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Hart Foundation Offline
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Post: #1
JMU rushing problems
Are there any solutions this year for the rushing game?
Is Cig ripping his hair out every sleepless night?
Obviously, losing 3 starting O-lineman from the Spring has hurt. So has losing PAO and Black at RB to injury. But it still feels like JMU is underachieving in the run game with what they have.

Statistically, this is the worst running team since 2013 when JMU went 6-6 and Mickey got fired.
173 yards per game, 4.3 yards per carry which is almost identical to 2013.

I’ve been waiting and waiting to see something different, but it is the same running inside the tackle box over and over. Very little deception, very little variance in the play calling.

1- where are the WR end arounds, reverses, jet sweeps? There have been a few “passes” on the jet sweep, but this seems like an easy way to keep the defense guessing with an additional running option to run the ball with a receiver or wingback in motion. VanHorse would be a perfect wingback with his quickness and speed matched with his route running ability out of the backfield. The motion running game to the perimeter is underutilized IMO. Even the motion with a fake can loosen up the D.

2 - do we have a stretch running play in the playbook? Probably not for Palmer, but the other backs could benefit from getting outside the tackle box and operating in space.

3- 2 back sets. Could help deceive the defense on who is going to run and in which direction. Or could provide a lead blocker that makes up for the Oline missing their zone assignment. Rarely do we see more than one RB in the formation.

COJO has picked up some yards in a few games this year on the read option because defenses don’t respect him at all and load up on the RB. We saw last week COJO was almost lost after the big hit. I wouldn’t want to put my eggs in that basket until the semis and finals of the playoffs. If he gets hurt running the ball then, at least the team put its best foot forward trying to win the critical games. I would hate to see him get hurt in the reg season or against a patsy early round opponent.

Can the running game get fixed at this late juncture?

Will we move secret weapon Francis Meehan (aka Rudy Ruettiger) to the RB slot and starting running all over opponents?
11-19-2021 08:17 AM
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fishingduke12 Offline
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Post: #2
RE: JMU rushing problems
We have one of the fastest guys in the league and I just want to see one jet sweep to him
11-19-2021 08:33 AM
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JMad03 Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 08:17 AM)Hart Foundation Wrote:  Are there any solutions this year for the rushing game?
Is Cig ripping his hair out every sleepless night?
Obviously, losing 3 starting O-lineman from the Spring has hurt. So has losing PAO and Black at RB to injury. But it still feels like JMU is underachieving in the run game with what they have.

Statistically, this is the worst running team since 2013 when JMU went 6-6 and Mickey got fired.
173 yards per game, 4.3 yards per carry which is almost identical to 2013.

I’ve been waiting and waiting to see something different, but it is the same running inside the tackle box over and over. Very little deception, very little variance in the play calling.

1- where are the WR end arounds, reverses, jet sweeps? There have been a few “passes” on the jet sweep, but this seems like an easy way to keep the defense guessing with an additional running option to run the ball with a receiver or wingback in motion. VanHorse would be a perfect wingback with his quickness and speed matched with his route running ability out of the backfield. The motion running game to the perimeter is underutilized IMO. Even the motion with a fake can loosen up the D.

2 - do we have a stretch running play in the playbook? Probably not for Palmer, but the other backs could benefit from getting outside the tackle box and operating in space.

3- 2 back sets. Could help deceive the defense on who is going to run and in which direction. Or could provide a lead blocker that makes up for the Oline missing their zone assignment. Rarely do we see more than one RB in the formation.

COJO has picked up some yards in a few games this year on the read option because defenses don’t respect him at all and load up on the RB. We saw last week COJO was almost lost after the big hit. I wouldn’t want to put my eggs in that basket until the semis and finals of the playoffs. If he gets hurt running the ball then, at least the team put its best foot forward trying to win the critical games. I would hate to see him get hurt in the reg season or against a patsy early round opponent.

Can the running game get fixed at this late juncture?

Will we move secret weapon Francis Meehan (aka Rudy Ruettiger) to the RB slot and starting running all over opponents?

