I'm definitely no football expert, so I'd like to hear your opinions on what is wrong with our rushing game. The poll closes in 7 days. Pick your two top choices. No changing votes. Of the 32 running backs with 128 or more carries Singletary is tied for 20th with 4.1 YDS per carry. Pierce is last with 3.0 TDS per carry. 24 of the 32 running backs have more touchdowns. Singletary and Pierce both have 2. Stroud has rushed for 3 touchdowns. Singletary has 128 carries for 525 YDS. Pierce has 129 carries for 381 YDS. Neither has fumbled the ball. Why does Pierce get more carries? Why is our rushing game so bad? Is the problem our offensive coach, our running backs, our offensive line, or a combination of reasons?
Combination of factors. One thing I’ve noticed is that Pierce does not hit the hole nearly as quickly as Singletary or as he did last season. He hesitates in the backfield a ton.
Running on predictable running downs is a big culprit, but even still I don't think this line gets a ton of push. Line 1st, Slowik 2
It's really surprised me how much of a 180 I've done on Pierce. He was about the only thing I enjoyed watching of this team last season, and his runs this season are the most frustrating to watch. I was super happy when they got Singletary but it was because I felt like he would make an excellent thunder/lightning complement to Pierce's style, not because I expected we would need him to take the bulk of Pierce's carries. But that appears to be where we are. I don't like seeing Pierce carry at all anymore. I think the O-line has its fair share of blame as well as I think we aren't great at run blocking, but I think much more often the issue is the decisions Pierce makes when he is carrying the ball.
The Shannahan offense is a zone blocking/running offense. Needs more athleticism/quickness from OL, size not as important. Running backs in the offense have to have good vision and patience to succeed. Pierce has poor vision and not great patience , which hinders him in this offense. Tytus isn’t a guard and that was also a hindrance to the blocking scheme. Arian Foster was so successful because he had generational RB vision and was incredibly patient.
We have one RB clearly and consistently outperforming the other. I get that Singletary may not be built to be a bell cow back, but now that we are in the middle of a playoff hunt, we need to get him more carries. At this stage of the season, it is so important to have some semblance of a running attack.
Definitley doesnt help to be running out 2nd and 3rd stingers thats for sure. Good news is if the line can get shored up and we find a RB with the vision to make the scheme work it will only unlock CJ even further.
We just don’t have above average RB talent , I know it’s not wise often times to take a running back high in the draft but we need to consider that next year
The offensive game plan is typically very predictable, the offensive line is a moment to moment configuration (no continuity), and the running backs are not special. Need improvements in all areas. Slowvik has been unimpressive in my opinion, like zero creativity. Reminds me of when I could call all BOB's plays with high accuracy. Everyone looks like a genius when CJ throws the ball.
It would be nice to have a real running back if we're going to be the most predictable running offense in the leaguy.
Often there is no hole to run through. Singletary seems to be better at making something out of nothing.
