Lions Running Attack 2017
Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 10:20 am
A very interesting area of our Leos upcoming 2017 season will be our running attack.
2016 LEOS RUNNING GAME
Last season our Leos led the CFL in rushing yard with 2,082 yards. We also led the CFL In rushing attempts and had the highest gain per rush at 5.6 yds. :
In breaking down 2016 rushing:
B.C. Lions
Jeremiah Johnson: (11 starts): 809 yds (5.9 yd. average)
Anthony Allen: (starts) 406 yds. (5.0 average)
Chris Rainey: 309 yds. (8.6 yd. average)
Shaq Murray Lawrence: 51 yds. 3.0 yd. average
Terrel Sinkfield 51 yds. (10.2 yd. average)
Rolly Lumbala: 46 yds. (11.5 yd. average)
What really put us over the top, in terms of being the CFL's leading team in rushing was Jonathan Jennings, who added 363 yds. of rushing to our totals.
Our rushing totals should have been even higher had we:
1) not made the unwise decisions to insert Tim O'Neil for Hunter Steward and Levi Adcock for Antonio Johnson for a few games
2) had more diversity in our running attack than using mainly the inside zone read play all season, which resulted in a number of failed attempts at second and short yardage.
KEYS TO OUR SUCCESSFUL RUNNING GAME IN 2016
1. Offensive Line Play
But overall, one had to be very pleased with our running game last year. A key aspect of that success was our blocking up front. We were mostly successful running to the left side, with Jovan Olifioye making key blocks, Hunter Steward pancacking defensive tackles and often getting into the second layer as well, and the impressive play of Cody Husband, who was moved up from the practice roster and really developed into a starting offensive lineman by Doug Malone, who brought his notable coaching resume to our Leos in 2015. We had a lot less success running right.
2. Fresh Tailbac
The concept of using two different starters at tailback kept our tailbacks fresh last year. Jeremiah Johnson especially had a lot of jump in his step and moves after being rested. Johnson started 11 games while Allen started 7 games for us.
3. Chris Rainey
Chris Rainey was exceptional in his rotational role as a tailback last year. He averaged a phenomenal 8.6 yds per carry. He had to lobby Wally hard and often for an increased role in our offence.
4. Use of the Tailback in the Passing Attack
Chris Rainey added 252 yds of reception yardage. Jeremiah Johnson (131 yds), Anthony Allen (91 yds.) Rolly Lumbala (70 yds.) and Shaq Murray Lawrence (11 yds) added to the total as well. Our taibacks, by being used in the passing game brought added 555 yds of passing. In comparson, Andrew Harris pass reception total for Winnipeg was 631 yds. so we didn't lose very much in our passing attack by not signing Harris again while we improved our rushing numbers.
WHAT WILL OUR RUSHING ATTACK LOOK LIKE IN 2017.
It appears that our running attack could be impacted by two decisions for 2017.
ONE STARTER AT TAILBACK?
We signed Jeremiah Johnson to a new contract for 2017. Johnson had an excellent season for us in 2016. But we have not signed Anthony Allen.
Therefore, at this juncture, we don't know if Wally is going to use Johnson exclusively as our starting tailback or whether he will alternate him at times with an International tailback to keep Johnson fresh.
INCREASED USE OF RAINEY
We could keep Johnson fresh this season by giving him some games off or we could use Chris Rainey more at tailback. Rainey would love that and certainly his rushing average and his abilities as a receiver make him a dangerous weapon when he lines up at tailback.
With Chris Williams signed to the roster, Wally could spell off Rainey in terms of touches at returner by using Chris Williams in that role at times. Williams could spell off Rainey for kickoffs or use both, depending on the situation. Chris Rainey returned 58 kickoffs last season (23.8 yd average). Chris Williams was not used much in the role of a punt returner in Ottawa. He only returned 12 punts for a 9.4 average.
Chris Williams only returned 6 kickoffs last season for a 20.3 average whereas Chris Rainey returned 68 punts for a 13.9 yd. average. Chris Williams would have to be used more as a return man in 2017 to enable Chris Rainey to play more on offence.
3. OFFENSIVE LINE
Offensive line changes could also impact our rushing attack in 2017. If we trade Olifioye it would man moving Steward to left tackle (where he has played before and is his natural position), moving Kirby Fabian to left guard, and starting Vaillencourt at right guard. That would mean three positional changes for the offensive line if that happens. Steward was also able to open big holes at left guard last season as he had the size and strength to take on big defensive tackles. Consistency usually menas improvement for an offensive line and we will not be able to build upon the consistency we established in the second half of last season.
POTENTIAL INJURY
Another question mark going into this season is who will our backup International tailback be. Even if we decide not to use two different starters at tailback, we do need a good tailback should Johnson get injured. Wally is up against the SMS. That has meant he didn't have the money to sign Allen or a different but proven International tailback like Shakari Bell, Brandon Whitaker, or Curtis Steele as a second International tailback. Shaq Murray Lawrence has been underwhelming as a tailback and returner so far.