I think the answer is yes, to some degree.
The Oline is the main reason for our running game woes. They have been decimated with injuries and seem to be working better as a group. They have been able to give Cole more time passing, but the run block has not been good.
Let's not forget about the injuries to our RBs. I have never seen a position so stacked become this thin due to injuries since I can remember. CC has said he believes it has a lot to do with having two seasons so close together. Palmer isn't a speed back and needs the Oline to give him some room to run.
With the RB crew being so thin, I think that has also affected the playcalling as another injury these last few weeks could have been really, really bad (not that it wasn't bad before).
Cignetti LOVES to run the ball so I cannot say it's his fault. I do think he deserves some credit for putting more of a focus on the passing game as it is much more of a strength right now.
Now that we are getting a few RBs returning from injury I think that helps a lot. Combine that with the Oline working together and I do think the run game will improve.
That being said, I still think the passing game needs to open up our running game. CC knows our red zone woes and I'm sure he's just as irritated about it as we are (and probably more so).
11-19-2021 08:39 AM
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fishingduke12 Offline
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Post: #4
RE: JMU rushing problems
Its weird that the line seems to do fine with pass blocking but struggles with run blocking. Typically it's easier to run block
11-19-2021 09:01 AM
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BSKB 24 Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
I'd like to see some mano y mano blocking and hitting the hole quickly. We mostly run zone blocking and the backs sit behind it looking for a hole to open up while we move horizontally. I don't think that fits Palmer's running style very well. Gives the linebackers too much time to read and close.
11-19-2021 09:37 AM
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olddawg Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 09:37 AM)BSKB 24 Wrote:  I'd like to see some mano y mano blocking and hitting the hole quickly. We mostly run zone blocking and the backs sit behind it looking for a hole to open up while we move horizontally. I don't think that fits Palmer's running style very well. Gives the linebackers too much time to read and close.

For the most part, I think Palmer would be be better served to keep running north/south when hit. When he tries to bounce outside he doesn't seem to get a net gain on that decision and sometimes loses yards. Give me the road grader Latrelle from 2019.

As far as our red zone issues, I wouldn't mind seeing a ton of passing against Towson (but NOT the fade), especially on 1st down when inside the 10. Give our future opponents more to think about.
11-19-2021 09:50 AM
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Polish Hammer Offline
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Post: #7
RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 09:37 AM)BSKB 24 Wrote:  I'd like to see some mano y mano blocking and hitting the hole quickly. We mostly run zone blocking and the backs sit behind it looking for a hole to open up while we move horizontally. I don't think that fits Palmer's running style very well. Gives the linebackers too much time to read and close.
Bingo! Our running game is just so predictable. This season Palmer has been dancing too much for a big man, while VH just gets goggled up between the tackles. If we used all of the tools in our toolbox things would open up better for all of them.
11-19-2021 09:53 AM
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JMad03 Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 09:53 AM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  
(11-19-2021 09:37 AM)BSKB 24 Wrote:  I'd like to see some mano y mano blocking and hitting the hole quickly. We mostly run zone blocking and the backs sit behind it looking for a hole to open up while we move horizontally. I don't think that fits Palmer's running style very well. Gives the linebackers too much time to read and close.
Bingo! Our running game is just so predictable. This season Palmer has been dancing too much for a big man, while VH just gets goggled up between the tackles. If we used all of the tools in our toolbox things would open up better for all of them.

The answer is simple.... blocking. If the holes were there like they're supposed to be, Palmer wouldn't have to be dancing around. If the holes were open for VH he wouldn't get gobbled up between the tackles.
Doesn't matter what run call you make when the offensive line cannot open a gap for the running back to run through.
A bad offensive line can make the best RB look like garbage. We all know Palmer and VH can run. They've done it in the past.
It isn't because they were calling better plays or that the RBs forgot how to run. The Oline needs to do their part, and they just are not getting it done.
11-19-2021 10:05 AM
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jmu007 Offline
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Post: #9
RE: JMU rushing problems
As others have said, our running scheme just doesn't translate well to young players. We do so much pulling and misdirection. Soooooo many games this year we'll have a nice run setup just to watch a defensive player swoop inside a pulling lineman and the play is dead in the backfield.

