‘Hotline’ chatter on the shotgun and UGA’s red zone blues
Should Mike Bobo be trying something other than the shotgun in the red zone? (AJC File)
I caught most of Mark Richt’s segment of “Bulldog Hotline” Monday night and some of Hondo and the all stars, and a theme that kept cropping up in comments from callers was concern over Georgia’s ineffectiveness in the red zone and especially when in the shotgun formation.
Richt noted correctly that Georgia uses the shotgun elsewhere on the field, not just in the red zone, and said he’d have to go back and watch some film to see whether the shotgun has really been responsible for the Dogs’ problems down close to the goal line.
I’m hoping that wasn’t just a sop to the caller and that Richt really does plan on taking a look at what’s going wrong for the Dogs in the red zone, where they’ve been more times than any other SEC team (20 trips so far this season in conference games) but have gotten touchdowns only 10 times. With the fallback to attempting a field goal no longer a sure thing with Blair Walsh, that’s going to be especially problematic as the level of competition rises down the stretch.
Certainly, there are times the shotgun works well, especially when there’s a lot of field ahead and Isaiah Crowell is at tailback. He likes space.
But Mike Bobo’s penchant for switching gears once he hits the red zone and abandoning what got him there has been a recurring complaint the past few seasons. Yes, as Richt noted Monday night, you have less room to work with the closer you get to the end zone. But it’s pretty obvious what Georgia’s doing down there isn’t as effective as what it’s doing between the 20s.
So what do you think? Are you like the “Hotline” callers who think the Dogs should dump the shotgun and stick to working out of the I-formation once they get in the red zone, or do you see some other solution?
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351 comments Add your comment
Jared
October 18th, 2011
12:40 pm
Look, AltahamaDawg actually used correct stats! Imagine that! I’d say 3rd in the sec isn’t bad…
War Dang Dawg
October 18th, 2011
12:40 pm
Is it just me or do all of these football players who have dreadlocks flowing out of their helmets look like sissies? It’s hard to look tough when you look like a gay hairdresser. John Wooden was willing to dismiss the top basketball recruit in the country – Bill Walton – when he initially refused to clean up his hippy look. Wooden won, and Walton went to the barber. Do any of today’s coaches have balls?
Terry
October 18th, 2011
12:42 pm
01HAWK, You only score 34 points still.
Jake
October 18th, 2011
12:45 pm
Funny that chip closed the comments about Richts appology to the morn coach at Vandy…..rubbing in their faces???? give me a break…what a sorry excuse for a head coach……ask that idiot about all the chop blocks…..all the smack talk…….FROM HIS PLAYERS……what a loser. please feel sorry for me ……and we wonder why……………….
Desert Fox
October 18th, 2011
12:47 pm
Did anyone ask the question to CMR why GA does not run gimmick plays such as half back or wide receiver pass or some similar type offensive play? Do they have any in the playbook or even practice them?? When they run their wild dawg w/either Brandon Smith or Boykin taking a snap we all know its a run and so does the defense. Boykin was shut down by Vandy when he took the snap and didn’t get any yardage might of lost some. Would have been an opportune time if Boykin handed it off to wide receiver on end around or short pass. Anything to catch the defense off balance other than running it all the time.
Point is GA is last in the country (IMO) when it comes to trick plays once in a while. I cannot recall the last time they tried one. They work some times!!! FL or LSU are famous for them. Along w/SC and MS as we all recall from those games. Thats one of the major issues w/Bobo and Richt. There’s no imagination on offense. Not to take anything away from GA’s offense, they do score, but when the momentum is not on your side maybe one of these plays on offense or special teams can swing the mo back in your direction. Vandy proved that it works when they were successful on every one of their attempts.
To attempt a trick play or two you have to be a little devious. Its very apparent neither CMR or Bobo have a devious bone in their bodies. Maybe thats a good thing but a little bit of it on the football field ain’t gonna send you to hell.
McDawg
October 18th, 2011
12:47 pm
I didn’t see much of Figgins in the UT game either
when was the last time the QB actually ran the ball on that one play we run over and over and over again with very little success-i recall Stafford kept it and it went for about 30yds open all the time
Shockley use to run it as well
if Murray is not ever going to keep it then dump the play
McDawg
October 18th, 2011
12:48 pm
and the word is out-we will see a fake punt once a game
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2011
12:50 pm
Isn’t that bad, isn’t that good. I just don’t think a fellow aught to put out deceptive information knowing how many folks can’ wait to swallow up that kind of stuff hook, line, and sinker.
just curious........
