Who should start at QB next week

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Who should start at QB

Justin Fields
25
47%
Russell Wilson
28
53%
 
Total votes: 53

Orangesteel
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Re: Who should start at QB next week

Post by Orangesteel » Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:27 am

W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:22 am
Look at this passing chart: https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1832 ... gr%5Etweet

How can a team just totally abandon the concept of throwing to the middle of the field?

The Mike Tomlin 1930s Offense cannot succeed in the playoffs.
Arthur Canada


“Thoughts are a waste of time for me.” - Michael Pettaway Tomlin

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Post by W&M_Steeler » Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:31 am

Orangesteel wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:27 am
W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:22 am
Look at this passing chart: https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1832 ... gr%5Etweet

How can a team just totally abandon the concept of throwing to the middle of the field?

The Mike Tomlin 1930s Offense cannot succeed in the playoffs.
Arthur Canada
Now see what a real offense with a real QB looks like, even on a somewhat off day: https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/pla ... 024/1/pass

It's like they're playing different sports.

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Post by W&M_Steeler » Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:33 am

W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:31 am
Orangesteel wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:27 am
W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:22 am
Look at this passing chart: https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1832 ... gr%5Etweet

How can a team just totally abandon the concept of throwing to the middle of the field?

The Mike Tomlin 1930s Offense cannot succeed in the playoffs.
Arthur Canada
Now see what a real offense with a real QB looks like, even on a somewhat off day: https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/pla ... 024/1/pass

It's like they're playing different sports.
Look at Ben at the absolute end of his career under Canada: https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/pla ... 21/11/pass

He still threw to the middle of the field.

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Post by Thrillsseeker » Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:59 am

Orangesteel wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:06 am
Look I’m negative because they are rolling out the same shit.

Totally understandable watching people score 30-40 points the same week we can’t score a TD.

It’s probably Tomlin, but Smith needs to show me something. That’s what I originally said.

I blame Tomlin. He’s a football dumb fuck. Hopefully Smith gets to show more and more but Tomlin and his attrition football and sideline passing game-plan is maddening. The route at the end of the game that Pickens grabbed was a beautifully schemed play where everyone was running to the left sideline and Pickens cut back to the right and was wide open. Canada wouldn’t have a clue.

I’m happy they are 1-0. I will always celebrate a win. But this is a season about trending; like, where are we going?

Sadly, probably more of the same sideline passes and some good ole fashioned ground and pound.

That looked like a W we’ve had the last 2 season, 34 or so games. Same shit. Same risk averse playcalling. Same boring football that perpetuates NHALS and does nothing more. Facts, brother.

You’re not wrong here either. Again, it’s Tomlin and his dumb.

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Post by stillthere » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:05 am

Orangesteel wrote:
Sun Sep 08, 2024 11:58 pm

Riiiiiiight…

270 yards and no touchdowns. Multiple plays on third down to get 3-4 yards to make the FG closer instead of aggressive play calling to try and move the sticks.

But sure, nothing like Matt Canada. You are right.
13 personnel

overload looks

throwing a pass to 3 of the 4 TEs

sail route to corner route combo from GP14

If you can find me 1 example of each from Canada's tenure then I would say you are correct. I wouldn't bother breaking down the ALL22 film since you won't find any of those things from the last 3 years.

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Post by Texas Black & Gold » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:06 am

JF should remain the starter until it is unquestionably his fault for losing a game.
Let Wilson get healthy.
Secure NHALS early and then go deep into the PLAYOFFS. :D :D :D

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Post by stillthere » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:07 am

Steeler_Fanatic wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:01 am
I think as the game went on Fields definitely got more comfortable. I'm not wild about the play calling, but he played reasonably well and I'd like to see what he does with a week of first team reps.
He stayed calm and took what was there. I think Smith did him a good number of favors with play calls that kept it simple while taking advantage of his ability. If the Steelers can start moving like they did on the failed 4th and 1 drive keeping the D guessing Fields could be a success story. I don't see that happening.

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Post by CKSteeler » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:11 am

Mike Tomlin is going to kill Arthur Smith's career or what's left of it.

