You're only as good on offense as your offensive line and QB but nothing is harder for the O-line than predictable run calls and pass blocking all game.
But nothing fires them up as much as steamrolling D-linemen with a run game.
A run game with the likes of a Cottoy not just the speedster types like Winnipeg does at times helps but not sure this ranks high in BC.
I've never forgotten that the winningest coach of all time with both BC and Calgary saying that the run game is hard to teach so what do fans like me know.
I'm looking at two franchises as a model in the CFL that run and pass successfully - Toronto and Winnipeg.
Toppy Vann
I've never forgotten that the losingest CFL coach of all time said the run game is hard to teach either Toppy. But this is one of the rare times that Wally actually got something right on his own. The run game is harder to teach, especially the run blocking aspect of it. Modern day offences mostly zone block for the run game because its easier to teach.
However, only zone blocking tends to be limiting and defenses are now well prepared for zone blocking strategies. Wally basically only used one running play - the inside zone read (left and right) with the ace back either looking for a hole to the side of the blocking or cutting it back against the grain and flow of the play.
My head and heart ache for a good inside counter trap, with an offensive guard or offensive tackle making the trap block from the side and decleating a surging huge defensive tackle. That type of block took away the advantage of a huge plug and play nose tackle or huge run stopping defensive tackle.
Definitely agree that MCinnis should be in the main 5 pack over Lucky - bigger target, bigger catch radius, harder to tackle; however, I see no reason to not be able to dress Lucky as well, and have him in for certain packages, as a deep threat, or even just the main back-up for the starting 5. They could also put a rested Lucky back as a kick returner at some points. - and go with 2 punt returners in situations, as smart teams do.
As far as Mackie, the offensive coaches just do not grasp the talent he has or the value of a big power back or tight end/H-back type getting the ball - either on hand-offs or releases down-field for a pass. The game he had against the Argos last season, when he had to replace Butler, was glaring evidence. Once every 4 or 5 games? Why not 2 or 3 times per game in key moments or situations?
OV: 54-40
I guess it would be a choice in terms of dressing an extra import on defense or offence but I do like the concept OV, especially having Lucky in certain packages and to assist in running back kicks and punts.
Sammy Greene wrote:
I'm coming to the realization VA is who he is — prone to throw some bad INTs but brings the rare gunslinger mentality with elusive athleticism. His best throws of the night Friday were to Hollins — one after a Hatcher drop to keep a drive alive with the Elks within a score — and the other later in the 4th quarter that helped seal the win.
So you take the 80 percent good to go with the 20 percent bad and hope those picks aren't too costly or there is enough time to make up for them.
He came into an almost no-win situation — attempting to replace a generational QB and fast rising fan favourite — yet still has the Lions right among the top contenders. Would love to see a more balanced attacks like on Friday instead of the offence being so dependent on his arm.
Interesting decision looming Friday with Rhymes due to return. In the past they have dropped an extra American on defence to go with four American receivers but that option may not be there with Lokombo hurt. Hard to see McInnis taking a backseat again
Like you, I have come to accept Vernon as who he is and not focus on what he is not and likely never will be. The reality is that after losing Bourke we have a CFL Top 3 quarterback who gives us a chance to win against anyone, as we also do with Rick Campbell as our Head Coach/Co-GM. This season, with only two games to go, we have at least a shot to win the division. That is not too shabby a situation and sure a heck of a lot better than a few short years ago, watching our Leos being embarrassed under Wally and Hervey.
As for Mackie and the run game, as OV and other Lionbackers have pointed out, no question we could utilze him more. But Masydk follows a long line of offensive coordinators trained in the spread offence. They are one trick ponies with blinders on in this area. Most of them have no clue what to do with a fullback, other than use him to replace a tailback if the tailback is injured and there is no other tailback on the active roster at the time. Most spread coordinators will use an extra lineman as a run or pass blocker, even with a good fullback on the active roster, when the extra offensive lineman is not an extra threat. Most don't know what to do with a tight end either.
Have a look back at Chap with Lyle Green or Masydk today with Mackie. Remember back when Jeff Tedford was hired and stated he wanted to incorporate a tight end offence and signed some tight ends and then Geroge Shultz only used both huge tight ends as slotbacks. Plug and play was all he knew as its all most spread offensive coordinators know.
Its spread the field with receivers and no tight ends or fullbacks, use an ace back for inside runs only, with zone blocking only, and on rare occasion, throw in a fly sweep to stretch the edge. The quarterback mostly stays in the pocket from a shot gun snap and 'stands and delivers' (unless blitzed and then often is found not standing but on his back.
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At least Masydk utillizes Cottoy as a tight end at times but really does not take advantage of the special gifts that Cottoy brings to the lineup as a player who can play tight end, slot, and wide receiver.
I would love to see the CFL move back to more multi-faceted offences, with the quarterback taking snaps from under center as well as shotgun, with two back sets of a fullback and tailback at times, with the use of a true tight end at times, as well as spread formations. I would love to see the run game be more than an inside zone read and the rare toss sweep or fly sweep and incorporate off tackle plays with man blocking double teams and kick out blocks and fullback dive plays and fullback inside counters, and tailback counter sweeps etc. etc. etc. but I will likely be be waiting a very long time.