BURNING QUESTION-DEFENDING READ OPTION

BURNING QUESTION #1

How to defend against the read option offensive approach.

     Before I delve into anything regarding the Packers offense, and all of the intriguing issues and changes that we are certainly on the precipice of; I feel I have no choice but to sustain my immediate desire to help them, or moreover help myself, understand the issues apparent on defense.

     In this segment I am going to be critical of the lackluster performance by our defense in the divisional playoff round against the San Francisco 49ers.  It wasn't the first time we saw our D struggle against different versions of what we currently call the "Read Option" which I will abbreviate to "RO" to save space.  It was indeed the most embarrassing and the most costly.  All week writers and analysts spoke about the biggest difference in this 49ers team from week 1 to the playoffs was the change at quarterback from Smith to Kaepernic.  The monumental difference it made against the Packers in the the playoff game at "The Stick" I don't believe anyone could have predicted.  Its almost laughable now looking back at some of the pro Packer articles written insisting that "this wasn't the same Packer team that walked on the field week one;" and I don't believe they were insinuating they were any worse.  In fact many were thinking they were better.  By the end of the game the truth was revealed and the proof was stinking up the pudding. 

     I am a firm believer that football teams are generally created equal.  If an athlete is signed to an NFL team that means he is an amazing, one in a million talent.  There are no slouches playing in the league right now.  It is the reason parody exists in the league.  As one team falls another begins its ascent into football domination.    This is one of the most unique and compelling facets of the game.  It is also the reason you do not see a lot of teams getting blown out week after week.  

     Another thing that makes this game so special is that no matter how long its played it is constantly evolving.  Two years ago and really last year especially the "Spread Passing Attack" was something teams were having fits over.  Teams that had stud quarterbacks were using multiple wide receiver/tight end sets.  Even taking there running back completely out of the backfield.  The idea was to send more receivers out than a defense had adequate backs to cover.  Aaron Rodgers was a quarterback made for that type of offense.  His mobility and allusiveness in the pocket left little need for extra protection.  His acute awareness of the blitz made him lethal with the ball in his hands.  In 2011 he used this type of Arial Assault to rewrite history with 45 touchdown passes and and astonishing 6 interceptions.  Other teams offenses were doing everything they could to mimic this approach while defenses tripped over each other trying to find a way to stop it.  

     Unfortunately, as newtons law goes, what goes up must come down.  And so it did with a kersplat.  Teams figured out the Achilles Heal of that particular offensive approach.  The strangest thing about it is how simple the answer was.  Whats perhaps more disturbing is how long it took teams to figure it out.  If you haven't heard how you stop it I can explain it in one sentence.  DROP YOUR SAFETIES BACK.  Its a lot harder for a quarterback to burn you deep if you have an extra guy in coverage back there.

     Now if your wondering why I'm bringing this all up and thinking in your head, "Uh Chandler, I thought you weren't going to be talking about offense." I say to you, "Just chill, I getting to my point."  

     As easy as it was for teams to slow down the heavy/deep passing attack, I firmly believe its every bit as easy to stop the "RO."  It may even be easier....  Whaaaaa? I know, sounds crazy but just hear me out.  I've begun my research on defending this offensive style and it actually has me excited.  Its sounds ludicrous to be excited about anything that brought our season to an end but here's why.  First of all, the RO isn't a new thing.  College teams have used it for years and thus college teams have developed effective techniques of stopping it.  Second, the reason college teams run this style of offense is because most college teams don't have Aaron Rodgers behind center.  The have to rely on a guy that they cannot trust to throw the ball effectively more than 20 times a game. And even that number is high.  The RO gives your quarterback several options on every down.  Judging by what the defense looks like on the opposite side of the field the offense is structured in such a way that the quarterback can throw it, hand it off, or even and tuck and run with it himself.  Giving the quarterback options alleviates the pressure to throw the ball while simultaneously adding a dimension to his game that makes him more dangerous.

    So now we know why its used and that "other teams" (meaning, obviously not ours) have in the past had success stopping this approach.  No we just need to know how they did it so the Packers can implement this into there defensive playbooks and not look like jerks the next time somebody tries it on us.  Don't think for a second we have seen the last of it because you are fooling yourself.  Not only do we play the 9ers in San Francisco next season but I'm sure any other teams with a quarterback that isn't confined to a wheelchair may try to include this into their arsenal after seeing how effective SF was with it.

