First of all, let me thank the 550 readers who took the time to vote in the “Expectations for the next 3 weeks” poll. 550 is easily the most voters I have seen and I also want to say thank you to the 42 who took a minute to comment. To say that fans are feeling confident, might be an understatement. Most (57%) believe that taking down the Chiefs in Arrowhead may be a bit optimistic, but those voters also believe that we show well enough to remain a true contender at 9 – 2. 33% are full speed ahead and find no reason not to win all three of the next three games, which brings us to 90% being highly optimistic and 99% mostly optimistic. Only 6 of 550 voters see doom and gloom on the horizon.
On to the topic at hand.
Shane Steichen made a statement early on, before the season even started, that the team intended to pass to score and run to win. This has held true as we have consistently used the air to build leads and then used our rushing attack to seal victories. It is hard to argue that strategy, given the impressive results. When you are scoring over 33 points a game, you are likely putting up big numbers throughout, but the Colts currently average 18 points in the first half and 15.8 in the second half.
I started thinking, I know, first time for everything, whether we could apply that strategy to the season? Could we be passing to score a good record in the first half and then rely on the running game to win the second half? This thought process materialized from watching the first half of the Titans game. In my humble opinion, I think we saw a team finally take the approach of not honoring the run fake for play action passes. All three of the sacks we surrendered, were in the first half and I think only the 3rd and 10 play was not play action.
Anyway, as the season gets into the second half, is it time to bring a little more focus on the running game earlier in games? I’m not talking the ground and pound, or “Run the damn ball” mentality, but as weather becomes dicey, might it be better to lean more toward the traditional “Run to set up the pass”? I can hear the backlash now, “So, our offense is producing at a historic level and you want to just shake thing up a little?” As I look at in print, I can completely acknowledge that sentiment.
If teams continue to honor the run fake on play action and RPO plays, then by all means, keep making them pay with the passing game. However, I worry that other teams with better defenses may also be willing to risk a big run, if it yields them a sack, a hit, or even worse, a poor decision from our QB. They may find it worth it? I’m merely suggesting that we remind them why others have honored the run fake, with a few more attempts early on. I wouldn’t even be opposed to showing them a little designed run for Jones, early on. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t fear Watt deciding not to honor run fakes in an attempt to physically or mentally rattle DJ.
I do not believe we need a poll to determine if I am “Bat Crap Crazy”, but feel free to agree or disagree with my assessment.
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