Third Down

[Guy Chamberlin]

I'd love to see more play action myself. And the old rollout option with the three step drop pass, which seems to fit Armstrong's skillset.

 

But I hear a lot of folks on here get frustrated that Beck goes away from what works well. I think they're envisioning what worked well 20 years ago.

 

If you look at it objectively, the short passes -- and the surprise deep route -- work as well or better on a 3rd and 3 than a power running play. Neither Ameer or Cross has appeared a lock to get three yards against teams that have clearly designed a Stop Ameer First strategy. Other than his untouched touchdown Saturday, Ameer has 107 yards on 35 carries the last two games. Our yards per passing attempt have been much better. If you look at the facts, the running and passing game need each other, and Beck's choices are statistically defensible.

 

If you watch the NFL, the coaches make the short outlet pass call on 3rd and 2 about 80% of the time.

 

The offensive line does not yet appear ready to dominate, so I wouldn't call anything Beck is doing "cute", unless that's the adjective we're giving every forward pass.