23 replies to this topic

[PrimeTime]

You just can't trust them with the WR position. The sample size is huge, and it's over multiple regimes. I thought it might be better with an elite QB, but it really hasn't been. And yes, I know Lamar isn't a "field general" passing QB type, but i've seen so many other teams with mobile QB's, whose receivers get open as plays develop. That doesn't happen here, and it's maddening. I don't get it.

 

This was where I was going with my article about our sordid past with drafting wide outs. First and foremost, we haven't invested too many high picks but our lack of ability to develop anyone at that spot is startling. You would think that, by accident, we would find someone.

 

And it's not like we drafted guys that blossomed somewhere else eventually; save for Darren Waller of course but his circumstances were unique and well documented.

[PrimeTime]

Like that play concept against the Giants where Lamar sprints for a couple steps to his right before settling up for a pass. I think a little extension of that could really catch a defense cheating. If defenders read the O-line they can see it's not a designed run because they are pass blocking. Plus only the two steps doesn't sell it long enough. 

 

Have the O-line crash right like it's a run, and Lamar sprint 5 or 6 steps. One of the speedy receivers lined up wide right runs a shallow cross over the middle. Lamar hits him before it is too risky of a throw against the grain. The whole defense is going one way and the receiver going the other...Should be nothing but green in front. It'd be like a spin on the running back "jump pass".

 

That's our go to, 4th and medium play from around midfield. Have LJ roll to his arm side and run a couple of guys at a depth just past the sticks. Defenders have to keep their eyes on Jackson to take off and it usually results in a fairly easy pitch and catch.

[PrimeTime]

So for me, it's all mechanics all day for Lamar. I think defenses are still giving him a few fits at times and he really gets in his head at times when reading defenses (pick 6 in Buffalo for example). 

 

He needs to clean up the mechanics so he doesn't have to think about them. There are a few throws where you can see him almost forcing himself to stay clean mechanically on these throws. The Bengals TD around 2 minutes really stood out to me in that sense. When he keeps his feet down, stays anchored, and uses his leg to help his tremendous arm he's best. 

If you're Baltimore, you really want him to spend all offseason continuing to work on mechanics, get cleaned up, get consistent, have it be a natural reaction. Then, when you get to TC, it's all about reading defenses and how you want to attack defenses. To me, this is where the OC's fail Lamar. In some ways, for now, just get a little bit simpler, for the sake of slowing things down. Our run game is so so so complex, I think it makes it difficult sometimes to get plays in quickly and give Lamar the time he needs for pre-snap reads. I think there might be a balance there, too. 

 

It's so hard to say, not being in the room. But Lamar looks like a QB that is still learning to keep his mechanics in check and to read defenses. Big strides in either area will go a long way for him to me. But giving him more time pre-snap at the LOS, I think, needs to be a priority for this team. 

 

Definitely on point here. Another thing I've noticed is Lamar's timing and feel for what type of throw he should be making is a bit off as well. On deep balls, he has a tendency to hold it a beat or 2 too long and it allows the defender to catch up to an open receiver. 

 

Then, there are times where he needs to stick one in there and opts to try a touch pass. That play against the Titans in the regular season comes to mind. He rolled right, Andrews had gotten behind the defense and was wide open for 6. LJ held it, then lofted it to Andrews in the end zone. That split second delay, combined with the touch pass allowed Byard to catch up and make a play on the ball.

 

He still has a bit of the college QB in him; he seems to be a "see it, throw it" guy and not so much anticipating where things will end up. Albeit, he has done an excellent job of leading his guys away from coverage and saving them from big hits.

[Biggsy]

Definitely on point here. Another thing I've noticed is Lamar's timing and feel for what type of throw he should be making is a bit off as well. On deep balls, he has a tendency to hold it a beat or 2 too long and it allows the defender to catch up to an open receiver.

Then, there are times where he needs to stick one in there and opts to try a touch pass. That play against the Titans in the regular season comes to mind. He rolled right, Andrews had gotten behind the defense and was wide open for 6. LJ held it, then lofted it to Andrews in the end zone. That split second delay, combined with the touch pass allowed Byard to catch up and make a play on the ball.

He still has a bit of the college QB in him; he seems to be a "see it, throw it" guy and not so much anticipating where things will end up. Albeit, he has done an excellent job of leading his guys away from coverage and saving them from big hits.

Yeah. My biggest gripe with Lamar. The great downfield passers trust their guy and put it out there. Lamar has to see the guy open, then he'll throw it. That's too late 95% of the time. He has to know Brown is one of the fastest men on the field, and if he sees single high or zero coverage with Brown one on one, you just have to let it go to a spot and let Brown do his thing.

If EDC can get Lamar a big downfield threat that can consistently win when covered like Allen Robinson. I think you see Lamar throwing more dangerous passes downfield. Brown being 5'8" and 160 lbs. doesn't exactly exude confidence in winning 50/50's.