Next up : Cleveland Browns.

[rmcjacket23]

 

I don't think the Browns are that bad, I'm well aware that this will be no gimme. I just think that this Ravens team will finally start clicking this week on BOTH sides of the ball. I think SSS being out could be a blessing in disguise- it will allow us to open things up and spread the ball around a lot more. 3 or 4 of joes interceptions have all came when he was basically trying to force feed the ball to Steve. I think the tight ends will see a lot of action. The running game finally got going last week and I think it will carry into this week. Obviously the Browns are dead last in run defense and we will capitalize on that. We will ground and pound, control the clock. And on top of that, if givins is active it will give us the deep threat that we have been missing so far this season. They will at least have to respect it if we take a shot or 2, which will in turn open things up even more for the run game. On top of that, the game is at home. The defense played well last week, granted it was against Vick, but I think that victory gave us some much needed confidence. I also think your underestimating the steelers defense. Thy aren't as bad as many seem to think.. Their d line is pretty stout, and we still had success. I think we will run all over the Browns all day long. Sooner or later were gonna have one of those distinctive victories where we do well in all 3 phases and just punish our opponent. I just happen to think it will be this week @ home vs the Browns. I could easily be dead wrong, But In my opinion I don't see why it's so far out of the realm of possibilities.

  first time for everything isn't it? Eventually were gonna have one of those games that we do well in all 3 phases and dominate. I just happen to think it will be this one. I'm not the kind of guy who waits for something to be obvious, I actually call it before it happens. Anybody can notice a trend and jump on the bandwagon and say yep this will happen again because it happened this way on this this and this day. In not just pulling a prediction out of thin air, there's several reasons behind it. Our running game just came off a strong performance, and we're going up against the run defense that's ranked dead last. Those are the details I pay attention to. History also shows that when we run the ball well it opens up the passing game and also keeps the defense fresh.

I'm not gonna wait until we play well and then call it , I'm gonna call it beforehand. we are getting better and eventually were gonna put it all together on both sides of the ball. I happen to think that time is now, and to me that is not that inconceivable. We may not score 40 some points but I could definitely see us dominate both sides of the ball and play very well. The Pittsburgh victory won't pretty but you'd be surprised how much one game can improve a teams confidence.

I mean, that's great and everything, except there's really nothing special or courageous about going out on a limb and predicting something different to happen when you're not actually risking anything by doing it.

 

I mean if we're going to play the "I'm going to call it first" game, then why stop at 47? What about 67 points? 87 points? 129 points? 383 points?

 

Having everything to gain and literally nothing to lose in making a prediction doesn't really accomplish anything. I prefer to be much more of a realist in that regard, I find its far easier to be less disappointed afterwards when you actually set reasonable expectations.

 

If I were to look at the total package of what I see from the Browns, I see a bad run defense, a pretty good pass defense (assuming Joe Haden plays), and a team that can get to the QB pretty well, which largely actually benefits the Browns overall more than it does the Ravens from a defensive standpoint. I see a defense that people think is chopped liver based on yardage allowed, yet somehow has actually given up less points than we have. I also seen an offense that looks a lot like ours based on skill position players and offensive line, and a team that largely wants to do the same thing we want to do.

 

So, if I'm looking at it, I say to myself... does running the ball consistently (which takes more time off the clock) guarantee me that my offense is going to put up 40+ points? I can't see it at all. I can't see running the ball all of the sudden opening up the passing attack, because that hasn't worked that well at all for us this season, especially in Pittsburgh, where the passing game struggled despite the running game thriving.

 

IF we score 40+, I'd be hanging my hat on at least two defensive TDs and/or multiple defensive turnovers deep in their own territory. Don't see the offense alone being able to score that many points against basically anybody in the league given our current personnel. I'd call that wishful thinking.

[Static]

Do Not underestimate Josh McCown , Duke Johnson , Gary Barnidge and Travis Benjamin.

[January J]

I mean, that's great and everything, except there's really nothing special or courageous about going out on a limb and predicting something different to happen when you're not actually risking anything by doing it.

 

I mean if we're going to play the "I'm going to call it first" game, then why stop at 47? What about 67 points? 87 points? 129 points? 383 points?

 

Having everything to gain and literally nothing to lose in making a prediction doesn't really accomplish anything. I prefer to be much more of a realist in that regard, I find its far easier to be less disappointed afterwards when you actually set reasonable expectations.

