There are so many positive developments happening in this season’s Training Camp. We’re witnessing the growth of rookies and second- or third-year players, and we’re winning preseason games. Knock on wood—despite a few significant injuries to some young talent, we’re in decent shape. But let’s remember, it’s still training camp, and that doesn’t always translate to success during the regular season.
Despite the preseason wins and early development, I have some concerns. First, I’m a bit worried about the offensive flow and play calling. Having been around football forever, I recognize that the team may be focused on what they want to accomplish rather than solely on the outcomes. For instance, we came out looking to run the ball against one of the league’s best run defenses. This was likely twofold: to give Bucky Irving some early carries and to see how well the offensive line could execute their schemes against a formidable defense. I understand the reasoning, and we saw mixed results, which will probably lead to some valuable film review.
What concerns me more is the overall flow of the offense. Last year, during preseason, the first and second units often looked in sync, executing scripted opening plays to perfection. This led to early drive success throughout the 2024 season, making our offense one of the best in the league for first drives. Liam Cohen demonstrated his ability to script 10 to 15 plays effectively, and while there were certainly off games, we enjoyed considerable success overall.
I hope new Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard can achieve similar results. Throughout training camp and preseason, we’ve seen more of a vertical passing attack. This approach can be beneficial, as it signals to defenses that we’re willing to stretch the field with our talented receivers. However, in today’s NFL, you don’t see that style often, as the longer the ball stays in the air, the more time talented defensive backs have to make a play.
This shift in the game is one reason interceptions have decreased over the years. The days of Dan Marino and Dan Fouts launching 30+ yard streaks, posts, and corner passes multiple times a game doesn't happen anymore. The most effective offenses often rely on quick routes and passes, similar to how a point guard operates in basketball. The quarterback distributes the ball to playmakers and lets them create. That’s what Cohen’s offense did last year—hitting Godwin, McMillan, and Otten on quick outs, slants, and screens, allowing them to make plays, while utilizing Evans to stretch the field and keep defenses honest. Much of it served as an extension of the running game, setting up both the pass and run.
My hope is that Grizzard is using this high-percentage vertical passing game to keep defenses on their toes and give defenses something else to get ready for, but then settles into a flow similar to Cohen’s. I don’t mind the vertical concepts, as long as they’re strategically used when we need to showcase the deep threat.
We have everything we need on offense, especially once Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin return from their injuries. Here’s to hoping Grizzard is adding wrinkles to the playbook, not completely re-writing it.
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