Randy Moss made a hall of fame career on running the vertical route. The first series of every game he would go long. Defenses knew it was coming, double and triple teamed him, rolled safeties over the top. It didn't matter. He was the best player on the field. It was classic sandlot ball. Pitch and catch. It usually resulted in big plays or pass interference penalties. This Sunday they went vertical to Calvin exactly once. The result was a 40 yard gain. I don't care what defenses dictate. If you're not throwing the ball vertically to Calvin Johnson at least 5 times a game you're not utilizing him properly. I just don't get it. Somebody please enlighten me. I mean Linehan was the offensive coordinator in Minnesota for 5 of Moss's years. Its not rocket science. Go long, I'll throw it, and Calvin (The best player on the field) will make a play or a flag will be thrown.
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Calvin Johnson not utilized properly (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter lionsroar
- Start date
Dizzy
Footballguy
That plus this reported/retracted nerve damage issue... whatever it was, he did not look right the past couple weeks, but he's rounding into form now. The rain of TD's may be next.
cobalt_27
Footballguy
I mean, seriously. WTF?
WiDDoW_MaKeR
Footballguy
Yeah, he had a pretty bad week.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
But imagine his numbers if he went deep more often!
footballnerd
Footballguy
He's also leading the league in receptions over 20 yds
LarryAllen'sJockstrap
Footballguy
I really get your thought process, but I think there are 2 key arguments.
1. I'm too lazy to do the research, but I bet the true number of deep balls targeted at Moss on the first couple of drives in the games he played is lower than we like to reminisce about. Moss is an icon whose best days are now memories we exaggerate.
2. The way the rules of the passing game have changed a lot in the last 5 years. It's now far easier to work your way vertically down the field than throughout a drive than to build around a power run game that sets up the deep pass. It seems like run, run, play action pass is a dinosaur. When the matchup arises, go deep. Regardless of down, distance or game clock. The Lions do this with Calvin. He gets his share of deep targets. They just don't have to be so choreographed into the game plan as before.
1. I'm too lazy to do the research, but I bet the true number of deep balls targeted at Moss on the first couple of drives in the games he played is lower than we like to reminisce about. Moss is an icon whose best days are now memories we exaggerate.
2. The way the rules of the passing game have changed a lot in the last 5 years. It's now far easier to work your way vertically down the field than throughout a drive than to build around a power run game that sets up the deep pass. It seems like run, run, play action pass is a dinosaur. When the matchup arises, go deep. Regardless of down, distance or game clock. The Lions do this with Calvin. He gets his share of deep targets. They just don't have to be so choreographed into the game plan as before.
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah. They just keep using him as a decoy.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Well, that and he's been tackled at the 3, 2 or 1 yard line about a half dozen times.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
Why won't the coaches utilize this guy???
lod01
Footballguy
Because they have v-ginas between their legs. This team is weak. The good news is that they are out of it now. There is no reason now for their ### holes to tighten up inside the 30 yard line. They may now just finally start chucking it up 15 times to Calvin and get him redzone chances.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
Yeah, I was joking. I'm good with 24.30 points.
lod01
Footballguy
Looks like the WR coach has balls. Maybe it's time for Linehan to GTFO and when Norv Turner gets fired, they can hire him because if there is one thing Norv can do, it's OC.
The Detroit Lions' lack of execution on offense led to frustration between coaches on the sidelines during a 24-20 loss against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Anwar Richardson of Mlive reports.
Lions receivers coach Shawn Jefferson voiced his displeasure with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan's play-calling with 1:13 remaining in the game. Detroit previously faced first-and-10 on Green Bay's 10-yard line, but the Lions were forced to settle a Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal. Detroit only led 20-14 with 4:25 remaining.
During a Green Bay timeout, Jefferson was seen yelling at Linehan and voiced, "I said throw the ball." As Jefferson walked away, Linehan did not respond.
The Detroit Lions' lack of execution on offense led to frustration between coaches on the sidelines during a 24-20 loss against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Anwar Richardson of Mlive reports.
Lions receivers coach Shawn Jefferson voiced his displeasure with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan's play-calling with 1:13 remaining in the game. Detroit previously faced first-and-10 on Green Bay's 10-yard line, but the Lions were forced to settle a Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal. Detroit only led 20-14 with 4:25 remaining.
During a Green Bay timeout, Jefferson was seen yelling at Linehan and voiced, "I said throw the ball." As Jefferson walked away, Linehan did not respond.