 

If I were to look at the total package of what I see from the Browns, I see a bad run defense, a pretty good pass defense (assuming Joe Haden plays), and a team that can get to the QB pretty well, which largely actually benefits the Browns overall more than it does the Ravens from a defensive standpoint. I see a defense that people think is chopped liver based on yardage allowed, yet somehow has actually given up less points than we have. I also seen an offense that looks a lot like ours based on skill position players and offensive line, and a team that largely wants to do the same thing we want to do.

 

So, if I'm looking at it, I say to myself... does running the ball consistently (which takes more time off the clock) guarantee me that my offense is going to put up 40+ points? I can't see it at all. I can't see running the ball all of the sudden opening up the passing attack, because that hasn't worked that well at all for us this season, especially in Pittsburgh, where the passing game struggled despite the running game thriving.

 

IF we score 40+, I'd be hanging my hat on at least two defensive TDs and/or multiple defensive turnovers deep in their own territory. Don't see the offense alone being able to score that many points against basically anybody in the league given our current personnel. I'd call that wishful thinking.

deja vu all over again. Lol I feel like we have been through this before. I digress.

[rmcjacket23]

deja vu all over again. Lol I feel like we have been through this before. I digress.

Correct, hence why I don't ever buy the whole "hey guys I'm going to make an outrageous prediction because I want to be different" type of thinking.

[January J]

Correct, hence why I don't ever buy the whole "hey guys I'm going to make an outrageous prediction because I want to be different" type of thinking.

As I said, I'm not just pulling a prediction out of thin air. I gave several reasons behind it, and there is certainly a good chance the Ravens could bounce back with a strong performance and feed off of the Pittsburgh win. 40 points against the Browns isn't the most off the wall prediction you will ever hear and Is certainly within the realm of possibilities. Has nothing to do with " wanting to be different" ..I call it how I see it whether it's a popular opinion or not. and if I'm dead wrong I will stand corrected.

Of course I don't have anything to lose or gain, and neither do you by following a trend and predicting the same thing will happen this week bc it happened last week. Nobody does. We are here for fun.

[rmcjacket23]

As I said, I'm not just pulling a prediction out of thin air. I gave several reasons behind it, and there is certainly a good chance the Ravens could bounce back with a strong performance and feed off of the Pittsburgh win. 40 points against the Browns isn't the most off the wall prediction you will ever hear and Is certainly within the realm of possibilities. Has nothing to do with " wanting to be different" ..I call it how I see it whether it's a popular opinion or not. and if I'm dead wrong I will stand corrected.

Of course I don't have anything to lose or gain, and neither do you by following a trend and predicting the same thing will happen this week bc it happened last week. Nobody does. We are here for fun.

I mean, you sort of are. Your basis for scoring 47 points is that the Browns have a bottom feeding run defense. That's about all I heard. You said something about the passing game feeding off the running game, yet there's plenty of very recent evidence suggesting the two don't necessarily go hand in hand, particularly with a passing attack with largely suspect OL pass blocking, a QB who's been inconsistent, and a receiving core that nobody here has any idea what it will look like.

 

The most off the wall prediction? No, that would be the Browns scoring 47 points (which given what I've seen from the Ravens this year actually is about as realistic as the Ravens scoring 47 in my eyes). Just because its not the most off-the-wall doesn't mean its a realistic prediction. 

[Drew P]

Do Not underestimate Josh McCown , Duke Johnson , Gary Barnidge and Travis Benjamin.

 

The left side of the OL is as good as any.

[cushrinada1986]

I am guessing we are gonna go 2 TE sets a lot of the game since we only have 4 WRs going into the next game and to help out the running game. TBH I hope they give Waller some more looks downfield because I think we may be under-utilizing him with his ability. I know he is young but there is something there that can scare a defense if he gets one on one with a DB or LB. Aiken has been getting yards in a support role and Marlon keeps vanishing in games. Maybe Waller can take some of Marlon's snaps and see what he can do with it.

 

So far Marlon has 8 catches for 75 yards for the season. Just saying....

[PurpleCity5]

Last year the Browns put a lot of focus into stopping the run and just letting our WRs beat us. Really hope that isn't the case this time. Obviously the WRs are the weakest part of the team right now, so I can see Cleveland focusing on the TEs and run game.

Edited October 6, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[PurpleCity5]

Oh and man no one needs to be more consistent than Kamar Aiken. Last 4 of 9 games hes had 50 Yards and a TD, but shutout in other contests. We need the guy to be consistent, he is easily our best healthy WR right now. Hes a good #3, but I need consistency, gladly he knows that too, hes working on it hopefully. He'll get target a lot, maybe he'll show flashes of a starting WR.

