Donovan and Franklin continue trying to make their "system" work with talent that is not particularly suited to succeed in that system. Bill O'Brien was faced with unprecedented sanctions and had to build a team and offensive philosophy within those restrictions. O'Brien utilized the Patriot philosophy to maximize the talent that he had to deal with. The Patriots and all NFL teams have their limitations based on the salary cap. What the Patriots and O'Brien did was sacrifice an emphasis on top offensive line talent and compensate with offensive schemes based on mismatches. The Patriots never spent high draft choices on offensive lineman and O'Brien used his limited scholarships on other positions. They both recognized the mismatches that pass catching tight ends create. They also knew how to maximize the talents of their drop back passing quarterbacks without depending on superior offensive lines. I believe in O'Brien's first year, Penn State's tight end production was second only to Stanford. Jesse James and Kyle Carter were not capable blockers but they were able to exploit mismatches with linebackers and safeties.
If Akeel Lynch is a weak blocker, send him on a swing pass. Forcing someone to cover a back has the same effect of a good block: it occupies a potential tackler. When Lynch is attempting to block a blitzing linebacker, the advantage goes to the linebacker. When a linebacker is trying to cover Lynch in the open field, the advantage goes to Lynch.
Also, get to the line and run a play. If you have to audible, do it quickly and run the play. The no huddle, Peyton Manning- like, line of scrimmage adjustments, give the defense time to counter the adjustments. If you are trying to run clock, stay in the huddle, then get to the line quickly and run the play. The offense has the advantage as to when to snap the ball, use it.
Finally, good offensive coordinators have to adjust to the talent that they have. The only time that Jay was effective is when he had dual threat QBs like Robinson and Clark. He was clueless with the passers like Morelli and McGloin. Franklin and Donovan need to put their egos aside and create an offense that minimizes the weaknesses and maximizes the strengths on this squad. If this offense doesn't make drastic changes soon, the embarrassing losses will add up and the recruits will look elsewhere.
If Akeel Lynch is a weak blocker, send him on a swing pass. Forcing someone to cover a back has the same effect of a good block: it occupies a potential tackler. When Lynch is attempting to block a blitzing linebacker, the advantage goes to the linebacker. When a linebacker is trying to cover Lynch in the open field, the advantage goes to Lynch.
Also, get to the line and run a play. If you have to audible, do it quickly and run the play. The no huddle, Peyton Manning- like, line of scrimmage adjustments, give the defense time to counter the adjustments. If you are trying to run clock, stay in the huddle, then get to the line quickly and run the play. The offense has the advantage as to when to snap the ball, use it.
Finally, good offensive coordinators have to adjust to the talent that they have. The only time that Jay was effective is when he had dual threat QBs like Robinson and Clark. He was clueless with the passers like Morelli and McGloin. Franklin and Donovan need to put their egos aside and create an offense that minimizes the weaknesses and maximizes the strengths on this squad. If this offense doesn't make drastic changes soon, the embarrassing losses will add up and the recruits will look elsewhere.
