I think Fisch's offense has the potential to be explosive providing the groundgame clicks. Everything will depend on having an effective running game and working playaction off of it. The thing I'm interested in seeing is how Fisch and Kehoe merge the zone running scheme and the power concept. Kehoe is known for the power G series, and Fisch likes the zone concept. If they can effectively merge the two to create a productive between the tackles and off tackle groundgame, then Fisch can set his sights on attacking the intermediate zone areas. I say zone coverages because I think Fisch would rather attack zone coverages using playaction than man coverages.
Another interesting point I'm curious to see is how we pass protect in the vertical game. If Kehoe has to pass protect using seven or more personnel, I doubt very seriously we will see receivers work to get behind the safeties. If that's the case, the emphasis would be to manipulate the underneath defenders and stay in front of the safeties. Although Morris has an above average arm to rifle throws between defenders, I'm not sure he's good at moving them with his eyes. To get those defenders off their spot playaction is going to be needed. I don't think this is such a bad concept because it will allow those two and three man routes to become more deceptive in terms of using double moves to get open, especially if teams are going to catch routes out of zone coverage. Now, if Kehoe can get the type of protection needed to get four or five receivers into pass patterns, then that opens up eveything.
A feature about the Shanahan philosophy that isn't mentioned much is that it dictates coverages by formation and motion. Personally, I would like to see Fisch use a lot of multiple receiver sets on one side of the field. For example, if we're operating out of the pro form, 22 personnel set, I would rather see that set as twins or motion to twins. The reason being is because you will immediately know whether or not the coverage is man or zone. If both corners are aligned with the receivers that is a pretty good indication the coverage is man. If one corner stays on the opposite side of the field and the OLbacker splits the difference between the slot WR and tackle it is indicative of zone. To this day, trip formations are still the most dictative formations out there. You're either going to get man or some form of three/four deep coverage.
As for stretching the defense, again, if Kehoe's upfront troops can hold up in pass protection, I think we will find someone to line up on the boundary to get deep. That throw is more of a high percentage throw than attempting to go deep on the wideside. Morris certainly has the arm strength to get the ball down the wideside, but I don't think we will see many deep throw across the field. If Fisch dicates coverages by formation and motion we should see two verticals with a flat release against any rolled up zone coverage. The deep dig and corner route should be another staple, especially off of playaction against said coverage. Against any three deep type coverage I would look for Fisch to attack the seams and flats.
If we face a lot of man coverages, Morris will be the key. I also would not be surprised to see Fisch go with four wide bunch sets and use quick crossing and out routes.
