Should we be concerned about the run game?

I’m not expecting the starters to play at all next week. Isn’t that the final preseason game? If this was game 4 last season the starters typically don’t play at all. I would assume the coaches know what they have in their top 22-26 and need to figure out the next 20 spots.

 

Some teams still haven't played their starters after 2 preseason games, so I don't know what the new "normal" is yet.

As far as running, I'd be concerned if the offense was struggling in general and couldn't run the ball.
So far, that hasn't happened.

If the other team can't stop the pass, then no need to worry about the run.
I think back to the 2007 Patriots game.
For over half the game (2nd Q 9:48 to 4th Q 2:49), the Pats had zero rushing attempts. (It was still a close 1-point game in the 2nd quarter.)
Rather than worry about establishing a running game, especially against that excellent LeBeau defense, Brady and Belichek decided it would be better to just grind away with the passing game.
Despite their offense being one-dimensional, it worked. (They won by 21. They ended with 9 total rush attempts, 2 of them at the end to use up clock.)

 

If Atlanta plays Bijon past the opening drive they are stupid. Final preseason no need to risk your rookie

 

I just read something that asked if Warren earned more playing time. No problem, but the season is long and I'm not sure Warren could withstand a workload of 400 carries. If Najee is healthy and brings a solid 4 plus YPC you have a different dynamic. If you have a lead you want sustained punishing drives, Najee is that guy. It keeps the other O off the field, for a lot of teams on our conference thats a great thing. But increased Warren also keeps Najee fresher for the long season..finding that balance is beyond my knowledge, but given that they still want a strong running game the combo of both is exciting and essential.

 

Winner

 

Jet sweep and WR bubble screen!!! Beyond that we have been reduced to the 2 yard quick slant to who ever is 5'6 to 5;8 and weighs 160 pounds after a shower.

We need Najee, we need Warren, if both excel the passing game will also excel.

 

Finally.....Thank You.

 

Is that defense that had DB's playing 10 yards off the receivers (man I hated that, instant slant and watching walker, edelman whatever lacrosse type guy you want running quick slants all over the field). Just venting, we didn't have man to man personnel.

 

I have to feed your ego occasionally or my STD likes might go away! lmao

 

LoL.

 

Yep, Najee will wear a defense and be a major factor for for 8-9 minute drives when Steeelers are ahead toward end of game.

 

You know I could get the Warren vs Najee thing if.....
1. We didn't have both
2. We couldn't use both
3. We judged them both by the exact same plays, blocking formations, set up before each play, and down, and distance, but people aren't. Example: It's like judging a Rb off of yards per carry on a delay hand off on 3rd, and 25, and a Rb on a inside run on 4rd, and 1. If I must explain it any further....well I'd be wasting My time.
Sorry if this sound condescending.

 

Or earlier. How many times a D player has gotten hit throughout the game lessons the desire later in the game, especially when its cold. I dont think we have to be in an either/or category, using both just increases KP's weapons. Hell did you see Conner last night??? it did not look like much, but several times when he caught it reminded me of the depth we have.

 

Well see Mcfarland running several times from the 1 yard line last night should settle that argument, lol. Honestly both Najee and Warren likely had the pads off, but that was a crap show I never want to see in regular season.

 

Man I'm really offended by the condensation of this post!!!!!!!!!

 

It's tough to say. When there was 4 games, this was traditionally the case. Now there's 3 games and a 17 day rest in-between the last preseason game and first regular season game. I kinda wished there was one last tune up game after this third game. Our offense has only had 27 reps. I think they need way more than that to get into shape for the season.

 

The game is in 4 days

Next week is already this week

 

Not playing at all this week would be over 3 weeks between games played

That’s a lot of rust

It would be better to have a Saturday game than a Thursday

 

Absolutely, especially considering they have barely played a collective quarter.

Just 5 years ago most teams played their starters 1 series into the 2nd half before pulling starters in that 3rd game. Just seems like the preseason is to mostly evaluate bubble players as opposed to preparing for the season. Precisely why teams look like dog**** the first 3 weeks of the season now.

 

Back in the day players showed up fat and out of shape and need all 6 exhibition games and camp just to get in shape

 

Now that would have sucked reading the news Friday morning

 

I get to watch the game live, and won't have to wait until the next day to watch it on DVR.

 

Tomlin already said the starters will play against the Falcons. One reason he pulled them so quickly is that they will be playing on a short week. Remember, they have a 17-day break between the final preseason game and the opener.

 

Force of habit with football games. But also another reason I think the starters are done.

 

?? All of us get to watch it live. As I said in the quote you posted, it's on NFL Network for all to see.