JerseySTEEL
09-16-2008, 05:34 PM
Running back combination creates a slew of problems for opposition
By Allen Wilson -- News Sports Reporter
Updated: 09/16/08 10:35 AM
We heard from the Buffalo Bills’ coaches that they planned to get running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson more involved in the offense. We just didn’t know to what extent.
We do now.
Lynch and Jackson were used extensively and in a variety of ways during the Bills’ 20-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Either Lynch or Jackson were involved in 33 of the Bills’ 51 offensive plays and accounted for 167 of the team’s 285 net yards. Lynch led the way in rushing with 59 yards, while Jackson had team highs in catches (seven) and receiving yards (83).
The most interesting aspect of the Bills’ game plan was using Lynch and Jackson together. There were 10 plays in which both were on the field at the same time.
The package was rarely identical, giving the unsuspecting Jaguars different looks to deal with.
Whenever the Bills split Jackson out wide or in the slot, a linebacker usually moved over to account for him. What that did was leave one less defender in the box for the Bills to block, which meant more running room for Lynch.
It also gave the Bills the advantage in passing situations, as the Jaguars’ linebackers could not cover the shifty Jackson.
“We have a lot of weapons on this team and we try to use all of them,” Jackson said. “That’s something Turk [Schonert, the Bills’ offensive coordinator] wants to take advantage of. Trent [Edwards] spread the ball out well. He stood in the pocket and had a lot of poise.”
Here are some examples of successful plays when Lynch and Jackson were on the field together:
• It’s second-and-13 from the Jaguars’ 26-yard line on the Bills’ opening scoring drive. Lynch and Jackson are split in the backfield. Lynch runs as short out route to the right and Jackson leaks outside to the left side. Finding no one open downfield, Edwards checks down to Jackson. He makes a defender miss after catching the ball in the backfield and gains 6 yards.
By Allen Wilson -- News Sports Reporter
Updated: 09/16/08 10:35 AM
We heard from the Buffalo Bills’ coaches that they planned to get running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson more involved in the offense. We just didn’t know to what extent.
We do now.
Lynch and Jackson were used extensively and in a variety of ways during the Bills’ 20-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Either Lynch or Jackson were involved in 33 of the Bills’ 51 offensive plays and accounted for 167 of the team’s 285 net yards. Lynch led the way in rushing with 59 yards, while Jackson had team highs in catches (seven) and receiving yards (83).
The most interesting aspect of the Bills’ game plan was using Lynch and Jackson together. There were 10 plays in which both were on the field at the same time.
The package was rarely identical, giving the unsuspecting Jaguars different looks to deal with.
Whenever the Bills split Jackson out wide or in the slot, a linebacker usually moved over to account for him. What that did was leave one less defender in the box for the Bills to block, which meant more running room for Lynch.
It also gave the Bills the advantage in passing situations, as the Jaguars’ linebackers could not cover the shifty Jackson.
“We have a lot of weapons on this team and we try to use all of them,” Jackson said. “That’s something Turk [Schonert, the Bills’ offensive coordinator] wants to take advantage of. Trent [Edwards] spread the ball out well. He stood in the pocket and had a lot of poise.”
Here are some examples of successful plays when Lynch and Jackson were on the field together:
• It’s second-and-13 from the Jaguars’ 26-yard line on the Bills’ opening scoring drive. Lynch and Jackson are split in the backfield. Lynch runs as short out route to the right and Jackson leaks outside to the left side. Finding no one open downfield, Edwards checks down to Jackson. He makes a defender miss after catching the ball in the backfield and gains 6 yards.