• November 23, 2024

Can’t Run And Can’t StopThe Run

I'm not concerned about the 29-3 score of the Ravens-Eagles game but I am troubled by the stretch run play which Willis McGahee took for 20 yards against the Eagles #1 defense.  I also was concerned that the Birds couldn't run the football. 

I have all the confidence in the world that Andy Reid, Marty Mornhinweg and company will be able to put together a game plan to block the blitz and throw the football.  This is the strength fo the football team and the strength of the coaching staff.  But the team's inability to get any movement against that big Ravens defensive line is another problem.  It's understandable that the Eagles wouldn't be as good of a power running team without big Shawn Andrews in the lineup but they've got to do better than that. 

The "O" line never got any movement at the line of scrimmage.  Each running play there were defensive linemen in the backfield.  You can't win a football game while losing the battle up front that badly.  This is the number one corretion by the offense. The first "O" line wasn't in there that long, but the 2nd team "O" line needs a size 14 boots in the seat of the pants.  I can understand being confused by the blitzes during pass plays but they should have been able to do better on run plays.  This looked like it had a lot more to do with lack of "want to" rather than lack of knowledge.  Eagles can't get in a habit of getting beat up at the line of scrimmage.

That stretch play which the Ravens ran off the right side of the Birds defensive line scared me, because it brought up memories of the Sunday night national television game against the Colts.  Indy ran that play again and again and the Birds were unable to stop it.  The question I'm asking myself is:  Can they stop that play now?  The play is predicated on getting the defensive line and linebackers moving laterally and using it to create seams in the run defense.  You stop it with penetration and getting off of the blocks. 

Coming underneath the blocks and stunting against the play is a good option.  Jim Johnson has to stop being so stubborn that he stays in a defense and lets the opposing offense beat their brains in with the same play.  They've got to adjust.  He should keep his smallish defensive line moving with occassional stunts to keep opponents honest.  Jim should give Trotter the freedom to move the line when he smells a certain play is going to be run.  Trotter's experience and play recognition should be taken advantage of when possible.  Johnson has to give up some of his contol of the defense to the veteran players on the field.

On Monday night, Trent Cole was nearly pushed to the sideline and didn't squeeze the hole.  It put Jeremiah Trotter in a position where he had to take on a blocker and close a five yard hole.  Cole has to recognize the play quickly and refuse to be pushed to the sideline.  Takeo Spikes recognized the play and squeezed it by Cole must do the same thing.  If I'm a offensive coordinator and I'm putting together a game plan for the Eagles, guess what running play I'm going to use.

The Eagles have to be thrilled with what Brodrick Bunkley did on Monday.  He's looking like the guy who we saw in college.  Brodrick was as quick as a cat off the ball.  He exploded out of his stance and was low and underneath the blockers.  This is a very good thing. 

GCOBB

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