Marvin Lewis: Using No-Huddle Eliminates "A Lot Of Other Things"

by Josh Kirkendall on Oct 5, 2010 11:38 AM EDT in Analysis

CHARLOTTE NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals calls out a play against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 26 2010 in Charlotte North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

According to Joe Reedy, the Bengals finally decided to go with the no-huddle "midway through the third quarter", having a 13-point deficit against the Cleveland Browns. During Marvin Lewis' press conference on Monday, he said in response to using the no-huddle exclusively:

"I think when we use it, we eliminate a lot of other things, so you're kind of stuck in one drawer. If that drawer isn't working and not getting you what you want, then you're in trouble, because you haven't spent the time game planning some of the other things you have to do."

Not only did the offense start moving the football through the air, the running game finally heated up.

In the 23-20 loss to the Browns, the no huddle was the only time the running game got on track. When they went to no huddle, Cedric Benson had 6 carries for 45 yards compared to15 yards on 9 carries on other plays.

It's confusing when the no-huddle was used exclusively, mostly when Cincinnati was already playing from behind, that the offense doesn't find a way to use it more frequently. For example, why not use it to start the game, get off to a quick start and then go back to doing all of the other things and packages that forced us into the no-huddle situation in the first place?

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Amen

More no-huddle, better run-game. WHODEY!

by Alex Kuhns on Oct 5, 2010 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

Play Calling

Yeah, the no huddle eliminatesw alot of other things. Like Brat’s play calling. Let see here we have used the No-Huddle extensively when behind, and our best offensive numbers come when? The two losses with alot of no-huddle. Who’s calling the plays? PALMER

by Striped_To_Impress on Oct 5, 2010 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

we have too many substitutions

Andre smith and denis roland
gresham and kelly
Benson, scott , leonard
extra OL packages
That’s why they don’t like to use it as much. When they came out with it in the 3rd QTR they used b.scott cause he can run and catch. They also had reggie kelly in for that series so he can line up anywhere and still help

www.fantasydaddy.com

by Joe Goodberry on Oct 5, 2010 11:53 AM EDT reply actions

When in gods name do they evre use B. Scott

He might be a bigger wasted draft pick then Smith. I don’t understand why he only touches the ball like twice a game. I hate Brat and all there stupid game planning. Hey Marvin your gameplans blow!

by Diesel2405 on Oct 5, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

He's a sixth rounder?

Most of those tend not to make it past the back-up stage that never sees snaps except in the case of injuries. Bernard has been amazing for the round he was taken in.

by Doc Scratch on Oct 5, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

No crap. Im saying they are wasting him. They don't use him and they need to.

Its irritating to see other teams use there personnel and we continue to be oblivious to whats going on.I could use the freaking madden playbook and run a better offense

by Diesel2405 on Oct 5, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

RE: B.Scott

he was a 6th rounder b/c he played in a lesser division in college, and was arrested 5 times ( i believe he was at 3 or 4 diff schools as well)….he’s the biggest “character flag” guy on our team other than pacman……BUT that being said, the kid set all kinds of crazy records in college and clearly has the talent to be an asset to any NFL team IF THEY USE HIM RIGHT….which we currently dont.

by TruWhoDey on Oct 5, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Marvin "That" Lewis wakeup call

Why change personnel on every down like that. Things are working in no huddle like that. Let em play like that. What’s wrong with that? Put “Jelly” in full time and play him into shape like that. That that that that…..speak in specifics, no more that’s and things, like that. Get it !

by sofakingood on Oct 5, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

eliminating the crap that doesn't work doesn't hurt us.

more no huddle.

less bratt.

more wins.

its not hard to figure out.

"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl

by palewook on Oct 5, 2010 12:10 PM EDT reply actions

"I think when we use it, we eliminate a lot of other things"

Like penaties, bad passes, sacks, runs stuffed for losses.
Did anyone notice how well the team moved using no huddle but then the team would pause on third down and we would end up with a broken play?

The no huddle works, it can be done so the Bengals still run, and that the clock is managed so that the defense gets a chance to rest.

Brat is trying to be too cute, and we get crap performances.

by DCBengalFan on Oct 5, 2010 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

yup

tried alluding to this yesterday after i read Marv’s comments….WTF! The part where he says
“I think when we use it, we eliminate a lot of other things, so you’re kind of stuck in one drawer. If that drawer isn’t working and not getting you what you want, then you’re in trouble, because you haven’t spent the time game planning some of the other things you have to do.”
Makes NO SENSE b/c whenever we go to the no huddle, everything magically starts clicking…..also when our normal game plan doesnt work (ie: on a regular basis) we are forced into the no huddle to try and save the day. So if it is good enough for our fall back, quick spark , score in a hurry type of offense, why can’t we just run the no huddle and fall back on the “gameplan” if it doesn’t work?

by TruWhoDey on Oct 5, 2010 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

I don't buy the excuse that using it doesn't give our defense enough time to rest

I’d rather the defense come on to the field tired after we marched down the field and scored, rather than coming out tired after we had a 3 and out from our patented run, run pass on 3rd and a mile.

by Throw the ball on Oct 5, 2010 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I think Marvin is talking about red zone packages

when he says: “I think when we use it (no huddle) we eliminate a lot of other things”.
I’m sure everyone noticed how, during our last drive, we marched down to the Cleveland 30 with the no huddle then all of a sudden started huddling and substituting.

by featherman on Oct 5, 2010 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

Mistakes, time for a change...

It all boils down to Brat’s game plan…. you are right: too many player changes, not enough no huddle, not using the TE enough and absolutely lousey play calling, especially in the red zone! What does Marvin see in Brat, he had one good year in ‘05? I say move Marvin up to GM, make Brown sit back and let Marvin run the show, hire someone like Cowher or Gruden who knows football and doesn’t put up with any crap or excuses! There is too much talent on both sides of the ball to look so bad as we do now!

by Texas Bengal on Oct 5, 2010 1:51 PM EDT reply actions

Hey Marvin, maybe you should spend some time game planning on the other things you have to do also!

I might be completely wrong here, but isn’t game planning and being prepared for any scenario your job? If you are stuck in one drawer it is because you are being out coached!

Why don’t we try to get an early lead for once instead of always trying to play catch up? Maybe get a lead early and then run the ball late to ice the game? Or would that be too simple?

by D-Day77 on Oct 6, 2010 1:19 AM EDT reply actions