I love Watching The Redskins Offense In The NFL Playoffs

Yes, the Redskins are out of the playoffs, but elements of their offense are still on the field (and no I am not referring to parts of RGIII’s knee).  Shortly after Robert Griffin III reported to Redskin Park last spring, Kyle Shanahan said that together they would revolutionize the NFL.

The read-option offense has infiltrated the NFL and changed the way the game is played.  Thanks, in part to the Shanahans and RGIII.  Yes, this is a variation of some famous college offenses, but it has been successfully adopted by the NFL, with the help of a new breed of QB, and changed the way the game is played.

It started a couple years ago with Tim Tebow (remember him) and has been adopted by other teams with much more dynamic QB’s such as the Redskins, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

In fact, take a quick look at the numbers of both Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick numbers from their last playoff games.

Seattle Passing
	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT	SACKS	QBR	RTG
R. Wilson	24/36	385	10.7	2	1	2 – 17	86.4	109.1
Seattle Rushing
	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
R. Wilson	7	60	8.6	1	17
San Francisco Passing
	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT	SACKS	QBR	RTG
C. Kaepernick	17/31	263	8.5	2	1	1 – 7	94.7	91.2
San Francisco Rushing
	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
C. Kaepernick	16	181	11.3	2	56

They both had outstanding passing ratings and games but more importantly lead their teams in rushing as well.

The read-option gives the offense the ability to run different plays from the same or similar formations based on what the defense does.

This not only enables offenses to either run inside or out but also enables them to either run or pass.

Robert Griffin III, who, according to statistics Pro Football Focus, has preceded 39.6 percent of his pass plays with a fake.  Russell Wilson is second at 36.2 percent.

Of Alfred Morris’s 335 rushing attempts this season, more than 52 percent have come from the shotgun formation. Translation:  When the Redskins show pass, they’re just as likely to run, and they lead the league in rushing with 169.3 yards per game.

My son Mark is tired of me pointing out to him, over and over again, instances where defensive players did not hold their lanes or positions and allowed somebody, usually RGIII, Russell or Colin, to make big plays.

Of course holding ones position or lane (AKA gap) is not the end all of stopping the read-option, but it does go a long way to helping the defense win match-ups.

I believe in order for the read-option to be defeated, defensive coordinators will need to come up with their own form of misdirection to “fool” the QB into an incorrect read.  New England did this in a way to help neutralize Tebow but, in the case of the New Breed QB, it would also help to have a couple safeties that could cover both the deep threat and the run option.  Still, the defense will have to come up with their own way of disguising what they are going to do.  Give it time, somebody will get it right; and when they do it will be as equally exciting to watch the defense once again win some of these battles.

In the meantime, everybody is scrambling to join the bandwagon.  More and more teams are adding the read-option to their offense and more importantly, teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles are recruiting offensive geniuses to help restore franchise greatness.

Here is a review of some coaching changes: (I’ll get to the Eagles signing in just a minute)

San Diego Chargers (Mike McCoy):  They fire one OC masquerading as a HC because he just can’t get the job done.  Bravo.  But then turn right around and hire another OC who experienced phenomenal success because he had a great teacher in Peyton Manning?  Really?  I guess if you can’t hire the master-mind, you hire one of his students.  Maybe they think he has some of that ol’ Tebow type magic?  Who knows.

Sorry I just don’t get this signing and think there were better HC candidates on the market.

Cleveland Browns (Rob Chudzinski): Here is an interesting combination of coaching personnel.  Rob loves the Browns and has coached for them before as an assistant.  Rob knows how to implement elements of the option and, depending on who you ask, has done a pretty good job with Cam Newton.  He has a decent QB in Weeden but there are many other areas of concern that need to be developed in addition to his QB.  Too bad Rob couldn’t bring Cam with him.

Norv Turner is actually a decent OC who loves to have a good RB to develop and build around.  He’s got just that with Trent Richardson, but will need help.

I think this marriage could work if given the time.

Unfortunately, I just don’t think either will get it.

Chicago Bears (Marc Trestman):  Last year, to help Cutler and the team maintain their quick starts and eliminate their reputation of fading in the stretch, they brought in some more offensive weapons, and changed up some other personnel within the organization.  It didn’t work.  Once again the Bears started strong and faded fast.  So this year they bring in a well-respected ball coach who deserves a HC gig as much as anybody.

I like this signing, but we will have to wait and see if it does anything for the Bears staying power.

The good news is Da Bears have a ton of cap room; so they can make all the moves and signings they want.

Philadelphia Eagles (Chip Kelly):  AKA – They lose one Reid for another more popular Read.

If you want to review a great article on Chip Kelly and his offense, take a look at Grantlands analysis here.

Kelly is a great coach who is well anchored in fundamentals; yet thinks outside the box.  He implements the read-option and incorporates other elements of “confusion” keeping the defense off balance by installing a novel hurry up offense – much like another great playoff team – the New England Patriots.

However, pundits are already poo pooing ( yes that is a word – or two) his selection by stating the simplistic fact that Kelly has absolutely no NFL experience.  Can anybody say Steve Spurrier?

However, to me, this signing makes a lot of sense.  The Eagles have the personnel (on paper) to run Kelly’s style of offense.  I think they may need some help on the offensive line in order to get the job done but hey, that is one of the jobs of coaching – and the GM.

The bad news here is the Eagles are in terrible shape with the cap – So good luck figuring that one out!  You’ll need it.

I just wish they and Kelly were not in the NFC East.