Much of what is new in defending the spread involves giving different looks on the backside of all those “zone-read” and other read plays that spread teams are so fond of. For example, on the typical zone-read play, the line is responsible for blocking everyone but the backside defensive end; the quarterback “reads” him. If he crashes to take the runningback (or at least to eliminate the runningback’s cutback lane), the quarterback keeps it; if the defensive end is not in position to tackle the runner (either because he stays put or takes the quarterback, the QB simply hands the ball off to the runner.

Defenses began reacting by using a technique called a “scrape exchange” to mess up the read. With this defensive adjustment, the defensive end always crashes for the running-back  while the linebacker “scrapes” over to take the quarterback. If the quarterback doesn't see this, he will pull the ball, thinking he will have an easy lane on the backside, and instead runs straight into the linebacker.

If the offense knows that the defense is shifting to this (a big if), what is the adjustment? Tell the tackle to block the defensive end, and the quarterback to read the linebacker. Often the linebacker will take himself out of the play, and with good blocking, the offense should be able to get a good run play, or a big play if the runner can cut back.

But let’s step back from scheme: what else can a defense do? One answer, is just to get more athletic. As TCU’s excellent coach Garry Patterson recently told the NY Times’s Pete Thamel:

Patterson’s base defense consists of four down linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. Many teams have gone away from four-man defensive lines and have added a linebacker for a 3-4 alignment, but Patterson chooses to keep the front stout and the back end of the defense flexible.

It is a simple concept for a complicated challenge.

“ You've got to spread out with them,” he said. “We try to coach defense like coaches coach offense.”

Patterson’s theories on slowing down the spread quickly come back to speed.

“If the defensive end is fast enough to be able to play the running back or the quarterback instead of some other person on your defense, that frees up a guy,” he said. “If nine guys out of your 11 can run somebody down, it always helps.”

This last quote is the most important. Reconsider the diagrams above. Now, let’s say (a) that the defensive end (or linebacker in a “scrape-exchange” scheme) is a real stud, and (b) that the quarterback is nothing special — not a Pat White or Vince Young. In that case, when the defense sees the zone read the defender being “read” can pretty much just wait until he knows whether the QB or RB is keeping it, and then attack accordingly. Unless the quarterback is a real athletic threat (think of Michigan’s motley quarterbacking crew from last season), that defender can play both the zone-read and not fear having the quarterback run by him; if the QB runs, he’ll get ‘em.

The obvious answer for the offense is to get more athletic at quarterback (like Michigan is trying to do), but there are other things, like amping up the options on the backside reads for the QB if he doesn’t give it to the back. But, as always, the chess match goes on and on . . . .

Thanks to Chris of smartfootball.com for the insight in how to defend this thing.  I wish Dom Capers and the defense good luck with this.  I really do think we have the right personal to be successful in stopping it.  Like everything else, it just takes practice.

CATCH YOU ON THE FLIP!

Just Got Harbaughed

I had so much fun making the Pete Carroll Post that I didn't really want it to end.  Then I realized, it doesn't have to.  There are probably more people in the NFL with issues, than your average psych ward.  Honestly, I can hardly blame them.  It has to be very stressful to be under constant public scrutiny all while trying to be the best in the league.  To continue to achieve at this extraordinarily high degree of expectations year after year after year can turn any normal person into a ticking time bomb.

And so it goes that this profession gave birth to the peaking embolism that is Jim Harbaugh.  If ever there was man in serious need of his own planet Jim Harbaugh would be candidate numero uno. 

This is actually the same expression he made on his drivers licence.

Jim to Pete. "Shot in the freakin dark, and at risk of gettin my heart broke... You want do somethin later?"

"Alex...Your f#%$&ing fired!

This is the internship program Jim got Alex into after ruining his career.  Yes, hes a ball washer.  According to Jim.

Jim just had the epiphany that if he really wanted to he could eat a baby!  Now all he needs is a baby!

BINGO!

Jim to Colin. "If you win me a Superbowl I'll let you f*%# me."  I swear to God. Win me an SB and YOU CAN "F" ME!

Jim to Joe Staley. " Joe, it better be urine this time, God help you if its Gatorade again."

This is the moment when Jim realized they both had the same first name! SWEET.  He was later disappointed after finding out that there was no blood relation.

This is Jim telling a kid how stupid he looks in a red jumpsuit.  And that if it wasn't for those three guys over there he would beat him like rag doll.  Shortly after their meeting Jim stole his wheelchair.

Jim...please, for the love of all that is sacred in this world, get help!

