A question about running the ball

**Nick** · #1 (**permalink**) -20-12-2004

The Carolina Panthers allow 121 rushing yards per game and 4.0 yards per attempt. The Arizona Cardinals allow 142 rushing yards per game, and 4.8 yards per attempt.

How then, do you think, Arlen Harris in his first ten rushes gained 30 yards against statistically a tougher defense than Marshall Faulk did in his ten total rushes for 22 yards against a weaker defense in Arizona?

**RamDez** · #2 (**permalink**) -20-12-2004

Well the obvious answer is that Harris is a young healthy and hungry RB ............

But I think we have to look deaper ........

Martz, I dont think he has a refusal to buy into the running game but he definatly does not like it LOL

Our Oline is just plain sorry ............

*moklerman* · #3 (**permalink**) -20-12-2004

Quote:

How then, do you think, Arlen Harris in his first ten rushes gained 30 yards against statistically a tougher defense than Marshall Faulk did in his ten total rushes for 22 yards against a weaker defense in Arizona?

You seem to be implying something but I don't want to guess at it. If you think 10 rushing attempts illustrates anyting other than a total lack of interest in running the ball though, I think you're barking up the wrong tree.

**Nick** · #4 (**permalink**) -20-12-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by moklerman

You seem to be implying something but I don't want to guess at it. If you think 10 rushing attempts illustrates anyting other than a total lack of interest in running the ball though, I think you're barking up the wrong tree.

I'm looking for alternate explanations. This isn't a thread about whether or not the Rams ran the ball enough. It's about looking at two running backs and what they were able to accomplish over ten carries, and see why that is the case. I'd prefer it to not be the answer you feel is being implied, which is why I asked the question - to find alternate answers.

*moklerman* · #5 (**permalink**) -20-12-2004

So, you want answers as to why the Rams didn't get 50 yards on those 10 carries as opposed to 22? To what end? Why they only rushed 10 times against the 30th ranked rush defense seems like a much more pertinent question.

If you're trying to focus on how poorly the o-line is performing in the running game I refer you back to the repetition argument. Even the Giants, which I'm convinced have a less talented line than the Rams, are able to get the running game going by continuing to use it.

Just like so many of the Martz criticism's, this goes back to balance. Running backs and o-lineman, just like qb's, have to develop some kind of rhythm and in the case of the line, cohesion as well. The Rams rarely run so how are the lineman expected to have any kind of fluidity or anticipation of their teammates movements?

Look at Washington this year. Gibbs is in love with the running game and it's taken most of this year, with tons of attempts for the Redskins line to start run-blocking like a unit. Pass blocking is the hardest part of an offensive lineman's job and that's under "normal" NFL circumstances. Most teams at least offer the possibilty of the defense not knowing what's coming. To put injured, old, inexperienced, waiver-wire, practice squad o-lineman in the position of pass blocking 40-50 times a game is just too much responsibility. Add to that, the few times they "get" to run block they still have to run stunts and rely on timing instead of smash-mouth, straight ahead, one on one matchups that all the lineman I've heard interviewed seem to prefer. Should I even mention the empty backfield, 4 and 5 wr sets?

So, while I agree that our lineman are not the cream of the crop (except Pace), I think they are being put at a huge disadvantage by their coach, moreso than any defense that they face. Martz does this with his qb's and rb's too. I truly believe that the Rams would benefit from some protection from their mad leader. Remember how the Rams and the offense looked when Bulger got his first start in 2002? Remember watching that MNF game and going, YES! This is how we should be doing things. Martz was forced to incorporate a more traditional attack due to Bulger not knowing the entire playbook (often mistaken for the entire phone directory of the western hemisphere) and what happened? Faulk prospered. Bulger prospered. The defense played better. The Rams won.

The more Bulger's learned, the more the offense has struggled. Just like Warner. It all goes back to Martz.