Bronco Billy Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 (edited) Well, we've gone through week 2 and DEN has scored 4 FGs and 1 TD while being lucky enough to go 1-1. That's predominantly due to the D playing lights out and allowing even less TDs than the DEN O has scored. Plummer has sucked badly and the running game is stuck in 2nd gear. So, where does the blame for the O shortage fall? Start right at the top with Shanahan, the Mastermind. Shanahan last year went with an intentional RBBC for the first time in his tenure in DEN, and it worked very well. This year, he's done himself one better and has gone with switching RBs every series, literally alternating Tatum Bell & Mike Bell every series throughout 2 games. It's about time for this ridiculous experiment to end, or DEN can kiss the AFC West & the playoffs goodbye. Tatum Bell went through the entire preseason as the 2nd RB, and the designated CoP RB. There is a reason for that. His production dropped off dramtically as he accumulated carries in games, he does not run between the tackles effectively, and while he is a genuine homerun threat he also is an easy tackle, going down on first contact way too easily and having little lean in traffic. So what does Shanahan do? Name Tatum Bell the #1 RB right before the start of the regular season. Mike Bell does not bring the homerun threat that Tatum Bell does (although he's ripped as many or more big runs this season as T Bell has), but what he does bring is strong running between the tackles and good lean & power. He's a rookie and has made some rookie mistakes so far, no question. But the DEN O seems to run better with him in the game. Why is that? Well, watching yesterday's KC/DEN game, it was easy to see where the problem lies with the DEN O. First off, there is no consistency. The two Bells are very diverse in their skill set, and the O just doesn't seem to settle into a pattern when trading off RBs. The O-line has to readjust every series to the strengths and weaknesses of the respective RBs. But even worse, the opposing D has figured out how to shut down what used to be one of the most prolific Os in the NFL with the change of RBs. Remember, DEN is a running team first and foremost, and the run sets the table for everything that happens on offense. Tatum Bell's ineffectiveness between the tackles is the start of the problem. When T Bell was in the game, you could see the KC widen its stances along the D-line, and it crashed from the outside in. They had little to no fear of T Bell getting to the second level running inside. That unfortunately is a double whammy to the DEN O, because Plummer is most effective when rolling out. There is no question that when Plummer is forced to stand in the pocket he is much less proficient as a QB, and he provides much less threat than when he is rolling to one side or the other and throwing from the run. His rollouts put a tremendous amount of pressure on the D, since the threat of a Plummer run is there and the passing game is more dynamic. However, when T Bell is in the game and the opposing D doesn't have to worry about the inside runs, they stack the edge of the line and attack from the outside in, not only cutting into T Bell's best running zones, but also cutting off Plummer's roll outs, forcing Plummer to throw from the pocket. That completely negates the offense's effectiveness, which we have seen drop significantly. Mike Bell, on the other hand, runs pretty well inside. But unfortunately, that has become predictable also - and when Mike Bell was in the game we saw KC crash its SS into the box and outnumber the DEN blockers. KC also slanted its ends in at the edge, creating much smaller running space inside. When Shanahan finally decided to run the toss sweep to M Bell - a Terrell Davis standard when he was amassing huge yards - M Bell easily beat the DE to the edge and turned in a couple of bigs runs. When M Bell is in the game, DEN can run inside, it forces the D to honor the inside run, and it opens up the edge of the offense for moving Plummer outside the pocket and letting him roll & throw. What DEN needs to do to untrack its O seems pretty simple - it needs to drop this silly every-other-series mentality. M Bell is a bigger RB and needs to get a feel for the game with more carries. T Bell is more of a waterbug and is more effective when used sporadically to throw the D offstride. Using M Bell more also forces the D to look inside more, making the passing game more effective by allowing Plummer to move outside the pocket. The O-line gets more of a feel for blocking schemes when it doesn't have to worry about switching RBs every series and worrying about getting T Bell to the edge and then the next series having to open holes inside for M Bell. It took Herm Edwards & the KC D 1 game to figure out what Denver was doing and for all practical purposes put the brakes on by changing its play as the RBs changed, as well as making Plummer nothing better than a mediocre QB by keeping him inside the tackles. So, the question that begs to be answered is why Shanahan can't figure that out after 11 seasons of running a successful O? Shanahan, give up on this ridiculous every-other-series RBBC. If you don't have the confidence in M Bell to be the featured RB, fine - find a RB you do trust. But continuing what is going on now is going to lead to a wasted season and ending on the outside looking in when the playoffs start. Edited September 18, 2006 by Bronco Billy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFFL Chump Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 The biggest problem with the O is the inability of the QB and the WR's to make a play. Until they figure this part of the game out, the running game is going to be slammed.........regardless of who is in at RB. As a homer for my life, this is hard to take....