Raiders Embarrassed at Home...33-21

[CrossBones]

Dolphins end losing streak, shut down Collins, Raiders

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Jason Taylor razzed Vonnie Holliday for receiving a freebie sack Taylor is certain should have gone to someone else.

It was over when Olindo Mare kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:15 remaining, giving the Dolphins a 12-point lead and putting the game out of reach for the Raiders.
Game ball goes to ...

The Dolphins' defense, which pressured Oakland QB Kerry Collins all day. Jason Taylor and Vonnie Holliday combined for six of Miami's seven sacks.

"I think Vonnie's trying to steal it," Taylor kidded.

Not that it mattered much. Miami's two menacing defensive linemen just smiled and settled for three sacks apiece, appreciative of each other's fine work.

The Dolphins' smothering defense put relentless pressure on Kerry Collins to give this frustrated franchise a much-needed morale boost.

Taylor had three of the seven sacks, including a safety, Gus Frerotte threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns and the Dolphins snapped a three-game losing streak with a 33-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

"All in all, when you pressure a quarterback and when you get hits on him and take him out of a rhythm, it's tough for him to get going and their offense to get going," Taylor said.

Ricky Williams broke open for a 34-yard touchdown run with 3:50 to play to help Miami to its sixth straight regular-season victory over the Raiders.

One week after an embarrassing 22-0 defeat to Cleveland, Taylor and company answered first-year coach Nick Saban's call for more spirited play from a Dolphins team (4-7) that had lost six of seven games since starting the season winning two of three.

Collins again tried to rally his team late but failed to hit an open Jerry Porter on a third-and-1 with Oakland down two points and turned the ball over on the Raiders' next two possessions.

After Collins missed Porter, Miami drove the ball 80 yards, getting 56 on the ground from Williams en route to his second touchdown of the season and a nine-point lead.

"Victories have been hard to come by this year," Williams said. "I think when we can, late in the game, stick together and pull one out it's going to help our confidence."

Collins started the fourth quarter with an 18-yard run for the longest TD rushing of his career and spiked the ball in celebration.

"We were sick about that," Holliday said. "Kerry Collins is not the fastest guy, first of all."

The Raiders (4-7) revealed their frustration for a public audience in the waning moments. Defensive tackle Ted Washington was yelling and gesturing toward defensive end Tommy Kelly before Randy Moss stepped in and tried to break up the disagreement.

"Everything's cool," Washington said afterward.

Collins finished 21-for-37 for 226 yards and LaMont Jordan ran for 97 yards and two touchdowns, but the Raiders missed a chance to win back-to-back games for the second time this season. They rallied for an emotional 16-13 victory at Washington last week in coach Norv Turner's reunion with the Redskins, his former employer.

"I don't point fingers," defensive end Bobby Hamilton said. "We won in Washington in a hostile environment. We've got to learn to come back at home and start playing with that same motivation."

Taylor and Holliday handled the bulk of the load for the Dolphins' injury-depleted defense, which was missing linebackers Junior Seau (out for the season with a calf injury) and Zach Thomas (shoulder).

Taylor sacked Collins in the end zone on Oakland's first drive of the second half, and Frerotte threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Randy McMichael late in the third.

The Raiders had a 34-yard touchdown called back because Doug Gabriel stepped out of bounds running a pattern and then came back in to make the catch. But Oakland recovered and Jordan rushed for an 8-yard TD to pull the Raiders to 16-14.

"Let's just call it what it is: We came out flat," Jordan said. "We're not going to the playoffs. It's the first time all year I can say that."

Frerotte, who didn't start last Sunday because of a sprained right index finger but still played, connected on a 44-yard touchdown pass to Bryan Gilmore on Miami's opening drive.

Collins completed long passes to Porter, Alvis Whitted and Moss early in the second quarter during Oakland's first scoring drive, capped by Jordan's 1-yard TD plunge that tied the game at 7.

Ronnie Brown scored on a 1-yard run 32 seconds before halftime to give the Dolphins a 14-7 lead.

The Raiders played without defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a torn right rotator cuff.

Game notes
Miami moved offensive coordinator Scott Linehan down onto the field for the first time this season. "That worked for us," Saban said. ... Oakland punter Shane Lechler extended his streak with a punt of 50 yards or more to 32 games. ... Oakland safety Reggie Tongue tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=251127013

[Rupert]

Embarrassed? What do they mean embarrassed? Were the Raiders put in a state of self-conscious distress? Hardly. They've known they weren't a contender for some time.

