From New Orleans Saints On SI · · 1m 40s
Saints Mailbox: Line Calls and Run Game Shift
Saints' play calls and run game adjustments under scrutiny.
In brief
Saints' play calls and run game adjustments under scrutiny. The Saints' run game struggles with Detroit's defense and Baltimore's Derrick Henry highlight ongoing challenges. Originally reported by New Orleans Saints On SI.
Juggler's Fumble Question
Juggler asks why the bad reverse call wasn't overturned after Lions led 7-0.
“On the sack fumble with Lions up 7-0, why didn't the bad reverse call get overturned by head of officials?”
Replay Decision Process
The replay review was coordinated with NFL's centralized replay command in New York.
“We have bad news for you, Juggler: the replay review was coordinated with the NFL's centralized replay command in New York.”
Rulebook Confusion
The rule states backward-traveling loose ball is incomplete forward pass if QB initiates throw before contact.
“Though the rule is convoluted and confusing at best, the people in the Big Apple decided the backward-traveling loose ball was an incomplete forward pass because Lions QB Jared Goff had already initiated his upward throwing motion before Chase Young made contact.”
Rulebook Critique
This rule is buried in NFL rulebook and unknown to coaches or players.
“This rule, buried so deeply in the NFL rulebook that no coach or player on the field knew of its existence, may be, in our humble opinion, one of most asinine rules concocted by any league.”
Baltimore Travel Warning
Do not expectorate on sidewalks in Baltimore as it is illegal.
“So, while traveling to Baltimore this weekend, be wary. Do not expectorate on the sidewalks while there. You might get a ticket, as it is illegal to do so there. Really.”
Play Change Question
Saint Russ asks what percentage of plays change when teams leave huddle.
“From the Saints On SI mailbag, Saint Russ asks What % of plays are changed when team leaves the huddle and lines up. Does the QB make the decision to change, or, is he notified from the sideline?”
Play Clock Rule
Play clock cuts off coach-to-quarterback communication at 15 seconds left.
“The NFL rule is when the play clock reaches the 15-seconds left mark, the coach-to-quarterback helmet communication is cut off.”
Tech Cart Indicator
Tech cart shows green for active communications and yellow for disabled signals.
“There is a tech cart on the sideline that has an indicator light that turns from green, when communications are being made and allowed, to yellow, showing when the signal is disabled.”
Tyler Shough Play Changes
Tyler Shough changes plays at line of scrimmage based on defense formations.
“While the play is called in the huddle, Shough is given options to change the call at the line of scrimmage if the defense is in a formation not expected when the play was called.”
Shough's Hand Signals
Shough uses subtle hand signals with wideouts for route changes.
“Shough also has specific, subtle hand signals that he has with his wideouts, like tapping his helmet or wiping his jersey, or a hand signal that will tell them to run a different route because of how the secondary is set up.”
Shough's Play Calls
Shough shouts 'Check! Check!' or 'Kill! Kill!' for play changes.
“We have heard him shout out 'Check! Check!' at the line of scrimmage and 'Kill! Kill!' with a slicing motion of his hand across his throat to indicate a complete change of a play call, again, though, only to specific plays he and Kellen Moore have walked through.”
Saints' Run Game Issue
Saints' run game struggles with Detroit's defense and Baltimore's Derrick Henry.
“For us, we see a lingering issue that needs to be addressed on both sides of the ball: the run game.”
Travis Etienne Jr
Travis Etienne Jr needs more opportunities on sweeps and off tackle runs.
“Offensively, when you have a back like Travis Etienne Jr who has tremendous speed and agility, he needs to be given a chance on sweeps and off tackle runs.”
Jahmyr Gibbs Challenge
Saints face Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit's elite back, this week.
“On the defensive side, we can say the Saints were going up against one of the elite backs in the NFL last week in Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs.”
Derrick Henry Threat
Derrick Henry poses significant challenge for Saints defense this weekend.
“Last year's Achilles heel was defending the rush. If this is still the Saints' weakness on defense, this will be a long year.”
What it means
The Saints' run game struggles with Detroit's defense and Baltimore's Derrick Henry highlight ongoing challenges.
