One thing I keep seeing on film guys, is that Linehan does not use any "strange" formations or anything creative lately. By that I mean, formations like, dual TE slot, single back...or use Reiff as a fullback a la The Fridge, and other unusual formations. Creativity is the problem causing a noticeable rift between the offense and Linehan. I know that one cannot put all the blame on him, but he could do a ton more to win back the hearts and minds of the players on offense. In the KC game last year, they were exponentially more creative, alternating between no-huddle and huddle...using dual TE slot, and other creative formations. Linehan has been calling the same plays from the end of last year. Opposing teams already have film on it and know how to stop it. It's like after Matt's thumb injury last year, Linehan stopped being creative with the formations and such.

We have three capable runners (Leshoure, Bell, and Smith), and if we could get rid of Logan, we can either sign a fullback now, or draft one this upcoming year. That would definitely add a wrinkle to the game plan, because you force the safeties to respect the run. Besides a fullback, a beefier center and guard are needed to help the run game. The run game is not the end all for this offense. The run game would open up CJ vertically, and open up Broyles underneath. Same can be said for Pettigrew and Scheffler using other formations. I would like to see more off-balance formations that throw the defense for a loop. I have yet to see any defense the Lions have faced to have a moment of confusion. Gruden is right when he said that defenses know what play we are running before the ball is snapped.

Lastly...I think the lack of success and lack of creativity have frustrated everyone on offense. With frustration comes lack of execution and spirited play. There is noticeable rift between Matt and Linehan. Part of me wonders if they are at each others' throats in the locker room. It was really evident on the field Monday night. I see this negativity spill over to other plays like Titus, CJ, and Pettigrew. You can see it in their body language. Change is needed unless Linehan goes and REALLY opens up a hidden section of the playbook. I know I have been placing blame on the coaches an awful lot, when you can put this on the players too, but I feel that the coaching staff is mostly at fault in this, thus affecting younger players more noticeably. The veteran leadership can only do so much to save the locker room, the rest is up to the coaches.