The run game was essential to the team’s success in Sunday’s suboptimal weather, which Hurts described as “unconventional circumstances.”
The cold lateral rain paired with temperatures dipping into the 50s and gusty winds would have been the star of the show had Sanders not stepped – rather rushed – into the limelight.
“Whenever they call my number, I’m going to be ready, regardless,” said Sanders.
“With the weather being the way it was, we leaned on our offensive line, and our offensive line had a heck of a game.”
That offensive line he credited created ample opportunity for Sanders to shoot gaps and pile on yards, despite mounting injury concerns throughout. Starters left tackle Jordan Mailata and right guard Isaac Seumalo both exited the game due to injury, but that didn’t inhibit the line – Jack Driscoll and Sua Opeta embraced the opportunity and produced when called upon.
“That second quarter, our offensive line was rolling. And that’s a good defensive line. I’ve known that going back to my Indy days that that’s a really good defensive line. But our offensive line, I’ll take them over anybody in this league,” said Sirianni.
“I love that group. They are gritty. They are grimy. They are tough. They are physical. And we had to play some guys today. You can see how good of a job that Coach Stout (Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland) does of developing guys and getting guys ready to play that might not play. Jack Driscoll (at left tackle), Sua (Opeta at right guard), those guys stepped in and did a really nice job.”
The combined effort to execute an effective run game was integral in overcoming the 14-0 deficit the team fell into during a notably sluggish first quarter. The team persisted, though trailing, to score 20 unanswered points in the second quarter on three rushing touchdowns.
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