Some thoughts on last night's playcalling and what I believe our playcalling should look like moving forward. I'll preface by mentioning that I've never played or coached football at any level.
1) 1st Down:
a) We should run on 1st down 90% of the time or more. We are a run first team who needs to stay on schedule. 2nd & 10 is not where we want to be because it forces us to pass from a disadvantageous position.
b) We should be going hurry up on every 1st down other than on a change of possession. It will allow us to vary tempo, potentially prevents our opponent from substituting, and helps us catch the opponent off guard especially if we're running on 1st down 90+% of the time.
2) 2nd Down:
a) This is where we can look to pass. Anywhere between 2nd & 7 to 2nd & 4 are great spots for a controlled passing game. Screens, slants, quick outs/hitches, TE, playaction.
b) This is also the spot where on 2nd & 3 or less from anywhere between our own ~40 and the opponent's ~30, we can look to go playaction and for the big play.
c) When in doubt, 2nd & 3 or less should be an easy spot for us to move the chains with the run or at minimum set ourselves up for two more downs where we need 3 yds. or less.
3rd Down:
a) If we use the 1st down and 2nd down strategy I've mentioned, we should be in good shape to move the chains in short yardage with runs.
b) 3rd & 4-7/8 is a running down for us. We have the ability to get the 1st or set ourselves up for short yardage on 4th.
c) All 3rd & 1's should be a QB sneak/tush push. Don't make this situation harder than it needs to be.
**As much as I'd like to take shots downfield more frequently, I'd much prefer to stay on schedule, limit turnovers, and keep our QB upright. I have tons of faith in our OL with run blocking, but pass blocking is not where we're strongest.
1) 1st Down:
a) We should run on 1st down 90% of the time or more. We are a run first team who needs to stay on schedule. 2nd & 10 is not where we want to be because it forces us to pass from a disadvantageous position.
b) We should be going hurry up on every 1st down other than on a change of possession. It will allow us to vary tempo, potentially prevents our opponent from substituting, and helps us catch the opponent off guard especially if we're running on 1st down 90+% of the time.
2) 2nd Down:
a) This is where we can look to pass. Anywhere between 2nd & 7 to 2nd & 4 are great spots for a controlled passing game. Screens, slants, quick outs/hitches, TE, playaction.
b) This is also the spot where on 2nd & 3 or less from anywhere between our own ~40 and the opponent's ~30, we can look to go playaction and for the big play.
c) When in doubt, 2nd & 3 or less should be an easy spot for us to move the chains with the run or at minimum set ourselves up for two more downs where we need 3 yds. or less.
3rd Down:
a) If we use the 1st down and 2nd down strategy I've mentioned, we should be in good shape to move the chains in short yardage with runs.
b) 3rd & 4-7/8 is a running down for us. We have the ability to get the 1st or set ourselves up for short yardage on 4th.
c) All 3rd & 1's should be a QB sneak/tush push. Don't make this situation harder than it needs to be.
**As much as I'd like to take shots downfield more frequently, I'd much prefer to stay on schedule, limit turnovers, and keep our QB upright. I have tons of faith in our OL with run blocking, but pass blocking is not where we're strongest.