What do you think of Saunders play calling?

JPFair · Post by **JPFair** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:38 am

Overall, I was really impressed with the play calling of Offensive guru, Al Saunders, yesterday.

Though there were numerous dropped balls and a few wrong routes, I think the overall blend of deep passes and power runs kept Miami confused for much of the day. It seems like he was definitely trying to stretch the field by keeping the deep pall in the mix. I think Miami had to compensate from their game plan in order to protect against the deep ball, which allowed for Portis and Betts to have a chance at the line of scrimmage.

Notwithstanding some rusty exeecution, I give Saunders play calling yesterday a very welcome thumbs up!!!!

It can only get better as the team shakes the rust off and gets more comfortable with the offense. I think they showed a much better comfort level with the offense yesterday, however, there is room for improvement.

Mursilis · Post by **Mursilis** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:43 am

Here's what I wrote in another thread:

As for what to take from the game, the best thing I saw was the beginnings of a return to old-school Redskins offense - establish the running game, and then mix in the passing game, especially the play-action. The line was solid, and seemed to get better as the day wore on, as did the RBs - got to love having two strong threats at RB. The Miami D was really looking tired near the end, but there was just enough passing, especially deep passing, to prevent Miami from stacking the box and stopping the ground game. I love that they're letting JC throw the deep ball - just the threat of it is going to keep Ds back on their heels. That's the element JC adds that MB lacked. With half as many completions as Green, JC still got more yards in the air, which shows the deep game is back. I look for this offense to improve as the season wears on, and really light a few teams up.

GSPODS · Post by **GSPODS** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:45 am

Just happy to see a change of pace from:
1st Down - Off Tackle
2nd Down - Off Tackle
3rd Down - Incomplete Pass
4th Down - Shanked Punt

skinsfan#33 · Post by **skinsfan#33** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:03 am

JPFair wrote:Overall, I was really impressed with the play calling of Offensive guru, Al Saunders, yesterday.

Though there were numerous dropped balls and a few wrong routes, I think the overall blend of deep passes and power runs kept Miami confused for much of the day. It seems like he was definitely trying to stretch the field by keeping the deep pall in the mix. I think Miami had to compensate from their game plan in order to protect against the deep ball, which allowed for Portis and Betts to have a chance at the line of scrimmage.

Notwithstanding some rusty exeecution, I give Saunders play calling yesterday a very welcome thumbs up!!!!

It can only get better as the team shakes the rust off and gets more comfortable with the offense. I think they showed a much better comfort level with the offense yesterday, however, there is room for improvement.

Overall, I thought the play calling was good. I thought the pley in OT on 3rd & 7 were they stacked to TE to one side and used the 2nd TE to clear out an area for Cool

ey to get the first down was just brilliant!

cleg · Post by **cleg** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:05 am

skinsfan#33 wrote:
JPFair wrote:Overall, I was really impressed with the play calling of Offensive guru, Al Saunders, yesterday.

Though there were numerous dropped balls and a few wrong routes, I think the overall blend of deep passes and power runs kept Miami confused for much of the day. It seems like he was definitely trying to stretch the field by keeping the deep pall in the mix. I think Miami had to compensate from their game plan in order to protect against the deep ball, which allowed for Portis and Betts to have a chance at the line of scrimmage.

Overall, I thought the play calling was good. I thought the pley in OT on 3rd & 7 were they stacked to TE to one side and used the 2nd TE to clear out an area for ey to get the first down was just brilliant!

Notwithstanding some rusty exeecution, I give Saunders play calling yesterday a very welcome thumbs up!!!!

It can only get better as the team shakes the rust off and gets more comfortable with the offense. I think they showed a much better comfort level with the offense yesterday, however, there is room for improvement.

It is amazing what you can do when you have a QB who can throw the ball deep!

Skeletor · Post by **Skeletor** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:29 am

I thought the shovel pass to Betts was his best call. Totally caught Miami off guard.

skinsfan#33 · Post by **skinsfan#33** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:43 am

In Campbells 8 starts. (this past week and weeks 11-17 in 06) The offense has averaged:

349 yards total, 171 yards rushing, and 182 net passing yards.

Not too shabby!

However if you just do the past six her are the stats:

380 total yards, 174 yards rushing, and 197 net passing yards

The lowest production from each unit in those six games were:

336 total (06 week 16), 128 yards rushing (06 week 17), 160 net passing (06 week 16)

Best production:

415 total yards (06 week 14), 210 rushing yards (06 week 14), 262 net passing yards (06 week 17)

*note don't try to add rushing and passint to get total yard (they are net while total is gross)*

If our deffense keeps playing the way it did (against Miami) and we keep averaging 174 yards rushing, it should be a very good year!

