More thoughts on Air Force passing more often in 2011

August 17th, 2011, 12:07 pm · 4 Comments · posted by david ramsey

Recently wrote a column about the need for Air Force to pass more often – and more imaginatively – in 2011.

(Here it is: http://www.gazette.com/sports/ramsey-122796-force-way.html

A few more thoughts about the need to go to the air:

1. We’re not talking about every game.

In other words, I’m not suggesting the Falcons need to fill the air with passes against, say, New Mexico. I think Air Force will do just fine sticking to the ground game against South Dakota and Vegas and the various other lightweights/tomato cans on the schedule.

2. We are talking about passing more against mighty opponents.

Tim Jefferson and his friends will need to do serious damage through the air against Navy, San Diego State and, especially, against TCU, Notre Dame and Boise State.

No way the Falcons run over TCU, Notre Dame and Boise. Points will have to be delivered by the passing game if the Falcons want to shock the football nation with wins over the Frogs, Irish and those guys who play on the bright blue carpet.

3. The Falcons will need to do this damage early in the biggest, toughest games on their schedule.

Air Force must place a scare into the hearts of defensive backs early against TCU, Notre Dame and Boise State. That way, linebackers and defensive backs will spend the rest of the game worrying that maybe this play that looks like just another option will actually turn into a long pass to Zach Kauth.

That way, the Falcons will have a chance to outscore their most intimidating opponents.

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afafan says:

August 17, 2011 at 3:05 pm

I agree. It would be interesting if Calhoun didn’t call a single pass play against South Dakota, and then opened it up early against TCU.

I hope Calhoun has tentatively schemed out the whole season for Maximum deception. The 4th down pitch to the outside against TCU in 2007 was brilliant.

Falcon says:

August 17, 2011 at 5:59 pm

Exactly, Dave. There are opponents that Air Force can beat without throwing many passes. But Tim Jefferson has the talent and the receivers, and Air Force will need them against the tougher opponents that you mentioned. A more balanced Air Force attack should and will give opposing defensive coordinators big problems. Passing opens up the run, and I think Air Force will be very good at the passing game this year if the coaches place their trust in the arm of their four-year starter senior quarterback. This is the year.

rjp says:

August 18, 2011 at 8:09 am

With out offense a ‘balanced’ attack mean using the pass more but, more importantly, at the correct time. On 2nd and short….instead of ‘always’ using the FB up the middle or something to that extent, then use the pass. 1st and goal from inside the 8yd line, maybe surprise all and pass. Mixing it up is the key and all that does is make the running game even ‘more’ powerful. I believe you got this one right David. Go Falcons

Pete says:

August 18, 2011 at 2:56 pm

Troy Calhoun is a sharp coach, and knows ways to somewhat neutralize a pass rush with motion, option runs, reverses, etc. Tim J. is about as good as you could want to run this scheme. No, they won’t have to do it vs. SDakota, but you can bet they’ll have it in the game plan vs. TCU.

And wouldn’t it be nice to see Air Force knock TCU down a peg? Got nothin’ against the Froggies, but this game will be a measure of how we stack up in the conference this year. Are you ready for some football? I sure am!!