Lack of Run Game and Creativity Factors in the Demise of Austin Davis? --Wagoner

[RamBill]

Nick Wagoner cites the lack of run game and creativity as factors in Austin Davis's recent demise. He joined Kevin Wheeler to discuss Davis, the lack of run game, the offensive gameplan, the recent defensive upturn, and the 2nd half downturn.

Listen to Wagoner Talk Rams

 

[DCH]

It's a good question. Davis looked very bad at the end of the game, but as it seems happens every week, the playcalling starts off creative and effective and just... stops being either creative or effective. 2nd half playcalls all seem to be "trick them by passing on 1st down, get pissed, play catch-up passing on 2nd and 3rd downs, punt."

And it's not creative or even quick passing plays, it seems to be all 10-25 yard passing plays that take too much time to develop.

People criticized Bradford for being "check-down Sammy," but damned if that's not effective against the blitz.

 

[Orchid]

It's a good question. Davis looked very bad at the end of the game, but as it seems happens every week, the playcalling starts off creative and effective and just... stops being either creative or effective. 2nd half playcalls all seem to be "trick them by passing on 1st down, get pissed, play catch-up passing on 2nd and 3rd downs, punt."

And it's not creative or even quick passing plays, it seems to be all 10-25 yard passing plays that take too much time to develop.

People criticized Bradford for being "check-down Sammy," but damned if that's not effective against the blitz.

So much to digest and comment on. here goes:
1} Davis was bad early as well as middle and late. Defenses have the book on him.... Blitz Rush him and he will drop his eyes and scramble. He does not have the " I will stand up in the pocket, take the hit and make the throw". Basically he does not help his offensive line block 5 plus rushers... Good QBs do.
2) Most big scheme plays happen on first down (defense is playing a base defense) or when the offense is ahead of the chains (2nd & 5, 3rd & 2, etc). The plays the Ram's are calling on first down have outlets or safe throws/check downs... Davis typically ignores them (too flustered to see them).
3) In the 4th Quarter, you have to make precise throws or off platform throws which require arm talent and or superior mechanics... Davis has neither. Not sure he EVER will.

 

[DCH]

So much to digest and comment on. here goes:
1} Davis was bad early as well as middle and late. Defenses have the book on him.... Blitz Rush him and he will drop his eyes and scramble. He does not have the " I will stand up in the pocket, take the hit and make the throw". Basically he does not help his offensive line block 5 plus rushers... Good QBs do.
2) Most big scheme plays happen on first down (defense is playing a base defense) or when the offense is ahead of the chains (2nd & 5, 3rd & 2, etc). The plays the Ram's are calling on first down have outlets or safe throws/check downs... Davis typically ignores them (too flustered to see them).
3) In the 4th Quarter, you have to make precise throws or off platform throws which require arm talent and or superior mechanics... Davis has neither. Not sure he EVER will.

I agree the most with your 2nd point - go back to what I said about people kvetching about Bradford checking down. I yelled at the TV a few times on Sunday (and last Sunday) for Davis to take the easy safety valve completion, pick up 4-6 yards, and face a more manageable down-and-distance.

But scheming seems to be broken as well, particularly in the 2nd half.

 

[DR RAM]

We didn't, and haven't, executed wide open plays.

 

[Stranger]

View: https://soundcloud.com/101sports/nick-wagoner-cites-the-lack-of

 

[RamsSince1969]

It's a good question. Davis looked very bad at the end of the game, but as it seems happens every week, the playcalling starts off creative and effective and just... stops being either creative or effective. 2nd half playcalls all seem to be "trick them by passing on 1st down, get pissed, play catch-up passing on 2nd and 3rd downs, punt."

And it's not creative or even quick passing plays, it seems to be all 10-25 yard passing plays that take too much time to develop.

People criticized Bradford for being "check-down Sammy," but damned if that's not effective against the blitz.

Good comments DCH!
It's almost like we show up, each game, with only enough good pass play calling to last the first drive or two. We score often and early and then, the car stalls on the freeway. To be fair to Sam and Davis, our receivers just get locked down with no separation on their routs. Is that what makes Aaron Rogers and Peyton Manning so great are the windows the receivers create on every route (and the fact they can thread the needle)? Sam can thread the needle, he's legit. He just getst killed by a horrible O-line and poor blitz pickups. But, I think we all can agree, these days, as a QB, you have only 1 second to choose a target, zip it in there, or get crushed by a collapsing pocket. No time to be Fran Tarkenton back there these days. Brian Quick sure gave us an edge this year as a go up and take it out of the air receiver. He is something special and his loss as a "go to guy" for Davis was devestating. I think Quick is a major missing part of the machine and why we run out of gas.