Offensive line woes? Could it be?
I can't help but watch these games and feel that one of the major reasons why we pass more than run is due to the offensive line's inability to block.
Right now the average is 385 Pass to 276 rushing attempts so basically a 60/40
pass to rush ratio.
Let's try a 5 Why Analysis. In order to perform, you ask
Why 5 times and you should have the root cause to the problem.
1) Why do the Saints pass more than they rush?
A) The Coaches call more pass plays than running plays.
2) Why do the Coaches call more pass plays than running plays?
A) They believe a pass play is a better option than a running play.
3) Why is a pass play a better option than a run play?
A) They need to gain bigger chunks of yardage in shorter period of time.
4) Why do they need to gain bigger chunks of yardage quickly?
A) They're trailing and trying to catch-up.
- - - - We can stop there since that answers the reason for the playcalling; however, just for fun let's go one more- - - - - - -
5) Why are they trailing and playing catch-up?
A) Too many turnovers leading to opponent scoring and lost socring opportunities for Saints.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - End Five
Why's - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So let's check and see if the answer to #4 makes sense.
When AHEAD Bress has passed 125 times for 907 yards and when behind 204 times for 1,764 yards so that makes sense.
You might also want to reconsider the whole Rush to Pass average and consider
the bulk of Reggie's 61 receptions as a long handoffs. Why? Because his average reception is 6.7 yds/catch and his average Yards After Catch (YAC) is 6.2 yds/catch; in other words on average when he gets the ball he's only 1.5
feet in front of the line of scrimmage.
So if we move 50 of Reggie's receptions (~80%) to rushes, that would make the ratio 335 passes to 326 rushing attempts so basically a 50/50 pass to rush ratio.
Conclusion: The Offensive Line isn't limiting the play calling.