JPFair · Post by **JPFair** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:46 am

I think the most telling sign that Campbell can stretch the field is the way he throws the deep ball. When he heaves it downfield, he almost makes it look effortless. He seems to throw it with a fluid motion and the ball just takes off and flies. When Brunell heaved it for a deep pass, it looked like he was overexerting himself, winding up like a windmill, and giving it everything he has to get the ball deep, and even then it was barely getting downfield. Campbell makes it look effortless.

PLUS, when he hit Randle-Ell, he hit him in stride. When Brunell would hit Moss for a deep ball, 95% of the time Moss had to adjust his route and come back or go sideways to catch the ball.

Campbell still has a way to go, but the most important thing is that he builds up the confidence he needs to be able to stretch the field at will. That, combined with Saunders calling the right plays at the right time, should develop Campbell into a big time QB. It remains to be seen how it progresses during game time situations, but a win in the home opener and showing signs of being able to hit the deep receiver is a good start.

He needs to stay away from complacency and realize that he has to progress as the season goes on, and judging by the way he brushed off the first INT, I think he's got the right attitude.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:03 pm

I've read a lot of the board since the game and I've seen no mention of #45. This man needs to be incorporated more into the gameplan. He was awesome carrying defenders until Thomas came up (3rd defender IIRC) came up and knocked the ball out of his hands and out of bounds. Simply a beast and I wanna see more of it. Smashmouth checkdown!!!!

FanofallthatisGibbs · Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:09 pm

Miami looked like Swiss Cheese by the end of the game. That's all you really need to know. I was surprised we didn't run it down their throat more for a shorter FG attempt in OT. Nice surprise to see Suisham kicking well so far.

BnGhog · Post by **BnGhog** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:11 pm

Here are some stats.

In total Offence
We are 6th with 400 total yards.

In total Deffence
We are 11th with 273 allowed

We are 3rd in rushing (191)while we are 8th in passing.

ARL is 2nd in NFL in receiving yards

Portis is 7th in the league while sharing the work load with Betts.

Campbell is 9th in passing yards but only had a 54.1 rating. (because of the INTs im sure)

Overall Im pretty happy. Campbell should get better with INTs.

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:18 pm

I think they need to get the ball to Lloyd more. Like it or not he is a Skin and he needs to be more involved.

BnGhog · Post by **BnGhog** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:23 pm

Well, I'm pretty good with the play calling.

I was trying to comment on how well Campbell was running the game, so I guess I will have to go off subject a little because FIOS must think this the same topic.

I think Campbell did well with everything that happened. Its not often you see a QB throw 2 INTs and still win the game. (except maybe Grossman)

Fios · Post by **Fios** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:27 pm

BnGhog wrote:Well, I'm pretty good with the play calling.

I was trying to comment on how well Campbell was running the game, so I guess I will have to go off subject a little because FIOS must think this the same topic.

I think Campbell did well with everything that happened. Its not often you see a QB throw 2 INTs and still win the game. (except maybe Grossman)

BnGhog, I politely asked that we keep threads to a minimum. I didn't say you can't have a discussion about the topic. Additionally, we have a process outlined for complains about moderators and this is not it.

crazyhorse1 · Post by **crazyhorse1** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:28 pm

Chris Luva Luva wrote:I think they need to get the ball to Lloyd more. Like it or not he is a Skin and he needs to be more involved.

I agree. Those who say he didn't try hard enough for the end zone pass are wrong (simply put). Study the film again and note the awkwardness of his position...happens to the best.

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:30 pm

The good:

Randle El secured his number 2 spot at WR. No argument about that.
The Portis/Betts tandem.
The rotation at offense and defense.
Laron Landry played like a seasoned veteran.
The ability to stretch the field.
Pete Kendall did a good job at LT.

The bad:

Jansen's broken ankle injury.
Two dumb interceptions that cost us points and almost the game.
Lloyd, Was he playing?
There were open receivers that Jason just did not read.

The ugly:

Play call was good but execution was horrible at times. Jason often stares at one receiver -all- the time during a play.
Timing, contrary to what we were told during the pre-season, is off.
There was no consistent pressure on Trent Green. there were only occasional sparks by Carter and there were not as many blitzes as in years past.

Miami and Washington are two very even teams with very good defenses and questionable offenses. It was ugly but a win is a win. I'll take it any day.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:49 pm

BnGhog wrote:Well, I'm pretty good with the play calling.

I was trying to comment on how well Campbell was running the game, so I guess I will have to go off subject a little because FIOS must think this the same topic.