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Not having a reliable WR #2 isn't helping either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishFreak Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 I'm a frustrated M. Bell owner. Do you think Shanny has the confidence in this guy to give him the rock 20+ times per game? I'm just not and have never been sold on T. Bell. Like Bronco Billy said he seems to be an ideal change of pace back or am I just wishfully thinking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Tatum makes a better change of pace back imo as he was last year. I asgree with you. Is Shanahan out-thinking himself here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NAUgrad Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Not having a reliable WR #2 isn't helping either. Which #2 are you refering to? Rod Smith or Javon Walker? They see pretty good to me. Or maybe the #2 your talking about is what Denver looked like on the field. In that case, you are right on the money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFFL Chump Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 AS I watch M. Bell run the ball I am continually frustrated with him. He starts into the pile then stops and tries to change direction. I just want to yell "FIND THE HOLE AND HIT IT" As soon as he slows, he's done. T. Bell, on the other hand, is always looking for the big run. Which is okay but he misses holes to the inside of the play because of it....... And I think they have 2 good receivers now, give Walker time to adjust to Plummer and it will be okay. If Plummer can hold onto his starting position............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muck Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Not having a reliable WR #2 isn't helping either. ??? Is that a slam on Rod Smith or Javon Walker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 ??? Is that a slam on Rod Smith or Javon Walker? Forgot about Walker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menudo Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 I was going to read this post, but, decided to use the same time that it would have taken to watch "Ghandi" & "Titanic" in a double-feature. Acutally, that was good read. As a Tatum Bell owner, I am obviously concerned with how this shakes out. I completely agree that the alternating series thing is just plain stupid. A running back needs to get in a rhythm and this system simply does not allow that to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menudo Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Which #2 are you refering to? Rod Smith or Javon Walker? They see pretty good to me. Or maybe the #2 your talking about is what Denver looked like on the field. In that case, you are right on the money! You have my favorite avatar at this site. Everytime I see it, I'm dying to see the full-size picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronco Billy Posted September 18, 2006 Author Share Posted September 18, 2006 I was going to read this post, but, decided to use the same time that it would have taken to watch "Ghandi" & "Titanic" in a double-feature. I figured by now that you would be beyond a 1st grade reading level. I'll try to include pictures next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Good analysis Billy. I was just saying the same thing to a co-worker this morning (although not as in depth as you). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menudo Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 I figured by now that you would be beyond a 1st grade reading level. I'll try to include pictures next time. Please do. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 So I don't hear anything about how that Chiefs Defense just sucks balls anymore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Forgot about Walker. He looked pretty good for his second game. In a few weeks he should be the #1 WR down there or be very close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menudo Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 So I don't hear anything about how that Chiefs Defense just sucks balls anymore The Chiefs offense sucks balls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Plummer played like chit. I would blaim that over Shanny, although you do have a point with the dual RB systems. I watched that game closely and I was shocked how bad Plummer was throwing. Some of his throws had nothing to do with the OL but rather his mental block he now formed. I think ever since they drafted Cutler he went into panic mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 The Chiefs offense sucks balls. We'll see whose offense sucks balls come midseason the Chiefs or the Steelers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menudo Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 We'll see whose offense sucks balls come midseason the Chiefs or the Steelers I think the Chiefs are good enough to just miss the playoffs this year............................. you know, the same as every other year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 I think the Chiefs are good enough to just miss the playoffs this year............................. you know, the same as every other year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFFL Chump Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 How does this start out about Denver and turn into a chief/steeler love fest............ Menudo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menudo Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 How does this start out about Denver and turn into a chief/steeler love fest............ Menudo Please re-read it and tell me where I brough up the Steelers. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebdog Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 I think ever since they drafted Cutler he went into panic mode. I agree with this. Unlike Drew Brees who evelated his game after SD drafted Rivers, I think Plummer has a fragile sense of self and guys like he and Bledsoe don't handle adversity well. Probably not what you want in a starting QB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFFL Chump Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Please re-read it and tell me where I brough up the Steelers. Thank you. My bad........ must just be your karma that triggers steelers talk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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