Why is our run game better?
 

The difference between last seasons run game and this season is nothing short of dramatic. Why is that? One of our members mentioned before preseason that we used zone blocking last year which is slower to develop and really didn't fit our running backs style. We have two offensive coaches that have been promoted. Pete Carmichael, Jr. who is the OC and Aaron Kromer who is in charge of the Oline. Do you think that either one of these coaches has helped to influence Payton and his decisions with the blocking schemes? :cool:

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Yes to your question ... But in addition ... Payton's running the ball more/PT is healthy/Bell is INSANE/we've finally figured out that Bush isn't an every down back ... AND ... Perhaps most importantly ... Our O-Line is SICK!!! Those guys are playing A LOT better than our line did last year even through some injuries ... It all starts with them and they've done a tremendous job!

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

A big part is the commitment Payton has made to running the ball. We've had more rushing attempts than passing attempts this season (174 - 159) whereas we passed darn near 2x as much as we ran last season (636-398).

It also helps to not be playing catch-up constantly. You run the ball when you have a lead.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Last 8 games of 2008 - 4.6 yards per carry
First 5 games of 2009 - 4.6 yards per carry

The only thing thats changed is we're running about 10 more times per game.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Sean Payton is an extremely intelligent coach. He realized after last season that the Saints needed to be more committed to the run. That commitment is the big difference maker. Between Payton and the newly promoted coaches, they seem to have found a way to make it work well.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

commitment

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

The players should get lot's of credit for realizing that we need a balanced offense. Here's a comment from Drew's Q&A from yesterday:

(on the Tampa Bay loss last year) "Just from talking to everybody and getting the general feel of the linemen and everybody, we all felt like if we want to be the type of offense that we want to be, there has to be that type of balance."

Last year, the comment was worded a little stronger, as though the players pushed Payton for more balance. I find that very interesting.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Does anybody think Gregg Williams aggressive defense had anything to do with it?

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

DING DING DING!!! FOLKS WE HAVE A WINNER HERE!

Thats the key to it all!!! Your running game is far more effective when you have a defense. When we are scoring 42 points a game last year and giving up 44 we are passing to keep up and trying to get a lead. This year we get the lead and coast with a balance offensive attack.

Like DANNO pointed out the stats being 4.6 last year and so far this year. When you have a Defense you can run the ball.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

So defense helps the running game... there's a novel idea.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

The cliche is you have to run the ball well to win, but the reality is you have to be winning to run the ball a lot. The exception is a team like Miami with a running game that is much better than their passing game.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

The running game is also the defense's best friend. Keeps them rested.

If your defense is bad, you BETTER be able to run the ball, or you won't win many games.

I've always liked what a coach once said (maybe Bum or Glanville) "You pass to score and run to win the game".

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Payton's commitment to the run - PERIOD! Last year he used to talk about balance in the post-game press conference and it was just talk. I also read the comments from some of you guys about the Saints having to abandon the run because we were soooo far behind and had to throw ourselves back into games...POO-POO! Payton was abandoning the running game when we were down 10-7 or 17-13. When we did run the ball it was in that single back set that just made me sick. Running was an after thought, as if 15 or so runs were scheduled just so the stats weren't totally lopsided to the pass. Somewhere towards the end of last season's win-lose see-saw ride, Payton seems to have gotten an epiphany and saw the advantage of having a stablizing running attack that promoted his already potent passing attack - and here we are. PT COULD have been doing what he did at the end of last year, on the front-side of last season. A simple DECISION to keep the offense deversified has made the offense even more unstoppable. Let me just throw in an 3rd-and-1, 4th-and-1 comment: it is just tough to run when there are 10 in the box, I don't care how poor the team is. I think our 3rd / 4th down percentages would change drastically if our sets looked like 3rd-and-4 play sets. The mere presentation of options, and the defense trying to cover them all, would yield better results and put players (backs, Brees, receivers, blockers, everybody) in better positions one-on-one to make plays and get 1 yard. Sometimes the pile just gets toooo big and no gap exists.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Yes ... he DID cut Jason David!

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

True, and the additions of Sharper, Greer and Porter, and moving Gay back to his nickel/dime roll helped a lot too.

In 2008, we rarely got out to 20 point leads, and we now have the confidence to run the ball more without fearing we need to score as fast and furiously as possible.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

I think it's been the Payton's realization that we can with the running game. I seem to remember in the past him commenting how he prefers to pass the ball.
I just want to add that I'll be first one to admit that I was wrong about our O-line. Last year I was calling for changes but this year, I'm really impressed with their play.