Roy Helu, Tim Hightower and Ryan Torain all offer something different to Redskins Running Game
by UkRedskin on Oct 11, 2011 1:33 PM EDT
in Redskins Analysis
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PrintThe Washington Redskins offence is built around a ground game that has the ability to pound away at a defence all day long if it wants to. From that we build into the play-action passes, and then into the passing game. But it all starts with the run. It's fair to say we've seen a mixture in terms of production from our 3 running backs, Roy Helu, Tim Hightower and Ryan Torain. Everyone has their own opinion on who should start, who should be the first man to split the carries, and who our best 3rd down back is. Today, I'll have a look at what all of these guys have to offer. Lets start with the guy who has started all of our games so far, Tim Hightower.
Jon Gruden on Monday Night Football called Tim Hightower the "perfect back for this system". What I've noticed from Hightower is that he runs the system exactly like it's meant to be run. He doesn't stray from what he's been coached. When we're doing a good job of blocking for him this is perfect and exactly what the Shanahan's will be looking for. However, on the downside, when we aren't blocking well, Hightower appears to lack the creativeness that we've seen from Helu and Torain to make something from a broken play. Here's an example:
This is a typical stretch run to the right, something we'll see multiple times a game. Fred Davis is going to block the linebacker on the outside and push him wide. Jammal Brown is going to seal the edge (where a blocker blocks off an edge and opens a hole for the runner to run into) on the DE., while Chris Chester is going to get up the to second level and Will Montgomery is going to block the DT to his right.
The black line is where pretty much everyone who saw this play thought Hightower should run. The inside edge is sealed off, but the DE has a position on Brown at which he could peel off Brown and make a play as Hightower runs through. Still, I expect Helu and Torain would have run straight through that gap and backed themselves to dodge or break through any attempted tackle from the DE. Hightower does what he's coached to do. He see's the seal from Brown on the DE to the outside, and the seal by Davis on the LB (marked on the picture with a blue archway) and attempts to get through that. RB's in general are coached to run through a sealed edge if they see it.
So Hightower bounces outside and makes the cut through the hole between Brown and Davis. However, the extra time it took for him to bounce outside, and then get through the hole, number 20 for the Rams manages to catch up (he went unblocked) and pulls him down for a loss.
Just to prove the point, when the blocking is good, Hightower is effective.
On this play, which is another stretch run to the right, Brown is going to block down on the DT, and Davis is going to attempt to pull the DE further to the right, sealing edges and giving Hightower a hole to run into.
In the red circle, you can see Davis has his arm on the outside of the DE, trying to push him to the outside and seal the edge for Hightower. Davis does good enough, and with the rest of the line blocking off the inside, Hightower has a clear lane to run into. He gets through the hole and gets up field, eventually being tackled for a 6 yard gain.
The other huge thing that Hightower provides is his blocking ability. This cannot be underrated, his ability to take a blitzing LB out of the pass rush gives Grossman extra time to make a play. Here's just one of hundreds of examples of this.
Here, the Rams send 5 rushers on the blitz. Having Hightower's blocking ability in the backfield, the can have confidence that they can let one man go, and pick up the rest with ease. The picture above has Hightower's block circled in red. The aggressiveness in the impact is amazing and completely throws the defender off his assignment.
Hightower doesn't just stop after the initial impact. He goes back for more, and continues his block once the ball is gone. It shows his dedication to blocking and is such a valuable asset to this offence. It's almost like having an extra Olineman back there.
Ryan Torain offers more athleticism to the backfield. He's stronger and faster than Hightower, and probably has a better ability to see holes than Hightower. Here's his first run of the game against the Rams.
This is a stretch run to the left (just a side note, going into the Rams game, the Redskins had run to the left more than any other team in the NFL and averaged 4.5 yards per carry running that way, take that whatever way you will). Chris Cooley, Fred Davis and Trent Williams are going to seal the outside, and the interior Oline are going to seal the edge. The most noticeable difference that you can see immediately from Torain and Hightower, is that Torain see's the play develop a lot quicker, and has no hesitation attacking the hole, whereas Hightower will wait for the play to develop and wait for the hole to appear.
The Oline does a nice job creating a big running lane by sealing off the edges, and Torain powers through it.
Just a quick note here, Trent Willams does a nice job noticing the free defender and comes back and takes him out of the play. Torain does a good job bouncing outside and allowing Williams to get the block in to extend the play.
Torain lowers his shoulder and delivers a crunching hit on the defender, who does a good job holding on and wrapping up his feet to bring him down for a 7 yard gain. Torain instantly brought a new energy to the team at this point and gave us a spark on the offence. His next run was even better.
Rex Grossman actually appears to audible out of a play to this one. In the end we run another stretch run to the left.
