1) Our run blocking improved from week one to week two. One would like to think this mini-trend continues 2) Statistically, Joe Philbin's 2012 team ran the ball much more effectively at home than on the road. This is our first home game after two road games. 3) The depleted Falcons front 7. The Falcons lost Kroy Biermann and Sean Witherspoon from their front 7. Both are a big part of that defense, and figure to give us the opportunity to attack them on the ground. Coming into this week the Falcons had the 8th ranked run defense both by yards per game allowed, and yards per carry by opposing running backs (at 3.1 yards per carry). If you figure this to soften with the loss of Biermann and Witherspoon, we could be looking at a big day for running back Lamar Miller.
All this positive stuff is actually worrying me. Where did the reality bubble go? I'm holding back on the reigns. I'm on the positive wagon, totally, but if we lose Sunday this hype will have alot of ppl eating humble pie and ranting.
Falcons also have one of the best run stopping DT's. What I want to see is the Rb's catching more passes out of the back field.
Atlanta is strong against the middle runs, but weak on the edges. If we see a hundred yard rushing performance it will probably be b/c Miller gets the corner.
Why so serious? Tannehil is playing like a 3-0 QB. Running success and humid, high heat would be a delicious cocktail. We can drain them 4 yards at a time. Miller is still not hitting holes at full speed. I think nervousness is getting the better of him. I hope he can find comfort at home. Making a fool of me and my analysis, we have Daniel Thomas. Miller might not be lighting up running holes just yet but he certainly lit Thomas'. He's hitting creases with conviction. A running attack would be very, vey big this week.
This is running back by committee. Miller disappeared for a while. Daniel Thomas is even with Lamar. I'm yet to see any serious separation honestly. What you can't do in the running game you might rely on Clay. I'm not missing Keller.
Other problem is, as much as the OL is maligned for allowing pressure on THill, Miller and Thomas are pretty much road bumps as blockers and have given up at least 2 sacks in pass protection in 2 games.
Going to be tough with a 60-40 rep split that Miller and Thomas have. I really wish Philbin would let Miller carry a bigger workload and let him develop rhythm. A guy with Millers speed and quickness is always a threat to break one when he's on the field. Honestly, I hate the two RB system. Always have. To me, this is Philbin's weak point in his offensive system. It crippled Reggie Bush's consistency last season and I think it's going to do the same for Miller this season leading to a less productive run game. Daniel Thomas should be used to spell Miller and play situational downs only. There's no reason he should have 10+ carries a game with Miller on the roster, IMO.
Keep in mind as well, Pouncey has a bum ankle, meaning the plays where he can reach the second level or get around the edge to lead block probably won't be as effective as they could be.
I won't do either if they lose. It would be very disappointing but certainly not the end of the world...it's a game, I like to get hyped and talk a little mess, that's all...I refuse to hold back for fear of being wrong.
I can see it. Especially if we are effective early to limit atlantas TOP. With all of our injuries it seems like the bye week can't come soon enough.
In our system, for a running back to crack 100 yards, they have to be able to do it on limited carries. Meaning, they have to be a home run hitter. Lamar miller is that type of back. I think Miller breaks a long TD run this week. On the strength of that, even on a 12-14 carry game I can see him having success in this scenario against a softened Falcons front on the road, in our home opener. We run better at home for some reason. For a guy who posted almost 70 yards last week, is a home-run hitter and DIDN'T break a long one last week I am surprised people are this down on his chances of making 100 yards in this game.
I was wrong, but only because Sherman limited Miller's carries when he was clearly hotter than Thomas. He did break a long run as I thought. Oh well. Half-right.