Lamont Jordan put up a brave front because he had to, but you don't change your tune that fast if you weren't already singing it privately.

Seriously, if he thought we were a contender for most of the season he would be more pissed than resigned. He'd say, "I thought we were there. What the hell happened?" Instead he says, "We're not going to the playoffs. It's the first time all year I can say that." First time he "CAN" say it. Not the first time he knew it. Not the first time he believed it. First time he was able to say it to the media. A whole lot of difference there.

[CrossBones]

"Embarrassed" was my word.

I thought we should handle the Dolphins, especially at home. Instead we give up 33 points and get buried in Oakland.

Has the team quit? Nah. They are just not that good.

Plus as much as we want to say the defense has stepped up this year the real answer is 'no they haven't'. The offense has just been such a disappointment it feel that way. Giving up 33 points at home to a 3-7 team is horrible. The defense is the one who let Kansas City roll the length of the field to give that game away too. No the defense still has a ways to go. Better but clearly not ready for prime time.

And the offense is an enigma.

[Rupert]

Nah, the defense has definitely stepped up. Of that I am absolutely certain. How many backups are on the field?

Was Kelly the starting DE let alone the starting DT at the beginning of the season? Nope.

Washington at corner? Nope.

Cooper at safety? Nope.

Since we play a lot of nickel, who expected Hill to be the guy in the nickel slot? No-one. Well, maybe they had him at nickel, but did they expect him at the line swapping responsibilities with the strong safety to force the run back inside? Nope.

The defensive personnel would never have done this well for another coordinator. Does anyone think Bresnahan would have gotten this kind of performance? With all these kids?

So the defense hasn't been that consistent. I'm not concerned with all the kids and backups we've got out there. They're playing good football and making progress.

People keep talking shit about giving the kid QB's some time. Well, they'd have a tougher time out there because QB is a tougher position on the mind, and defenses would scout out their weaknesses quickly.

[CrossBones]

The defense ranks 27th overall in the NFL.

They seem improved but the numbers don't say so. The reason we think they have improved is because the offense has been so disappointing and dismal

[Rupert]

Well, first off, pro-football-reference.com has us ranked 23rd for points and 22nd for yards versus 31st and 30th last year. So going from the cellar to bottom 3rd is a decent improvement considering our injury stats.

But here's some other stats to throw at it:
Passing yards from 30th to 19th
Passing Yards per attempt from 31st to 22nd
Passing TD's from 28th to 14th
Rushing yards from 22nd to 20th
Rushing Yards per attempt 7th to 16th - bad
Rushing TD's from 30th to 22nd

So in 5 of 6 defensive categories we improved.
In 4 of 5 the improvement was pretty significant.
And while the rushing yards per attempt was a significant drop off, we didn't drop below average, and last year's number was offset by our horrible passing yards per attempt number (teams can pretty much get their yards either way against us this year where last year it was much easier through the air).

Last year with a complete season of 16 games we collected 25 sacks. Tommy Kelly led the team with 4.

This season, thru 11 games, we already have 25 (on pace for 36). Burgess already has 11. Sapp won't get more than 5 now, and Kelly already has 3.5. Considering Sapp's departure we're probably only looking at 31 or 32 sacks this season unless someone steps it up.

[CrossBones]

Actually we can make the numbers say what ever we want -- depends on how one wants to break them down and look at 'em.

In spite of that I maintain our defense isn't all that great. It is improve slightly and that is a good thing but we still have a ways to go.

I like Fabs and Aso and Stu. We need another SS -- maybe Archulta in FA. That would be good. and we'd stlil have Hill and Routt to play the nickel and dime.

We have to continue to try and improve our pass rush. I say get that DL in shape, add a DE (in the draft) to pressure the QB put the secondary in Cover 2 and let's get on with it.

This crap of manning up our corner all the time is getting old. And then we wonder why a running back out of the backfield rambled 40 yards before any of the secondary could react. As Rupert told me -- they had their backs to the QB all the time being in man coverage. Time to change the scheme IMO.

I think Sapp may be toast. We have Kelly to slide into his spot. But, how long can Hamilton continue to go before he wakes up old? Brayton? An enigma. Ted Washington. He's already old. How much more does he really have? Our DL is the next problem area for the team -- along with QB. The Raiders should be trying to figure the QB situation out NOW but hey they're going with Collins for at least one more week. Whatever.

