Will our offense be different with Lance?

Originally posted by 49ers808:
Created a thread for this so that the Danny Gray thread doesn't continue this conversation.

Someone said that there has been ZERO indication of our offense changing because Shanny built this team exactly how he wants it and I guess the presumption is we will see more of the same with Lance under center vice Jimmy. I disagree. I think the biggest trade in franchise history for Lance himself IS indication that not only does Shanny want a change but will in fact field a different offense then we've seen since his tenure. I think it will and always will be run first/dominant but with the added element of Trey for 11 on 11 football, Jimmy can't and hasn't done that. I think we will see more of the field used, in particular more deep shots and passes outside the numbers. I won't predict pass attempts as was asked in the other thread because IMO that is decided game to game and the scoreboard/defense plays a part in that; but gun to my head I actually think we won't have to pass as much (attempts) due to our run game being better and the deep shots hit or even missed to keep defenses honest. Jimmy hardly even did that. I do expect more pass interference calls then we ever had with Jimmy to go up for that alone. I don't expect all this in essentially Treys rookie season or first as a starter, but I know how it is here and Treys first year will be compared to Jimmy's entire time. Whatever; end of day I think we will see a different offense and we will see that this year granted Trey is the starter

I think eventually it will be more pass-centric offense, again depends on Trey's development. Until then - it will resemble a Bo Shembechkler offense for the most part.

Originally posted by YACBros85:
The way we will attack the defense through the air will absolutely change with Trey. However, I don't see Kyle ever calling 700 pass attempts in a season. We will still be a run oriented offense with a passing game that compliments it.

Looking at the types of backs and o lineman Shanhan and Lynch have been drafting the past 2 seasons, I see a shift in how they want to run the ball and attack the defense. The offense imo, will be the opposite of what its been. With Jimmy, it was a stretch the defense horizontally in the running game to open up the quick in breaking routes in the passing game. With Trey, it could become stretch the defense out verically in order to open up the middle for the run game.

Good thoughts. I think Kyle saw his scheme spread around the league (LAR, MIN, GB, CLE, NYJ, etc.) and knew it was time to adjust. His outside zone with heavy bootleg playaction scheme was great to attack the single high safety defensive schemes that had spread throughout the league - the "Seattle Cover3". Defenses then began to adjust to Kyle's scheme - 1.5 gap, Quarters concepts - both of which have light 7 in the box alignment. Some will say Quarters is actually 9 in the box, but the two safeties are still outside the box, it's just that they both have a run fit now.

One way to attack that (1.5 gap, Quarters) is to run between the tackles, and/or more gap blocking concepts. Basically, more straight ahead running where the offense outnumbers the defense at the point of attack to take advantage of the lighter box, as opposed to outside zone where they horizontally stretch the front 7 (front 8). Inside zone runs address this and it is evident that is where Kyle is taking his run game (drafting bigger RBs, spending a day 2 pick on a big guard, a QB that can execute zone read). Couple that with a QB that has a big arm and I agree with you that, in the passing game, Kyle is now going to put more emphasis on vertically stretching the defense as opposed to horizontally stretching them.

In a basic scenario, if the defense is in Quarters (both safeties around 8-12 yards behind LoS which is rather shallow), both safeties have run fits and must honor playaction. So once the inside zone/zone read plays are established, it's time to playaction off of that. Playaction, safeties bite, attack vertically behind them.

Originally posted by thl408:
Good thoughts. I think Kyle saw his scheme spread around the league (LAR, MIN, GB, CLE, NYJ, etc.) and knew it was time to adjust. His outside zone with heavy bootleg playaction scheme was great to attack the single high safety defensive schemes that had spread throughout the league - the "Seattle Cover3". Defenses then began to adjust to Kyle's scheme - 1.5 gap, Quarters concepts - both of which have light 7 in the box alignment. Some will say Quarters is actually 9 in the box, but the two safeties are still outside the box, it's just that they both have a run fit now.

One way to attack that (1.5 gap, Quarters) is to run between the tackles, and/or more gap blocking concepts. Basically, more straight ahead running where the offense outnumbers the defense at the point of attack to take advantage of the lighter box, as opposed to outside zone where they horizontally stretch the front 7 (front 8). Inside zone runs address this and it is evident that is where Kyle is taking his run game (drafting bigger RBs, spending a day 2 pick on a big guard, a QB that can execute zone read). Couple that with a QB that has a big arm and I agree with you that, in the passing game, Kyle is now going to put more emphasis on vertically stretching the defense as opposed to horizontally stretching them.

