Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
This week I’ve literally been inundated with one question, do the Cards have any chance to win today? The simple answer is yes. However, if they go into this game with the same game plan they’ve had the last few weeks, they’ll lose. Teams have learned that keeping running lanes closed and forcing Murray to beat them from the pocket has quieted this offense. So how do you fix it.
The first key is to get Murray moving. Roll him out. If the outside rush is angling to the pocket, trap them with an open inside lane. Roll Murray out to that side. Either use 2 man RPOs with the tight end or pull-up throws. If the rush is coming in slowly, Murray should have a clear field to throw to. Delayed TE releases will often be open, especially if Murray sidesteps. Run crossing routes to the side Murray rolls out. Use swing passes to get Edmonds the corner quickly. Rushers coming in under control are often flat footed, so change of direction becomes awkward. Misdirection plays can add to their confusion. It’s better to influence them than drive block them.
One thing Murray seems to have is the conditioning to run all day. Let those inside DL guys run. If the primary rush is coming in the middle release a back in behind them for short, quick throws. If the Cards have a middle screen that might be interesting. For sure if those DL guys are running after a moving QB, play after play, they’ll be dead on their feet by quarter 4. Then run over then. The idea to run right at them early is unlikely to be productive.
On defense things are simpler. Pressure Goff and he makes mistakes. Joseph has got to have a blitz package that makes Goff uncomfortable. He’s played so poorly under pressure that some have called to sit him. The concern is Dre. With pressure the Rams will throw short and Dre gives too much cushion. The Rams will also get yards on the ground with the Cards’ weakened DL. Make no mistake the Cards will have to put up nearly 30 to win. It’s doable but not easy.
The first key is to get Murray moving. Roll him out. If the outside rush is angling to the pocket, trap them with an open inside lane. Roll Murray out to that side. Either use 2 man RPOs with the tight end or pull-up throws. If the rush is coming in slowly, Murray should have a clear field to throw to. Delayed TE releases will often be open, especially if Murray sidesteps. Run crossing routes to the side Murray rolls out. Use swing passes to get Edmonds the corner quickly. Rushers coming in under control are often flat footed, so change of direction becomes awkward. Misdirection plays can add to their confusion. It’s better to influence them than drive block them.
One thing Murray seems to have is the conditioning to run all day. Let those inside DL guys run. If the primary rush is coming in the middle release a back in behind them for short, quick throws. If the Cards have a middle screen that might be interesting. For sure if those DL guys are running after a moving QB, play after play, they’ll be dead on their feet by quarter 4. Then run over then. The idea to run right at them early is unlikely to be productive.
On defense things are simpler. Pressure Goff and he makes mistakes. Joseph has got to have a blitz package that makes Goff uncomfortable. He’s played so poorly under pressure that some have called to sit him. The concern is Dre. With pressure the Rams will throw short and Dre gives too much cushion. The Rams will also get yards on the ground with the Cards’ weakened DL. Make no mistake the Cards will have to put up nearly 30 to win. It’s doable but not easy.
It’s hard being in MN working with a bunch of Vikings fans when they’re winning and we’re losing and they’re a game out.
