Packers and Falcons were two of the three teams (Steelers were the other) that ran the ball less than 35% of the time... so of course if it's not balanced defense are going to focus on the one that offenses are doing the clear majority of the time...
As for the Saints, I don't think we can say teams don't respect Kamara... he touched the ball 275 times, that's one touch short of doubling the next higher Saints weapon (which was another RB), so in some respects that Saints (Rams and Patriots) offenses is/are built around getting the RB going to opening up the passing game for Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara.
And less than 15 players in the NFL had 200 carries... less than 10 had 220 carries... again that's more a coaching decision of going with a single featured RB or multiple RBs and injuries. David Johnson, Jordan Howard and Peyton Barber all got over 230 carries and less than 4 yards per carry... I don't think defenses necessary respect them, heck I wasn't even sure what team Barber was on... and I was more concerned about a different Bears RB (Tarik Cohen) when we faced them.
As I believe KRK said, reportedly Taylor was banged up though out the year... but he seems to be an average NFL starting OG (we have just gotten used to above average OGs with Sitton/Lang), but I honestly believe simply running the ball more often and having short pass plays, would help the OL a hell of a lot... all these 3.5+ extending the play forever is putting max pressure on the OL... and the OGs (who are less talented) are at times failing to hold up.
Philosophy has absolutely nothing to do with it.... because scheme around implies you're actually willing to look outside what you want to do... while philosophy implies what you want to do...
When one is actually willing to scheme around (and not locked into a single philosophy, or unwilling to consider anything outside their philosophy), a single weak interior OL is easiest position to scheme around...
I'll never understand why fans some want to move the better pass blocker to OG and the worse pass blocking to OT... it makes absolutely no sense to me.
Originally Posted by: beast