The Many Faces of Pete

I wanted to do something fun for one of my first posts.  Then I got to thinking, what would be more fun than to reflect upon a common enemy.  Pete Carroll may be the newest pariah of the Packer fan base, but he's also an easy target.  I started looking up some images of this guy and I couldn't believe how many pictures there were of him looking like a complete dumb-ass.  So what I have done is compiled a small assortment of different photos that tells a story of one a the universes biggest mistakes, the creation of Pete "the weasel" Carroll.

In this particular picture we have captured Pete as he realizes that he probably should not have eaten Indian food the night before a big game.

This is the "point of no return" face.  Unfortunately for Pete, that was also his last clean pair of underwear.

No Lie.  This is Pete gesturing to Russell at how big the deuce was, still grimacing over an unforgettable bowel movement.

Pete inviting Russell over for the fecal bronzing ceremony, and Russell wishing he had Dorothy's ruby slippers.

My next montage is one I think we can all relate to.  We must never forget that this actually happened and that every Packer fan in the country felt a need to file sexual assault charges against the NFL the following day.

Along with what should have been the final score we see what was obvious only to Pete Carroll himself as a surefire game-ending TD.  If only the one in Atlanta yesterday would have been ruled the same way.  It really wasn't all that different.  Seahawk fans everywhere were left wondering if the rules had changed.

Pete's exact words. "If you ever want to see your family again, you know what has to be done."  In doing so this guy lost his job but kept his family safe.

Pete Carroll signalling to his assassin to go ahead with the hit anyway.  And celebrating his pseudo victory over the Packers.

Two guys confidently on the same page.  The worlds first Game Winning Interception.  I'm not saying this cost us a Superbowl, but we would probably have definitely won the Superbowl had it not.

If there was ever a man who needed a distraction.

"Remember, we keep our story straight.  If we keep it straight I promise we won't look like f%&*#ing idots"  - Pete Carroll to Russell Wilson

"You owe me a ring , muther f#%&*er. You think the Seahawks are a scary bunch.  Wait until you see a scorned group of Packer fans.  Don't Let me catch you in Green Bay punk.  Oh yeah, by the way, that zebra suite makes you look like a bitch!"-Mike McCArthy to REF after Seahwaks game

OK. I am finished with my rant, but before I go I want to leave you with 2 other pictures that I couldn't quite fit into my montage but I just had to share with you... 

Its the choices we make that define our character!

"What? You thought I said time out? I said prime trout! Open up your ears you jack wagon.  I own a trout farm in Washington and wanted to know if you wanted to by some prime trout you dick! -Pete Carroll pleading his case with a ref at the end of the divisional playoff game @ Atlanta.

If it isn't obvious to everyone I will go ahead and say it.  Though the photos are really real, my explanations of the events may not be entirely accurate.  Thanks for reading everybody and be looking out for the next article.  Coming soon.

Seasons Start Like Seasons End...Sadly

So the season ends like the season begins.  Loosing to the San Francisco 49ers. What disgusting symmetry.

I hate to say it but I kind of saw it coming.  I just never had the same feeling of excitement I did when the Packers entered the playoffs as a 6th seed in late 2010-11.  Its funny because its not like we were an undefeated team heading in to the playoffs but for some reason that team gave me the sensation they would not be denied.  The defense was confident and stopping people when it mattered and the offense was capitalizing on everything, albeit with a new running game; but a passing attack that I believe we may never see again.
It pains me to sit here knowing I won't be watching the Packers in Atlanta next week. I would like to think of what may have happened had we had the opportunity, but I digest.   However I am going to do my best to conjure some good memories that were created in the process of a season that has officially come to an end.

I am sure I was not alone in being concerned after the embarrassing week 5 outing in Indiana that gave us one more L in the win/loss column and took our number one running back...for the rest of the season.  I was very excited when I learned they added Cedric Benson to the roster.  I was patient with the offense as they tried to develop strategies around how best to use a running back the likes of which we haven't seen since Ahman Green.  During the first half of that week  5 game at the Colts I was sitting in a Buffalo Wild Wings with my Dad thinking they had figured it out.  He only had 7 carries for 20 yards and 2 receptions for 21 yards,  but one of those carries went for 9 yards and one of those receptions went for 18.5 yards and he was close to breaking that one for a lot more.  The really beautiful thing that had been created was a balanced running/passing attack.  That game displayed the new look Packers.  A run to set up the pass offense.  Aaron Rodgers averaged 5 rushes for 11.5 yards a carry; which is actually better than Colin K . averaged during the regular season in the read/option offense.  The actual numbers for the game were 24 runs and 20 passes.  Had Cedric Benson remained healthy through the duration of that game we would have had the number 2 seed in the playoffs. Had Cedric Benson remained healthy through the whole season, who knows.

