Cam vs O-Line Play vs WRs

As nice as the run was, Smitty taking out or slowing down three guys was impressive. I wonder if Moose taught him something

 

Do you mean a 20% increase over last season or 20% more often overall, because it's definitely not the latter since this team was already heavily 3+ wideout in 2011. Also, Cam is actually on pace for fewer pass attempts than last season, while the rush attempts are on pace to be about even. The point is that I've already proven you conclusively wrong, but you don't want to consider the stats because you've already made up your mind that the team needs a receiver and you don't want to be dissuaded from that, facts be damned. Again, LaFell has been as effective as Smith when targeted, while Olsen has been solid as well. Meanwhile the backs haven't been utilized nearly as much as they should, but you insist that the team needs yet another wideout without explaining where those extra targets are coming from.

 

I believe PFF did note that the team was running more than 60% 3 wide compared to around 40% last year. Not sure if those are exact numbers of course, but they were posted here. It should be evident either way they're using more WR snaps, but again what that will mean for next year is harder to say.

I like LaFell and I don't think that you give up on him for one play, but certainly there are times he disappears and the team could use a player with more experience to accompany him to the edge of his contract.

 

we are running more 3 WR sets than last year, forget where the numbers are - its a direct result of not having Shockey this year...

 

That's inaccurate on their part, as the team was up around 60% last season as well. I'm trying to find the post where I posted about how surprised I was that they used 3+ receiver so often in 2011, but I'm having trouble. I did find this link you posted where LaFell had the 11th lowest drop rate in the NFL last season: http://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...e-2011-which-receivers-are-dropping-the-ball/

 

Not really. Tolbert is the one who has gotten Shockey's snaps. Carolina already ran 3+ receivers the majority of the time in 2011.

 

Found this:

So maybe PFF was counting only plays with exactly three receivers whereas I was looking at plays with 3 or more. There is also some noise in the numbers as to when a player is considered a "receiver" and when they're considered a "tight end." I think it's actually determined based on whether or not they're next to a tackle, not their natural position.

 

not when he's in there as the single back...

 

Sure. But Smitty will have 5 or 6 ridiculous plays (like the blocking on the gif you posted) to offset his one brainfart. I can't think of very many outstanding plays that LaFell has made. He certainly hasn't offset this game changer here.

Look, I'm not saying he's worthless, I'm saying we need more. I wouldn't even say it's our top need, since corner is so clearly ahead of the rest of the pack followed by o-line and DT. But we shouldn't ignore the position either.