Mike Abou-Mechrek
The variance of on field talent level between teams in any professional sports league is minimal-especially in a league with only 8 teams. It is what is done with this talent that is the difference between Grey Cup Champions and…well, the 2013 Winnipeg Blue Bombers (thus far).
So far this season we have discussed how it all starts with creating an environment that Presidents, GM’s, office staff, coaches and players want to work in and are free to apply their craft using THEIR abilities without ‘big brother’ watching over their shoulder. The importance of this solid foundation is paramount and that transfers onto the gridiron where the offensive line creates the tone on offense and need to work as a unit to open up running lanes; the importance of having the right running back with vision to see the holes open(ing) up and the burst to get through those cracks. The o-line also creates space and time for our all-star quarterback to drop back in the pocket, assess the defense, find the open receiver and with time and space to make his throw. It’s the same as playing pitch and catch in the backyard.
But even with all the time in the world (3-4 seconds in football terms) if the receivers can’t, or don’t, get open there isn’t much to talk about other than an incomplete pass (or sack). But the receivers don’t work as individuals either. Obviously, they need the o-line to hold up and the QB to make the right read, but with up to 6 receivers running patterns on any given play they need to rely on each other to influence defensive backs and create space for their teammates to get open.
As a former o-lineman I might be treading in unchartered waters here but when Weston Dressler gets open over the top, he usually had help from Chris Getzlaf’s underneath route that may have caught the attention of the defender who was covering our #7. I will get into the difference between defensive man and zone schemes next week, just know that receivers are not running around the field willy nilly on every play they have a designed route that must be made at specific yard markers and depending on the defensive structure the offensive playbook dictates which route will be available, and when. All the QB has to do is figure out what the defense is, which teammate will be open and throw the ball…and all that in a split second.
Some receivers in this league require special attention from defenses- like Weston Dressler- which make them susceptible in other areas on the field for their over compensation. Areas where we have other great receivers that can exploit these weaknesses, players like Geroy Simon- who in name alone garners extra attention from DBs. This may only come in the form of a quick glance over from a DB, but that quick glance creates that split second for a colleague to create separation and get open. With Dress, Geroy and Getzie warranting all this attention we have Taj Smith and Rob Bagg to ‘surprise’ our defensive counter parts.
And while on the topic of Mr. Bagg, no one works harder and this hard work is infectious within his group and across the team. Our receivers work as hard, or harder, than any other group we have. Often on a football teams ‘larger egos’ can be found in the receivers meeting room but with this group they enjoy seeing each other succeed and genuinely care about each other on and off the field. Weston was in Getzies wedding party, Bagg and Dressler lived together and if I am not mistaken Geroy does Taj’s hair.
With stars like these who are not afraid to shine together, and are receptive to Coach Cortez and Darian’s alignment- the sky looks bright on offense.
(I value your feedback at Mike.Abou-Mechrek@InvestorsGroup.com)