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Post by Thrillsseeker » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:16 am

Orangesteel wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:27 am
W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:22 am
Look at this passing chart: https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1832 ... gr%5Etweet

How can a team just totally abandon the concept of throwing to the middle of the field?

The Mike Tomlin 1930s Offense cannot succeed in the playoffs.
Arthur Canada
No.

It’s Arthur Tomlin.

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Post by Thrillsseeker » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:17 am

W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:31 am
Orangesteel wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:27 am
W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:22 am
Look at this passing chart: https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1832 ... gr%5Etweet

How can a team just totally abandon the concept of throwing to the middle of the field?

The Mike Tomlin 1930s Offense cannot succeed in the playoffs.
Arthur Canada
Now see what a real offense with a real QB looks like, even on a somewhat off day: https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/pla ... 024/1/pass

It's like they're playing different sports.
Wild that 13 passes are beyond the LOS, 7 are behind it.

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Post by Jobu » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:50 am

Thrillsseeker wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:16 am
Orangesteel wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:27 am
W&M_Steeler wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:22 am
Look at this passing chart: https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1832 ... gr%5Etweet

How can a team just totally abandon the concept of throwing to the middle of the field?

The Mike Tomlin 1930s Offense cannot succeed in the playoffs.
Arthur Canada
No.

It’s Arthur Tomlin.
No…it’s Mike Tomlin.

The OCs change, the problems remain.

After 17 seasons, it’s time to stop the scapegoating and point the finger exactly where it belongs.
NHALS = NFL purgatory

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Post by Thrillsseeker » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:55 am

Jobu wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:50 am
Thrillsseeker wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:16 am
Orangesteel wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:27 am


Arthur Canada
No.

It’s Arthur Tomlin.
No…it’s Mike Tomlin.

The OCs change, the problems remain.

After 17 seasons, it’s time to stop the scapegoating and point the finger exactly where it belongs.
Amen.

#Fraudlin
#MediocreMike

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Post by Who Dee Knee » Mon Sep 09, 2024 7:02 am

W&M_Steeler wrote:
Sun Sep 08, 2024 11:35 pm
Jobu wrote:
Sun Sep 08, 2024 11:33 pm
I just have to laugh if you think that the offense is gonna be any different with Russ. What we saw today is exactly what Tomlin wants from the QB. 150-200ish yards, take care of the ball, control the clock. Who needs TDs?
Today’s game was a Mike Tomlin wet dream.
In a perverse way, we'd be better off in the long run if Boswell tore his ACL in practice this week and the Steelers actually had to try to score TDs the rest of the season. Boswell is the ultimate enabler of Tomlinball. Let's see Tomlin adapt to not having a kicker who's automatic at 55 yards.
You guys are so right! Tomlin even said in his post game press conference that he looks forward to Boswell’s attempting field goals.

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Post by SteelerDayTrader » Mon Sep 09, 2024 10:30 am

I would without question start Fields

- Wilson is injured. It’s a long season. Let him fully recover.
- A win is a win. Fields looked better than expected.
- The term hot hand doesn’t apply but I’d roll with Fields until he loses. Like I said it’s a long season.
- It’s the Broncos and rookie QB Nix. Another defensive effort like that and slightly better offense “should” equal a win
- Wouldn’t be much better to have Wilson off the bench when Fields struggles rather than the opposite ? Who is better suited to come in late and pull out a W ?
- Why set the table for a QB controversy ? Let Fields play his way to the bench. If he doesn’t get there right away that’s ok.
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Post by zeke5123 » Mon Sep 09, 2024 11:07 am

Fields played decent in the second half. Was bad in the first half. Multiple passes off target. Two bumbled snaps. Missed a guy wide open that would’ve been six because Hoge pre committed to run (he did get a first down on the scramble).