[TiceMustGo]

That was a horrible loss Sunday to a team that has quit in the Dolphins. Oakland should have beaten them if they had any chance of getting a playoff spot. Now they are offically done. All's that left is to fire Norv and dump Kerry Collins.

[Rupert]

Actually we can make the numbers say what ever we want -- depends on how one wants to break them down and look at 'em.

In spite of that I maintain our defense isn't all that great. It is improve slightly and that is a good thing but we still have a ways to go.

I like Fabs and Aso and Stu. We need another SS -- maybe Archulta in FA. That would be good. and we'd stlil have Hill and Routt to play the nickel and dime.

We have to continue to try and improve our pass rush. I say get that DL in shape, add a DE (in the draft) to pressure the QB put the secondary in Cover 2 and let's get on with it.

First, I think our defense is more than a little improved, but I agree we still have work to do.

I wouldn't touch Archuleta with a ten foot pole. Maybe it's just my hockey experience (as a fan) speaking when I don't want anything to do with players that get concussions.

This crap of manning up our corner all the time is getting old. And then we wonder why a running back out of the backfield rambled 40 yards before any of the secondary could react. As Rupert told me -- they had their backs to the QB all the time being in man coverage. Time to change the scheme IMO.

I think Sapp may be toast. We have Kelly to slide into his spot. But, how long can Hamilton continue to go before he wakes up old? Brayton? An enigma. Ted Washington. He's already old. How much more does he really have? Our DL is the next problem area for the team -- along with QB. The Raiders should be trying to figure the QB situation out NOW but hey they're going with Collins for at least one more week. Whatever.

Bah, I think we stick with man defense. If the DL handles the OL (which it's doing a better job of these days) and you have 3 good LB's (we've only got 2 damnit) then you can put a hurt on the running game.

I don't know why people think Sapp is toast, but then I guess I'm dealing with doctors.;) With my shoulder troubles I have more than a little info on them and how to rehab them, they can definitely come back as strong as ever, and then as surprisingly go south. Mine took years to get re-injured and then it wasn't when I was doing my weight workouts, it was when I was doing some odd movements.

Certainly Hamilton, Washington, and Sapp could wake up old on us next season. Burgess could get injured again, but I'll ask you seriously, if we draft guys that can't replace them before the first game (and how many draftees that we can acquire with our picks could replace them) next season what makes you think having them on the roster would do us any good?

Personally, I think OL is a more immediate need than DL. As much as I'd like a solid DE to move Kelly inside or a new NT to allow Washington to fade away and keep Kelly at DE for another season, I think OLB is a greater need than DL, and OL (I'd take a RT to shove Sims inside and Gallery to LT, or an OG and keep the status at OT) may be more important than either.

I think one of our greatest problems on defense is we're using the SS/nickel as an OLB. As much heart as these guys have shown, they're just a little undersized to handle the responsibility, and that shows in the yards per carry and big plays around the corner that we're seeing.

[CrossBones]

Sam Williams. :p

If that guy could stay healthy he might be our answer at OLB. But he can't so far.

This is the first year Burgess has stayed healthy. Look at the results.

I still say get a better safety in there and this secondary is capable of playing the Cover 2. Indy seems to be doing pretty well with it. It all depends on the DL and more consistent pressure on the QB. Indy seems to be doing pretty well with it.

I know the defense is capable of doing even better but the age of the interior line worries me. Sapp? That's a real good question right about now. I think big Ted might be donwe. He looks tired in warm ups.

And that is why a guy like Archulta would be good for us (the comment you made about the SS/nickel). Guy is a gamer IMO.

[Rupert]

I agree that Archuleta is a gamer, but dude might be riding the concussion lane to retirement.

Even if Williams stays healthy for the rest of his career, he would make what, our 3rd linebacker? Dude that's just about 2 too few in my book. Look what happened when we went with 3. Lost one and had to play with DE's or go nickel all game. I hate that option.

The age of the interior line worries me too, but we can patch that together if we have to.

Washington is the biggest (of course) worry because we don't have anyone nearly as good waiting in the wings. Sands? Part-time and late-game, otherwise he doesn't know how to keep his hips low and maintain leverage. Hawthorne might be the answer, but he's a little light for the job and was used to playing Sapp's position (did it nicely, although inconsistently, during pre-season).

