- Joined
- Jan 11, 2013
- Messages
- 3,392
Thought I'd chime in with a few random thoughts about the comparisons in the Boras/Keenum tandem vs. the Cignetti/Foles pairing.
First, i've read a lot of "Boras Is using the middle of the field" comments. While i agree they seem to be making better use of the middle of the field, I think the credit is somewhat misplaced. This is more about Keenum and the willingness to look there and get the ball out on time.
The play calling has not been dramatically different. But the "execution" has been much better. That's the other thing I see mentioned. Well, if by execution you mean understanding where and WHEN you throw the ball, then I wholehearted agree.
There were two plays that jumped off the page to me that are examples of what I mean. Both were completions to Britt. The first play was on the first pass of the game. Keenum stood in the pocket and threw the ball as Britt CAME OUT OF HIS BREAK and connected for a 13 yard gain on a basic "in" route.
This play has been used numerous times throughout the season but for whatever reason Foles never seemed to throw it on time. By the time the ball would arrive, the "separation" was gone because the DB had plenty time the close on the route. And isn't it curious that the receivers (Cook included) aren't dropping passes when the ball gets there when its supposed to?
The other play was the TD pass to Britt. How many times this season have we seen receivers get behind CBs only to be forced to slow up for an under thrown (late) pass, or worse yet have the CB make up the ground and close the "separation" because the ball wasn't there yet?
Keenum released the ball as soon as Britt was "even with" (running by) Sherman and laid it out there for Britt to be able to "make a play". Again, something that Cignetti/Foles tried quite often. The difference being the "execution" of the QB.
I think Boras is doing a good job and of staying committed to the running game. Something I thought Cignetti had a tendency to go away from which only exposed the glaring shortcomings of the passing game.
They have been able to get a lead in these games, which obviously makes it easier for him to stick with the run. But that is yet another noticeable difference between the coordinators. I am not trying to say that Boras has reinvented this offense. But there is little argument that they have been more efficient and more productive.
The other observation I'd like to make is in reference to the OLINE. I've seen stats brought up about the rankings (6th in YPC) and sacks allowed (2nd) and how those stats somehow are indicative of how they've performed.
At the risk of overstating the obvious, I don't think anything can be made of either stat. In terms of the overall performance of the unit, I doubt there is little to argue about. This unit has been a microcosm of the season. It has been painstakingly inconsistent from one game to the next.
That being said, is there anyone who can say they can objectively expect anything more from any unit who has been forced to mix and match personnel as much as they did throughout the year? Anyone else think it's not a coincidence that for the first time all season they have trotted out the same five man unit the past month which happens to end up with a three game winning streak?
The tendency is to look at the individuals when evaluating the offensive line. But the production is more a byproduct of the collective group than a bunch of individuals. For the first time all season, they have been able to line up next to the same guy. The communication and cohesiveness has been better because of it. What ultimately translates into less mistakes and better play overall.
Moving forward, IMO, this unit isn't the major concern that many seem to think it is. Wichmann has gained valuable experience and will most likely come to training camp being a valuable depth guy on the inside. Bring back Reynolds and they are in a much better place than they were going into 2015. Barnes has shown to be steady and a definite upgrade over previous years. Especially when the Guard play has been ok next to him. The games Barnes appeared to struggle were with the likes of Donnal and Rhaney playing guard. Coincidence? I think not.
Get J. Brown back and suddenly the unit doesn't look as frenetic as it has appeared at times this year.
First, i've read a lot of "Boras Is using the middle of the field" comments. While i agree they seem to be making better use of the middle of the field, I think the credit is somewhat misplaced. This is more about Keenum and the willingness to look there and get the ball out on time.
The play calling has not been dramatically different. But the "execution" has been much better. That's the other thing I see mentioned. Well, if by execution you mean understanding where and WHEN you throw the ball, then I wholehearted agree.
There were two plays that jumped off the page to me that are examples of what I mean. Both were completions to Britt. The first play was on the first pass of the game. Keenum stood in the pocket and threw the ball as Britt CAME OUT OF HIS BREAK and connected for a 13 yard gain on a basic "in" route.
This play has been used numerous times throughout the season but for whatever reason Foles never seemed to throw it on time. By the time the ball would arrive, the "separation" was gone because the DB had plenty time the close on the route. And isn't it curious that the receivers (Cook included) aren't dropping passes when the ball gets there when its supposed to?
The other play was the TD pass to Britt. How many times this season have we seen receivers get behind CBs only to be forced to slow up for an under thrown (late) pass, or worse yet have the CB make up the ground and close the "separation" because the ball wasn't there yet?
Keenum released the ball as soon as Britt was "even with" (running by) Sherman and laid it out there for Britt to be able to "make a play". Again, something that Cignetti/Foles tried quite often. The difference being the "execution" of the QB.
I think Boras is doing a good job and of staying committed to the running game. Something I thought Cignetti had a tendency to go away from which only exposed the glaring shortcomings of the passing game.
They have been able to get a lead in these games, which obviously makes it easier for him to stick with the run. But that is yet another noticeable difference between the coordinators. I am not trying to say that Boras has reinvented this offense. But there is little argument that they have been more efficient and more productive.
The other observation I'd like to make is in reference to the OLINE. I've seen stats brought up about the rankings (6th in YPC) and sacks allowed (2nd) and how those stats somehow are indicative of how they've performed.
At the risk of overstating the obvious, I don't think anything can be made of either stat. In terms of the overall performance of the unit, I doubt there is little to argue about. This unit has been a microcosm of the season. It has been painstakingly inconsistent from one game to the next.
That being said, is there anyone who can say they can objectively expect anything more from any unit who has been forced to mix and match personnel as much as they did throughout the year? Anyone else think it's not a coincidence that for the first time all season they have trotted out the same five man unit the past month which happens to end up with a three game winning streak?
The tendency is to look at the individuals when evaluating the offensive line. But the production is more a byproduct of the collective group than a bunch of individuals. For the first time all season, they have been able to line up next to the same guy. The communication and cohesiveness has been better because of it. What ultimately translates into less mistakes and better play overall.
Moving forward, IMO, this unit isn't the major concern that many seem to think it is. Wichmann has gained valuable experience and will most likely come to training camp being a valuable depth guy on the inside. Bring back Reynolds and they are in a much better place than they were going into 2015. Barnes has shown to be steady and a definite upgrade over previous years. Especially when the Guard play has been ok next to him. The games Barnes appeared to struggle were with the likes of Donnal and Rhaney playing guard. Coincidence? I think not.
Get J. Brown back and suddenly the unit doesn't look as frenetic as it has appeared at times this year.
Last edited:
