@calfoxwc said:

Well, this next game is going to be a win, because Kitchens is going to throw the kitchen sink at em.

That would have killed on Hee Haw...

@mark-o said:

Are we allowed to do that? 

Man, I have to admit, I was definitely in the camp of, "Run the ball 4 times in a row from the 1 yard line", but we had the ball around the 1 against the Steelers, and we went to run it with Chubb and we got COMPLETELY blown up.  I mean, it wasn't even close.  We got NO push, and I think we lost a yard or two.  My point is, I'm not sure we're GOOD ENOUGH to run it in when the opposition knows it's coming.  I hope I'm wrong, but it just seems to me that we don't get enough push when we need it.  Remember that QB sneak on 4th down?  Man, that wasn't even close.  

You know what play I see many teams score on each week when they're near the goal line?  The shotgun handoff.  The QB catches the snap, hands it off to the RB who gets a full head of steam and plunges in.  I literally see it work multiple times each week.  I don't necessarily love the idea of handing off 4 yards back from the line, but other teams run it quite successfully.  

@atom said:

so he is a Haley guy how much change to the play calling if any do you see

You can't massively change your system in the middle of the season. Kitchens will still be running Haley's offense, but I wouldn't doubt the plays will be used differently, at different times. With of course an emphasis on avoiding getting Baker killed. 

I mean, what’s the worst he can do?   Lose?

I think one of the GOOD things that can come out of Kitchens making the calls is the involvement of Duke Johnson.  Kitchens was our RB’s coach, and he’s going to be quite familiar with Duke’s ability.  Let’s see if we finally split him out wide more, or find ways to get him involved in all four quarters.  I mean, our first drive against the Steelers was nice!  It basically started off with two Duke receptions, each for 8 yards, and then the rest of the entire game he didn’t have a catch.  How is that possible?   Speaking of our first drive, it ended on a 3^rd and 4 Duke Johnson run.  It didn’t work, but I actually like the call.  It’s really frustrating when you call a run on 3^rd down and it doesn’t work, but I liked the play call.  Just didn’t work.

@canton-mike said:

Here is a copy of the video on youtube. Neat story. Only time will tell, but a young (43 yr old) Coach on the rise. Good to see him getting a shot at OC. I like it & am anxious to see how he & Williams work together.

Definitely the ying to Williams' yang...

@d-bone said:

Maybe now on 1st and Goal from the 3, they may actually hand the thing off 3 times in a row..... from gulp - under center no less. 

If they do that then I will be happy no matter whether we win or lose. I was very tired of "cutesy" football deep in the redzone the past 2 1/2 years whether it was Hueless or Haley Mills.

@canton-mike said:

 Neat story. Only time will tell, but a young (43 yr old) Coach on the rise. Good to see him getting a shot at OC. I like it & am anxious to see how he & Williams work together.

Mike

If you watched the Dorsey and Haslam presser- easy to see why they picked Kitchens to be OC. They stressed cooperation many times, and it seems like Freddie is a "I'll work with you" sort of guy. Plus NFLN (and others) said Carson Palmer thought he was great for his big year in Arizona. 

Seems like now Baker will have two guys that will be instrumental in his development as a QB...   

Just win baby

Here is a copy of the video on youtube. Neat story. Only time will tell, but a young (43 yr old) Coach on the rise. Good to see him getting a shot at OC. I like it & am anxious to see how he & Williams work together.

Mike

@kvoethe said:

Still have anus tho

Hopefully Anus was Hue or Haleys guy

@opal312 said:

Does this mean we finally run the ball? Patrick Mahomes has Kareem Hunt, Goff has Gurley etc etc

lord knows we need something?

We are 4th in the league in rushing attempts this year. We are 9th in yard per game and 12th in yards per attempt. There has been a lot of crap for sure but frequency of the run isn't one of them. Decision making on when we run vs. when we pass? yes I will say that has sucked.

@tour2ma said:

Kitchens is an interesting choice. Would seem to foretell an increased emphasis on the run game... perfect for a Defense-minded HC.

Get ready for plenty of pounding and Play-action.

Kitchens' choice also keeps Zampese's focus on developing our QB.

@logicisforsquares said:

Yup. Detroit game.

We looked REALLY good in that game with Baker, and the backup running’s backs were great that game. Maybe it was the Lions subpar 2nd and 3rd team.

Hilliard made a nice looking play yesterday against Pittsburgh, I expect him to slide into the #2 role, with Duke as a 3rd down back.

@londonbrown said:

He was calling plays in the pre season I believe ? 

Yup. Detroit game.

@d-bone said:

With a RBs coach now calling the offense and Gregg Williams as the HC, I fully expect to see a more 'old school' approach to game day strategy.... More runs, eat time, take a few shots, play good defense, keep it close and hope you can find a way to win late.

The wanna be Run and Shoot schit that I've had to watch for the last 8 games will be a thing of the past. Play designs won't change much for the last 8 weeks, but the series in which they are called will dramatically - at least that is my expectation and hope. 

I hope you are right, we have the players to pound the ball and kick butt on Defense, we NEED to play old school football again. Good Shmucking riddance to Hueless Jack Assness.