Two big problems on offense: 3rd downs & red zone

[MTK]

Lost in all the focus on the struggles of the defense is the fact the offense is coming up short in two critical categories, 3rd down conversions (18% - last in the league) and red zone offense (22%, 2 TDs out of 9 possessions - again last in the league).

Improving in these 2 categories will keep the defense off the field and lead to more points. Just wanted to bring this topic up since the defense is receiving such a huge brunt of our criticism, but it's obvious the offense needs to shoulder some blame as well.

Thoughts?

[GTripp0012]

Red zone offense tends to be a function of the strength of the rest of your offense. We can improve that by getting stronger on the lines and at running the ball.

3rd downs are an issue. We're a terrible team out of the shotgun/3 WR package, and we don't have any creative plays out of that package. I just don't see that getting better anytime soon.

We've protected the quarterback alright (not great) on those third and longs, but teams can cover all of our receivers down the field.

One reason that 3rd down percentage is lower than last year is because we have to pass in short yardage as well, which makes every third down as difficult as a third and seven.

[mredskins]

I think 3rd downs on both sides of the ball is the biggest issue. I realize you are trying to focus on the offense here but by god I have never seen so many 3rd and longs given up in my life.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by mredskins

I think 3rd downs on both sides of the ball is the biggest issue. I realize you are trying to focus on the offense here but by god I have never seen so many 3rd and longs given up in my life.

Yeah, even if you're going to lose the game anyway, giving up 3rd & 20 conversions are just inexcusable efforts.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Yeah, even if you're going to lose the game anyway, giving up 3rd & 20 conversions are just inexcusable efforts.

Seriously! 3rd and 20 is like OK bathroom break or grab a beer not with this team it is TD for the other team!

[MTK]

Getting the ground game cranked up and staying out of 3rd and longs would be nice too of course.

[#56fanatic]

I agree 100%, which is why I have a hard time understanding why Devin Thomas isn't used at all in the red zone. The dude is big, strong WR and can go and get the ball. Again, we are the only freaking NFL team that has a problem running fade routes, or jump balls in the endzone. It killed me last year when Malcome Kelly was on the bench and we couldn't do that in the redzone. Kelly is what 6'4, Thomas is 6'2. they have a minimum of 2-3 inches on an average corner. If he supposedly can't run routes and forgot how to play, he can at least jump for a ball or run a simple fade. Also, Where has cooley and Davis been in the redzone? Or how bout a bootleg? I am not a coach, but for some reason over the last how many years, our playbook goes to shit when we get inside the 20.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Getting the ground game cranked up and staying out of 3rd and longs would be nice too of course.

Yeah, without statistical evidence I'd say we seem to be in 3rd and long a hell of a lot. That is killer. It's a lot easier to get creative on 3rd & 3.5 rather than 3rd & 9. I'd also like to see Portis in on 3rd more often.

I'd dont see why leaving him in to chip and release would be bad. Especially on a 3rd and mid-range.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

Yeah, without statistical evidence I'd say we seem to be in 3rd and long a hell of a lot. That is killer. It's a lot easier to get creative on 3rd & 3.5 rather than 3rd & 9. I'd also like to see Portis in on 3rd more often.

I'd dont see why leaving him in to chip and release would be bad. Especially on a 3rd and mid-range.

Without the benefit of data to back this up, from my memory this hits the nail on the head! In the dallas game CP was protecting McNabb from the interior blitz (& Ratcliff), which dallas had no fear in running on virtually every pass play.

In the Houston & Rams games CP didn't play as much in the 2nd half & it showed at crucial times. At this point in his career he really is a 3rd down back, and he makes a huge difference w/blitz pick ups. He covers up how poorly the interior line has played when blitzed.

Of course, can't argue w/those that point out the lack of running game that leads to 3rd & long to begin with.

[Chico23231]

Redzone playcalling I think has been rather poor. We are not using the middle of field and it seems we are not using our both our tight ends which is a freakin strength.

3rd down is just god aweful. I have no clue on anything here, we just stink.

Not having an effective running game is killing us in both these areas.

[irish]

The Skins best WR (Moss) is just too small to be a factor in the Red Zone and cant win jump balls. Everyone know the Skins cant run the ball and cant do a fade route with their small WRs so IMO it makes them easy to defend.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by irish

The Skins best WR (Moss) is just too small to be a factor in the Red Zone and cant win jump balls. Everyone know the Skins cant run the ball and cant do a fade route with their small WRs so IMO it makes them easy to defend.

Irish, it........breaks my heart to agree with you, alas I do. I nearly wretched the other day when Andre Johnson pulled in the pass...easliy in the end zone over our guy.
If we do not get D Thomas or ??? in the act and with our lack of credible ground game, we are easy to defend. When was the last time on 3rd and 3, we even....thought about a run play?
HOWEVER...it is encumbent on "the boy genius" to realize these facts and DEAL with it

[irish]

Originally Posted by Hog1

Irish, it........breaks my heart to agree with you, alas I do. I nearly wretched the other day when Andre Johnson pulled in the pass...easliy in the end zone over our guy.
If we do not get D Thomas or ??? in the act and with our lack of credible ground game, we are easy to defend. When was the last time on 3rd and 3, we even....thought about a run play?
HOWEVER...it is encumbent on "the boy genius" to realize these facts and DEAL with it

Its not that the Little General doesnt understand what to do, he realizes he doesnt have the players to do what he wants. If he thought Thomas or ??? could get it done they'd be in there. He's trying to find a way to deal with it but when you dont have the players to get it done it makes things tough.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by irish

Its not that the Little General doesnt understand what to do, he realizes he doesnt have the players to do what he wants. If he thought Thomas or ??? could get it done they'd be in there. He's trying to find a way to deal with it but when you dont have the players to get it done it makes things tough.

I hear you. It's not like this is original thought. I imagine he gave up sleep some time ago trying to contrive, and scheme some genius for our Offensive shortcomings...HTTR

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by irish

The Skins best WR (Moss) is just too small to be a factor in the Red Zone and cant win jump balls. Everyone know the Skins cant run the ball and cant do a fade route with their small WRs so IMO it makes them easy to defend.

Great point. It would just be nice to have a 2nd reciever in this offense which can make plays down in the redzone or anywhere on the field.