Consistency needs improvement, if he does do that, then he can be dependable.

Edited October 6, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[rmcjacket23]

I am guessing we are gonna go 2 TE sets a lot of the game since we only have 4 WRs going into the next game and to help out the running game. TBH I hope they give Waller some more looks downfield because I think we may be under-utilizing him with his ability. I know he is young but there is something there that can scare a defense if he gets one on one with a DB or LB. Aiken has been getting yards in a support role and Marlon keeps vanishing in games. Maybe Waller can take some of Marlon's snaps and see what he can do with it.

 

So far Marlon has 8 catches for 75 yards for the season. Just saying....

I assume Steve Smith is playing until he's ruled out, meaning we could have at least 5 WRs...

[January J]

Oh and man no one needs to be more consistent than Kamar Aiken. Last 4 of 9 games hes had 50 Yards and a TD, but shutout in other contests.

not sure what you meant by that, he caught for 77 yards and a td in last week alone, and had 89 yards in Oakland. Thinking maybe I misunderstood what you were saying.

[PurpleCity5]

not sure what you meant by that, he caught for 77 yards and a td in last week alone, and had 89 yards in Oakland. Thinking maybe I misunderstood what you were saying.

I was counting last season as well, then again I probably shouldn't considering how buried he was beginning of the 2014 season. I can't find where I saw that stat from tho....Awk....

[1/28/01]

I assume Steve Smith is playing until he's ruled out, meaning we could have at least 5 WRs...

I know its been speculated as to what is accurate and truthful and what isnt, but odds are Smith does not suit up against the Browns. Nor should he.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13801221/steve-smith-baltimore-ravens-week-5-cleveland-browns-due-back-injury

[JoeyFlex5]

Do Not underestimate Josh McCown , Duke Johnson , Gary Barnidge and Travis Benjamin.

i expect us to make mccown and benjamin look like first team all pros. i think its gonna be a close game, whether we win or lose, but i expect those 2 to really make lightwork of our defense.

[JoeyFlex5]

I don't think the Browns are that bad, I'm well aware that this will be no gimme. I just think that this Ravens team will finally start clicking this week on BOTH sides of the ball. I think SSS being out could be a blessing in disguise- it will allow us to open things up and spread the ball around a lot more. 3 or 4 of joes interceptions have all came when he was basically trying to force feed the ball to Steve. I think the tight ends will see a lot of action. The running game finally got going last week and I think it will carry into this week. Obviously the Browns are dead last in run defense and we will capitalize on that. We will ground and pound, control the clock. And on top of that, if givins is active it will give us the deep threat that we have been missing so far this season. They will at least have to respect it if we take a shot or 2, which will in turn open things up even more for the run game. On top of that, the game is at home. The defense played well last week, granted it was against Vick, but I think that victory gave us some much needed confidence. I also think your underestimating the steelers defense. Thy aren't as bad as many seem to think.. Their d line is pretty stout, and we still had success. I think we will run all over the Browns all day long. Sooner or later were gonna have one of those distinctive victories where we do well in all 3 phases and just punish our opponent. I just happen to think it will be this week @ home vs the Browns. I could easily be dead wrong, But In my opinion I don't see why it's so far out of the realm of possibilities.

our run game was awful the first 3 weeks, i dont see how 1 performance suddenly means the problems are fixed. how can we just so easily spread the ball if we are throwing to kamar aiken and marlon brown? how do we have any clue that givens is gonna be the deep threat we have been looking for when he hasnt even suited up for us and hasnt done ANYTHING notable in the nfl? the defense "played well" but we wouldnt be singing that same tune if roethlisberger was playing, you can bank on that, and mccown has given us fits in the past and is a much better qb than vick at this point.

i also see you saying quite often that now that we got a win under our belts the team is just gonna rally and feed off of that win, i dont see it. it took us 5 quarters to beat a team without the player that DEFINES who they are, and we won because they quite literally did everything in their power to make sure we won, and throughout all of this we lost our only 2 competent wide receivers. i dont think a team with as many problems as ours can just rally off of one win, momentum is somewhat of a myth, if momentum was real then trap games wouldnt be a thing. it was one incomplete team capitalizing on one of the thousand mistakes that another incomplete team made, and will have no effect on our future performances. i need to see an actual good performance from the ravens before im ready to crown them as anything other than a 1-3 team who has no identity and lacks talent.

