"Throughout the entire Mike Sherman era, I figured he fell into the #1 category. I was not happy with that guy, and felt we could have won more SBs with a more balanced, ball control commitment to the run.
After Favre's tenure here, I realized it might not have been Sherman at all, but rather Favre checking out of designated running plays to throw the ball instead."
PTW,
You really should go back and check the stats.
Mike Sherman built one of the better offensive lines in Packer History, with the addition of Ahman Green, The Packers were near the top of the league in rushing.
I do believe Sherman ran a "true" West Coast Offense, where there was very little checking out of plays at the line.
You are correct in saying the game has changed.
With the new rules which make the qb and wr's almost untouchable, The offense has become. IMHO, way to wide open, but a good OC and QB is gonna take what is given them.
I think that I have read where Aaron Rodgers has the option on almost every play to check out at the line, you can't fault him when he has been so successful.
I also know that no matter how the game has changed, when the weather changes and teams are making their playoff runs, they better have a better than average running game to be successful.
This is what worries me about going into this year, too many changes in the O-line and a lot of ?'s at the RB position.
Hopefully it will all get straightened out during Training camp.
Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan
Well, I know the rush was prolific during those days, overall. Believe me, I've beaten this sucker to death over the years too. I failed to mention "when it mattered most, in some of our most important games." That's all I'm going to say about that era.
1. My bigger point was, more emphasis on running the ball would create more balance to our offense, extend drives and time of possession, and probably save Rodgers some by forcing defenses into a more honest approach, one where they would have to honor the run rather than blitz. I think this could help our defense stay more rested and ready as well.
I agree with you on the state of our OL, with a lot of moving parts at the moment, as well as "who exactly" is going to carry the rock for us?
2. Another part of my point in starting this thread, was the changing philosophies overall pervading in today's NFL with regards to this being a "passing league." Conversely, opposing defenses are gearing more towards adding those players to their rosters who are more adept at stopping the pass. Lighter, faster ends geared towards pass rush; quicker, taller LBs more adept in coverage than stopping the run; more ball skills in the secondaries v. "tackling in space" ability. Makes me wonder if it wouldn't be a good time to throw more smashmouth running plays into the mix, forcing teams outside their "new" comfort zones, which are primarily stopping the pass. Maybe catch some teams off-guard, as most design their defenses towards us to stop our juggernaut of a passing attack.
Yes, we do have that, and it works. But, I'm thinking a more balanced assault could make our passing attack even more effective. This would help Rodgers for sure, as well as our defense. Those quick drives, forcing our D back onto the field time and time again has to take its toll.
Some may say, "well, if it works, why fix it?" I'm thinking it has worked well to this point. I have no question that we can be even better as an O in the passing dept. Just thinking this may be a rather unique approach in today's NFL, given the nature of our passing game, to keep it and Rodgers alive, and to make our D a bit more effective.