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Can Air Force’s smallish offensive line protect Jefferson when he passes?
August 18th, 2011, 2:23 pm · 9 Comments · posted by david ramsey
When I talked with Troy Calhoun about the need to pass more – and more imaginatively – against the mightiest opponents on his schedule, he briefly brought up the question of pass blocking.
And it’s a troubling question.
Air Force has one of the most athletic offensive lines in the country. One of the pleasures of watching the Falcons option, run-first offense – notice I did not say triple-option – is watching the team’s athletic linemen leap to their feet after one block and then sprint downfield for a second block. This dedication and hustle is one of the main reasons the Falcons should again be able to run over most of their opponents.
But Air Force also has one of the smallest offensive lines in the country.
And this lack of girth will be a problem when the Falcons try to pass.
Calhoun did not dwell on the point, but it’s a valid one. It will be difficult for the smallish Falcons offensive line to keep massive, marauding hulks away from Tim Jefferson.
The supreme test of the line’s ability to protect Jefferson will come early. TCU’s linemen will be itching to smack Jefferson upside the head when the Horned Frogs invade Falcon Stadium Sept. 10.
Would like to hear your thoughts on the Air Force offensive line and its ability – or inability – to pass block.
I’m on Twitter. Hope you’ll join me: @davidramz
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I agree that the AFA O-line is small in size, but that’s usually the case. I think one way to offset the difference between the Falcons’ O-line and the D-line of opponents is for Air Force to incorporate quick slants across the middle and flares/screen passes to backs. Such patterns generally require linemen to hold their blocks for shorter periods of time than when a QB is trying to throw the ball deep downfield. Just my $.02.
David….comes down to ‘how’ we pass. Pocket passing plays….we might be in trouble….BUT using a good play action play off the similar formations/sets after setting up and using the run….PRICELESS
This should be the bread and butter of our passing attack.
Agree. It’s the type of passes we run that will make the difference. To be successful, we have to pass out of play action. Our best passes come after the defensive linemen have already taken themselves out of the play.
I agree – play action passes. I don’t think they’ll have Jefferson making a 7 step drop and sitting in the pocket against the div I teams. We’ll be interesting to see how Coach Calhoun/AF calls their plays – when the Coach arrived he said he was going to have a more even pass/run mix – he has an experienced qb that may just allow him to do that this year.
With AF having so many runnuing backs who played QB in high school, I’m surprised they don’t run more HB option passes (i.e. just another way to “imaginatively” pass the bal)l. AF lineman do an excellent job of “selling” play action passes and I believe more HB option passes (perhaps one / game) would be successful (and keep the DBs honest). Have you ever spoken to Coach Calhoun about this.
The moving pocket is always a good option, too–I recall that being used back in the Carney era.
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David,
We’ve never let a small offensive line keep us from throwing the ball effectively, especially when we have time on our side. When we’ve won our games against the big boys, it’s been because of our defense and special teams play that kept us in the game.
Troy Calhoun was on the sideline as a graduate assistant in 1989 when Dee Dowis and 6-0 Air Force took on 6-0 Notre Dame. Dowis threw for 306 yards and 2 TDs that night against the top-ranked team in the nation, but we still lost because we gave up 42 points, 14 of them on punt return and a reverse by Rocket Ismail. Notre Dame also kept the ball 12 out of the 15 minutes of the game. I’m sure that’s not lost on Coach Calhoun.
David,
The Oklahoma game last year comes to mind. Rarely will AF compete against a Def. Line with such size and speed. AF displayed composure, reacted to the rush and Jefferson didn’t allow that contest to rattle him. I am confident with our size and speed annually remaining consistent, this Off. Line of AF will shine under pressure. The test will be @ ND, and we always seem to rise to the occassion.