Offensive Pace

[Nconroe]

It seems the main question is pace, lots of variables in plays per game.

Anyways, after one week Texans had 75 offensive plays, the same as San Francisco and two less than 77 offensive plays by Philadelphia.

As far as team offensive stats, Texans were third behind Denver and San Fran.

Similarly team defense ranked third overall behind Titans and Seattle.

And Schaub was fourth overall ranked passer in yards and passer rating.

So, atleast after one week some of these theories discussed might not hold much water.

But sure, we could get better and hopefully we are progressing that way.

Now after four weeks or 16 weeks will have a better measure and who knows where this will end up.

[popanot]

Not sure I put much weight into offensive play totals. While it can give an indication of pace, there are a lot of other factors that go into it. Factors like the opposition turning the ball over (or just plain stinking it up with 3 and outs), or perhaps the offense has numerous long drives from dinking it up and down the field. Those can run up offensive play totals too.

Anyway, when I brought up pace, I wasn't necessarily talking quick-snap move-move-move all the time like the Eagles want to do. It's more about getting back after a play and being at the LOS quickly. And then if the situation merits a quick-snap, do it. The Broncos, 49ers and Packers use almost all of the play clock on the majority of their plays, but they're up at the LOS so fast it puts incredible pressure on the D.

I loved our pace in the 2nd half. I'd be happy with that pace if they ran it the majority time rather than only when they're down and in panic mode. I don't know, maybe this has more to do with Kubiak not having confidence in Schaub being able to run it or calling the right play/audible. Maybe Kubiak doesn't feel we can physically do it. It'd be nice to see them try it though. Maybe against the Titans??

[Foo'ball Fool]

This is a good thread. Yes the up-tempo offense is fun to watch, etc. Y'all have covered the bases here. New England does run a chunk of the Oregon offense, but what they do really well is change the pace. One play, it's hurry back to the line and throw a quick slant. Then they may hurry to the line, then audible to something else, using up the play clock. It makes it hard to substitute players, and it keeps the defense guessing. Someone mentioned that a disadvantage can be that you end up gassing your own defense. What the Pats do gives their defense some time to rest between possessions. The Eagles ran Kelly's offense the whole 1st half, and their defense was worn out in the 2nd half.The Texans defense occasionally gets caught napping when the other team, playing a "normal" offense, suddenly hurries to the line and runs a play. I'd definitely like to see the Texans do that once in awhile. Barrett was right. NFL coaches will learn ways to control that offense, just like they're figuring out how to defend the zone read, and how they figured out the Run-and-Shoot, the veer, etc.