In a basic scenario, if the defense is in Quarters (both safeties around 8-12 yards behind LoS which is rather shallow), both safeties have run fits and must honor playaction. So once the inside zone/zone read plays are established, it's time to playaction off of that. Playaction, safeties bite, attack vertically behind them.

Good stuff right here

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:
Seeing a trend among those that agree with me; waiting for response from those that won't agree cause I think I know who it will be

You were originally trying to prop up the historic ATL offense under Kyle's YOLO OC role and imply that that's what he wants as a HC here, ignoring 6 years of off season team building to the contrary to that where the running game and defense has been front and center. That year, a classic pocket passer, had 536 passing attempts for nearly 5K yards. Nuts. Would that be fun? Hell yeah. But is that how Kyle's built this team thus far? Not so much.

But let's see if it starts to evolve next off season.

I wasn't ignoring anything; you jumped in on my post with Memphis. Prop up? I simply said that I believe the offense he ran/had there was more a reflection of what he wants then the limited one we've had here. Seems like a no s**t sherlock too me; as you said a historic offense with a QB playing at an MVP level and humming run game. The running game was still top notch at that time and the defense was rightfully so on Dan Quinn. You keep throwing out that team building thing; was Trey Lance not a part of it? Oh wait, you answered my question regarding that with a good ol THIS OFF-SEASON

You all over the place man. In Danny Gray thread you saying essentially the offense "6 years team building" is exactly what Kyle wants and it will all be the same and then contradict yourself in this thread

You make zero sense here.

First you tried to imply we'd be a pass centric offense and quickly referenced the ATL as your gold standard. Then you try to pivot to Danny Gray as proof we're moving towards that, once again ignoring that the Aldrick Robinson role is still just a 200-300 yard receiver who helps others too with his speed on ghost routes. That's an important role but not one that signifies Kyle is going OC pass-centric YOLO again. He's got a full team to run here and literally every moves he's made, including this off season where Trey is the clear starting QB, has screamed, "We're a running team ~ John Lynch." 6 years Kyle has had to build his team exactly how he wants.

I simply asked you what evidence do you see that signifies we're moving towards a pass centric offense now that the Garoppolo era is over?

So which is it? Is the entire philosophy changing to a more pass centric offense like in ATL (your reference) and like his predecessors in McVay and LaFleur or is he going to continue with his run-centric offense with a featured FB even with 3 first round picks used on a QB with more mobility?

I'm all ears.

Also, I've stated my projections. Let's see yours. It's all for fun. It's not like we all don't want to see a more explosive and entertaining offense even within a low volume of passing like we've done to date. Also, would love to hear your thoughts on HOW the offense will change with Trey...because it certainly will.

Wow NC, seriously? I make zero sense? You have now gone off the rails with this post man.

1. Show me a single post where I implied that we would move towards a pass centric offense. I've stated the exact opposite both in this thread and the Danny Gray thread. I referenced the ATL offense AS A WHOLE, both pass and run game as the offense that I believe Shanahan wants, one without limitations. An offense in which his QB uses the entire field and is playing at an MVP level while his run game is humming. The Danny Gray thread is where this conversation began and reason I created this thread; YOU are literally the reason I made this thread to begin with. Danny Gray was "pivoted" too because YOU said there was ZERO indication of him changing anything and that I couldn't use the ATL offense as an example because he was a YOLO OC only looking for a HC job. That I couldn't use Lance as indication of wanting change and you meant THIS off-season. So with those stipulations that YOU desired, I used Danny Gray as an indication for THIS off-season as him wanting the deep threat and actually with a QB that will target that deep threat.

2. You asked what? Re-read where it all began and you jumped in my post with Memphis in the Danny Gray thread.

3. You did state your projections; asked for mine; I gave you mine and you literally commented on it in this freaking thread. Seriously brah? My thoughts on how this offense will change is literally how I began this freaking thread. If you'd love to hear it again, rewind to yesterday, start from square one where you put yourself into a conversation with me in Grays thread; take a look at the post where I told you that I'd make a thread for this and you thanked me for it; take it all in; then open this thread again and come at me with something that hasn't already been answered and please reference where I implied we would be a pass centric offense.

Referencing a historic 5K offense is your pass centric offense. When I asked what made you think we were moving in that direction you referenced Trey and Gray.

So again, which way are you leaning now? Based on your one projection of run-pass ratio, you actually think we'll pass LESS than my projection.