I really wish we'd just simplify it a tad and run some straight ahead zone or power plays without all the extras. Maybe it takes care of itself next year. We'll see. Just my take.
11-19-2021 10:22 AM
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JMU1987UVA1998 Offline
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Post: #10
RE: JMU rushing problems
I'd like to see the old Kerby Long end around with Kris Thornton coming in motion.
11-19-2021 10:36 AM
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PolishFalconDuke Offline
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Post: #11
RE: JMU rushing problems
Maybe line up under center once in a while and let your sledgehammer of a RB get a head start, rather than handing it to him at a standstill?
11-19-2021 10:46 AM
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JMaddy Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 09:01 AM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  Its weird that the line seems to do fine with pass blocking but struggles with run blocking. Typically it's easier to run block

Run blocking is typically based more on strength and can actually be pretty complex depending on the run schemes; with a young OL stength and complicated schemes will be their biggest weakness.
11-19-2021 10:50 AM
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fishingduke12 Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 10:50 AM)JMaddy Wrote:  
(11-19-2021 09:01 AM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  Its weird that the line seems to do fine with pass blocking but struggles with run blocking. Typically it's easier to run block

Run blocking is typically based more on strength and can actually be pretty complex depending on the run schemes; with a young OL stength and complicated schemes will be their biggest weakness.

Zone schemes that we run are easier to understand and are geared towards smaller/weaker lineman, basically just blocking to an area and letting the back make a cut. Most lineman agree that they prefer to fire off the ball as opposed to pass blocking where youre essentially on your heels. However with the size of our Oline and the dline's we face, we should not be having these issues
11-19-2021 11:00 AM
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Polish Hammer Offline
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Post: #14
RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 10:46 AM)PolishFalconDuke Wrote:  Maybe line up under center once in a while and let your sledgehammer of a RB get a head start, rather than handing it to him at a standstill?
03-2thumbsup
11-19-2021 11:18 AM
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bcp_jmu Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
this year, we are 23-50 in the RZ for TDs...that has got to change fast or we are bounced from playoffs
11-19-2021 11:32 AM
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olddawg Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
We have a large offensive line. But size doesn't always equate to strength. Several of these guys are still closer to their high school years than they are to graduation from college. We should reap the benefit in the next two years of playing so many youngsters this year.
11-19-2021 11:39 AM
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Purplehazed Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 08:33 AM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  We have one of the fastest guys in the league and I just want to see one jet sweep to him

Fine if in between jet sweeps can we throw the ball 6+ yards to a TE a few times a game?
11-19-2021 11:43 AM
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olddawg Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 11:32 AM)bcp_jmu Wrote:  this year, we are 23-50 in the RZ for TDs...that has got to change fast or we are bounced from playoffs

Hallmark of the great NDSU teams of the last decade. Converting redzone chances into TDs and forcing FGs from opponents who did manage to get in the Bison's red zone. Their previous coach used to say about his defensive philosophy, "you aren't going to beat us with field goals".
11-19-2021 11:44 AM
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Duke Dawg Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
I can’t dissect it deep enough to say what the problem is.

All I know is it’s been a problem all year with no signs of improving.
Which to me says it’s not getting fixed this year.

We need to play to our strengths and just air it out.

The only thing we really haven’t tried to help is to run at tempo.
We will line up quickly, but then Cole will look to sideline.
I’d like to see us just go. One of coles strengths is his cerebral nature. We’ve been told that and we can see it.
So call a sequence of plays and go up tempo and see if putting the defense off balance can help the rushing game and red zone effectiveness.
(This post was last modified: 11-19-2021 12:36 PM by Duke Dawg.)
11-19-2021 12:34 PM
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Dukester Offline
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RE: JMU rushing problems
(11-19-2021 12:34 PM)Duke Dawg Wrote:  I can’t dissect it deep enough to say what the problem is.

All I know is it’s been a problem all year with no signs of improving.
Which to me says it’s not getting fixed this year.

We need to play to our strengths and just air it out.

The only thing we really haven’t tried to help is to run at tempo.
We will line up quickly, but then Cole will look to sideline.
I’d like to see us just go. One of coles strengths is his cerebral nature. We’ve been told that and we can see it.
So call a sequence of plays and go up tempo and see if putting the defense off balance can help the rushing game and red zone effectiveness.

01-ncaabbs01-ncaabbs01-ncaabbs01-ncaabbs01-ncaabbs01-ncaabbs
11-19-2021 01:23 PM
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