At this point, that will mean we would be going with a rookie International at tailback should Jeremiah Johnson get injured. Josh Harris is the only other Intnational tailback we have on the roster right now.
RUNNING GAME and TAILBACK OFFENSIVE STRATEGY
Our Leos used the inside zone read play almost exclusively last season, as they have for many seasons. Basically our running game has been to hand the football off to our tailback, with our offensive line either zone blocking left or right. We mixed in a delayed inside zone read last year for a couple of games, with a quick fake reverse prior to handing off the football to the tailback.
We basically count on our offensive line to make key blocks with a predictable attack and our tailback to be able to run to daylight, often using the cutback to do so.
We mix in an occasional tailback toss every 2-3 games and the very rare screen pass.
However, if we increased our diversity, our running attack could be much more dangerous. The stretch play (outside zone read), the fullback dive, (Lumbala was very successful with this play but we used it rarely), the quick toss, an occasional shovel play and trap play would make our running attack much less predictable.
While we ran the football successfully on first down last year, (in part because if you load the box on us on first down Jennings will often beat defenses deep with the pass) we had our struggles with second down and short. Basically, opposing defenses put more defenders in the box than we had blockers. A linebacker was often able to knife into the backfield, creating penetration, and stopping us short often on second and two. We need much more imagination on second and short and being so predictable hurt us).
THE EVOVLING ROLE OF THE TAILBACK
There was a time when having a big, fast, strong, bruising tailback was the way to go. Teams only used one tailback and he needed to be able to take the many hits of a long football season. Bu the game has changed. Tailbacks need to be able to cut back quickly and sharply with the zone blocking scheme that is so popular today. Rotational backs are used to spell them off.
The tailback is also being used more as a receiver. Gone are the days when the tailback, when used as a receiver, was mainly just used for swing passes and the occasional screen play.
With defenses using situational players, offences, by using no huddle strategies, can line up tailbacks as receivers and use them to run patterns, creating mismatches. Chris Rainey last season was highly successful when we used him on crossing patterns. But we need to get more imaginative in how we use Rainey and Lumbala (when we use Lumbala in the two back set or tight end set). We could use Lumbala on more screen passes. We could use Rainey much more effectively as a receiver than throwing quick swing passes to him when defenses are playing press man coverage because the defenders are close to the line of scrimmage and can quickly peel off their receiver to attack Rainey behind the line of scrimmage.
WRAP
One tailback instead of two? Potential offensive line changes? How often will we use Chris Rainey and how as our taiback when he is rotated in? The predictability of our running attack on second and short. The lack of a backup International tailback at this point. All are questions as we prepare for the 2017 season.
2016 LEOS RUNNING GAME
Last season our Leos led the CFL in rushing yard with 2,082 yards. We also led the CFL In rushing attempts and had the highest gain per rush at 5.6 yds. :
In breaking down 2016 rushing:
B.C. Lions
Jeremiah Johnson: (11 starts): 809 yds (5.9 yd. average)
Anthony Allen: (starts) 406 yds. (5.0 average)
Chris Rainey: 309 yds. (8.6 yd. average)
Shaq Murray Lawrence: 51 yds. 3.0 yd. average
Terrel Sinkfield 51 yds. (10.2 yd. average)
Rolly Lumbala: 46 yds. (11.5 yd. average)
What really put us over the top, in terms of being the CFL's leading team in rushing was Jonathan Jennings, who added 363 yds. of rushing to our totals.
Our rushing totals should have been even higher had we:
1) not made the unwise decisions to insert Tim O'Neil for Hunter Steward and Levi Adcock for Antonio Johnson for a few games
2) had more diversity in our running attack than using mainly the inside zone read play all season, which resulted in a number of failed attempts at second and short yardage.
KEYS TO OUR SUCCESSFUL RUNNING GAME IN 2016
1. Offensive Line Play
But overall, one had to be very pleased with our running game last year. A key aspect of that success was our blocking up front. We were mostly successful running to the left side, with Jovan Olifioye making key blocks, Hunter Steward pancacking defensive tackles and often getting into the second layer as well, and the impressive play of Cody Husband, who was moved up from the practice roster and really developed into a starting offensive lineman by Doug Malone, who brought his notable coaching resume to our Leos in 2015. We had a lot less success running right.
2. Fresh Tailbac
The concept of using two different starters at tailback kept our tailbacks fresh last year. Jeremiah Johnson especially had a lot of jump in his step and moves after being rested. Johnson started 11 games while Allen started 7 games for us.
3. Chris Rainey
Chris Rainey was exceptional in his rotational role as a tailback last year. He averaged a phenomenal 8.6 yds per carry. He had to lobby Wally hard and often for an increased role in our offence.
4. Use of the Tailback in the Passing Attack
Chris Rainey added 252 yds of reception yardage. Jeremiah Johnson (131 yds), Anthony Allen (91 yds.) Rolly Lumbala (70 yds.) and Shaq Murray Lawrence (11 yds) added to the total as well. Our taibacks, by being used in the passing game brought added 555 yds of passing. In comparson, Andrew Harris pass reception total for Winnipeg was 631 yds. so we didn't lose very much in our passing attack by not signing Harris again while we improved our rushing numbers.