October 18th, 2011
12:54 pm
I am told UGA has the biggest offensive line in the country – including the pro teams – they have some of the best tight ends, one of the best running backs in the nation, a 270 lb full back, the best quarterback in the SEC, some of the best recievers in the country…………why can’t they score in the red zone? — there has to be an issue somewhere. With the talent on the team that is supposed to be so good; where is the power and the push. The team just seems to be full of mistakes. I don’t believe it is Richt. any ideas?//
Big Albany Dawg
October 18th, 2011
12:58 pm
Mike Bobo in the red zone = PANIC ATTACK + OFFENSIVE MELTDOWN.
Bob
October 18th, 2011
12:58 pm
A few years back, the only negative comment you’d have after the Vandy game was “why didn’t we beat them by more than 21 points”. Now the Dawgs’ program has sunk so low under Richt that our players are celebrating a five point victory over Vandy like it was the SEC championship. Past time to change this culture n Athens in my opinion.
beanster
October 18th, 2011
1:02 pm
I probably consume more kool-aid than anyone on this blog so I won’t hesitate typing this. Look at the times where we have looked consistently good on offense. And compare that to what you believe the staff thinks are the toughest competition, most difficult games to win. The offense looked good the majority of the game vs. USC. Boneheaded plays lost that one for us. 1st half of Ole Miss, offense is clicking, we get a comfortable lead, then the faucet is shut off. Same thing for MSU. Same thing for UT. Vandy game was similar except that the execution wasn’t quite there early and Walsh missed FGs. Ended up having to fight for our lives in that contest (i.e. game plan on the scrap heap). Again, I grew up on fruit punch kool-aid, but I believe some of the reason why we see the offense run plays that are fairly easily sniffed out by the opposing D when we have a lead is because they are playing it close to the vest. CMR doesn’t care about blowing anyone out. In his mind, SECCG is the goal, a W is a W in the SEC no matter what it looked like. When we have a 2 score lead, the play calling becomes unimaginative and we get stopped but so far Vandy is the only game of our 5 wins where there was real question as to whether or not we get the W. I also wonder, why was the play calling so anemic vs BSU? And then suddenly vs USC, we have it all figured out?? BSU is not in the SEC, that’s why. I have never seen the staff play as coy as they have over the past year. We try to hide where certain players may be inserted on game day consistently. Players are told to play coy. Todd Grantham has a towel boy for pete’s sake that makes a screen so that his lips can’t be read while calling in plays. I think CMR thinks part of the reason why we didn’t have as much success recently was because we were being scouted too well. The UF game will either prove or disprove my theory as it is the most must-win game we will play so far this year. But if we break out trick plays, if Bobo opens the entire play book and gives UF looks that no one has seen this year, I think there is some truth to that idea. Playing in the SEC is a big ol poker game complete with bluffs and trying to look meek when you have the nuts.
Now I gotta go refill my glass…
Nick
October 18th, 2011
1:05 pm
I don’t think it’s so much the shotgun hurting us as much as the change of scheme with regards to the play calls themselves. They zip down the field efficiently then do a 180 when they get close. They need to stick with the same type of plays that got them there (excepting long passes, obviously). Something else that seems to screw them up more times than not, is a penalty which throws the whole thing into recourse.
Joey
October 18th, 2011
1:08 pm
Don’t hold your breath, beanster . . .
michael g.
October 18th, 2011
1:20 pm
can you people make up your mind? you say bobo is too conservative calling plays, and your answer to that is give the ball to the fullback? really? you cant really be that stupid, can you?
every play call by offensive coordinators across the country is designed to work. proper execution of the play determines whether it will be successful or not.
Macclenny_dawg
October 18th, 2011
1:21 pm
As long as Bobo is calling plays we always abondon what got us there!!! I like being in the shotgun near the goal line!!! But Murray will have to run it sometimes to really spread the field. folks we will talk about our inept offense forever as long as Bobo calls the plays. For all the Richt supporters u better start calling for Bobo to be fired. Ever since Richt quit calling plays he has got more involved with the other coaches positions and it has killed us. Richt is a good offensive coordinator but he just doesn”t demand to much when he is overlooking every aspect of the game. This team needs somebody who will come in and demand excellence.
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:25 pm
The question was should they go away from what drove down the field and go to a more conservative and traditional I formation when they get down close. So far, most comments have tried to agree with the idea of complaining about the REd ZOne BUT argued the exact opposite of that. (and a bunch of stuff completely unrelated) Quick to jump on the negative, no so careful to read the actual point.
BIll, I agree with you in that I would “like” to see us do that. But I have thought since 2008 however that short yardage running has been the biggest flaw in our offensive game. I’m not sure we can just power it in there at this point. I suspect our TD% in the red zone would be far worse that it is (60%) if we just stuck to that.
Son of 01HAWK
October 18th, 2011
1:27 pm
@Terry
Were you born a moron or did you get special training?!? The reason Bama only scored 34 points is that the 1st & 2nd string had taken showers and were looking at next week’s game film by the end of the 3rd quarter.
