The Running Game...or lack there of

[Caliskinsfan]

What the heck are we doing with Morris? It's almost cringe worthy to me at this point.

 

[Caliskinsfan]

 

[Caliskinsfan]

 

[skinsdad62]

morris needs carries to be effective

 

[Caliskinsfan]

Excerpt

Heading into Week 5, the Redskins were ranked 23rd in Football Outsiders’ Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (minus-6.1 percent), which breaks down every single play of the NFL season, assigning each play a value based on both total yards and yards towards a first down.

In all cases, 0% represents league-average. A positive DVOA represents a situation that favors the offense, while a negative DVOA represents a situation that favors the defense.

We can further break this down to its passing and running components, where the Redskins rank 11th (24.2 percent) and 22nd (minus-16.3 percent), respectively. So even after factoring in Cousins’s mistakes through the four weeks of the season, Washington’s passing game is still above average. But their running attack continues to disappoint.

According to the game charters at Pro Football Focus, Cousins is the 12th best passer among 31 quarterbacks playing at least half their team’s snaps. Alfred Morris, their lead back, ranks 42 out of 58. Matt Jones, their highly prized rookie, ranks 52nd and Chris Thompson is dead last.

The Redskins ran the ball 67 times on first down during the season’s first four weeks, averaging four yards per carry and getting enough yards for a first down 13.4 percent of the time. Atlanta had allowed 4.1 yards per carry and 21.7 percent first-down conversion on first-down carries up until that point. On Sunday, Washington averaged two yards on 19 first-down carries with just one first down (6.3 percent).

Failing to move the chains coupled with the second lowest percentage of runs on third or fourth down, two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown (33 percent) is why Washington has the seventh highest three-and-out percentage (26.2 percent).

 

[Caliskinsfan]

 

[Stymietee]

The cure for the running back woes is having a threat in the deep passing game. Because the team lacks that, there is absolutely no reason why any defense should respect the threat, put 8 in the box and scheme to stop the run, turning them into a mid to short range passing team, in tight coverage. This team has turned to Ross exactly three times in three games. The results were a long completion and two PI's. Even if they don't trust him enough, his speed would have to be accounted for.

 

[Caliskinsfan]

The cure for the running back woes is having a threat in the deep passing game. Because the team lacks that, there is absolutely no reason why any defense should respect the threat, put 8 in the box and scheme to stop the run, turning them into a mid to short range passing team, in tight coverage. This team has turned to Ross exactly three times in three games. The results were a long completion and two PI's. Even if they don't trust him enough, his speed would have to be accounted for.

That's some of it for sure. But we aren't winning in the trenches either.

 

[Stymietee]

Right now this is just a guess, but I can't remember how often this team passes on first down. Doing the research on that now. Predictably could be an issue as well. (They're not the hogs.....sigh!)

 

[skinsdad62]

The cure for the running back woes is having a threat in the deep passing game. Because the team lacks that, there is absolutely no reason why any defense should respect the threat, put 8 in the box and scheme to stop the run, turning them into a mid to short range passing team, in tight coverage. This team has turned to Ross exactly three times in three games. The results were a long completion and two PI's. Even if they don't trust him enough, his speed would have to be accounted for.

ross is a young wr sty , perhaps they dont trust him yet

 

[Sportster 72]

I am with Sty all the way on this one. DJax takes the top off. Reed takes away a LBer or safety. Make other teams defend the entire field and the rest of the game opens up.