[washingtonismoney]

I'm not sure I get your point because how else is an observer supposed to evaluate playcalling except by the results?? By design, a play can be either super creatitve or extremely mundane but if it doesn't achieve the desired result, that play can be considered a failure.

The play might be considered a failure, but that's not what we're asking. We're talking about the playcall, i.e. the call from the offensive coordinator/head coach. And, just like poker, you can make the right call but get an unfavorable result.

So, for instance, to totally make up a play: Hogan fakes, for a play action. The defense is totally sucked in, and Ty Montgomery streaks down the sideline. He has two whole steps on the corner. Hogan rears back and heaves the ball deep. It's maybe the slightest bit overthrown, but basically on target -- but Montgomery stumbles a bit and the ball grazes his outstretched hands; incomplete

Now, in breaking down "what went wrong" with this play, where do you assign blame: the play caller? the QB? the wideout?

EDIT: or consider something simpler. QB and RB botch the handoff; it's a fumble and recovery by the defense. Is your position here that since the result of the play is bad, that therefore the playcaller is at fault?

[washingtonismoney]

I'm not sure I get your point because how else is an observer supposed to evaluate playcalling except by the results?? By design, a play can be either super creatitve or extremely mundane but if it doesn't achieve the desired result, that play can be considered a failure.

The play might be considered a failure, but that's not what we're asking. We're talking about the playcall, i.e. the call from the offensive coordinator/head coach. And, just like poker, you can make the right call but get an unfavorable result.

So, for instance, to totally make up a play: Hogan fakes, for a play action. The defense is totally sucked in, and Ty Montgomery streaks down the sideline. He has two whole steps on the corner. Hogan rears back and heaves the ball deep. It's maybe the slightest bit overthrown, but basically on target -- but Montgomery stumbles a bit and the ball grazes his outstretched hands; incomplete

Now, in breaking down "what went wrong" with this play, where do you assign blame: the play caller? the QB? the wideout?

EDIT: or consider something simpler. QB and RB botch the handoff; it's a fumble and recovery by the defense. Is your position here that since the result of the play is bad, that therefore the playcaller is at fault?