So that's why I'm confused with your take. Mine has been very consistent. Run-pass ratio will be roughly the same as in our successful years but there will be many differences within those very low number of passing attempts.

It SOUNDS like you'd wish it would become more pass centric but there doesn't seem to be any real evidence to support that so you guesstimated even less passing attempts than I did. LOL

I like this topic you started and would still like you to expand upon what your expectations will be and what those differences might end up being (I stated mine already in scheme and individual player stats).

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by thl408:
Good thoughts. I think Kyle saw his scheme spread around the league (LAR, MIN, GB, CLE, NYJ, etc.) and knew it was time to adjust. His outside zone with heavy bootleg playaction scheme was great to attack the single high safety defensive schemes that had spread throughout the league - the "Seattle Cover3". Defenses then began to adjust to Kyle's scheme - 1.5 gap, Quarters concepts - both of which have light 7 in the box alignment. Some will say Quarters is actually 9 in the box, but the two safeties are still outside the box, it's just that they both have a run fit now.

One way to attack that (1.5 gap, Quarters) is to run between the tackles, and/or more gap blocking concepts. Basically, more straight ahead running where the offense outnumbers the defense at the point of attack to take advantage of the lighter box, as opposed to outside zone where they horizontally stretch the front 7 (front 8). Inside zone runs address this and it is evident that is where Kyle is taking his run game (drafting bigger RBs, spending a day 2 pick on a big guard, a QB that can execute zone read). Couple that with a QB that has a big arm and I agree with you that, in the passing game, Kyle is now going to put more emphasis on vertically stretching the defense as opposed to horizontally stretching them.

In a basic scenario, if the defense is in Quarters (both safeties around 8-12 yards behind LoS which is rather shallow), both safeties have run fits and must honor playaction. So once the inside zone/zone read plays are established, it's time to playaction off of that. Playaction, safeties bite, attack vertically behind them.

Good stuff right here

I'm not sure if the 1.5 gap scheme is spreading around the league, it's a Vic Fangio/Brandon Staley thing. But I am confident in saying that Quarters defense is more prevalent now than it has been in the past 3 years. The 49ers are one example as they shifted from that Seattle Cover3 to more Quarters looks, starting in 2019 when Saleh was still here.

Quarters helps to defend the deep crossers that Kyle's scheme loves to target, and also helps to combat the spread formations that NFL offenses use more of nowadays. The drawback of Quarters is a light box that might have a gap unaccounted for in the run game. "1.5 gap" helps to alleviate the light box. So if defense wants to use a lighter box, then pound them with force (inside zone, gap concepts) not movement blocks (outside zone).

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by YACBros85:
The way we will attack the defense through the air will absolutely change with Trey. However, I don't see Kyle ever calling 700 pass attempts in a season. We will still be a run oriented offense with a passing game that compliments it.

Looking at the types of backs and o lineman Shanhan and Lynch have been drafting the past 2 seasons, I see a shift in how they want to run the ball and attack the defense. The offense imo, will be the opposite of what its been. With Jimmy, it was a stretch the defense horizontally in the running game to open up the quick in breaking routes in the passing game. With Trey, it could become stretch the defense out verically in order to open up the middle for the run game.

Good thoughts. I think Kyle saw his scheme spread around the league (LAR, MIN, GB, CLE, NYJ, etc.) and knew it was time to adjust. His outside zone with heavy bootleg playaction scheme was great to attack the single high safety defensive schemes that had spread throughout the league - the "Seattle Cover3". Defenses then began to adjust to Kyle's scheme - 1.5 gap, Quarters concepts - both of which have light 7 in the box alignment. Some will say Quarters is actually 9 in the box, but the two safeties are still outside the box, it's just that they both have a run fit now.

One way to attack that (1.5 gap, Quarters) is to run between the tackles, and/or more gap blocking concepts. Basically, more straight ahead running where the offense outnumbers the defense at the point of attack to take advantage of the lighter box, as opposed to outside zone where they horizontally stretch the front 7 (front 8). Inside zone runs address this and it is evident that is where Kyle is taking his run game (drafting bigger RBs, spending a day 2 pick on a big guard, a QB that can execute zone read). Couple that with a QB that has a big arm and I agree with you that, in the passing game, Kyle is now going to put more emphasis on vertically stretching the defense as opposed to horizontally stretching them.

In a basic scenario, if the defense is in Quarters (both safeties around 8-12 yards behind LoS which is rather shallow), both safeties have run fits and must honor playaction. So once the inside zone/zone read plays are established, it's time to playaction off of that. Playaction, safeties bite, attack vertically behind them.

