Kendall Gammon
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Off and Running....Literally
The Chicago game has come and gone, so what have we found out? Well, the Chiefs weren't lying when they said they wanted to run the ball. It's often been said that you pass to score and run to win. While it was somewhat the opposite as Tyler Thigpen's post route pass Bobby Sippio were the deciding points in the Chiefs 1st preseason win, the running game was on display.
What I find so enticing about the running game is the fact that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey does such a great job mixing it up. A toss may go outside as is the norm, but it might go in. The toss may be faked with a give inside. The off tackle zone run, a staple of all offenses, may bounce outside, or break all the way back. It appears that most, if not all, run plays have a counter off of them that will ultimately put some indecision in the minds of the opponent
So what does this say for the upcoming season? I forsee a power running game that fits LJ's preferred style. Get downhill fast. With an offensive line that is in the process of retooling and getting to know more about themselves, a quick hitting run game will help out immensely. Only time will tell if this will ultimately be successful, but from every aspect I saw from the sidelines on Thursday evening in Chicago tells me that with continued development, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
What I find so enticing about the running game is the fact that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey does such a great job mixing it up. A toss may go outside as is the norm, but it might go in. The toss may be faked with a give inside. The off tackle zone run, a staple of all offenses, may bounce outside, or break all the way back. It appears that most, if not all, run plays have a counter off of them that will ultimately put some indecision in the minds of the opponent
So what does this say for the upcoming season? I forsee a power running game that fits LJ's preferred style. Get downhill fast. With an offensive line that is in the process of retooling and getting to know more about themselves, a quick hitting run game will help out immensely. Only time will tell if this will ultimately be successful, but from every aspect I saw from the sidelines on Thursday evening in Chicago tells me that with continued development, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