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Post by Ice » Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:31 pm

Neither QB is going to be a difference maker within the confines (and I do mean confines) of this offense and overall game plan. Wilson really, for his legacy and future career prospects after the season, cannot afford to put bad games on tape, so asking him to go out there on a bad wheel is pretty counterproductive, both to him and the team. Nix looked like hot ass yesterday, and I have to think he'd continue to do so against our D, playing the way it did, so I'm not rocking the boat and going with Fields to eke out another victory.
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Post by SteelPro » Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:59 pm

Steeler_Fanatic wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:01 am
I think as the game went on Fields definitely got more comfortable. I'm not wild about the play calling, but he played reasonably well and I'd like to see what he does with a week of first team reps.
I agree with this. I want to be fair in assessing Fields. Not damn him completely for what he was in Chicago and not get overly cynical due to the slow start yesterday. He got better as the game went on. He made enough plays to help pull out a win on the road. It was a C performance. I don’t think Russ has much left in the tank. He would be mediocre QB on a mediocre team with no upside. Fields has some upside. I don’t think it will ever be realized with this team. He needs a real offensive coach. I think Andy Reid could do great things with him. Regardless, I think I’d prefer rolling the dice with Fields and see if maybe there is some magic there and top end QB can emerge from him. I recognize that is highly unlikely.
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Post by franco32 » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:06 pm

That was not an NFL offense we ran yesterday. Smith looked like he was scared to call pass plays for Fields at times. It was run run run or run run pass. When you scared to implement the forward pass in your arsenal, that is not good. I honestly believe the coaching staff would have allowed Russ to throw more than they did Fields. We need that.

My problem with Arthur Smith is how often he was trotting out Pruitt, Darnell, and Patterson. These are not explosive guys or difference makers. Lots of role players. In the long run, the ball should be in Pickens, Freiermuth, and Warren's hands. Full stop.

Oh, and to answer the question, despite ESPN's glazing (to use a term my son would use) of Justin Fields this morning for his 156 yd 0 TD showing, that just won't cut it. If Wilson is healthy, you HAVE TO see what he has left in the tank.

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Post by Steeldrama » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:13 pm

Ride Fields until he bucks ya

Couldn't be a better offense to suit his skillset.

This isn't the Kyle Shanahan system where an intellect like Brock Purdy rapidly reads his progressions to feed a roster loaded with weapons.

The Steelers???

Exactly

What fucking weapons

Just stare down Pickens

Either heave it to him the way Fatt Matt Stafford used to do with Megatron

OR

Take off and run.

There's zero upside to going with a washed Russ Wilson.
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Post by Ice » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:27 pm

It really is the Mike Vick Falcons Madden 2004 offense where the passing game is concerned, isn't it?
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Post by Deebo » Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:59 pm

SteelerDayTrader wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 10:30 am
I would without question start Fields

- Wilson is injured. It’s a long season. Let him fully recover.
- A win is a win. Fields looked better than expected.
- The term hot hand doesn’t apply but I’d roll with Fields until he loses. Like I said it’s a long season.
- It’s the Broncos and rookie QB Nix. Another defensive effort like that and slightly better offense “should” equal a win
- Wouldn’t be much better to have Wilson off the bench when Fields struggles rather than the opposite ? Who is better suited to come in late and pull out a W ?
- Why set the table for a QB controversy ? Let Fields play his way to the bench. If he doesn’t get there right away that’s ok.
Unsure if many of you follow hockey, but I view Russ and Fields similarly to a 1A and 1B goalie. You ride the hot hand and you go with the guy who wins. If he loses, then you go with the other guy next game.

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Post by K_C_ » Mon Sep 09, 2024 2:33 pm

Steeldrama wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:13 pm
Ride Fields until he bucks ya

Couldn't be a better offense to suit his skillset.

This isn't the Kyle Shanahan system where an intellect like Brock Purdy rapidly reads his progressions to feed a roster loaded with weapons.

The Steelers???

Exactly

What fucking weapons

Just stare down Pickens

Either heave it to him the way Fatt Matt Stafford used to do with Megatron

OR

Take off and run.

There's zero upside to going with a washed Russ Wilson.
While I'm not convinced Wilson is washed (26 TD passes to only 8 picks + 3 rushing TD's just one season ago doesn't scream washed to me) Wilson is an older QB who is injured. A fucked up calf on an old QB is a dangerous injury.

