Better Play design probably helping Mcfarland

42 rushing attempts, 146 yds, for a 3.5 ypc. If 42 attempts isn't enough to get a feel what a player is worth....he's been in the NFL for THREE years. If in his 4th he all-of-a-sudden showcases major talent and production, then it will nearly be the first. Henry took until his 3rd year, but his ypc was 4.5 or around it all along.

 

I can't speak for scribe and I wouldn't want to try but in my opinion wasted snaps to me represent gadget plays that while having huge potential basically serve no purpose except breaking up the offensive flow and taking proven playmakers off the field. Jet sweeps with Gunner are an example. We will see it this season where they will try it with Austin because of the speed. Change of pace guys are nice but if your focus is more on getting those guys into the game plan instead of your primary guys it's wasted time.

 

I'm sure we're all in agreement that we don't want to see gadget plays of any kind just for the sake of doing it. However, if they are to serve a larger purpose or set something else up later, I'm all for it and I'm not all that concerned about who runs them, as long as they're productive. That's really the larger point I'm trying to make.

 

I still remember the game vs the Lions I believe where BA called a fake reverse halfback draw with the fake to Logan and the give to Mendenhall 3 times in a game and each time they got minimal gain because no one believed Logan was getting the ball. Only reason to call that play 3 times is to set up a fourth where Logan gets it and gets a huge gain. It's been almost a decade and I'm still waiting for that 4th time lol. This is my feeling on I'll conceived gadget plays.

 

Right, it doesn't always work to perfection. However, the game against the Bills is a perfect example of when it does work. On Warrens 62 yard run, Austin came across the formation in what looked to be a jet sweep. One of the linebackers followed him, only to be out of position when Warren came screaming through the line. When it works, it's awesome. When it doesn't, it's frustrating as hell to watch. You can bet there's going to be a lot of eyes on Austin this season. I expect him to be one helluva weapon.

 

They are going to need to get him involved in a variety of ways so that teams can't key on him and know the play. That is always one of the issues with gadget plays or one dimensional players, it's a tell. Eric Ebron sucked at blocking so every time he was in formation teams knew he was a potential target. Washington will be different, he can pancake guys but also be that huge body on seam routes that forces a mismatch. Ideally we want to see Austin enough that they either over compensate for him or completely ignore him and then he rockets past.

 

I fully expect Austin to be used in a lot of different ways other than just gadget plays. He appears to be a pretty solid route runner so he doesn't look to be a one trick pony.

 

Oh thank god

 

Yes

 

I still think his value will come in the receiving game. Having him motion out wide and watching a 250LB Linebacker go out to cover him is going to create some serious mismatches.

 

You are placing your faith in a terrible offensive coordinator to unlock something magical in a running back who has shown absolutely nothing in three years on the team.

 

Or that 250-pound linebacker will blitz Pickett while the defense plays zone or puts a safety on the running back. Either way, they will see it coming because they know just how limited McFarland's game is, something that doesn't happen if they give that snap to Warren.

 

A touch that should have gone to a better player who most likely would do more with it. If he gets five yards, Warren would get more. If he catches a 10-yard pass, imagine what Austin could have done with it.

 

That wasn't my answer, but it's a damn good one.

 

Agreed. That's why I don't want him losing opportunities to a limited player like McFarland. Those snaps and touches have to come from somewhere.

 

I agree, but they don't have to disrupt the offense to get him involved. He can run a full route tree. He was a complete receiver in college. Any gadget play that puts the ball in McFarland's hands would be better with it in Austin's hands. He is a little faster running for a stopwatch and a lot faster on a football field.

 

He better have some value

 

Maybe he can use that speed to bring Harris and Warren water quickly when they come to the sideline.

 

You are going to die on this hill aren't you.

 

Oh God that's funny, not too self aware but funny.

 

I do love the irony of this post coming from you given your history of choosing truly ridiculous hills on which to die. Unfortunately, you keep resurrecting.

 

Well Brice where do we start

 

Of course, now that Johnson's injury might create some opportunities in the slot, McFarland also missed practice today.