Sapp can be replaced with Kelly, and then depth is a little bit of an issue, but when isn't it with injuries or McDaniel Syndrome (waking up old)? Of course then you have to replace Kelly with Grant or Irons and the drop off is a bit bigger there unless you stick Hamilton out there, but then you've got age issues there too.

I still think we can put together another good year with the guys we've got on the DL. We'd be better off if Riddle or Hawthorne develop (Hawthorne preferably into a NT and Riddle into a DE). If not, then we will need some day-two fliers on potential and hope to get lucky.

Well shit, I didn't say I hate zone defenses. Screw the cover two. I don't care how much success Indy or Tampa have with it. Give me man free or man-under (2 deep) or some of the clever high-low safety zone combos and I'm good. I think our corners will continue to improve and should start getting in position to pick a couple off in their man coverage. I believe in matchup zones, but they're more like man coverage with tight coverage.

[CrossBones]

I don't want to count on that head case Hawethorne. Who knows if he will ever see the field?

As for the OL, we are in agreement BUT we can get a second guard in the 2nd or third round. no use spending a first rounder on a guard. The defensive line is stil a big concern. In spite of your sting how much this defense has improved I think it's still a big problem. Look at the times they have folded when they had to get off the field. that is telling to me. Fixiong the safety position with a guy like Arcullta (let's pretend he stay healthy) would allow our young secnonday to play cover 2 which I think would be a good think for the,m. especially with all the closing speed we have a corner and even at the nickel and dime spots. Playing man 75% of the time is worrisome with our suspect pass rush. Yes Burgess has done great but not as a full time DE. I'm not comfortable with him as a full timer -- besides he's probably more effective in the situational role.

As for LB, forget it. Al isn't going to use another #1 on a LB. I think he's done with that. So the best we can do is 2nd or 3rd round or the FA route plus hope Sam can shake the injury bug and step up.

So to me (other than quarterback) DL is where we should spend our money in the first round and maybe even in FA. OL is 2nd-3rd round. Fill in the rest with good solid football players I don't care where they play as long as they don't kick the ball!

As always, just my opinion.

PS- where is that dipshit RaiderIVLife?

[Rupert]

Why is Hawthorne a headcase?

Are you against drafting an OT in the 1st and letting the guys battle it out for starting spots? I have serious doubts about getting an immediate starter on the OL after the 1st (and look how good we've been in the 1st at OT recently).

Did I say I hate zone? Why do you want to go to a zone?

Our defense has gotten off the field plenty on 3rd down this year BECAUSE we've had guys covered. Why go away from what's working better now than it has in the recent past? Last year 47.4% of 3rd down plays against us went for 1st downs (worst in the league), this year we're down to 40.6% (23rd).

In man coverage I'm more worried about having OLB's that can get to the perimeter and force the RB back into the pursuit. That means having DE's that can prevent the upfield push by the OL. Otherwise we've got our CB's running away from the play.

Archuleta (healthy) or not I just don't like zones.

I know what you're saying about OLB and think we're more likely to pursue a little known FA or later-round guy or washed up vet. Yeah, I expect that, but we've been surprised before.

[CrossBones]

Why is Hawthorne a headcase?Because he gets caught doing drugs and then wants to hold out as a 6th round draft pick? :eek: The lights are on but nobody is home.

Did I say I hate zone? Why do you want to go to a zone?Because the game has changed and we're not that good at it. In fact most NFL teams aren't that good at it -- difference is they know it and play zone.

[Rupert]

Because he gets caught doing drugs and then wants to hold out as a 6th round draft pick? :eek: The lights are on but nobody is home.

Well, that just says he's stupid, misinformed, or badly advised (even when he's his own advisor). But that doesn't make him a headcase. Darrell Russell was a headcase. T.O. is a headcase. Manny Ramirez is a headcase.

Hawthorne took responsibility for showing up and getting popped, he didn't claim it was a bad test, he didn't say he was in a room with a bunch of guys who were smoking, he said he inhaled. Totally different attitude if you ask me, and I don't think it's splitting hairs.

Because the game has changed and we're not that good at it. In fact most NFL teams aren't that good at it -- difference is they know it and play zone.

Dude, the game hasn't changed at all from that standpoint. If you don't have a dominant front four you can't play zone against elite QB's. Because the minute you take a backer or safety out of the zone to blitz and get pressure on the QB, the elite QB's will eat your lunch.