[SomeCreepinaVan]

our run game was awful the first 3 weeks, i dont see how 1 performance suddenly means the problems are fixed. how can we just so easily spread the ball if we are throwing to kamar aiken and marlon brown? how do we have any clue that givens is gonna be the deep threat we have been looking for when he hasnt even suited up for us and hasnt done ANYTHING notable in the nfl? the defense "played well" but we wouldnt be singing that same tune if roethlisberger was playing, you can bank on that, and mccown has given us fits in the past and is a much better qb than vick at this point.

i also see you saying quite often that now that we got a win under our belts the team is just gonna rally and feed off of that win, i dont see it. it took us 5 quarters to beat a team without the player that DEFINES who they are, and we won because they quite literally did everything in their power to make sure we won, and throughout all of this we lost our only 2 competent wide receivers. i dont think a team with as many problems as ours can just rally off of one win, momentum is somewhat of a myth, if momentum was real then trap games wouldnt be a thing. it was one incomplete team capitalizing on one of the thousand mistakes that another incomplete team made, and will have no effect on our future performances. i need to see an actual good performance from the ravens before im ready to crown them as anything other than a 1-3 team who has no identity and lacks talent.

The run game absolutely dominated the Steeler's D-line and it's not like the Steeler's Dline is bad against the run. Forsett had over 5 ypc and 150 yards. The O-line looked like last years with great ZBS blocking. Harbaugh clearly made Castillo switch it back to Kubiak's ZBS. We have the same players as last on the O-line so theres no reason they can't play like last years.

Edited October 6, 2015 by SomeCreepinaVan

[January J]

our run game was awful the first 3 weeks, i dont see how 1 performance suddenly means the problems are fixed. how can we just so easily spread the ball if we are throwing to kamar aiken and marlon brown? how do we have any clue that givens is gonna be the deep threat we have been looking for when he hasnt even suited up for us and hasnt done ANYTHING notable in the nfl? the defense "played well" but we wouldnt be singing that same tune if roethlisberger was playing, you can bank on that, and mccown has given us fits in the past and is a much better qb than vick at this point.

i also see you saying quite often that now that we got a win under our belts the team is just gonna rally and feed off of that win, i dont see it. it took us 5 quarters to beat a team without the player that DEFINES who they are, and we won because they quite literally did everything in their power to make sure we won, and throughout all of this we lost our only 2 competent wide receivers. i dont think a team with as many problems as ours can just rally off of one win, momentum is somewhat of a myth, if momentum was real then trap games wouldnt be a thing. it was one incomplete team capitalizing on one of the thousand mistakes that another incomplete team made, and will have no effect on our future performances. i need to see an actual good performance from the ravens before im ready to crown them as anything other than a 1-3 team who has no identity and lacks talent.

it may have been only one game for the run game, but it's a step in the right direction. Esp considering the Browns run defense and getting Monroe back- all signs point to that trend continuing. And pittsburghs run defense is not that bad, they are actually pretty darn good. Givens hasn't done anything yet, but it's literally his speed alone that will help open up the playbook and keep defenses honest. It's painfully obvious that the offense has lacked that deep threat and in turn it has been negatively effecting all other areas.

How we won in Pittsburgh is pretty much irrelevant. The fact is we got it done, and getting that first victory under our belt in that fashion can do wonders for a young team. You may not think momentum is real, but I can assure you that this team needed that confidence boost. the defense came up with some huge stops & Davis looks to be an awesome addition at cb and could make a big difference.

A team that lacks talent? That couldn't be farther from the truth. This team is loaded with talent, the issue has been execution. We also have caught a few bad breaks and been on the wrong side of a few plays that should and shouldn't have been penalties. The ball bounces a little bit differently and were sitting at 4-0 and singing a COMPLETELY different tune. you can't say we're a bad team when every single game we've lost has came down to the last possession and we held the lead late in all 3 of them. And we have played some pretty tough teams with tough scheduling. It's all about getting both sides of the ball playing well at the same time, and I think this is the week we start doing that. I'm done trying to defend our team, We will see what happens.

Edited October 6, 2015 by January J

[The Raven]

The run game absolutely dominated the Steeler's D-line and it's not like the Steeler's Dline is bad against the run. Forsett had over 5 ypc and 150 yards. The O-line looked like last years with great ZBS blocking. Harbaugh clearly made Castillo switch it back to Kubiak's ZBS. We have the same players as last on the O-line so theres no reason they can't play like last years.

