Q & A w/ Turner

[Mongo3451]

The problem is, if you simply write Wolfe off as a potential blocker out of the backfield, why even have him there? Why not just split him out and go w/ an empty backfield. For that matter, why have a RB at all? Why not use an extra WR (that would assume we actually had a WR better at catching the ball than our RB).

You have a running back like Wolfe to run draws, quick traps, screens and other quick passing routes. I can remember a play LT made the year before where he chipped off tackle and headed straight up the seam, caight the ball 10 yd downfield and straight to the house. You make the other team gameplan for your 3rd down type of back. Now, if we are talking about Wolfe getting 15 touches a game, he should be able to at least slow someone down. I just don't see it being whats keeping him off the field as some have eluded to.

 

If you simply write off a RB as being able to block, you make him too predictable.

Yes, predict him as a weapon and make the D compensate. Then, on the rare occasion he is asked to block. It is a surprise. Here's the rub... Turner now thinking the opponent will guess Wolfe is NOT in to block, uses him to block exclusively to throw the other team off. We have already seen this in Turner, continually running Wolfe up the gut.

 

And I have to disagree w/ the idea Wolfe can't block due to his size. Yea, he is small, but also compact. It's not like he is the first small RB to play in the NFL. Would I expect him to stand up a DE? Of coarse not. But I don't think that is the idea. If expected to block, we are talking blitz pickup, which is usually a LB or DB. And even then, you are not talking about standing up the guy, but usually just impeeding his free pass to the QB. If he gets in front of the blitzer and is bowled over, he has still slowed down the rusher, and thus buys the QB an extra second or two, which is key.

Don't put those words on me. I never said he couldn't block. I actually see him as a fellow that's not afraid to stick his nose in their. And also mentioned him as a chip and go guy.

 

I think the issue is not nearly as much ability to block a man in front of him, but in blitz recognition. That was Benson's big issue too. Benson was actually a very good blocker against the rusher in front of him. Where Benson failed was in blitz recognition. There would be times he would be on the opposite side of the backfield as the blitz, and far out of position to help the QB. I have no idea, but I would suspect this is the issue more than simply the ability to slow up a blitzer.

I have never read or heard this anywhere.

 

IMHO, this is another area our staff should really be questioned. For years it seems both our OL and RBs have been weak in blitz recognition. TJ may have been an exception, but he was also developed in two previous locations.

I think a lot of what you are referring to is Rex related. We were far less prone blitzing this year. Most of that is on the QB calling the right plays after recognition. IMO - Rex was horrible at this, with Orton being average with upside.

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

While I do like Quinn Johnson, to use a 4th potentially on him would be sickening.

 

I'd much rather have Brannan Southerland in the 6th, or like you said, sign Leonard Weaver.