Additionally, to run the Tampa/Dungy/Kiffin cover-2 you have to have fast AND smart linebackers. Which generally means smaller, which means your front four has to control the O-line against the run or your backers will get blown off the ball.

Then consider the best defenses of the AFC the last couple years. None of them run/ran a cover-2. None of them. In fact, their base defense was man. Belichick is a little different since he designs schemes for his particular opponent (see his little man/zone coverage trick to keep Moss in check this year? - brilliant).

So I don't know why you think zone is the wave of the future. Zone is typically a response to a lack of quality personnel in the secondary. Zone is also a way of thinking, and if you don't teach it as your base defense, you're not going to be that effective at it.

We're getting better on D because we've got a decent coordinator for once. We've got a guy who is making lemonaide with lemons instead of rubbing it into wounds.

The key to having good safeties would be having 3 strong backers in front of them. We don't. Our personnel couldn't run the cover-2 and it's NOT because we lack a good SS, it's because we lack 3 fast backers and a consistent push from the front 4. Having a great SS wouldn't have changed a damned thing with our defense this year. And if the front seven aren't improved next year, a better safety won't change much then either.

[CrossBones]

Well, that just says he's stupid, misinformed, or badly advised (even when he's his own advisor). But that doesn't make him a headcase. Darrell Russell was a headcase. T.O. is a headcase. Manny Ramirez is a headcase.OK I'll agree he's an idiot. I don't see this guy being much in the NFL.

If you don't have a dominant front four you can't play zone against elite QB's.Exactly why we need to improve our DL. It's anything but dominate.

If Sam comes around or we somehow find a speedy OLB we'd have the LB's to play Cover 2 and be effective IF we upgrade the DL.

[Rupert]

OK I'll agree he's an idiot. I don't see this guy being much in the NFL.

Plenty of idiots have successful NFL careers, so I don't see that as being an obstacle.

Exactly why we need to improve our DL. It's anything but dominate.

If Sam comes around or we somehow find a speedy OLB we'd have the LB's to play Cover 2 and be effective IF we upgrade the DL.

But if we upgrade our DL and get a solid OLB (or Sam back) we can dominate with a man scheme which is already in place, so WHY CHANGE? I still don't see a valid reason to.

[RaiderIVlife]

I'm also of the opinion that our defense is improved. The stats don't tell the whole story BTW. Kerry Collins is a top-5 QB in most statistical categories, but does anyone believe he's a top-5 QB in this league? Of course not.

The defense is pretty banged up and the offense has been consistently inconsistent, leaving the defense on the field way to often and way to long. Our meager four victories are due in large part to what the defense did in those games.

To be sure we are talent deficient in certain areas (SS, OLB) and the unit is still a work in progress, but Rob Ryan is really on the right track and you can see that in the comments, effort and body language of the players - unlike the offense BTW.

Tommy Kelly is an absolute beast at RDE and I was one of those guys that thought he was better at DT. He looks like a poor man's Reggie White at End and I'll take that any day of the week.

Derrick Burgess is a PASS RUSHER. Wow, ain't it beutiful?

Kirk Morrison and Danny Clark are young, tough LB'er that play well within the system. Throw in a decent OLB and we're more than OK.

Nmandi Asoumugha, Fabian Washington and Stanford Routt ALL look like good young corners with differing attributes. If Charles Woodson is willing to play with a "fair" contract, this secondary is loaded.

The team is a bit long in the tooth at DT, but those guys have played pretty damn well this season, but I still think Antajj Hawthorne is a good prospect based on what I saw this preseason. I think the Raiders have given him the perfect "lesson" by not playing him this year. If he has ANY modicum of grey matter, he will come to camp ready to play in 2006.

The Raiders SHOULD draft 2-DL & 2-OL with their first four selections IMHO. Spend a little FA money on LB and possibly SS and this DEFENSE will be a real force by year three in Rob Ryan's system.

BTW - RR doesn't blitz much and that is fine by me if the front four is getting it done. I saw some piece on the NFL network about the "blitz" and it basically indicated that in the end, you get burned more times than not. He would much rather, as would Al Davis, rush 4 while employing various coverage schemes with the back 7.

Just my 2 Duetsch Marks.

[Rupert]

RIVL: Now you're talkin.

Good old Chucky Heisman is probably gone. Even with a "fair" contract I'd probably rather see him walk. Not because he lacks talent, and not because I think he'll be injured again (I don't believe that history is an accurate predictor of the future in his case - or Sam Williams for that matter). It's because I like the future of the guys we currently have on the field and would rather see us commit to them. Renaldo Hill is worth re-signing for sure.