 

Castillo is a ZBS coach, and everybody in the world knows that. If we went away from it this season, that would be Trestman's influence.

[Ravens4Real]

was really just talkin stuff -but is 47 points really that inconceivable? Against the 31st rushing defense ? Against the Browns ? No we haven't been playing our best but eventually were gonna catch fire and that Pitt game mighta been just what we needed to bolster the confidence.

I think what's laughable is half the board jumping ship and losing complete faith in their team 4 games in. Since when is beating the Browns and putting up 40+ Laughable? Is it that unrealistic? I certainly don't think so but hey.

In the last 5 seasons, the Ravens have put up 40+ points only 3 times. Browns will be stacking the box because we have absolutely no threats in the passing game. I'll be surprised if we score 25.

[Ravens4Real]

In 32 games against the Browns, the Ravens have scored over 40 points twice and it happened in consecutive years. Can anyone guess those years? Ding ding ding, 1999 and 2000.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Castillo is a ZBS coach, and everybody in the world knows that. If we went away from it this season, that would be Trestman's influence.

Could agree with that. I have a gut feeling trestman will fumble a call few more times on critical games this season.

[Ravensfan23]

Castillo is a ZBS coach, and everybody in the world knows that. If we went away from it this season, that would be Trestman's influence.

The Ravens didn't go away from the ZBS at any point this season. Imo less informed fans make this statement because things look diffefent then last year. There is more then one way to run a ZBS. Kubiak focuses more in an stretch/outside zbs which is why it's almost impossible to run the ball from shotgun in his offense.

Castillo and Trestman focus on inside zone. There is more traps and pulling which will look like man blocking at times but still ZBS.

Imo Kubes way of doing things was a lot easier for the oline because you basically just get the entire defense flowing in one direction and just seal off the backside for the cutback. Castillo and Trestman are asking the guys to use their athleticism far more to cut guys off, get to your spot and get them on the ground. It really has exposed the oline a bit, mainly the OTs Against Pit they got back to more of the stretch zone and they did well. I think the oline will be fine, it's just adjusting to a different style imo.

[The Raven]

The Ravens didn't go away from the ZBS at any point this season. Imo less informed fans make this statement because things look diffefent then last year. There is more then one way to run a ZBS. Kubiak focuses more in an stretch/outside zbs which is why it's almost impossible to run the ball from shotgun in his offense.

Castillo and Trestman focus on inside zone. There is more traps and pulling which will look like man blocking at times but still ZBS.

Imo Kubes way of doing things was a lot easier for the oline because you basically just get the entire defense flowing in one direction and just seal off the backside for the cutback. Castillo and Trestman are asking the guys to use their athleticism far more to cut guys off, get to your spot and get them on the ground. It really has exposed the oline a bit, mainly the OTs Against Pit they got back to more of the stretch zone and they did well. I think the oline will be fine, it's just adjusting to a different style imo.

 

I agree with you. 

 

Our center isn't strong enough to run as much inside zone as we were weeks 1-3.

[SomeCreepinaVan]

The Ravens didn't go away from the ZBS at any point this season. Imo less informed fans make this statement because things look diffefent then last year. There is more then one way to run a ZBS. Kubiak focuses more in an stretch/outside zbs which is why it's almost impossible to run the ball from shotgun in his offense.

Castillo and Trestman focus on inside zone. There is more traps and pulling which will look like man blocking at times but still ZBS.

Imo Kubes way of doing things was a lot easier for the oline because you basically just get the entire defense flowing in one direction and just seal off the backside for the cutback. Castillo and Trestman are asking the guys to use their athleticism far more to cut guys off, get to your spot and get them on the ground. It really has exposed the oline a bit, mainly the OTs Against Pit they got back to more of the stretch zone and they did well. I think the oline will be fine, it's just adjusting to a different style imo.

It's not adjusting to different styles. Kubiak's ZBS turned a below average run blocking O-line into one of the best last year. Our O-line was ranked in the mid 20s (now 19) after the Steeler's game scheme change. We need the running game to dominate to win games. Ogden himself said Castillo has our O-line conveted back to more man blocking when he visited them. Your whole "less informed fans" means nothing when we're obviously refering to Kubiak's scheme and how we've defiated from it. Whether Castillo uses a different type of ZBS is completely irrelevent. The point still stands that it IS different, and only a few of us have pointed out that Castillo is not running what Kubiak ran.

