How good is our offense, really?

Joshua · #1 12-07-2008, 01:36 PM

While the Texans' offense has racked up some impressive numbers this year, something about it has still troubled me (ignoring the obvious-turnovers) and I think I've finally put my finger on it. Despite the gaudy numbers, we are not that good at executing when the other team has a pretty good idea of what's coming.

I already knew this was the case in short yardage situations. However, this was really driven home for me when it was noted in the Green Bay game that the Texans were 0 for 29 in 3rd and 9 or longer situations. Also, I think we are all aware of our mediocre play in the red zone.

Good running teams can still run the ball even when the D knows it's coming. Good passing teams can still make plays in the passing game even when the D knows its coming. Our short yardage and 3rd and long stats suggest that we're not good at either when the other team knows it's coming. If the other team can either tee off on the run or the pass without worrying about being fooled, we are consistently losing those battles. Thus, despite the big offensive numbers, we rarely just line up and beat the other team.

While I'm probably a little more pessimistic than necessary (and I do realize that the D is still the greater concern), I'm not sure our offense is quite as good as the numbers suggest.

NBT · #2 12-07-2008, 03:29 PM

If you mean the run game is not setting up the pass offense, you are probably right. It seems that Schaub, or Rosenfells, don't really get enough time to make their progressive reads before the D is on them. I think the RG and OC are not strong enough to withstand that initial rush. Today in the GB game, I saw the right side of the line break down too soon on several occasions.

Nconroe · #3 12-07-2008, 03:43 PM

I agree with our OL , especially in the middle, seems to get pushed backwards too often, especially by the good Dlines, which then rushes the QB or gives RB nowhere to go. Hope its due to being young , or maturing as a unit, but overall the results are getting better than were before. Overall, our offense has quite a few good skill players on it.

sinnister · #4 12-07-2008, 03:52 PM

Our OL has come a long way, but I would agree that we need to be stronger in the middle. We have collected some good skill players though. That is exciting.

Mike · #5 12-07-2008, 04:00 PM

I think our O-Line has improved alot from game #1. I think the Gibbs cut zone scheme is taking hold. Briesel for an undrafted guy gets better each week, and he really seems to be making blocks on the second level. I think the majority of big runs are behind him and Winston.

painekiller · #6 12-07-2008, 04:48 PM

One of the biggest problems of going to an Alex Gibb OL is that smaller quicker guys who are good with his run game are too small for the pass game and straight ahead run game.

that is the trade off you get.

BTW Denver has stated they are not going to be running this same system next year I believe.

NBT · #7 12-07-2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

I think our O-Line has improved alot from game #1. I think the Gibbs cut zone scheme is taking hold. Briesel for an undrafted guy gets better each week, and he really seems to be making blocks on the second level. I think the majority of big runs are behind him and Winston.

Briziel was one of the specific ones I was referring to. On one play in the GB game, Braziel starts to get into the passblocking stance, but the defensive tackle gave him such a two hand jolt it knocked him partway back into Schaub. If you are an Olineman you have to be strong enough on top to absorb blows like that and maintain balance.