RayNAustin wrote:markshark84 wrote:If it works, you have to use it --- especially with our OL. I would, however, like to see some passing plays come out of it so we can keep defenses honest.
I don't like how it takes it toll on RGIII, though, so you have to limit it. I don't want the hits RGIII takes this year to result in an injury riddled career (sort of like Vick) -- so we need to limit it.
No. It's fine to keep all plays available for situational use to keep defenses game planning for everything and keep them guessing. But that triple option leaves your QB open to huge hits, and should not become a staple of your offense like it was used Sunday.
Show it, and then run similar formations that will cause LBs and Safeties to key on that movement, and pull up and hit crossing patterns run to those vacated areas .. run reverses, etc. But do not keep exposing RG3 to free shots from charging linebackers ... and a big double no to having him run by design 10 times per game, like he's averaging now.
The Redskin coaches are so mishandling the situation ... the big deal about RG3 right from the get go was that he had the ability to run, but was a pass first QB with a strong arm and excellent accuracy, and not a run first Michael Vick type .... so what do they do? They want to make him into a Michael Vick type run first QB. It's craziness, and crazy is not a sound strategy.
If there are pass pro problems, keep a blocking TE and keep the RB in to help protect. RG3 can escape a pass rush and extend plays easily ... just slow down the rush. If the o-line cannot even put up minimal resistance, then we need to fire the guys that put them out there, and not sacrifice our franchise superstar QB to mask their incompetence.
As far as your first 2 paragraphs, that is basically exactly what I am saying (so not sure about the "No" beginning). The only difference is that while you want the defense to key on movement (although LBs and DBs tend to follow assignments), you can't run a reverse because the OLBs and DBs will have an angle with little blocking on the opposite side of the field. Also, the OL movement on the triple option will have to be a bit different for a pass play -- in order to provide adequate pass protection.
That said, I do think crossing patterns could pay dividends, but they need to be quick routes and unfortuntely have to be run in the same direction as the OL and QB are moving.
As far as exposing RGIII to big hits, that is a by-product of the formation where it is a certain run play. As you said, the majority of the D personnel will key on movement and the formation forces the D to protect themselves against a draw. If the D does this and RGIII and Banks fan out, it will inevitably create a 1 on 2 situation against the OLB. The WR should have the CB sealed off. The OLB can either decide to hit the QB regardless or play the ball. Against CINCY the OLBs zeroed in on RGIII every time (and I wouldn't expect that to change). Now, if our TE/WR/OL fans out (on the snap) to protect RGIII against the OLB, the D will immediately key on that which results in the other (and faster) LBs and DBs meeting RGIII and Banks before they even get to the line of scrimmage (not to mention exposing the DE off the line). In order for it succeed, you have at least fake a draw in order to keep their DL and LBs in the middle of the field --- creating that 1 on 2 situation. The play cannot succeed otherwise. As such, I think that it should be limited as much as possible.
As far as pass protection in a converted passing play out of the Triple option, we couldn't have Banks in on the play as a pass protector (assuming a fake draw to Morris initiated the play; which is a must to force the LBs to the line). Now, if they used Helu instead of Banks, it could definetely work, but they haven't showed the formation that way yet. If they changed it now, it would be obvious what they are planning. I agree that you could throw in a TE to protect but this will result in having a limited amount of eligible recievers, seeing that Morris would be on the ground from the fake handoff. If you have 11 guys -- 5 OL, 1 QB, 1RB, 1 RB/Banks, 2WR, and 1 blocking TE -- only the 2 WRs (or 1 WR and Davis, which I would prefer) will be potential receivers and you'll need to line them both up on the other side of the play. I'm not sure it could work if the D was playing some sort of cover/zone.
If you were just saying RGIII doesn't have adequate pass pro in general (and not in the triple option) and to hang an extra TE or RB on pure passing plays -- then yes I agree totally.
With all this being said, I do agree with you that the Shanahans are using him WAY too often to run the ball and it will most likely not end well. I'm not sure they want to use him as a run first QB per se, but more in set running situations. In Vick's early years, the strategy was for him to read his first or first two options -- and if they weren't there he should run. I don't think that is what they are doing with RGIII. These are set run plays where they are using him as an RB. I agree with you that these need to be grossly limited. It is nice to have them up your sleeve, but the number one priority should be to protect RGIII.
RIP Sean Taylor. You will be missed.
and it's only week four 