 

And Harbaugh DID change it back because he was desperate to not go 0-4. Our O-line will dominate the Browns with the new scheme change. I was right that it needed to be done. Harbaugh agreed. I didn't see you anywhere saying there was a change and that it needed to be corrected. I was the only one on the forum demanding it. It's all on the, "apologize to Castillo" thread. I deserve a badge. Forsett will rush for 125 yards against Browns

 

It's like me saying these cookies taste like crap compared to before and the recipe was changed, and then you come along saying but they're still cookies, just a different variation.

Edited October 7, 2015 by SomeCreepinaVan

[SomeCreepinaVan]

Castillo is a ZBS coach, and everybody in the world knows that. If we went away from it this season, that would be Trestman's influence.

I clearly said "Kubiak's" ZBS. If you think Castillo is running the same exact scheme as Kubiak then I don't know what to tell you other than that you're wrong.  Besides what Castillo ran in 2013 looked nothing like Kubiak's ZBS scheme.

Edited October 7, 2015 by SomeCreepinaVan

[JoeyFlex5]

we have been running the same blocking scheme we ran in 13. i cant think of many cases where inside ZBS would be superior to strech zone, especially when working with limited backs who offer vision and patience and nothing more. if we had a monster LT and a mauling powerful center and a real workhorse back like lacy or bell, then it would work, but we dont have the individual pieces to run a inside ZBS. the stretch zone allows the OL and rb to work as a unit and it allows that unit to show its strengths and mask its deficiencies, the inside zone is very similar to man blocking and if you arent fielding at least 4 out of 5 top shelf linemen and a RB who can break tackles and make defenders miss, then the slightest exploit on a subpar player leads to a wasted down and that becomes the norm. with a guy like james hurst, and zuttah and KO underperforming so much this season, a inside zone will never work, however i still think a full time stretch scheme would help quite a bit

[Ravensfan23]

It's not adjusting to different styles. Kubiak's ZBS turned a below average run blocking O-line into one of the best last year. Our O-line was ranked in the mid 20s (now 19) after the Steeler's game scheme change. We need the running game to dominate to win games. Ogden himself said Castillo has our O-line conveted back to more man blocking when he visited them. Your whole "less informed fans" means nothing when we're obviously refering to Kubiak's scheme and how we've defiated from it. Whether Castillo uses a different type of ZBS is completely irrelevent. The point still stands that it IS different, and only a few of us have pointed out that Castillo is not running what Kubiak ran.

 

And Harbaugh DID change it back because he was desperate to not go 0-4. Our O-line will dominate the Browns with the new scheme change. I was right that it needed to be done. Harbaugh agreed. I didn't see you anywhere saying there was a change and that it needed to be corrected. I was the only one on the forum demanding it. It's all on the, "apologize to Castillo" thread. I deserve a badge. Forsett will rush for 125 yards against Browns

 

It's like me saying these cookies taste like crap compared to before and the recipe was changed, and then you come along saying but they're still cookies, just a different variation.

Congrats!!!

[Ravensfan23]

we have been running the same blocking scheme we ran in 13. i cant think of many cases where inside ZBS would be superior to strech zone, especially when working with limited backs who offer vision and patience and nothing more. if we had a monster LT and a mauling powerful center and a real workhorse back like lacy or bell, then it would work, but we dont have the individual pieces to run a inside ZBS. the stretch zone allows the OL and rb to work as a unit and it allows that unit to show its strengths and mask its deficiencies, the inside zone is very similar to man blocking and if you arent fielding at least 4 out of 5 top shelf linemen and a RB who can break tackles and make defenders miss, then the slightest exploit on a subpar player leads to a wasted down and that becomes the norm. with a guy like james hurst, and zuttah and KO underperforming so much this season, a inside zone will never work, however i still think a full time stretch scheme would help quite a bit

I agree. The only issue i could see is that Trestman has done well spreading the offense out and allowing Joe to work in shotgun. The stretch doesn't work as well from the gun. I think they would be smart to incorporate or stay the course with a a lot of things Kubes implemneted, but i think at some point the oline will have to raise their level of play to allow the offense to run full throttle.

I think the oline is much improved from the 13 group and they are capable of running the offense as is but they have to raise their level of play. They actually ran a good bit of inside zone vs the Steelers as well. So if they can handle both inside and out they should be fine.

[Bryden88]

Hypothetical: we win dominantly.

 

What are the odds the thread is still gonna be "The not so good, the horrible, and the horribly disgusting vs. the Browns" anyway with the way people are crapping on their own team?