This. I don't know what makes people think for one second Kyle is going to go pass happy. Least of all with a qb as green as Trey is. The biggest change is probably going to be more inside zone hence Sermon and Price, and zone read and RPO than with Jimmy, plus more deep targets.

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by thl408:
Good thoughts. I think Kyle saw his scheme spread around the league (LAR, MIN, GB, CLE, NYJ, etc.) and knew it was time to adjust. His outside zone with heavy bootleg playaction scheme was great to attack the single high safety defensive schemes that had spread throughout the league - the "Seattle Cover3". Defenses then began to adjust to Kyle's scheme - 1.5 gap, Quarters concepts - both of which have light 7 in the box alignment. Some will say Quarters is actually 9 in the box, but the two safeties are still outside the box, it's just that they both have a run fit now.

One way to attack that (1.5 gap, Quarters) is to run between the tackles, and/or more gap blocking concepts. Basically, more straight ahead running where the offense outnumbers the defense at the point of attack to take advantage of the lighter box, as opposed to outside zone where they horizontally stretch the front 7 (front 8). Inside zone runs address this and it is evident that is where Kyle is taking his run game (drafting bigger RBs, spending a day 2 pick on a big guard, a QB that can execute zone read). Couple that with a QB that has a big arm and I agree with you that, in the passing game, Kyle is now going to put more emphasis on vertically stretching the defense as opposed to horizontally stretching them.

In a basic scenario, if the defense is in Quarters (both safeties around 8-12 yards behind LoS which is rather shallow), both safeties have run fits and must honor playaction. So once the inside zone/zone read plays are established, it's time to playaction off of that. Playaction, safeties bite, attack vertically behind them.

Good stuff right here

Now that's some good stuff on the topic!

I can't wait to see the running game evolve this year too.

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by YACBros85:
The way we will attack the defense through the air will absolutely change with Trey. However, I don't see Kyle ever calling 700 pass attempts in a season. We will still be a run oriented offense with a passing game that compliments it.

Looking at the types of backs and o lineman Shanhan and Lynch have been drafting the past 2 seasons, I see a shift in how they want to run the ball and attack the defense. The offense imo, will be the opposite of what its been. With Jimmy, it was a stretch the defense horizontally in the running game to open up the quick in breaking routes in the passing game. With Trey, it could become stretch the defense out verically in order to open up the middle for the run game.

Good thoughts. I think Kyle saw his scheme spread around the league (LAR, MIN, GB, CLE, NYJ, etc.) and knew it was time to adjust. His outside zone with heavy bootleg playaction scheme was great to attack the single high safety defensive schemes that had spread throughout the league - the "Seattle Cover3". Defenses then began to adjust to Kyle's scheme - 1.5 gap, Quarters concepts - both of which have light 7 in the box alignment. Some will say Quarters is actually 9 in the box, but the two safeties are still outside the box, it's just that they both have a run fit now.

One way to attack that (1.5 gap, Quarters) is to run between the tackles, and/or more gap blocking concepts. Basically, more straight ahead running where the offense outnumbers the defense at the point of attack to take advantage of the lighter box, as opposed to outside zone where they horizontally stretch the front 7 (front 8). Inside zone runs address this and it is evident that is where Kyle is taking his run game (drafting bigger RBs, spending a day 2 pick on a big guard, a QB that can execute zone read). Couple that with a QB that has a big arm and I agree with you that, in the passing game, Kyle is now going to put more emphasis on vertically stretching the defense as opposed to horizontally stretching them.

In a basic scenario, if the defense is in Quarters (both safeties around 8-12 yards behind LoS which is rather shallow), both safeties have run fits and must honor playaction. So once the inside zone/zone read plays are established, it's time to playaction off of that. Playaction, safeties bite, attack vertically behind them.

Thank you for the indepth, technical stuff. I could definitely see a change in the way defenses were playing us as early as the PH and GB games last season. Shanahan was already taking steps to counter that before the 2021 draft. Have to admire the guy. Stay 2 steps ahead of the competition. The next few seasons should be fun and exciting to watch.

Originally posted by Memphis9er:
This. I don't know what makes people think for one second Kyle is going to go pass happy. Least of all with a qb as green as Trey is. The biggest change is probably going to be more inside zone hence Sermon and Price, and zone read and RPO than with Jimmy, plus more deep targets.

Bingo!

