvious situations. There is no element of surprise in our offense. We have become too predictable.

He has been solid - although one of those games (Denver), I would argue he wasn't challenged enough. And the Arizona game his receivers couldn't catch crap. If we are going to have Huard make the big plays to throw off the d and be unpredictable, we have to have receivers that can catch the big passes. I thought Sammie Parker could do that - maybe he was just having a bad game. I also agree with whoever said it earlier, we have to use Larry, not just in running, since opponents are committing to him, but in the flat, etc. etc....

I think my big concern is that in the past, I've always seen Larry push himself through, break tackles that looked impossible, because he seemed motivated enough to do so...but I just haven't seen that this year at all.

I blame George Bush!

Its not lack of motivation. Last year he got his momentum going, which helped him break tackles. Hes taking too many hits in the backfield, which doesnt allow him to get going.

WILLIE ROAF AND JOHN WELBOURNE
&
JORDAN BLACK AND KEVIN SAMPSON

I know it's hard to believe, but offensive line play really does matter. I haven't seen a decent running lane for LJ all year -- he had great run blocking last year

Summed up right here.

I would agree...watch games from last year and watch the games this year. LJ is getting contact at or behind the the line of scrimmage alot more this year than last. I believe it is because of the departure of Roaf and Welbourn. LJ doesn't have the time to be patient and wait for his blocks because the blocks don't get executed. Also, they cannot utilize the sweeps, off tackle runs or short passes to the flats because Black can't seem to get his blocks consistently. It all starts at the O-Line...that is why LJ is what he is...

Why not Play action pass, with a good fake, ON FIRST DOWN.

Some times the fake by Huard yesterday wouldn't fool a 5 year old trick or treating, he would still be standing there waiting for the candy, as in, you didn't put enough, if anything in the bag, so I am like not going anywhere until you do.

First down play action pass, with a good fake, got to work on that fake Huard AND LJ. Huard needs to carry out the fake when he DOES hand the ball of to LJ better as well.


Absolutely critical that we establish a good play action pass game, see Steve Deberg for more information on this subject.

I blame Halliburton.