Running Game

by ctnyc on Dec 8, 2008 1:16 AM EST Comment 14 comments

OK, we've all had our fill of fanposts that irrationally criticize the Colts. I sincerely hope nobody dismisses this post as hating. It is not intended as such. I love 6 wins in a row, I love the way the team is playing, I love controlling our own playoff destiny. Basically I love me some Colts and think that if things break right, there's no reason we can't win it all.

But here's the thing: should we be concerned about the running game? I know it hasn't been up to usual standards all year, but today was eye-opening. I listened to the 1st half of today's game (thank you, wowo.com) before I had to go to work. I heard the final score while I was at work, but didn't see the stats until I got home. I was frankly shocked to see the rushing stats. Addai and Rhodes combined for 57 yards on 20 carries. That's a 2.85 average. Against the Bengals. The Bengals were the 23rd ranked rushing D coming into the game, allowing 125.8 yards per game and 4.0 ypc. For further perspective, Cedric Benson rushed for exactly the same yardage as Addai and Rhodes combined, and did so on 4 fewer carries. For even further perspective: HE'S CEDRIC FUCKING BENSON. Our RBs are better than Benson, and our OLine is better than theirs, even factoring in injuries. So what the hell?

Now, I'm not going to make the argument that we're doomed or that this proves the Colts are mediocre (we've seen enough of that and it's simply not true). BUT, it does concern me. If we are going to have to win on the road in the playoffs, in potentially cold weather games, we're going to need to do a better job running the ball than we did today. If I was coaching the Colts, my focus for the next few weeks would be trying to jump start the running game.

What do you all think? Am I paranoid, or is this a legitimate concern?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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Only if Dungy says it's a problem, I'll take it as a problem. So far he hasn't

Running game is a concern, but it can only get better. We have decent RBs, it’s just that run blocking with the rookies on o-line takes time to settle. I think Mudd is doing the right thing focusing on protecting Peyton first. We have one of the best pass blocking in the league. I m sure he will focus on run blocking next. Remember in 2006 we didn’t have any run defense going into the playoffs ? The defense is playing great, and offense has peyton(enough said). I think a good running game (run blocking) will be just icing on the cake going into the playoffs.

by DaColtsFan on Dec 8, 2008 1:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Reason

This guy

Was dressed like that

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Big Ten's leading Rusher
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Dec 8, 2008 2:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

It's a bird, it's a plane... no it's Supermathis!!!

by AussieColtsFan on Dec 8, 2008 2:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Addai with Saturday 102 for 393, 3.9 YPC, 65 YPG
Without Saturday 52 for 147, 2.8 YPC, 37 YPG

Dom with Saturday 93 for 352 3.8 YPC 39 YPG
Without Saturday 25 for 73 2.9 YPC 18 YPG

Total with 195 for 745 3.8 YPC 83 YPG
Total without 77 for 220 2.9 YPC 55 YPG

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Big Ten's leading Rusher
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Dec 8, 2008 2:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Even with Saturday

the numbers are a little below average (I don’t know what the NFL average is this year, but as I recall it’s usually around 4 ypc or so). I know missing Saturday hurts, but I guess what I’m saying is is that all it is? Is it that simple? Just plug in Saturday and we’re fine? If that’s it, then great (as long as he stays healthy throught the playoffs, obviously). I guess I’d hoped for a little better showing from the run game against a lousy team, even without Saturday.

And again, I’m not hating. It was a great win, and a dominant one. We should all be very happy at how things have gone since the rocky start. I’m just thinking ahead to games against opponents that will put up more of a fight than the crappy Bengals.

by ctnyc on Dec 8, 2008 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

plug in Saturday and things will be much better

slightly below average YPC with good short yardage success and very few fumbles isn’t a bad running game at all.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Big Ten's leading Rusher
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Dec 8, 2008 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I love me some Saturday!

Would be good for him to start next week. Detroit worries me. It’s hard to go completely winless. And every week, I have to think Culpepper is becoming more adjusted. I was really hoping they would win yesterday…but alas, they choked in the last quarter…ugh.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 8, 2008 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I apologize. I totally forgot about that.

Without him in the uniform we shouldn’t even discuss reasons. Boy I sure wish we can afford him this offseason. Sign him Polian! prove to me you’re the best GM ever!

by DaColtsFan on Dec 8, 2008 2:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Philosophically

The Colts offense always likes to adapt to what’s available rather than being stuck with the same offensive game plan. They aren’t a team that must run the ball to win (see Jacksonville). So I’m not too worried yet.

Rhodes and Addai did both convert important downs this game, so it seemed to be there when they needed it.

Also, shake makes an excellent point about the absence of Jeff Saturday.

by jedye on Dec 8, 2008 2:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Still concerned

This is probably the weakest link on the team right now. I think it’s a legitimate concern with or without Saturday, because under 4 ypc still isn’t good.

Hopefully they can figure it out.

by yellowsnow on Dec 8, 2008 8:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Marvin should just keep saying, “I think we should run it.” That seemed to work in the AFCCG a few years ago.

by KingRichard on Dec 8, 2008 8:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

also concerned

Let’s hope the return of Saturday will help (and I’m sure it will). I hate to think we’d be playing somewhere like Pittsburgh in January with a running game that the defense wouldn’t respect. I know we took it to ‘em earlier in the season, but I’m just sayin’. We need balance in the playoffs. I’m concerned, but still damn excited for this team’s playoff run.

by tenyardfight on Dec 8, 2008 9:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Missing Saturday is a big problem, but

The other problem is Pollack. He’s getting manhandled on some plays, not just beaten. Not having Lilja or Scott signed is hurting the team. Charlie Johnson has whiffed on his share of blocks, and I’m not a big fan of Ole’, but i’ll say this for Charlie, when he’s NOT missing his block, he’s a pretty good blocker.

by Nideak on Dec 8, 2008 7:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs