Watching a lot of NFL games yesterday it was really apparent that the running backs around the league looked stronger and more explosive than what we are putting on the field. So while I am confident our running game starts with the offensive line, it also really stands out how much we are lacking at the RB position. The only person that has passed the eye test while running the rock has been Taysom. If we want to be a running team we need to invest in the running back position. I know AK will help that some. I'm not ready to throw Miller away after one game but he sure doesn't look ready for the NFL. We should do some shopping for the RB position on practice squads around the league. There has to be something better than what we have for depth at the moment.
I agree on the short passing game. I also see the tremendous risk. Michael Thomas is a huge part of that success but he is getting no separation. Trying to make a living throwing into traffic for 4-7 yard gains is bad business in the NFL. We also have to get our TE and RB involved more in the passing game. This is an area where we are really struggling. 16 catches for the TE/RB positions combined in 3 games. We have two WR's with more catches than our entire TE/RB room combined.
I noticed some other things that were glaring yesterday watching the games. Teams that were successful were constantly testing and probing the entire field and constantly using motion and misdirection. These teams also seemed to have much better offensive lines. Constantly keeping defensive linemen off balance and disrupting the timing of the pass rush as well as pushing the limits of pass rusher responsibility just makes rushing the QB so much more difficult. It makes stopping the run so much more difficult. I see some of this creativity being displayed with the Saints but only when it involves Taysom. We need to kick the mindset that we can only be creative with Taysom. I'm not suggesting we become the niners or Dolphins but we are crazy if we do not at least borrow some of the concepts that are working so well around the league.
For the majority of teams, I'm noticing that there is a league wide struggle along the offensive line pass blocking. I think a bunch of sack records get smashed this season.