looking at the first two weeks, i can’t help but notice how pedestrian yardage and points have been in general
its like we’re back in 2005 or something
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I had been thinking that for a while - especially since the new touchback even starts at 30, I would have expected it to be the other way around
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this
the 30 starts at the new touchback?
Basically
Lots of team are playing high cover 2 shell, Cover 6 or Quarters to stop the passing attack.
So the counter to that is a pretty good running game, and Play Action, along with a motion-based game. (Aka, San Frans and our offense, and honestly what the Chiefs have turned to with Pacheco, the Rams, and the Phins.)
Smashmouth football baby.
Also, I noticed how much QB’s are playing out of shotgun/pistol, and that isnt helping matters at all rn.
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Defenses always start ahead of offenses IMO. Offenses need more time to gel and the reduction of preseason play has made more of that carry over into first few weeks of year.
The trend will change around week 4.
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Really. There seems to be a lot of injuries, too. I guess teams are still figuring out who they are.
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I think it’s an early season thing. Virtually no preseason reps with most DCs playing a style that forces offenses to sustain long drives and this is what you get.
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There is a lot to this IMO.
Offense rely on execution first and talent second. These guys are just getting into their rhythm. The defenses rely on pure athletic ability and to react. Yes everyone needs to be where they are supposed to be but in general the defenses are going to look better earlier in the season. It is an accepted fact that early season if your defense is not killing it then you likely have an issue on defense.
As I have said, give it to midseason before we judge.
And I truly believe there is a hangover on the offense from last season.
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While I do not agree with the hangover concept, I do agree with most of the rest of this.
I am really starting to think it would be a huge benefit for teams to actually play their starters in the preseason. I understand the risks involved, but look at the starters falling in the first couple of games and you have to wonder if it is better to get the injuries started in the preseason. I think the first quarters of preseason games 1 & 2, and the first half of 3 would do solid improvements to our timing.
There will never be a perfect solution, but it should be explored.
[quote=“Alex_Analzone, post:1, topic:37325”]
how pedestrian yardage and points have been in general
For the Lions, after two games:
3 in passing off
9 in rushing off
3 is rushing defense
24 in passing defense
Yardage state only
This last game was still weird for me and we totaled 400 plus yard and TOP and still lost
Imho that an anomaly
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Yup - 17 game season has changed the preseason as well as the transition from preseason to regular season.
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Its cat and mouse. These things go in cycles I’ve noticed.
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Here’s a really fascinating theory on what’s happening:
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It was fascinating and I’m glad my mind doesn’t hover over conundrums like that, mostly. I honed in on this quote: “Now, we’re in an era where a lot of that low hanging strategy fruit has been gobbled up. Everybody is throwing a lot, and defenses have adjusted.”
From that I veered to other teams emulating Dan’s ballsy 4th down decisions a lot more in this early season. Not everyone has the offense to make those 4th down decisions look good. And no one is maximizing return on fake punts like the Lions.
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Yeah, Dan climbed the tree to find more fruit. Most other coaches have a fear of heights.
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I agree - I simply do not understand the empty backfield and shotgun sets we keep playing. We are so much better with Goff under center and the threat of our running attack.
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Human nature - most coaches if not all to some degree only know one thing, learned one way and are comfortable with only one way of doing things…
Like I still believe a two WB system can work in the NFL - but no one want to try it
Our OC also hit a perspective I didn’t think about until he said it…… he schemes his offense off of what the other teams is most likely to do ….
I hope he realized that maybe he should just say f it and do what we do and out play them regardless
Humans love predictability
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Many Defenses have been built to stop the pass…so now teams are running the ball a lot more to counter that. Something the Lions need to get back to.
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We’re tied for second place in the nfl…you cats worry too much.
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