Originally posted by YACBros85:
Thank you for the indepth, technical stuff. I could definitely see a change in the way defenses were playing us as early as the PH and GB games last season. Shanahan was already taking steps to counter that before the 2021 draft. Have to admire the guy. Stay 2 steps ahead of the competition. The next few seasons should be fun and exciting to watch.

Yeah, IIRC, the Packers and Rams did a nice job of thwarting our rushing attack esp. on OZ plays which then really stresses the offense in a domino effect. I think when he drafted Trey and Banks, we got a quick insight into more inside runs. Hell, we saw that in Trey's first start. Plus Foerster now taking over too. And a different run game coordinator. Changes are coming.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by YACBros85:
Thank you for the indepth, technical stuff. I could definitely see a change in the way defenses were playing us as early as the PH and GB games last season. Shanahan was already taking steps to counter that before the 2021 draft. Have to admire the guy. Stay 2 steps ahead of the competition. The next few seasons should be fun and exciting to watch.

Yeah, IIRC, the Packers and Rams did a nice job of thwarting our rushing attack esp. on OZ plays which then really stresses the offense in a domino effect. I think when he drafted Trey and Banks, we got a quick insight into more inside runs. Hell, we saw that in Trey's first start. Plus Foerster now taking over too. And a different run game coordinator. Changes are coming.

Whether it's 1.5 gap or the 6-1 alignment that we saw Hoodie use vs the Rams, then GB use it against SF, there are more ways to combat outside zone runs as DCs make their adjustments. I really enjoy watching the ebb and flow of NFL schemes and believe this is the current change in the NFL.
One thing to watch is how RPOs will affect defenses over the long run. RPOs attack zone coverage, and if done right, is a very efficient way to get high percentage yards. Will defenses pick their poison and simply try to tackle better? Late shifts to confuse the QB's reads? Simply call more man coverage which defeats RPOs? It looks like Kyle has installed a few RPOs for Lance and I'm really interested in seeing how Kyle designs his RPOs with a mobile QB.

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by YACBros85:
Thank you for the indepth, technical stuff. I could definitely see a change in the way defenses were playing us as early as the PH and GB games last season. Shanahan was already taking steps to counter that before the 2021 draft. Have to admire the guy. Stay 2 steps ahead of the competition. The next few seasons should be fun and exciting to watch.

Yeah, IIRC, the Packers and Rams did a nice job of thwarting our rushing attack esp. on OZ plays which then really stresses the offense in a domino effect. I think when he drafted Trey and Banks, we got a quick insight into more inside runs. Hell, we saw that in Trey's first start. Plus Foerster now taking over too. And a different run game coordinator. Changes are coming.

Whether it's 1.5 gap or the 6-1 alignment that we saw Hoodie use vs the Rams, then GB use it against SF, there are more ways to combat outside zone runs as DCs make their adjustments. I really enjoy watching the ebb and flow of NFL schemes and believe this is the current change in the NFL.
One thing to watch is how RPOs will affect defenses over the long run. RPOs attack zone coverage, and if done right, is a very efficient way to get high percentage yards. Will defenses pick their poison and simply try to tackle better? Late shifts to confuse the QB's reads? Simply call more man coverage which defeats RPOs? It looks like Kyle has installed a few RPOs for Lance and I'm really interested in seeing how Kyle designs his RPOs with a mobile QB.

We talked about the acquisitions of Trey Lance, Danny Gray, Aaron Banks, Tyrion Davis-Price, and coaching/coordinator (different styles) changes, but has there been any other moves that have "possibly" tipped you off into some directions we might go this year? Or try out?

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by YACBros85:
Thank you for the indepth, technical stuff. I could definitely see a change in the way defenses were playing us as early as the PH and GB games last season. Shanahan was already taking steps to counter that before the 2021 draft. Have to admire the guy. Stay 2 steps ahead of the competition. The next few seasons should be fun and exciting to watch.

Yeah, IIRC, the Packers and Rams did a nice job of thwarting our rushing attack esp. on OZ plays which then really stresses the offense in a domino effect. I think when he drafted Trey and Banks, we got a quick insight into more inside runs. Hell, we saw that in Trey's first start. Plus Foerster now taking over too. And a different run game coordinator. Changes are coming.

