yep. basically a running formation. our line vs their line, all or nothing. then they got cute.
The issue isn't the call itself.... On 3rd and a long 1, they go for the sneak - That was probably a bit far for a sneak. Why not run Perine there if you are committed to running? On 4th and inches (a spot that would be good for a sneak), you don't do it? Not to mention, you just ran two plays in bunch formation with very little threat to throw. They had Chase on the field - Why not at least spread him out? Finally, they bring in Trent Taylor for the 4th down play. My immediate thought was that they were going to throw the flat pass to him that they scored on the 2-point conversion to tie the game in the AFCC last year. Zac is not really swift with his personnel changes - If a guy that normally doesn't play much gets on the field, he's almost always directly involved in the play. My guess is that Dunlap just made an educated guess that it was a jet sweep to Taylor. I think these plays would work if they weren't telegraphed as easily.
I always thought Dunlap was a smart player. A bit lazy at times, but always a smart player.
I'll disagree on the 2nd and 1 QB sneak....get the 1st down. For an OL that has struggled at the point of attack in the run game most of this year - I'm OK with just moving the chains. It's another set of downs. Especially considering how atrocious some of the 3rd and 4th down plays have gone in short yardage situations.
Dunlap really doesn't know Taylor much, and Burrow less. Dunlap was traded in October of Burrow's 1st year, which he got hurt anyway.
I keep saying - I don't think he's a great play caller - he gets less out of more - but he's a hell of a HC and it is clear that he has the teams' respect.
I can see the utility when you are backed up in your own end..... I don't see it after you've reached midfield. After you have crossed your own 45, you're basically going on all 4th and shorts. Yes, it's possible that a sack can put you behind the chains on 2nd and 1 and maybe that's why you're hesitant to take a deep shot. But this offensive line is not last year's line. They aren't getting blown up at the point of attack and they have the ability to open the playbook more. I think the offense can still unlock much more.
The funny thing about that, if it is true, the announcers yesterday said the Bengals were first in the NFL on 3rd and 3 or less in conversion rate. Like 70+ percent. Pretty sure that is the stat they were listing off.
A lot of shit at the beginning of t he year wasn't working because most starters had no preseason, Burrow was recovering, the offensive line was atrocious. Taylor didn't have a lot working out because he didn't have a lot working properly in general. Execution is the second part after play call. The play call can look horrible or genius depending on the execution. Fortunately, Taylor has an elite QB for execution when he is on his game and the pieces around him are producing.
Yeah, not playing the OL in the pre-season was dumb. If they had already been together and played, then fine...but a brand new LG, C, RG, RT and you didn't think it was worth getting them some actual reps in a true "game" like environment? Dumb.
On a side note, Dallas is getting scary good right now. That defense coupled with that offense. Shesh. The Bills of the NFC. Eagles look really good too.
Until Dallas/Dak when a playoff game....they are nothing but the 2010's Andy Dalton led teams...LOL
Umm..I wouldn't go that far, but playing at home versus playing on the road in Philly in January is a different story.
