If Jackson is any good at guard, every one of the Viking running backs should do well behind that left front of Oliver, Darisaw and Jackson. If defenses load up their right side, look out. I can't wait.
He’s a solid player and I’m sure they’ll be able use him this year to help protect against Parsons, but I’ve always felt like he could be used just a little bit more in the passing game. I think KOC gets a little too focused on smashing the strengths of the offense at times when he could sneak or or two more designed dump passes to Ham or Oliver where they are completely uncovered. I don’t even know that you need to do that with Oliver. He seems to catch the ball pretty damn well when they give him an opportunity. 22 catches a year just seems a little low to me for what he offers.
Chase had 20 more targets than JJ last year. Let the painter paint even more >>> finding extra targets for players who are not nearly as good.
KOC had a bugaboo earlier in his tenure of calling trick plays that destroyed drives. I don't have data on this, but it seemed to be much improved last year.
Yeah, I would say that trick plays are a different category than the surprise wheel route from CJ Ham or staggered route from a TE you never throw to. Overall, they definitely need more threats in the short passing game, and sending out a guy now and then who doesn’t typically run a route is just an easy way to do that to keep the defense honest. Oliver should have another ten catches a year, easy, imo.
That's fair--a normal play that looks for TE2 or FB doesn't have the same risk/propensity to turn into a disaster as a trick play does. But, the overall point holds about doing what you are best at vs trying to come up with something unexpected/sneaky. Every season that JJ doesn't lead the NFL in targets is a gift to the rest of the league.
Looking at what happened last year, there were 517 targets. JJ got 154, the combination of Nailor, Jones, TJ Hocks (10 games), Oliver and Mundt got 221. Addison had another 99. That was more than plenty for keeping the defence honest.
If Jackson is any good at guard, every one of the Viking running backs should do well behind that left front of Oliver, Darisaw and Jackson. If defenses load up their right side, look out. I can't wait.
He’s a solid player and I’m sure they’ll be able use him this year to help protect against Parsons, but I’ve always felt like he could be used just a little bit more in the passing game. I think KOC gets a little too focused on smashing the strengths of the offense at times when he could sneak or or two more designed dump passes to Ham or Oliver where they are completely uncovered. I don’t even know that you need to do that with Oliver. He seems to catch the ball pretty damn well when they give him an opportunity. 22 catches a year just seems a little low to me for what he offers.
Chase had 20 more targets than JJ last year. Let the painter paint even more >>> finding extra targets for players who are not nearly as good.
KOC had a bugaboo earlier in his tenure of calling trick plays that destroyed drives. I don't have data on this, but it seemed to be much improved last year.
Yeah, I would say that trick plays are a different category than the surprise wheel route from CJ Ham or staggered route from a TE you never throw to. Overall, they definitely need more threats in the short passing game, and sending out a guy now and then who doesn’t typically run a route is just an easy way to do that to keep the defense honest. Oliver should have another ten catches a year, easy, imo.
That's fair--a normal play that looks for TE2 or FB doesn't have the same risk/propensity to turn into a disaster as a trick play does. But, the overall point holds about doing what you are best at vs trying to come up with something unexpected/sneaky. Every season that JJ doesn't lead the NFL in targets is a gift to the rest of the league.
Looking at what happened last year, there were 517 targets. JJ got 154, the combination of Nailor, Jones, TJ Hocks (10 games), Oliver and Mundt got 221. Addison had another 99. That was more than plenty for keeping the defence honest.
I like it... Grit, power and nastiness.
A taller though smaller, more athletic Jimmy Kleinsasser. . .
Great post on JO. An unsung hero and he gets better every year!
"A lot of work in the dark." Inject that straight into my veins. This guy's a pro's pro.