And I agree, but I also saw Foster give an amazing performance last year against an incredible run D (Ravens), on the road, with no passing game to aide him or keep the defense on it's toes. Now that was the playoffs and Foster gave it his all but that was a majestic performance. I haven't seen that guy yet this year. All the carries, perhaps not getting the same kind of rest he got last year when he was out with a hammy, whatever it is, he's a step off. But yeah, he's still playing at an elite level but not the HOF caliber player from last year. Not yet.
Let's not make him out to be Ron Dayne 2.0 But I agree, when the game is on the line and we need to kill clock, we haven't been able to do it on the ground, and it's frustrating. But like I said, Matt has played wonderfully this year, exploiting those situations to the fullest. Part of why we're 9-1.
I'm hoping that we'll start throwing to Arian more out of the backfield when the playoffs roll around. That's where some of his biggest plays in the past have come from but he's been non-existent in the passing game this year. Wishfully thinking that Kubiak is just saving that for the real games in January.
Ever since the Jets game I've been really annoyed at how many shoestring tackles Arian has been from breaking a big one. Seems like every game, there's 2-3 plays where he just needs an inch or two and he's gone. I also don't see him being nearly as effective in the passing game, and that's almost as frustrating. But hey, 9-1.
This issue started from game 1. There was a thread after like 2 games asking if we should be worried. Then it was dismissed as too early not it's dismissed because of too many carries? LOL Of course I have an issue with it. I've already expressed my issue with Kubiak running Foster too much. The 4th quarter running out the clock with Foster is maddening in my mind. This is my point. If Foster is "elite" then it shouldn't matter that teams are zeroing in on him. The whole point of elite players is that they still produce when defenses are expecting it. 3.8 YPC is not elite. We can come up with all sorts of reasons to explain it away, but the fact is that he's not producing at the same level as last year.
I don't really see them even running the passing plays for him like they did last year but that's just me. But yeah, you're right. It seems like he gets tripped up so easily this year. Personally I'm writing that up to bad luck. Similar to BABIP in baseball, I think things like that are not entirely in the runner's control.
The problem is, when we get a lead, Kubiak starts to phase out Schaub. All those play actions in the 1st quarter that worked so well, doesn't get called nearly as much later on. Ironically, based on common sense, you'd think it would work the best when you're trying to kill the clock. Some PAs in the 4th quarter, where you have someone run a short route as a safety blanket, and it probably becomes more effective than just stretch plays.
We're 9-1, didn't you get the memo that nitpicking isnt allowed on a team that is winning? Having said that, I agree. Running game is not on par with what I had hoped for the season. The blocking has been underwhelming...and Foster just isnt as explosive as Ive seen him in the past. And he's failing to pick up or maximize every run with those extra few yards he usually gets. I have faith in the passing game to pick up for the running game...specially on 3rd and long situations.
Kubiak isn't exactly camouflaging what he's going to do; even in pure "run out the clock" situations he just runs inside zone 3 times in a row to Foster putting a bit more needless wear on the engine.
So people are worried about him not being fresh because he's carrying the ball so much, but complain that he's not going as hard as he used to? Sounds like he's just trying to stay fresh. Considering our record, i think it's fine. I expect him and the team to know when he needs to turn it up to win (playoffs).
Something I've wondered about actually... Is he holding something back to preserve his legs and career? I can totally envision him speaking with a former HOF RB in the offseason and coming to the conclusion that he needs to coast in the regular season, avoid impacts and save his legs for the future.
I am so glad for this thread because now this cements his 24 carry, 6.0 ypc , 142 yard game effort against the Lions ..
No it isn't.... teams are stacking the box specifically to stop Foster. Further, Foster is getting heavy carries to "ice" the game or control the clock which are resulting in low yardage per carry. Having said that, I do not know why Fossett does not get more carries. I know Kubiak is not a fan of Tate's blocking or pass catching, but Fossett can do both and deserves carries....... Foster is getting too many carries.
If it's 4th qtr and we have a comfortable lead Kubiak will go run everytime (yes even 3rd and long). His mantra this year is keep Schaub upright and he'll never forgive himself if Schaub gets hurt passing while having a lead in the 4th and trying to bleed out the clock. 3rd or 4th and inches? RB play all the way, the qb sneak has been taken off the playbook indefinitely. The mantra for Foster this year is get the job done, depending what the down and distance or game situation calls for, but don't kill yourself looking for the homerun.
Foster is averaging 5.2 YPA in the first half and 2.6 YPA in the second half.... I wonder why? Could it be because the Texans are essentially going into clock killer mode being 9-1?
Why are we acting like teams are specifically now trying to stop Foster? So teams didnt care last season after he rushed for 1600 yards in 2010?
Because they, more often than before, now have to stop him if they want to have a chance to get the ball back and mount a comeback?