As we all know as we get older, those injuries that healed in a week when we were 25 take a month or even longer when you're 35.

I think Russell Wilson, in the right offense could still win and win big....but as you broke it down, this offense isn't exactly built for Wilson's talents. Right now we have 1 proven WR, a good TE and a few nice RB's. We have an o-line that played surprisingly well yesterday but it is in flux. We have weapons like CAIII and Roman Wilson (when he gets back on the field) that are going to be seldom used in Arthur Smith's offense. That's also another reason why I couldn't give a fuck Diontae Johnson is gone.

For this specific offense and at least until the o-line has rounded into form and more weapons are being utilized, you literally have to ride Justin Fields.

His mobility is a serious weapon in an offense that is all about getting first downs and controlling the clock. Fields will get us plenty of easy first downs with his legs and Tomlin loves that shit.

Sure, if (probably when) Fields starts to really struggle, you pull him and go with Wilson but hopefully Fields doesn't force that decision on us for several weeks to come. I'd really like to have Russell Wilson in peak physical form later in the season when the Steelers have a murderers row of a schedule to contend with.
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Post by K_C_ » Mon Sep 09, 2024 2:49 pm

franco32 wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:06 pm
That was not an NFL offense we ran yesterday. Smith looked like he was scared to call pass plays for Fields at times. It was run run run or run run pass. When you scared to implement the forward pass in your arsenal, that is not good. I honestly believe the coaching staff would have allowed Russ to throw more than they did Fields. We need that.

My problem with Arthur Smith is how often he was trotting out Pruitt, Darnell, and Patterson. These are not explosive guys or difference makers. Lots of role players. In the long run, the ball should be in Pickens, Freiermuth, and Warren's hands. Full stop.

Oh, and to answer the question, despite ESPN's glazing (to use a term my son would use) of Justin Fields this morning for his 156 yd 0 TD showing, that just won't cut it. If Wilson is healthy, you HAVE TO see what he has left in the tank.
Fields threw some nice balls yesterday. He was better throwing the ball than I expected he would be. Most importantly, Fields wasn't throwing shit up for grabs like Kirk Cousins was on literally every possession for the Falcons. Taking care of the ball in a close game like yesterday's was very important and Fields deserves a lot of credit for having zero turnovers.

I couldn't care less about Fields' stats and him not throwing any TD passes. Arthur Smith and Tomlin are going to play football like it's 1972 and they are going to try and beat you 17-13. That's just how it is and we all have to accept it.

Unless the defense has an off day and we're down 17-0 early or something, Fields isn't going to be throwing the ball around. He's going to check it down, hand it off, pick up big first downs with his legs and hit downfield passes when they present themselves and overall, dude did a really nice job of that yesterday.

With Wilson unable to play because of a calf injury, you hold him out until that calf is 100%. Forcing Wilson out there now for no reason, when the Steelers have several winnable games coming up and Wilson not being healthy is a recipe for disaster.

Russ is going to play and play plenty but he needs to get healthy first. 100% healthy.
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Post by Charles Demarr » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:00 pm

Steeldrama wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:13 pm
Ride Fields until he bucks ya

Couldn't be a better offense to suit his skillset.

This isn't the Kyle Shanahan system where an intellect like Brock Purdy rapidly reads his progressions to feed a roster loaded with weapons.

The Steelers???

Exactly

What fucking weapons

Just stare down Pickens

Either heave it to him the way Fatt Matt Stafford used to do with Megatron

OR

Take off and run.

There's zero upside to going with a washed Russ Wilson.
Exactly. How the hell is Russ even getting votes in this poll? They lose yesterday if Russ starts. Fields athleticism saved them in Atlanta.

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Post by LakecrestSteeler » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:09 pm

Torn! I think Wilson will look like Cousins and will have his arms hit on a couple throws causing turnovers in his first couple outings; due to his height and diminished quick twitch speed.

I also think Fields will have some turnovers forcing it to Pickens.

School yard plays will probably be our only salvation. Fields.

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Post by Steeldrama » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:13 pm

franco32 wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:06 pm
That was not an NFL offense we ran yesterday.
Sure it was.