Whether it's 1.5 gap or the 6-1 alignment that we saw Hoodie use vs the Rams, then GB use it against SF, there are more ways to combat outside zone runs as DCs make their adjustments. I really enjoy watching the ebb and flow of NFL schemes and believe this is the current change in the NFL.
One thing to watch is how RPOs will affect defenses over the long run. RPOs attack zone coverage, and if done right, is a very efficient way to get high percentage yards. Will defenses pick their poison and simply try to tackle better? Late shifts to confuse the QB's reads? Simply call more man coverage which defeats RPOs? It looks like Kyle has installed a few RPOs for Lance and I'm really interested in seeing how Kyle designs his RPOs with a mobile QB.

We talked about the acquisitions of Trey Lance, Danny Gray, Aaron Banks, Tyrion Davis-Price, and coaching/coordinator (different styles).changes, but has there been any other moves that have "possibly" tipped you off into some directions we might go this year? Or try out?

Nothing else off the top of my head - nothing as obvious as the drafting of the two day2 RBs (Sermon, Price), and the similar skillset that they share.

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by YACBros85:
Thank you for the indepth, technical stuff. I could definitely see a change in the way defenses were playing us as early as the PH and GB games last season. Shanahan was already taking steps to counter that before the 2021 draft. Have to admire the guy. Stay 2 steps ahead of the competition. The next few seasons should be fun and exciting to watch.

Yeah, IIRC, the Packers and Rams did a nice job of thwarting our rushing attack esp. on OZ plays which then really stresses the offense in a domino effect. I think when he drafted Trey and Banks, we got a quick insight into more inside runs. Hell, we saw that in Trey's first start. Plus Foerster now taking over too. And a different run game coordinator. Changes are coming.

Whether it's 1.5 gap or the 6-1 alignment that we saw Hoodie use vs the Rams, then GB use it against SF, there are more ways to combat outside zone runs as DCs make their adjustments. I really enjoy watching the ebb and flow of NFL schemes and believe this is the current change in the NFL.
One thing to watch is how RPOs will affect defenses over the long run. RPOs attack zone coverage, and if done right, is a very efficient way to get high percentage yards. Will defenses pick their poison and simply try to tackle better? Late shifts to confuse the QB's reads? Simply call more man coverage which defeats RPOs? It looks like Kyle has installed a few RPOs for Lance and I'm really interested in seeing how Kyle designs his RPOs with a mobile QB.

We talked about the acquisitions of Trey Lance, Danny Gray, Aaron Banks, Tyrion Davis-Price, and coaching/coordinator (different styles).changes, but has there been any other moves that have "possibly" tipped you off into some directions we might go this year? Or try out?

Nothing else off the top of my head - nothing as obvious as the drafting of the two day2 RBs (Sermon, Price), and the similar skillset that they share.

Yeah, the only other thing I can think of right now is they seem to be loading up on blocking TE competition, new OL and their college strengths and Kyle hasn't really brought in that homerun speed at RB that he's always seemed to have had here.

I'm super curious how he's going to deploy Jennings this year. I don't anticipate using him as much in the middle of the field as Jimmy but he could have a big role again...just not sure how.

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by thl408:
Good thoughts. I think Kyle saw his scheme spread around the league (LAR, MIN, GB, CLE, NYJ, etc.) and knew it was time to adjust. His outside zone with heavy bootleg playaction scheme was great to attack the single high safety defensive schemes that had spread throughout the league - the "Seattle Cover3". Defenses then began to adjust to Kyle's scheme - 1.5 gap, Quarters concepts - both of which have light 7 in the box alignment. Some will say Quarters is actually 9 in the box, but the two safeties are still outside the box, it's just that they both have a run fit now.

One way to attack that (1.5 gap, Quarters) is to run between the tackles, and/or more gap blocking concepts. Basically, more straight ahead running where the offense outnumbers the defense at the point of attack to take advantage of the lighter box, as opposed to outside zone where they horizontally stretch the front 7 (front 8). Inside zone runs address this and it is evident that is where Kyle is taking his run game (drafting bigger RBs, spending a day 2 pick on a big guard, a QB that can execute zone read). Couple that with a QB that has a big arm and I agree with you that, in the passing game, Kyle is now going to put more emphasis on vertically stretching the defense as opposed to horizontally stretching them.

In a basic scenario, if the defense is in Quarters (both safeties around 8-12 yards behind LoS which is rather shallow), both safeties have run fits and must honor playaction. So once the inside zone/zone read plays are established, it's time to playaction off of that. Playaction, safeties bite, attack vertically behind them.

Good stuff right here

I recall when everyone was up in arms over the Serman and Banks picks, TH was a great voice of reason about how their style meshed well with how Lance is used and it would probably be a year to see them contribute. Hope they, especially Banks, are up to the task .