re: Does throwing long loosen up things for the run even without a high completion %

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I think showing that you will throw long does loosen up the defense. Obviously completing the passes help much more, but showing a willingingness will certainly make D coordinators think it could happen and keep a safety or two back.

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This. Even though we have struggled a bit with drops and such, we DO have enough talent at the WR position, that it makes the above statement true and real to the Defenses, meaning that it is no longer a theoretical argument, but a realistic one.