As you can see, Williams and Cooley do a good job sealing the edge, but inside Kory L doesn't have the angle on his man to seal the edge on the inside. This is where Torain backs himself to power through the hole and break any potential tackle attempts. Hightower may well have carried on outside following the system to a T. But Torain see's a hole and cuts into it.
Torain is off to the races, with Moss's brilliant downfield block on the CB, only the safety can make a play on Torain. He takes a low angle on Torain to cut him up and stop him getting into the end zone. But Torain's momentum and power is too much.
And Torain literally fly's into the end zone for a 20 yard TD run. So we've seen what Torain can bring to the table, but he does have some problems. The obvious one is staying healthy, he's failed to do that for a prolonged period throughout his career. The next is that he doesn't offer much as a 3rd down back. His hand's aren't great, and he's not the best blocker in the world. But he definitely appears to add a spark to the offence with the power he runs with.
Last, but not least, we have Roy Helu. Helu's speed offers us something completely different to what the other two have. He's one of the faster backs we've had in a while, and his speed brings an ability to break a long one on any given play. The other thing he brings to our offence is his ability to cut-back. Torain and Hightower both run the stretch, one cut, and through the hole. Helu will cut-back on the play to find a hole at any point, here's an example from the Cardinals game.
This play appears to be just a stretch run to the left, at least, that's what we want the defence to think. The give-away is FB Darrel Young's block. The line all steps down to the left, Young goes right up the middle.
When he receives the hand-off, everything looks like a run to the left (as shown by the black line). But Helu actually is going to cut back and get outside Brown. Young makes a good block on the LB, which occupies him and stop him from following Helu.
Notice how Helu sticks his foot in the ground, changes directions, and bursts off that foot. He shows that he's not just fast, he's agile. He has the ability to change direction at speed, which in turn gives him the potential to break any play for a huge gain or a TD.
He try's it again, he could go outside the DB (as the black line shows) but chooses to go inside. He fails to avoid the tackle, but his momentum drags him over the first down marker and gins 11 yards on the play.
The other big thing Helu offers us is another receiving option coming out of the backfield. He has good hands and is a big threat on check-downs, motions out of the backfield to WR (which we've seen a few times this year) and screen plays. Here's a look at a screen play.
Screen plays are something I thought we'd see more of to be honest. With the lighter, more agile Olinemen required for the zone-blocking scheme, I would have thought screen plays would be a staple of the offence, as they Olineman we have are better suited to getting up field quickly. Anyway, on this play, we send Will Montgomery and Kory Lichtensteiger on the screen block.
Kory L attempts to cut block the defender here. As you can probably tell, he doesn't get close enough.
But he does enough. The defender is pushed wide, and Helu cuts back and leaps over Kory L.
Helu does a great job staying on his feet here, breaking free of the diving tackle before cutting back outside.
He finishes the run with a nice strong stiff-arm on the defender, fighting for a last few yards. In the end, this play went for 33 yards. As I said, I'm surprised we haven't seen more of these with Helu in the backfield, as I think they'd prove to effective like we've seen here.
Overall then, we have 3 RB's that offer something different. Who would you like to see more of? If you could order the depth chart, who would you go with? Just to throw an idea out there, how about Torain's power on 1st down, Helu's elusiveness and catching ability on 2nd down, and Hightowers blocking on 3rd down? Let me know what you think in the comments below or on Twitter, @UkRedskin1.
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As always
These posts are awesome!
I'm worried about the beer supply. After this case, and the other case, there's only one case left- Barney Gumble
by CptChaosSidekick on Oct 11, 2011 1:50 PM EDT reply actions
It looks like a couple of these may have had G pulls, not sure if you're missing that or not?
Hard to tell from still shots, but could be an important part of our running game.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I didn't see any G pulls.
There’s points where the G’s get up to the next level, but they didn’t pull to get there, at least not on these plays.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
Like I said its hard to tell on still shots, the one that stood out to me was whoever is blocking 55 on the Hightower run.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Which Hightower run?
On the first one it’s just Chester getting up field, so I assume you mean the second one. On the second one, its Will Montgomery blocking 55. I see what you mean though. Kory L makes it look confusing because he’s blocking in the opposite direction to the rest of the line.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
Yea it's the 2nd one, sounds good.
It’s hard for me to focus at all on the line during the actual game, so I was just curious if they were pulling (which I would of found surprising)
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I want to see more helu
The depth chart should be the hot hand, but it also kind of depends on who we are playing and how we are playing them I.e. Torain against smaller linebackers or helu against slower linebackers with a good mix of Hightower no matter what.
Don't feed the TROLL!...You have been warned.
by the maroon bird on Oct 11, 2011 2:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
ya'll know how I feel about Helu.
I want to see him get more carries. Now.
Contrary to popular belief, I am not Jewish.
I'd like to see a 3 punch combo for an entire drive.