Would I take Chucky as a SS? Hmmmm. At a SS salary, yes.

Regarding blitzes, they're most effective as surprises. Teams that employ them as their base defense find they're most effective against the weaker offensive (or QB-ed) teams. The elite teams usually make blitzing defenses pay.

2 Deutsch Marks? Have you been to Germany? Most people still calculate everything as Marks since 1 Euro bought 2 Marks at the conversion, and just about everything in stores just changed the DM to E (greedy bastards).

[RaiderIVlife]

RIVL: Now you're talkin.

Good old Chucky Heisman is probably gone. Even with a "fair" contract I'd probably rather see him walk. Not because he lacks talent, and not because I think he'll be injured again (I don't believe that history is an accurate predictor of the future in his case - or Sam Williams for that matter). It's because I like the future of the guys we currently have on the field and would rather see us commit to them. Renaldo Hill is worth re-signing for sure.

Renaldo Hill !!!! How did I omit him? I've been very impressed with his play this year. I love his toughness and versatility. I've never seen such a "small" guy stick his head into TE's & RB's with such abandon. The casual fan will never appreciate this dude, but I'd love to have a few more "Renaldo Hill type" players on this squad.

Would I take Chucky as a SS? Hmmmm. At a SS salary, yes.

I've never regarding him a SS, but perhaps that could work. He does have those mental lapses (see the Dallas game) which would be eaier masked at SS versus FS. All that being said, I think he's finally done in Oakland too.

Regarding blitzes, they're most effective as surprises. Teams that employ them as their base defense find they're most effective against the weaker offensive (or QB-ed) teams. The elite teams usually make blitzing defenses pay.

Rob Ryan certainly falls into the "suprise" category. Blitzing is not part of his core mentallity. Interesting because his Dad is renowned for the blitzing scheme. Despite the namesake they are totally different coaches IMO.


2 Deutsch Marks? Have you been to Germany? Most people still calculate everything as Marks since 1 Euro bought 2 Marks at the conversion, and just about everything in stores just changed the DM to E (greedy bastards).

Nah, I knew that would get your attention. It is on my distant future things to do list however.

Phil - I'm with you on the cover 2 thing. Man-to-man is great if you a great front 7 and CB's like Mike Haynes & Lester Hayes, but for the most part, Cover-2 is "safer".

[Rupert]

Phil - I'm with you on the cover 2 thing. Man-to-man is great if you a great front 7 and CB's like Mike Haynes & Lester Hayes, but for the most part, Cover-2 is "safer".

BAH! You boyz is stupid. I hate zone.:mad:

[RaiderIVlife]

Well, you do know that Rob Ryan runs both schemes throughout the game. Trust me, I'm not Mr. Zone either, you can really shut down teams big time if you are able to man-up on opponents becuase (as you know) your SS and LB'ers are running free.

[Rupert]

RIVL: You HAVE to run zone now and then if you're a man team. Just like you HAVE to run man if you're a zone team. It gives the QB a different look. It makes him think. It changes his rhythm. It can also force receivers to change their routes and how they run them, which also changes the tempo of the passing game.

Look, here's a typical adjustment: We'll look at the corner route, specifically the post-corner. Against Man-free (cover 0/1) the WR makes the post move to freeze the safety and breaks deep to the flag (that little orange thingy at the goalline) to outrun the CB. Against cover-2 or man under (two deep) the corner route flattens a little heading more sharply to the sideline. Against 3-deep safeties the route flattens almost into an out route.

So, what zone does is takes a deep route and shortens it. Of course this is just one route, not a route package. If I run 2 receivers to the side of the corner and send one down the seam on a fly route I get to keep the depth of my corner route, unless the D is willing to give up the fly route. In fact, the fly could run a deeper corner (without the post move) to really pressure that side of the defense.

But we know the problem here. Pass protection. If you can't hold the DL out for 3 seconds the QB will have to throw before the deep break and will have to leave it out there a little for the defense to break on it.

So we know it comes down to the front 4 (or the pass rush if you've got a blitzer - and you know damned well I'd blitz from the blind side if I thought you were going to flood one side - which I as OC would counter by rolling away from your blitz and swinging the RB out in front of my QB and dragging the TE across at about 5 yards).

Damn! This is too much fun.