I think Campbell did well with everything that happened. Its not often you see a QB throw 2 INTs and still win the game. (except maybe Grossman)

Unless Campbell is running someone other than Saunders offense, seem to me that any discussion of Campbell running the game would fit right in this thread. Now had you wanted to discuss Brunell running the offense that would have requiered a new thread as I've yet to determine who's playbook he had been reading.

BnGhog · Post by **BnGhog** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:57 pm

1niksder wrote:
BnGhog wrote:
Now had you wanted to discuss Brunell running the offense that would have requiered a new thread as I've yet to determine who's playbook he had been reading.

HanburgerHelper · Post by **HanburgerHelper** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:04 pm

Jason Campbell hype-sters, where are you? Heck of an arm but he still looks a little lost out there at times. I hope he settles down before the next game and we just saw some jitters. He shows flashes of what he can do and then fizzles. He still doesn't make me feel comfortable that he can bring us back in a game and I'm not talking about measley 3 or 7 point deficits. Still the rest of the team did well enough to bail him out.

That said, Miami does have a very good defense and maybe this was a much better performance than I realized. Lots of talent in Campbell. He just needs to develop with experience and his confidence will grow. Hope the O-line can hold up so he can realize his potential. The stats don't indicate that Campbell himself is the reason for the Skins' offensive improvement. I think it has more to do with the fact that the team knows the playbook and how to carry it out.

CanesSkins26 · Post by **CanesSkins26** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:13 pm

Jason Campbell hype-sters, where are you? Heck of an arm but he still looks a little lost out there at times.

Dude, do you think that qb's turn into Pro Bowlers overnight? JC was making his first ever NFL opening day start. He isn't Peyton Manning quite yet. All things considered I think that he did very well.

As for the play calling, I was very impressed. For the first time since he's come here, the offense looked like an Al Saunders coached offense. The shovel pass was genius. The only problem I had was the overly conservative play calling on our first trip into the red zone. Also, considering the aggressiveness of the Dolphins pass rushers, I was surprised that we didn't try a few screen passes. Other than those two small gripes, I thought that Al called a great game against a very tough Miami D.

dlc · Post by **dlc** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:01 pm

CanesSkins26 wrote:
Jason Campbell hype-sters, where are you? Heck of an arm but he still looks a little lost out there at times.

Dude, do you think that qb's turn into Pro Bowlers overnight? JC was making his first ever NFL opening day start. He isn't Peyton Manning quite yet. All things considered I think that he did very well.

As for the play calling, I was very impressed. For the first time since he's come here, the offense looked like an Al Saunders coached offense. The shovel pass was genius. The only problem I had was the overly conservative play calling on our first trip into the red zone. Also, considering the aggressiveness of the Dolphins pass rushers, I was surprised that we didn't try a few screen passes. Other than those two small gripes, I thought that Al called a great game against a very tough Miami D.

Well said. JC definitely shows the arm, the accuracy (at times) and the poise to be a great QB. A first pass pick the first game as a starter, and he still had the balls to launch it deep many times when it was there? Lloyd let him down and Moss dropped a few, but he still was willing to let it fling.

And it wasn't like he was gunning with wreckless abandon. Gotta say that says something significant about him. If he can learn to be consistent with his accuracy, we have a baller. As long as we don't break this kids confidence, there's a lot of promise that the numbers were far from showing. One other thing is pocket presence, which I believe could come with time.

I was initially a skeptic, but now I'm an optimist, although still not sold.

dlc · Post by **dlc** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:04 pm

Play calling was fine. It definitely did not cost us the game and had a big part in winning it. That's all you can ask about play-calling.

As for coaching the execution, that may be another story. Although I did feel that we looked as sharp in terms of discipline (few penalties) as we've looked in years.

Deadskins · Post by **Deadskins** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 6:37 pm

VetSkinsFan wrote:I've read a lot of the board since the game and I've seen no mention of #45. This man needs to be incorporated more into the gameplan. He was awesome carrying defenders until Thomas came up (3rd defender IIRC) came up and knocked the ball out of his hands and out of bounds. Simply a beast and I wanna see more of it. Smashmouth checkdown!!!!

That's Mike Sellers.

Countertrey · Post by **Countertrey** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:40 pm

RIC notes...

Pete Kendall did a good job at LT.

I wonder if anyone has mentioned this to Samuels... :wink:

HardDawg · Post by **HardDawg** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:17 pm

We seem to have the shuttle play down.

Definately seemed more balanced and an increased running..always like that...O line blows still.

Great stats above skinsfan#33.

Overall play calling I liked. Nice work Al

Running game looked good as well.....Sellers your my hero...But you missed a couple lead blocks...not like you..

O grade- C+

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What do you think of Saunders play calling?

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