WHAT WILL OUR RUSHING ATTACK LOOK LIKE IN 2017.
It appears that our running attack could be impacted by two decisions for 2017.
ONE STARTER AT TAILBACK?
We signed Jeremiah Johnson to a new contract for 2017. Johnson had an excellent season for us in 2016. But we have not signed Anthony Allen.
Therefore, at this juncture, we don't know if Wally is going to use Johnson exclusively as our starting tailback or whether he will alternate him at times with an International tailback to keep Johnson fresh.
INCREASED USE OF RAINEY
We could keep Johnson fresh this season by giving him some games off or we could use Chris Rainey more at tailback. Rainey would love that and certainly his rushing average and his abilities as a receiver make him a dangerous weapon when he lines up at tailback.
With Chris Williams signed to the roster, Wally could spell off Rainey in terms of touches at returner by using Chris Williams in that role at times. Williams could spell off Rainey for kickoffs or use both, depending on the situation. Chris Rainey returned 58 kickoffs last season (23.8 yd average). Chris Williams was not used much in the role of a punt returner in Ottawa. He only returned 12 punts for a 9.4 average.
Chris Williams only returned 6 kickoffs last season for a 20.3 average whereas Chris Rainey returned 68 punts for a 13.9 yd. average. Chris Williams would have to be used more as a return man in 2017 to enable Chris Rainey to play more on offence.
3. OFFENSIVE LINE
Offensive line changes could also impact our rushing attack in 2017. If we trade Olifioye it would man moving Steward to left tackle (where he has played before and is his natural position), moving Kirby Fabian to left guard, and starting Vaillencourt at right guard. That would mean three positional changes for the offensive line if that happens. Steward was also able to open big holes at left guard last season as he had the size and strength to take on big defensive tackles. Consistency usually menas improvement for an offensive line and we will not be able to build upon the consistency we established in the second half of last season.
POTENTIAL INJURY
Another question mark going into this season is who will our backup International tailback be. Even if we decide not to use two different starters at tailback, we do need a good tailback should Johnson get injured. Wally is up against the SMS. That has meant he didn't have the money to sign Allen or a different but proven International tailback like Shakari Bell, Brandon Whitaker, or Curtis Steele as a second International tailback. Shaq Murray Lawrence has been underwhelming as a tailback and returner so far.
At this point, that will mean we would be going with a rookie International at tailback should Jeremiah Johnson get injured. Josh Harris is the only other Intnational tailback we have on the roster right now.
RUNNING GAME and TAILBACK OFFENSIVE STRATEGY
Our Leos used the inside zone read play almost exclusively last season, as they have for many seasons. Basically our running game has been to hand the football off to our tailback, with our offensive line either zone blocking left or right. We mixed in a delayed inside zone read last year for a couple of games, with a quick fake reverse prior to handing off the football to the tailback.
We basically count on our offensive line to make key blocks with a predictable attack and our tailback to be able to run to daylight, often using the cutback to do so.
We mix in an occasional tailback toss every 2-3 games and the very rare screen pass.
However, if we increased our diversity, our running attack could be much more dangerous. The stretch play (outside zone read), the fullback dive, (Lumbala was very successful with this play but we used it rarely), the quick toss, an occasional shovel play and trap play would make our running attack much less predictable.
While we ran the football successfully on first down last year, (in part because if you load the box on us on first down Jennings will often beat defenses deep with the pass) we had our struggles with second down and short. Basically, opposing defenses put more defenders in the box than we had blockers. A linebacker was often able to knife into the backfield, creating penetration, and stopping us short often on second and two. We need much more imagination on second and short and being so predictable hurt us).
THE EVOVLING ROLE OF THE TAILBACK
There was a time when having a big, fast, strong, bruising tailback was the way to go. Teams only used one tailback and he needed to be able to take the many hits of a long football season. Bu the game has changed. Tailbacks need to be able to cut back quickly and sharply with the zone blocking scheme that is so popular today. Rotational backs are used to spell them off.
The tailback is also being used more as a receiver. Gone are the days when the tailback, when used as a receiver, was mainly just used for swing passes and the occasional screen play.
With defenses using situational players, offences, by using no huddle strategies, can line up tailbacks as receivers and use them to run patterns, creating mismatches. Chris Rainey last season was highly successful when we used him on crossing patterns. But we need to get more imaginative in how we use Rainey and Lumbala (when we use Lumbala in the two back set or tight end set). We could use Lumbala on more screen passes. We could use Rainey much more effectively as a receiver than throwing quick swing passes to him when defenses are playing press man coverage because the defenders are close to the line of scrimmage and can quickly peel off their receiver to attack Rainey behind the line of scrimmage.
WRAP
One tailback instead of two? Potential offensive line changes? How often will we use Chris Rainey and how as our taiback when he is rotated in? The predictability of our running attack on second and short. The lack of a backup International tailback at this point. All are questions as we prepare for the 2017 season.