[gocard14]

While I also don't always love the play calling, to think that better play calling would have improved last week is wishful thinking.  Our O-line was getting its butt kicked on both run blocking and pass protection by UWs base front 4. When your O-line gets dominated as thoroughly as ours did, your options are limited.

1. Power runs aren't working for obvious reasons
2. Counter and misdirections runs aren't working because their defense is stopping #1 while staying home and not-over-commiting. Likewise for trick plays, flea flickers, etc.
3. Quick passes are an option but will be tough because they can drop 7 in coverage every play and linebackers and safeties aren't overplaying the run.
4. Long passes/play action aren't working because they are staying home on D and getting pressure on the QB.
5. Max-protect on 3rd and long isn't a great option because they have a lot more guys in coverage then we have receivers, and they are still getting pressure.

So what does that leave? The only real way to negate their D-line is quick passes towards the sidelines, either through WR screens or a steady diet of 5 yard outs. But we're not an air-raid team, Burns doesn't have a quick release, and we lack the execution to consistently move down the field like that. I blame the coaches for not having our guys ready to play on Friday, but the play-calling was hardly the issue.

[gocard14]

While I also don't always love the play calling, to think that better play calling would have improved last week is wishful thinking.  Our O-line was getting its butt kicked on both run blocking and pass protection by UWs base front 4. When your O-line gets dominated as thoroughly as ours did, your options are limited.

1. Power runs aren't working for obvious reasons
2. Counter and misdirections runs aren't working because their defense is stopping #1 while staying home and not-over-commiting. Likewise for trick plays, flea flickers, etc.
3. Quick passes are an option but will be tough because they can drop 7 in coverage every play and linebackers and safeties aren't overplaying the run.
4. Long passes/play action aren't working because they are staying home on D and getting pressure on the QB.
5. Max-protect on 3rd and long isn't a great option because they have a lot more guys in coverage then we have receivers, and they are still getting pressure.

So what does that leave? The only real way to negate their D-line is quick passes towards the sidelines, either through WR screens or a steady diet of 5 yard outs. But we're not an air-raid team, Burns doesn't have a quick release, and we lack the execution to consistently move down the field like that. I blame the coaches for not having our guys ready to play on Friday, but the play-calling was hardly the issue.