Al Saunders' Offense

The season preview magazines I've read tout Al Saunders' offense as a completely new offense. Also, articles about Jason Campell talk about how he's learning a new offense for the fourth time in four years. The thing is, Saunders' offense is an Air Coryell offense. Granted, it's evolved since then but the fundamentals are there. That's one of the reasons Gibbs brought him in. In the press conference, Gibbs talked about their shared roots from Air Coryell.

Saunders was the receivers coach for Mike Martz when they were in St. Louis together. Mike Martz was the QB coach for Norval before heading to St. Louis. And Norv, as we know, was a disciple of Ernie Zampese the same way Gibbs was. Air Coryell, of course, harkens back to the 1970s Chargers' offense featuring Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner, John Jefferson, and Kellen Winslow.

Of course, Gibbs' style and Saunders' style do show some differences. For example, Gibbs's variation relies heavily on an H-back whereas no other offensive coach utilizes that position. Instead, Saunders relied on the traditional fullback and TE positions in Tony Richardson and Tony Gonzalez.

But aren't the principles the same? Shouldn't terminology, blocking schemes, and route running be the same? If you understand the basic principles of Air Coryell, please feel free to chime in.