So after week 5 our record was a dismal and disappointing 2 and 3.  The next game on the schedule was @ Houston Texans.  This would be the defining moment in the season.  I remember watching the game alone in the comfort of my bedroom, my wooby close by, just in case.  I did not ask God for him to bring me Aaron Rodgers circa 2010-11, but he did anyway.  I feel like he may have been wanting to see it one more time as well.  It was a perfect display of dominance. Both offensively and defensively.  Our receivers were making all the catches, and Aaron was making all of the throws.  It was one of those," we will not be denied, not like this", moments.  We also had a little help from Wade Phillips.  Thank you Wade, you will always have a special place in my heart.   I sent out and received roughly 100 texts to my Dad and both my brothers during the game.  A thing of beauty.

That game was the beginning of a 5 game winning streak.  We went on to beat the Rams, Jags, Cardinals, and the Lions.  Looking back, that run doesn't seem all that impressive.  It beginning with the Texans, was.  After the first victory over the Lions we traveled to New York where something happened, I can't recall exactly what it was.  Its weird, almost as if my mind has repressed it.  What is my brain trying to protect me from? Oh well, I'm not going to dwell on something I can't even remember, so we'll just move on to the next game.

The passing of the bye week was entrance into a part of the schedule that saw us going head to head with all of our division opponents in 5 of the 7 remaining weeks.  If ever there was a feather in Mike McCarthy's cap it has to be the one that is purple/yellow, blue/orange, and blue/silver.  He is the undisputed king of the NFC North, both in the regular and the post season.  Minnesota, Detroit, and Chicago can bow down until further notice.

Randall Cobb is a glimpse of hope for the future of a franchise that has been more than blessed with a bevy of incredible wide receivers.  James Jones, where did you come from and where have you been all my life.  I love you in the way that only a real man can, so much! "Little" known running back  Dujuan Harris gives us all kinds of things to work on and look forward to.  This dude is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise smoggy backfield.  Can he catch? Yes.  Can he run? Yes.  Does he fumble? No.  Does he have a nose for the endzone? YES!  Too bad we only had him for a month.  It will be fun to see his development once he has had a full off-season with the playbook and the staff.

It was nice to see we can win a playoff game at home.  I was beginning to wonder.  Hopefully next year will be different.  When your a Packer fan getting to the playoffs is expected.  To other teams it may be enough to just taste the post-season.  Packer Nation wants to devour it and bask in our self-named Superbowl trophy.

I will leave you with a few pics to help cement a good feeling of our franchise as we move on.  I want to personally thank the Green Bay Packers organization for all the memories.

My next post will delve into the mind of one of the NFC's head coaches, and my new favorite person to make fun of.  There will be pictures and possibly a poem.  Don't worry Pete, I'll be gentle.

Oh, come one. Don't give me that look.  You knew this was going to happen. You had to know.

For Packer Fans Only:

My name is Chandler Tindall.  I am a 32 year old husband and father of 2 mini Packer Fans.  I was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but I have also lived in Waukesha, Milwaukee, and currently reside in a sleepy little town on the gulf coast called Panama City, Florida.  I have been a Packer fan since 1992, to be more precise, the day Brett took over for the "Magic Man" and stole his mojo, and his job...For the better part of 2 decades.  The last 20 years I have been blessed with countless unforgettable moments that have brought me to such highs and lows that I am almost embarrassed to admit.

I am the oldest of three boys and the son of 2 of the most important people in my life.  Now that we are all grown and our lives have taken us in different directions it is hard to maintain what was once the unbreakable family bond.  No matter where we end up or who we become we will always have the Green Bay Packers.  It is the perfunctory bond that holds us all together.   Don't get me wrong, its not the only thing that keeps us together, but if I haven't spoken to my brother Mitch in a month I will have had no idea what he has been working on.  However, I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he's going to have something to say when I tell him that "Cedric Benson was the undoing of our offensive identity this year."   Or that as much as I believe Aaron Rodgers may go down as the best quarterback to have ever played the game,  2012 was an indicator that what worked in 2010 will not work in 2013.

The real reason for this blog is to fill the void that is left after the last second ticks off the clock in that final game.

Here are a few things I will be posting on in the next few days: not in order.

1.  Remembering 2012/13-all of it, for better or for worse. With possibly a poem about Pete Carrol.

2.  A look at defending the Read Option Offense: A new toy for offenses to play with before defenses figure out how to stop it.

3.  Donald Driver/My Hero

4.  Should I stay or should I go?  Who will not be a Packer in the 2013/14 season.