Look around the league yesterday.

Some GAWD-AWFUL quarterback performances

It sucks

It's unwatchable

But

it's kinda perfect

BECAUSE

You don't have a viable franchise qb (duh)

AND

Because

You have George Pickens and NOBODY else to throw to.

How creative can you get trying to get ONE receiver the football?

Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay all the "gurus" would bolt for a TV gig if they had the Steelers "weapons" on offense.

Van Jefferson and CA3 are Walmart workers being asked to contribute as starters.

Muuuuth? 4 catches for 27 yards?

Ridiculous

Russ? Fields?? Pat Mahomes???

Doesn't matter

Uncle Artie is running a shitty scheme run by even shittier players.

Hell no the quarterback doesn't matter (ok maaaybeee Pat could score a TD or two).

Fields seems to have a nice connection/relationship with Pickens.

AND

I'll add that Fields is TOUGH.

Kid took some shots yesterday

That's all I got to hang my hat on from yesterday's abortion

Watt and the defense are going to win ALL of your football games

And even then, not every quarterback on the schedule is going to be 36 and coming off an achilles injury.

CLEARLY

Cousins was not ready to play.

You think the Steelers scheme is bad?

Nails on a chalkboard Greg Olson correctly pointed out that when in the pistol, Falcons were running (over 80%) and when Kirk in the shotgun they literally never ran the ball or attempted play action.

Talk about BEGGING TJ Watt to kill your $180 million quarterback?

Watt knew exactly the spot to run to on every drop back.

Yep

We're bitching about Fields and Russ

BUT

At least the Steelers didn't pay $180 million for damaged goods like my transplant hometown Falcons.

ANYWAY

Hell yes I want the Steelers to draft their next franchise qb

BUT

Do you really want that quarterback playing for Mike Tomlin?

Of course you don't

Well maybe a few of you do (scary)

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Go Dawgs!!
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Post by Louis Lipps Service » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:31 pm

stillthere wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:05 am
Orangesteel wrote:
Sun Sep 08, 2024 11:58 pm

Riiiiiiight…

270 yards and no touchdowns. Multiple plays on third down to get 3-4 yards to make the FG closer instead of aggressive play calling to try and move the sticks.

But sure, nothing like Matt Canada. You are right.
13 personnel

overload looks

throwing a pass to 3 of the 4 TEs

sail route to corner route combo from GP14

If you can find me 1 example of each from Canada's tenure then I would say you are correct. I wouldn't bother breaking down the ALL22 film since you won't find any of those things from the last 3 years.
The numbers may be similar to last year, but I saw WAY more cohesion and strategy in the play calling and play design last night than I have in probably the past 5 years. The only times when I groaned where the couple times where we clearly pulled the plug on trying to get a first so we could make it to 4th down to kick a FG.

Basically, if we were inside the opponent 40 and had a negative play on 1st or 2nd down, the following plays were all run plays so we could guarantee the FG attempt (which is what made going for it on 4th down in the final minutes of the game so damn perplexing).

If you think that was Smith making that call and not Tomlin, you've clearly haven't been paying attention.

The other drives, I saw playcalling that....made sense! Was it conservative? Absolutely. But you can be both conservative and creative, and this is where Canada fell flat on his face. When he had to put together a conservative gameplan, he'd use the same 5 or 6 plays as a crutch throughout that entire game, to the point where opposing players repeatedly called out how predictable we were.

I didn't see that at all, yesterday. We called plays that were not only varied, but complimented each other. We ran to setup up the play action. We went downfield when it made sense to do so. We schemed guys open using something other than a damn WR screen! We even schemed GP open downfield a few times!

The game wasn't without complaints from me. Like I said, we gave up on drives way too soon, in favor of the guaranteed 3 points. We still appear to be mostly afraid of the middle of the field. Obviously, we didn't get in the end zone.

But I don't know how anyone can look at this game and not both immediate and potential improvements over last season.

If Shades let's the offense evolve and takes the chains off, this could be a solid offense. And to be clear, it's never going to be the Chiefs. We're never going to put up 47 like the Saints did last night.

