What was with all the rollouts?

[Skinzerdie]

One of the things that really bugged the hell out of me yesterday was all the damn play-action rollouts in the second half. In the first half, they worked to perfection, as they ordinarily do in the “feeling out” minutes of the game. They kept the Eagles D off balance, especially after we had established a solid run early on, and they stretched the field beautifully. By the second half, though, the Eagles D had clearly adjusted (blitzed us to hell) and recognized that we weren’t going to throw the ball unless we put McNabb on the run. I felt like they didn’t work in enough quick drops, passes out of the shotgun, or even RB/WR screens to keep the passing game honest; which is why it was non-existent in the second half. I understand that with Williams out that providing sufficient protection is difficult, but rolling McNabb out all the time could prove just as dangerous as sitting him in the pocket. See Michael Vick…

One of McNabb’s biggest strengths has always been his big play capability on the run. He can hurl the ball down field on a bicycle—we know this—but what about working the ball underneath a bit more, Coach? Some other westcoast tactics? You know, sideline to sideline? You don’t need a powerful front 5 and big physical receivers to run a quick slant, out or curl now and again.

Justa thought…

[HigSkin]

It's a staple of the WCO.

[Duckus]

I love it when McNabb rolls out.

[SkinsCrushCowboys]

designed coverage rollouts, they have been very effective

[Bang]

One thing you can do to cover a weaker offensive line (Heyer) is roll out. With a QB like McNabb it is especially effective because once he's out in space he can hurt you in a lot of ways.

~Bang

[Oldskool]

It's a staple of the WCO.

Not of the WCO specifically. This offense has the QB moving into a naked bootleg even when it's a handoff to confuse the defense whether it's a pass or a run and to give the QB space in order to throw deep without having DL traffic in his face.

[Dukes and Skins]

Like others have said rollouts are a staple of the WCO and especially with Kyle's O in Houston as well as Mike's O in Denver get used to it because it'll happen all year long

[icbmayday]

Staple of not we need to start putting up points in the second half

[GaryGreenMonk]

His name starts with an H and ends with an R.. and he's not good.

that's why.

[greenspandan]

stephon heyer.

[HailToTheRedskins14]

I thought we needed to do more rollouts yesterday. There was one late drive, third and long, and we ran it up the gut to kill more clock. Would've liked to see a rollout out of the pocket.

[Warhead36]

Rollouts are a staple of Shanny's offense. No matter who his QB is he loves rolling them out. I like it too because we can really utilize McNabb's two biggest strengths: laser rocket arm and great mobility(even at his age).

[Frostx08]

This is Mike Shanahan's offense...set up the pass through the run and getting McNabb out of the pocket. We could have executed very well but McNabb had an off 2nd half. However Shanahan is playing to McNabb's strengths and if this running game keeps going....look for big numbers from McNabb down the stretch

[HigSkin]

Not of the WCO specifically. This offense has the QB moving into a naked bootleg even when it's a handoff to confuse the defense whether it's a pass or a run and to give the QB space in order to throw deep without having DL traffic in his face.

It is in the Houston version, where Kyle came from.

[Enter Apotheosis]

As Oldskool already alluded to, the rollout isn't really a staple of the WCO per se. How much of it you see varies significantly from coach to coach (even among those who fall under the WCO umbrella) and really just comes down to the presence of an athletic QB above all else.

One thing you can do to cover a weaker offensive line (Heyer) is roll out. With a QB like McNabb it is especially effective because once he's out in space he can hurt you in a lot of ways.

~Bang

I doubt we were doing it specifically to cover for Heyer although it certainly could be used in that way. This is just what you get in a Mike Shanahan offense. The bootleg tends to complement the outside zone runs that are the real centerpiece of the scheme extremely well. It also plays to the primary strength of the prototypical Shanahan offensive line: wearing out a defense with lateral movement.

Staple of not we need to start putting up points in the second half

Thank you for that illuminating and informative piece of information. :doh:

[Skinzerdie]

I'm not against the rollout, I understand the method behind it. I know its effective, especially with a QB like McNabb. But in the second half it seemed like we weren't trying to move the ball down field any other way. They were even using it when it didn't make sense. We're in 3rd and long situations after two consecutive dinky runs still trying to sell the D on a play action. Honestly, what D is going to bite on that?

I'm not suggesting we stop using it, just mix it up a bit more. Using a pass to set up a run here and there... thats all.

[HailToTheRedskins14]

It is in the Houston version, where Kyle came from.

A minor point, the "Houston version" is the Mike Shanahan version moreso than the "Houston version".

[Travdaskin]

It's a staple and covers a weak offensive line or lineman.

[HigSkin]

A minor point, the "Houston version" is the Mike Shanahan version moreso than the "Houston version".

I'm making a reference to the guy calling the plays, Kyle Shanahan.

[skins island connection]

Regardless, it is surely a pleasant change of pace to see a roll out then completion instead of a roll out and throw in the ground due to an inept QB. { I think you know what I'm sayin']

The change of pace, not the usual run run pass is what helped alot, AND CP and Torain shoving it down their throats, but with McNabb's throwing capability, a naked bootleg gives him a very good vision not only in front but across the field, kinda like "sprint bomb" but with the ability to scan the field good and have time.

[Skinzerdie]

I remember a couple instances in yesterday's game in the second half where Donovan grounded a couple passes on the boot. One that, if I remember correctly, was on a critical 3rd down in the second half. I think it was to Cooley... I may be wrong there. I seem to remember Donovan throwing behind Sellers on the run too, almost for a pick.

In the second half, you just can't argue the pressure didn't neutralize our passing game.

[Oldskool]

It is in the Houston version, where Kyle came from.

It's from something Mike Shanahan developed as an assistant with the 49ers and started running it from day 1 with Elway in Denver. Kubiak, being Shanny's OC in Denver for years, brought the technique with him to Houston.

And this actually has nothing to do with Heyer. When Shanny had one of the best OL in the league during the early/mid 00's he was using it as well.

[Enter Apotheosis]

I remember a couple instances in yesterday's game in the second half where Donovan grounded a couple passes on the boot. One that, if I remember correctly, was on a critical 3rd down in the second half. I think it was to Cooley... I may be wrong there. I seem to remember Donovan throwing behind Sellers on the run too, almost for a pick.

That's just what you get with McNabb at times and it really has nothing to do with the bootleg.

[RenegadeTK]

I love the roll out. It masks a sub-par oline and allows McNabb to be a playmaker and use his feet as a threat.

[wildbill1952]

The weaker the protection, the more you rollout. If the pocket is breaking down, you move out of the pocket. if you have a QB that is mobile (even if not as mobile as he used to be) you rollout. If pressure on a right-handed QB keeps coming from the blind side (either because of the weakness of the LT or the strength of the defense) you roll out to the right. Hence, more rollouts. Simple.