Hand off to High, hand off to ATV, short dump off to Helu, rinse and repeat.
HTTR!
Use ATV to batter the opposition.
Use Hightower to run round them as they tire.
Helu as the closer in the second half.
Healthy doses of Cooley and Davis.
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by Stephen Beagrie on Oct 11, 2011 2:37 PM EDT reply actions
Use ATV to batter the opposition.
I think Timmy is more of a physical runner than Torain, and I think that’s why Torain was successful when he entered in STL.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Fair point.
I just like watching Torain run through and into the enemy.
TH then imposing himself on a battered Defense would suit me fine!
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by Stephen Beagrie on Oct 11, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Peyton Hillis may walk away from Cleveland after this year
As good as our running game is, imagine what it’d be like if we added Hillis to the bunch.
"If a man speaks and there is no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong???"
No way he would cost too much
For what he produces. I would much rather build from the inside.
Dear Passionate fan, I know you are passionate, but please reply with a logical answer or I will ignore you.
by TerpsAllTheWay on Oct 11, 2011 3:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Uh Oh
Que Tiller’s rant about how Torrain is basically a 3 legged turtle with no shell
Ryan Torain offers more athleticism to the backfield. He’s stronger and faster than Hightower, and probably has a better ability to see holes than Hightower. Here’s his first run of the game against the Rams.
by skinsfan28 on Oct 11, 2011 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
My Mistake.
He’s probably not faster in straight line speed (he ran a 4.61 40 yard dash at the combine, Hightower ran 4.59), but he’s faster at making his decision and reading the play. He doesn’t have a hesitation step that Hightower can show at times. All this put together make Torain appear faster on the field. But your right, Hightower is faster.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
Its going to be a match up game
While I disagree that Torain is faster than Hightower, I do think Torain is going to be best this week. The eagles’ tackling woes are well documented and torain has the power to run through arm tackles like nothing else.
Hightower is the most complete overall back (he can run, catch, and block) and should see a lot of touches against more balanced defenses (AKA not the Eagles who are loaded at DB but with weak LBs)
Helu should see the opposite; lots of play against teams with good LB’s but slow/bad DBs. He should be able to burn them to the outside and dominate in space (maximize his screens like you mentioned).
I'd still love to see helu in this game
The eagles DB’s can’t tackle anyway why does it matter if they’re athletic enough to be in position to tackle helu if they can’t bring him down? Besides, helu will run circles around the eagle’s awful linebackers and safeties. I want to see all three, but more torain and helu.
Great post. Would live to see ATV on 1st and 2nd. Timmy on 3rd downs, Helu spelling either one if they prove ineffective, tired or banged up. The Skins should always have fresh legs back there.
I’m hoping the trio run all over Philly’s crappy run D.
My give a damn broke.
by davesomethin on Oct 11, 2011 8:41 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Don't know if it's been mentioned,
But, I wonder if you have tape on other team’s “gameplanning” Fred Davis and taking him out of the game, or if he just hasn’t gotten involved. It seems like teams may have started to realize the threat he was after getting some tape and shutting him down. Don’t know if I’m off, but might be a good breakdown.
Thanks and great post as always.
HEY! If you were a hotdog, would ya eat yourself?
Interesting concept
Throughout watching the film back over the bye week, nothing stood out about teams game-planning against Davis, but at the same time I wasn’t exactly looking out for it. I do like the idea of a breakdown about how an opposition try’s to take player out of the game or in a more general term, how to play our offense/defense as a whole. Would definitely make for a good breakdown, but would take a lot of work and could only be done if I noticed a particular pattern. Definitely noted down for potential future breakdowns!
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
I agree about Helu
I also thought I would see way more screens to him because he is fast enough to gain huge yards from them. Hopefully that will be used more often in the future.
Potentially this week against the Eagles.
They have a very good pass-rush. One way to avoid that is to screen a lot. I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Helu get a fair few catches out of it. But then again, I’m not in the film room helping make a game plan, so what do I know lol.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
Love these posts every week
You should get a job on TV,
Hoping this run game is effective on Sunday and that the Eagles don’t put the ball in Rex’s hands.
by wuds100 on Oct 11, 2011 11:51 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
ATV reads, reacts to the blocks and gets in the hole. Hightower takes to long making his cut up into the hole.
It is amazing watching Torain stick his foot in the ground and hit a hole. When healthy Torain is the best back.
I agree 100%.....
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MOAR HELU!!!!!!!!!!! Both because he’s an awesome former Husker and because he’s on my fantasy team.
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Awesome post
I think Torrain is the best of the three, though they are all very good. But Torrain has not stayed healthy in college or the pros. I don’t think they have the option to give him the majority of the carries.
I don't think this post will get seen by many,
But what would people like to see in the next breakdown? Got 1 more to do before the Eagles game.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
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