[Goose]

A four-yard pass where five is needed is almost always the  fault of the passer (and/or perhaps the receiver) and not the play call.  Costello too often checks down to receivers well short of the marker.

True, but sometimes that is all there is and he hopes the receiver can run for the first down. That does happen. Nobody will complain about a pass that is thrown short of the line to gain if the receiver has a clear path to run for it. Screen passes always fall into this category. Naturally, the defense tries to defend the line to gain. They will give you a short pass and rely on their ability to tackle you before you get there. It often doesn't work out that way. [sarcasm]Ask our defense if you don't believe me.[/sarcasm]

[Goose]

A four-yard pass where five is needed is almost always the  fault of the passer (and/or perhaps the receiver) and not the play call.  Costello too often checks down to receivers well short of the marker.

True, but sometimes that is all there is and he hopes the receiver can run for the first down. That does happen. Nobody will complain about a pass that is thrown short of the line to gain if the receiver has a clear path to run for it. Screen passes always fall into this category. Naturally, the defense tries to defend the line to gain. They will give you a short pass and rely on their ability to tackle you before you get there. It often doesn't work out that way. [sarcasm]Ask our defense if you don't believe me.[/sarcasm]