Hating on Hostler - Part 2

We knew there was something wrong with this offense a couple weeks ago. But the muttering to return to the Walsh Offense has become full-throated howling, especially with Alex Smith out for anywhere from 2 to 52 weeks.

Anyone without glaucoma could see that the O-line is having some problems right now. The best way to get around this? Return to the short passing game, which apparently was something Dilfer did well on Sunday.

3-step drops: 4 of 5 for 31 yards (92.5 passer rating).
5-step drops: 4 of 11 for 60 yards with two sacks (55.1 rating).
7-step drops: 4 of 15 for 37 yards with two interceptions and two sacks (0.0 rating).
Shotgun: 0 of 1 with one sack. (Also, Smith was injured on a play from the shotgun formation - [Ed: That's just sad.]).

I think this may ignore the fact that the Justin Smiley's...uhhh...the Seahawks vaunted defense had us in 2nd- or 3rd- and long all day, which requires longer drops to get longer routes, et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseam, QED. In any case, we need to shrink the field against the Ravens as Trent goes for some revenge. Hopefully it turns out a little better than D-Jack's revenge game.

Our goal line is that first down marker. This O-line specializes in mashing the opposition on the run. Get them moving forward and get them their confidence back. The line's specialty last year was the drive that featured Gore left, Gore right, Gore up the middle...not Alex Smith drops back and hits a 40 yard pass play. Also this group can't hold blocks for more than a couple seconds on pass plays. Use slants, flares, screens...anything under 10 yards. We HAVE to prove we can move the ball in little chunks. Throw something over the top once in a while just to show you're thinking about it...but I'd prefer the ball goes out of bounds since it's more likely the other team will come down with it in the field of play.

Hostler may not have all the weapons and may be hamstrung by the line's recent play. But he needs to adapt on the fly. That's what he's getting paid for. You could train a monkey to call in the same plays regardless of the situation. Hostler needs to prove that he's at least human before we keep bagging on him. Though it's looking increasingly likely that we'll get Norv Turner back for next season, if Hostler doesn't pick it up in the next few weeks, I say we replace him with this guy. He seems a bit more courageous.