But I could see enough pieces where it could be a 21-24 ppg team, putting us in the middle of the pack across the league. Not an elite offense, but a competent one, which is a completely different planet than where we were last year.

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Post by franco32 » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:40 pm

Muth told DK in an interview that the coaching staff PURPOSEFULLY avoided the middle of the field because of Atlanta's safeties. I get playing away from a team's strength but zero passes???

As for QBs, I look at it this way. Russell Wilson at his best is better than Fields at his best. History has shown that. That doesn't mean Russ isn't in decline, but you have to see what you have in Russ this year. Field is never going to be anything more than a guy who can manage a game and make some key runs. Russ at one point in his career was an actual QB.

There is a reason Fields struggled against Walmarters this summer and produced no TDs yesterday. It mostly has to do with his processing and complete lack of being able to "throw people open". Fields either likes to heave bombs or find guys college wide open. That isn't a long-term solution.

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Post by Pabst » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:43 pm

I will say - It's definitely a problem that we're not throwing over the middle, but at least we're not paying a guy $200m fully guaranteed to not throw to wide open WRs over the middle.


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Post by Deebo » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:45 pm

Louis Lipps Service wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:31 pm
stillthere wrote:
Mon Sep 09, 2024 1:05 am
Orangesteel wrote:
Sun Sep 08, 2024 11:58 pm

Riiiiiiight…

270 yards and no touchdowns. Multiple plays on third down to get 3-4 yards to make the FG closer instead of aggressive play calling to try and move the sticks.

But sure, nothing like Matt Canada. You are right.
13 personnel

overload looks

throwing a pass to 3 of the 4 TEs

sail route to corner route combo from GP14

If you can find me 1 example of each from Canada's tenure then I would say you are correct. I wouldn't bother breaking down the ALL22 film since you won't find any of those things from the last 3 years.
The numbers may be similar to last year, but I saw WAY more cohesion and strategy in the play calling and play design last night than I have in probably the past 5 years. The only times when I groaned where the couple times where we clearly pulled the plug on trying to get a first so we could make it to 4th down to kick a FG.

Basically, if we were inside the opponent 40 and had a negative play on 1st or 2nd down, the following plays were all run plays so we could guarantee the FG attempt (which is what made going for it on 4th down in the final minutes of the game so damn perplexing).

If you think that was Smith making that call and not Tomlin, you've clearly haven't been paying attention.

The other drives, I saw playcalling that....made sense! Was it conservative? Absolutely. But you can be both conservative and creative, and this is where Canada fell flat on his face. When he had to put together a conservative gameplan, he'd use the same 5 or 6 plays as a crutch throughout that entire game, to the point where opposing players repeatedly called out how predictable we were.

I didn't see that at all, yesterday. We called plays that were not only varied, but complimented each other. We ran to setup up the play action. We went downfield when it made sense to do so. We schemed guys open using something other than a damn WR screen! We even schemed GP open downfield a few times!

The game wasn't without complaints from me. Like I said, we gave up on drives way too soon, in favor of the guaranteed 3 points. We still appear to be mostly afraid of the middle of the field. Obviously, we didn't get in the end zone.

But I don't know how anyone can look at this game and not both immediate and potential improvements over last season.

If Shades let's the offense evolve and takes the chains off, this could be a solid offense. And to be clear, it's never going to be the Chiefs. We're never going to put up 47 like the Saints did last night.

But I could see enough pieces where it could be a 21-24 ppg team, putting us in the middle of the pack across the league. Not an elite offense, but a competent one, which is a completely different planet than where we were last year.
Outstanding post.
I'm not saying Smith is the next Chan Gailey, but he looks like an astrophysicist next to Matt Canada.

I mentioned some of this in the comments thread, but I saw foundational pieces being put into place: bootlegs, QB draws, waggles, etc. They built other plays off similar personnel groupings and sets. I'd like to see more passing on 1st down, but it's only 1 game and perhaps that'll come.

Art Smith gets a B+ for me yesterday. YOu have to also understand he was playing Qb2 with limited reps during the week.

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