Is Gibbs really a run-oriented coach?

[Dreadpaul]

The consensus at this site seems to be that Gibbs is a run-oriented coach. I just found an article at footballguys.com which that refutes that belief. It states that in 14 years of playcalling, 50% have been passes and 50% were runs.

The full article shows the stats to back up the commentary:
http://www.footballguys.com/04wood_coaching.htm


Here's the commentary (the good stuff is towards the middle and end):

Washington Redskins

Head Coach - Joe Gibbs; what needs to be said about the man who brought three Super Bowl titles to D.C. before retiring to form a NASCAR team? Gibbs returns unexpectedly and has also taken control of football operations, perhaps the only man alive that owner Dan Snyder would've allocated so much power


Offensive Coordinator - Don Breaux; Gibbs has a deep, experienced offensive coaching staff including Joe Bugel, who holds the title of Assistant Head Coach. But it's believed Bugel will focus on the offensive line. To that end, Gibbs named Don Breaux offensive coordinator. Breaux coached the Redskins running backs from 1981-1993 and then served as a tight ends coach for the Jets and Panthers over the following eight seasons.


Defensive Coordinator - Gregg Williams; Williams quickly joined Gibbs' staff after being fired as the Bills head coach. Williams was considered one of the most in demand defensive coordinator possibilities, having crafted strong defenses in his years with Tennessee (formerly Houston) prior to becoming a head coach.

FANTASY IMPACT

In 14 seasons calling NFL plays, Gibbs ran the gamut offensively from the rush heavy teams lead by John Riggins to the Super Bowl team that relied on the arm of Mark Rypien. If you're looking for a coach that's not beholden to one style of play calling, look no further than Joe Gibbs. Note the symmetry of his coaching career to date. In 14 seasons, 50% of his play calls were passes, the other 50% were rushes. His highest percentage or rushes in a season - 58%, his highest percentage of passes - 58%. This is a man who identified the weaknesses in opposing teams' defenses, and crafted game plans to take advantage of those weaknesses.

Stylistically Gibbs was known for his innovative motion offense, and also favored max protection schemes to keep the quarterback on his feet. It's exactly that type of scheme that may work well in today's NFL, where teams have built defenses to stop the spread offenses made popular in recent years. There's no question that Gibbs is a bit of a throwback when it comes to rushing the ball. His teams' averaged more than 520 carries per season and the Redskin's aggressive acquisition of Clinton Portis signals Gibbs' intention to pick up where he left off. Some skeptics may point to Gibbs' teams paltry 3.84 career yards per rush as a sign of worry, but remember that Gibbs never had a RB quite like Portis (Riggins and Byner were grinders) and we would caution against holding that against the young RB.

Until someone proves otherwise, we're giving Gibbs the benefit of the doubt and expect big fantasy production from this team. Coaching football is a lot like riding a bike; once you learn you don't ever really forget.

The Redskins are not lacking in talent offensively, with one of the best young running backs in football, two solid tackles, a talented QB tandem and a deep receiving corps. You can count on Gibbs & Company putting an emphasis on protecting the quarterback, which means he'll have plenty of time to find Coles, Gardner & Company on the outside.

Defensively, Williams was the hottest commodity this offseason and will have every opportunity to prove his worth on a team long on big contracts but short on impact. Is this finally the year Lavar Arrington lives up to the hype? Will the team generate a pass rush with the no name line it's assembled? Can Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs pick up where Champ Bailey left off? Stay tuned.

[CC]

I think Lavar has already lived up to the hype. He's probably the best OLB in the league (Julian Peterson isn't far behind though).

[TheHeat24]

LaVar is amazing but they still feel he can be even better in the right system, taking advantage of his stregnths

[NittanyLions]

I agree, he is great but could be a little better. Peterson and Lavar on the outside + Lewis on the inside would be monster! I still say Gibbs likes to run, I think hes a hard-nosed pound 'em kind of coach

[stomperrob]

Gibbs is typical old-school - you have to establish the running game to open up the passing game. That said, he also will go heavier with whatever his teams' strength is in any given year, be it passing or running as your article suggests.

[footballfreak449]

I think Lavar has already lived up to the hype. He's probably the best OLB in the league (Julian Peterson isn't far behind though).

Agreed 100%

[smackthefirst]

Gibbs is the type of coach that can adaptly quickly and effectively and thats what makes him so good. He knows what his teams strengths are and thats what the play calls will be. It always has been and it probably always will be.

Hes not one of those coaches that you know likes to do this or that, like Martz with passing.

This year Portis is the best they have on O, thats why they went and got him. They'll focus on the run. But if Portis goes down, theyll be a passing team very quickly.

[Azrael]

I think Portis can still have a huge year if he can gut through his nicks and dings injuries.

[terpfan]

id say that was a pretty good description of gibbs offense.

as for lavar, he could be alot better. he over pursues too often and still has problems wrapping up. i dont think we've seen nothin yet.

[The Guru]

good article.

I've always considered Gibbs to be a run oriented coach.

It's nice to see his play calling broken down like that.