The 3rd down draws are a setup for bigger plays. There's a much larger script that Kubiak calls from that spans an entire season that we'll never fully see. For instance, the empty set they ran with success against JAX. You have to keep in mind that other coaches key in on tendencies and at a moments notice Kubes could flip the script and gash them.
The third down draw has nothing to do with the empty backfield 5 wide sets... The third down draw is simply attempting to catch the defense off guard(worked once all year) and inch up for better field position. The 5 wide is used in attempt to spread the defense and make quick passing easier....
You're right...we march down the field with passes...and then rush a few times for 0 yards, essentially settling for a long field goal. As far as the 3rd down plays...they're not setting up the other team for anything. Its an attempt to try to "surprise" the other team...but it just doesnt do anything. How many times did we convert 3rd and long with pass plays? I like our chances in those situations, so it is a bummer when we decide to play it safe in those instances. The last two weeks have been emotional roller coasters. I think I need a break just as much as the players do. I'll come back strong on December 2nd.
When you look around the league, you see some coaches that are complete jackasses, and others that are completely incompetent. I don't think Kubes is a great coach, but I think he does OK compared to many of the other coaches in the league. I'd rather have Kubiak over Jason Garrett or Rex Ryan, and many other NFL coaches. I don't always agree with all the calls, but I'm pretty happy with the Kubiak and Phillips combination.
Kinda relating to this thread, I think Kubiak grew as a coach in this game actually. I know I as very upset (lightly said) when he ran three times for negative losses then Graham, who has a weak leg, did not make the field goal. You know what he did the next time in this situation? Play action, pass to Casey, 12 yards on the first game. Great play call. It shows a difference from Kubiak conservatism, and I am sure he learned a valuable lesson from this game. I am a Kubiak supporter and he has his flaws, but his play-calling is one of the best in the league. We did score 30+ points and he is the offensive guru. It is a good offensive showing.
It gives me hope. What frustrated me was the sudden changing of what is working because our spot on the field happens to be just inside a line of what our kicker once hit as a career long. I mean, granted this was two years ago but you could go back to the second Colts game of 2010 when the run game WAS working and he went away from it and it cost them the game....
Well there were many things wrong with that game. I think it was because before the line, the Lions did not know if we were running or passing, after the line they did and stacked the box.
whats remarkable was that both offenses had at least two chances to score...in OT...that is pretty unbelievable...
I think the defense has more questions than the offense right now. What was Alan Ball doing covering Calvin Johnson one-on-one. They did make some adjustments in the 2nd half that made a difference. Mostly Kareem on megatron.
Sanchez has led his team to two AFC title games...Therefore, he's among the best QBs. Your point is not only invalid, but stupid.
Nah, he learns in game and corrects it...but the next game, it's starting over again. He likes the comfort and predictability in running in those situations. If it works the first time great...if it doesnt work the first time, then he'll look for a solution. However, his first instincts are always to play it safe. As long as he gets that second chance, its fine...but he needs a second chance.
Do you think yesterday's game was the first time in his career that he has been in those situations? If after all these years, he has just learned to continue doing what works, instead of resorting to the run, then we are in big trouble. Fact is, we've been in those situations before...and although he learns in game to correct them, he goes back to what he thinks would/should work best...as any coach would do. In Kubiak's case, that would be running the ball in those situations. So yeah, its true he would want those 2nd and 3rd down plays back, but that doesnt mean, nor should it mean, that he would pass the ball if put in that kind of situation again.
I see your point. But maybe he learned that he could mix in a play-action pass, which worked beautifully. We will see when he is in a similar position in the future, but it was a definite change from the attitude before. The play action play was a dumpoff to Casey. Chances of a turnover there are small, just as the chances of a turnover while running the ball are small. I would not be surprised if he does this again, especially since this is the second game in a row that Graham missed an important field goal.
It is interesting to note that on his post game interview on NFL tv he said that the same play that Casey had on the winning FG were called on the missed FG (2nd and 3rd down), but they were checked out of because of the man coverage Detroit had on James Casey. Sometimes as couch watchers we don't get to see or understand the subtle nuances of the game. I think Kubiak is a great offensive minded coach who really brings out the best in his players.
