Anyone else worried about the "New" running game?

[bengalsfansince68]

The problem last year was not that we didn't try to run the ball. The problem was that we couldn't.

I respect the opinion, I just did not see it on the field. Time and time again, I was able to sit there and call Brat's plays. Pass on 1st down and run on 2nd just became nauseating to me. The guys with whom I watch the games were initially annoyed by my constant lobbying for the run but as the season unfolded they all started seeing that all passing lanes were locked down while running lanes were open all over the field. Our OC failed to take advantage of those situations endlessly.

When the OC calls 45 pass plays and only 15 rush plays, the lack of balance makes it easy for the defense.

Christ guys, the stealers have been kicking our asses for twenty years, primarily because they always run the football.

Running the ball helps our D and the pounding on the opposing D-line wears them down by the 4th quarter.

Until Boobkowski forces the defenses to defend the line of scrimmage, this offense will never reach its potential.

Congratulations 9275, you are the only guy here, besides myself, who sees the Brat problem for what it is.

Nice to see that someone else sees this. Keep up the good work, sir!

[HAPPYJAQ]

The problem last year was not that we didn't try to run the ball. The problem was that we couldn't.

I respect the opinion, I just did not see it on the field. Time and time again, I was able to sit there and call Brat's plays. Pass on 1st down and run on 2nd just became nauseating to me. The guys with whom I watch the games were initially annoyed by my constant lobbying for the run but as the season unfolded they all started seeing that all passing lanes were locked down while running lanes were open all over the field. Our OC failed to take advantage of those situations endlessly.

When the OC calls 45 pass plays and only 15 rush plays, the lack of balance makes it easy for the defense.

Christ guys, the stealers have been kicking our asses for twenty years, primarily because they always run the football.

Running the ball helps our D and the pounding on the opposing D-line wears them down by the 4th quarter.

Until Boobkowski forces the defenses to defend the line of scrimmage, this offense will never reach its potential.

Congratulations 9275, you are the only guy here, besides myself, who sees the Brat problem for what it is.

Nice to see that someone else sees this. Keep up the good work, sir!

The real difference between Rudi last year and in previous seasons (other than injury) is the starting Center and starting LG. Rudi used to get a lot of yards from the massive holes that Rich Braham and Eric Steinbach opened, especially when Steinbach pulled. I don't know if this means that we have overrated Rudi in his days as a Bengal or not but he hasn't been the same type of player since. In my opinion, Kenny Watson should be the #1 back. He played very, very well last season and offers more in the passing game than Rudi. People say he is too small, but he actually played at 220 last year and showed some decisiveness running the ball. I like many others on this board, have never been all that impressed with Rudi Johnson and think that in the past he was a product of a pretty balanced offense, great offensive line with elite receivers and an elite quarterback. Now is the time to find out what you have in DeDe Dorsey and Chris Perry, to start planning for the future with all the changes on offense. I think if the game is called correctly on offense and the defense improves as expected, Watson, Dorsey and Perry combined can account for the 1500-1600 yards that Rudi did in his best years. Sadly, I believe that a factor is Rudi's 3.75 million dollar salary this year and they won't cut him without having a capable, proven player on the roster.

[bengalsfansince68]

I like many others on this board, have never been all that impressed with Rudi Johnson and think that in the past he was a product of a pretty balanced offense, great offensive line with elite receivers and an elite quarterback.

The truth, in my mind, is that Rudi was not a product of the balance that we had, but rather, he and the line were the cause of it. Rudi was a stud for 3 years. Last year was an anomaly caused by injuries to Rudi and to the line and more importantly because of Bratkowski's ass-backward approach in '07.

It's my opinion but I truly believe it.

Hap, I'm not clear on how you and many others missed all of Rudi's great play for 3 years.

I, for one, will never forget it, even if Rudi never gets another yard.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

The real difference between Rudi last year and in previous seasons (other than injury) is the starting Center and starting LG.

And both tackles. Willie barely played, and Levi was hurt half the time and crappy the rest of the time. So basically, the only OL in common between Rudi's good years and Rudi's tough last year is Bobbie Williams. Now I'm not dissing Bobbie, but he ain't doing it by himself. Throw in some age and a hamstring injury, and a 2.9 YPC ain't hard to understand.

[walzav29]

This was a great point:

"For comparison's sake:

Rudi is 28 with about 1,400 career carries.

Ladainian Tomlinson is the same age and has 2,300+ carries.

Clinton Portis has over 1,700 carries.

Edgerrin James is just a year older than Rudi and has twice as many career carries - over 2,800! "

It appears that the coaches have faith in him. After looking at his age, the amount of carries, and him being healthy. I think it is resonable to expect a comeback.