Richt`s Hammer
October 18th, 2011
1:28 pm
Oh lord what a beatdown coming in Jacksonville.
Bobo can`t find a first down and choakdawg is pulling the silence of the lambs routine.
Heaven protect the Florida kicker. Choakdawg is planning quite the dinner.
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:29 pm
It’s also good to look at it all in relative terms. UGA is converting TD inside the RZ at around 60% this year, which historically is about where most SEC teams (even the top ones) end up on the year.
If UGA had completed one (1) more TD this year, they would have a better % than Alabama does in that regard.
TC
October 18th, 2011
1:30 pm
When is the last time we actually drove the field on our opening possession and scored 7….instead of 3?!?! Having 6 fg tries against Vandy is pathetic. Not to mention a false-start penalty on an extra point attempt!!!!!
DrummerDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:31 pm
We have the largest offensive line in the country, including those in the NFL. WHY can we not just blow everyone off the line, knocking bodies on their backsides, and plow right over opposing defenses with a dominating running game? When adding in our 280 pound fullback and the three running backs we are actually using, I fail to see why we can’t play smash mouth football and dominate the line of scrimmage.
Captain Allen Waters
October 18th, 2011
1:33 pm
Focus on FL because they will play like the SEC champs against us! Do anything to mix it up and be prepared for any trick play imagined!!
UGA fan in India
Neutral Observer
October 18th, 2011
1:34 pm
DrummerDawg, they might be big but they are mostly fat. No definition to their arms and all except Chopblock Jones have small legs.
Joey
October 18th, 2011
1:35 pm
“If UGA had completed one (1) more TD this year, they would have a better % than Alabama does in that regard”
***********************************
Which actually proves that stats sometimes mean nothing.
Gainesville Sun
October 18th, 2011
1:35 pm
Brantley is out of his walking boot and crutches and will be healthy for UGA.
Neutral Observer
October 18th, 2011
1:37 pm
Expect Richt to be tighter for the game in Jax than any in several years. This years FL game will determine whether he coaches at UGA next year.
Joey
October 18th, 2011
1:37 pm
That’s a good thing, Gainesville Sun. If we happen to win, I’d hate to hear about the QB issue for a year.
Mobile Dawg
October 18th, 2011
1:39 pm
Well lets see, uhmm, does anyone ever remember CMR answering a question with a direct, definitive answer? Don’t know about you but to me he beats around the bush more than a politician. Is that to cover ignorance, or just to evade the question?
Some of us pick up on things like that, I mean honestly, does he not get involved enough to know what works, what doesn’t, and when? If I based my opinion on his answer to the questions, I would come to the conclusion he doesn’t.
Gunther Sphinctertingle
October 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
Somebody above already said it, but I’ll say it again. Do we really have a team now that wants to “rub their faces in it” because we escaped Vanderbilt, at the wire, with a 5 point win? A team that prances and preens after every reception and tackle, as if they’ve done something special? I’ve heard all the “urban culture” excuses for this behavior, but let’s please call it what it is — a complete and utter lack of class. I don’t care what environment the players come from — I look to the coaches to instill some class and discipline in the program, and that ain’t happenin’. Very sad.
Mark (another one)
October 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
The red zone is different because the safety’s don’t need to cover as deep. It compresses the field. if our line is so large, and our tight ends are 1-A, 1-B and 1-C, why not put in two tight ends, Figgons and Samuel and pound the ball? This is also a good pass formation since these tight ends are also tall and can catch the ball.
If that’s our strength, why do we put in a light tailback, no fullback and split out four receivers? That isolates Murray into a fixed location target and puts the line on their heals. When I’ve met our linemen, they enjoy firing out and hitting someone. Let them do it.
As for playing smart at the end, I was screaming about the sweeps with Samuels while trying to kill the clock. Get in the I with two tight ends and smash forward. Vandy knew we were going to run. Running sideways out of the shotgun played into their hands and allowed them to use the sideline as a defender. Georgia used to be a physical team in a physical conference.
For a lesson, look at the tape of the end of the Falcon’s game on Sunday. Turner off guard was a common call and the line dominiated. The extra touchdown was an added benefit.
old dawg
October 18th, 2011
1:42 pm
goodness gracious. why not ask the real stemming from his comments?
why does CMR need to go back and look at the film to see if the shotgun is more or less effective in the red zone vs the rest of the field?
excuse me! does this mean the analysis is not being done as to what is effective and what is not, and when? this professional group of offensive coaches have not noticed anything and brought it to the collective consciousness?
i guarantee you muschamp and the fl defensive coaches can answer the question.
fl by 14. seven of which will be due to special teams malfunctions at a minimum.
DrummerDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:43 pm
Neutral Observer, thanks for that comment, which goes directly to where I wanted it to go. UGA is too soft up front, either in spite of or because of our strength and conditioning program, and certainly due to a lack of a killer instinct to dominate the opponent physically and mentally. You need BOTH types of domination to be a winner. One or the other alone doesn’t cut it and won’t deliver consistent victory. And mentally doesn’t mean designing cute/intelligent plays that look good on a chalkboard but which rarely work. Being mentally tough in my definition is being disciplined and focused to do your job with 100% effort and accuracy every time so that your execution is perfect, without distraction from emotions or outside influences which degrade your performance execution.
Mobile Dawg
October 18th, 2011
1:45 pm
DrummerDawg, a lot of defenses are based on quickness vs size. A smaller but quick Oline can out manuever a big Dline, especially if the OC is intelligent enough to captialize on it. Vice versa, a smaller but quicker Dline can get around the bigger slower giants man to man, or with well defined, timed blitz packages to plug the holes or get into the backfield.
The other factor is Richt just doesn’t commit to the run and DC’s know this. Our plays are predictable, our OC is not an Offensive Genius.
John
October 18th, 2011
1:46 pm
Bottom line: Murray is going to have to prove it to some teams that he can spread the field before teams respect him, until then they will put 8 in the box and UGA will stall in the redzone. In Bobo’s defense if your QB is of short the shotgun can be your friend allowing him to scan the defense while everyone is in the 3 point stance, however you do give up the ability to fake a playaction pass in the shotgun.
McDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:46 pm
i don’t really care how CMR performs at press conferences
db
October 18th, 2011
1:47 pm
Do we even have a fullback?
polskidawg
October 18th, 2011
1:47 pm
Man, there’s nothing better than lateral running! Why stick with effective two-back sets that feature north and south running when you can kill all of your momentum with some awesome sideways running plays! And – no one ever knows that the Dawgs are going to run sideways when it’s 2nd and long while lined-up in the shotgun. No one!
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:48 pm
And Blair Walsh’s misses have been more in the over 40 range, so that not ever really pertinent to this particular. Or more specifically you can;t dismiss him as a big part of the equation, as you suggested. The kid is 8/9 when we have had the ball inside the RZ.
DrummerDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:49 pm
Mobile Dawg, I totally agree. Our OC’s slow developing plays allow a faster/smaller D time in which to react and stuff the play. When we do run it’s often with no leading blocker or out of the one back set with four wideouts. Way too predictable and not physical enough!
Mobile Dawg
October 18th, 2011
1:50 pm
You couldn’t have hit the nail on the head any cleaner, well said old dawg @ 1:42. What part of communication 101 doesn’t Richt understand? His comments make him sound “uninformed” ( I will be nice).
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2011
1:51 pm
Joey if the actualy number don’t mean anything, what is the point of asking a question that way premised by giving out number? (incorrect as they were) Are we talking about how people “feel” about it, or what actually happens on the scorboard and record books?
Re@Listic Dawg
October 18th, 2011
1:54 pm
Dream Situation:
Arky wins out & UGA wins out; uga beats arky in the sec championship…
Of course im assuming LSU can beat Bama!
Mobile Dawg
October 18th, 2011
1:54 pm
I’ve seen facts and stats that say one thing with the reality being another. Example being our balanced run/pass attack. Sacks and scrambles are classified as runs, but they were intended to be passes, those can account for up to 10 runs per game, sometimes more. Sometimes facts and stats are deceptive, and admittedly sometimes perceptive.
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2011
2:01 pm
So Richt should cover our redzone strategies in greater detail on a public Radio show?
Murphy
October 18th, 2011
2:02 pm
Just a thought.I was watching the review of games from 2002. Go back and look just at the 2002 SEC Championship game alone.Look at the play calling from Richt.Talking bout keeping a defense off balance? Arkansas didnt know what was coming. Look at 4th and 1 in the Clemson game.Richt went for it and sealed the victory.Richt needs to get back to those days.And by the way we regularly ran no-huddle hurry up offense.
Had It
October 18th, 2011
2:05 pm
Vandy win…feeble, feeble against a cupcake
True Dawg
October 18th, 2011
2:06 pm
we need a new OC Bobo should be demoted!
Mobile Dawg
October 18th, 2011
2:06 pm
No, it’s just seems a short answer like “we’re addressing the red zone issues”, would serve him better. Followed up by something like, “expect to see Kwame and Big Zohn against UF” with a deceptive smile and a sly wink. Give the opposition something to think about.
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2011
2:06 pm
Of cource they can be. But in this particualr case, Tell me how the actual number of TD scored by Georgia is a deceptive number. Tell me how that we score a TD at almost the same clip when given the RZ opportunity as (historically everybody else) is saying something thats not there.
I think the deceptive part of that is: TD don’t count for as many points much if you don’t like the coach that called it.