homer
Elon Only
Posts: 583
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Post by homer on Sept 19, 2015 20:48:45 GMT -5
It was a struggle against NCAT. But we should remember that NCAT has an extremely good defense. Don't let that fact slip your mind.
This offense cannot afford mistakes or missed opportunities. And they continue to have both.
A few passes overthrown. Missing Tre early for a TD hurt. CC can't seem to connect in the deep ball. The short and intermediate game is ok.
Rushing. Where to begin? It baffles me why there is zero rushing game. And then it baffles me why we try to stick with it in the 4th quarter. Our lone TD drive was passing exclusively, until CC scampered in for the TD.
Drops. We still have them. Why? And where on earth did Tre disappear to?
Penalties. Simply cannot afford them. At all.
Fumbles. Killed us. Absolutely killed us.
I know this all sounds negative, but I came away from the game seeing progress. I believe with patience and persistence, this offense will be dynamic as the season progresses.
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Post by fc4life on Sept 19, 2015 22:37:35 GMT -5
Our defense did everything they could to keep us in the game.
Our offense is a dumpster fire. Plain and simple. No rythym, no explosive plays. Very bland and very shotty play calling. Connor is growing and showed some glimpses again today.
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Post by Frustrated Fan on Sept 20, 2015 7:49:30 GMT -5
Time to be an armchair quarterback. I have watched and read these threads for quite some time and agree with many and disagree with many as well. Been to the games regularly (including that past five spring games) and a few practices only to come away with exasperation too many times, especially when it concerns the offense. I see a lot of blame on these posts for previous era under Swepson and rightfully so, but lets face it, this is year two under Skrosky and the offense has NOT improved. Swepson was a horrible communicator and developed no respect with his team. We bring in a blast from the past, a coach who knows Elon and a coach who is an FBS offensive coordinator to right the ship. We are now 13 games into his tenure and what has changed (when it comes to offense / defense is stronger as the upperclassmen and C Blair have improved since arriving - FYI many are Swepson recruits by the way). The offense has same issues as first game of Skrosky's tenure. We started against Duke and had WR position with 10 plus drops that day. Skrosky stuck with his starting WRs from that game all game and all season. Now we enter year two and still three games in, the talk is all about offense issues and drops. There is no improvement and play calling direct from Skrosky is as plain and unimaginative as ever. Shave it down...as he did this week and still no progress or signs of improvement. All this heading into the CAA which is arguably the top FCS conference. I don't see the offense as playing now improving against better competition compared to these two previous games. The CAA cupcakes aren't on our schedule this year. What I see after all these games etc is an offense that has the same problems and a coach covering the issues with "were a young team". An effort to continue to buy time? Swepson did the same thing and admin pulled the plug when improvement wasnt seen. This is what happens when you give freshmen positions rather than making them earn them. Yes there is talent but they aren't ready for FCS DBs. There is NO separation on routes and NO blocking for the RB's with the current group that is playing making CC or DT job even harder. These two QB's have shown promise which is good, but if your WR's and TE don't play with passion and realize that you need to fight for position, get separation, concentrate and catch with your HANDS, AND throw blocks downfield for the RB (i.e. for the good of the team) our offense is not going to improve any time soon, whether you wait four games, or another year. We have allowed the defense to mature over past couple of seasons, yet we continually allow the offense to get a pass because our HC/OC throws freshman into the starters rolls too soon. Where is TE82 and his 5-8 yd routes over the middle this year? Basically a safe throw to a big body and it gets you into second or third and short? Where is the sneaky good TE 38 on crossing routes where LB's cant keep up with him especially when we have CC running bootlegs? We have pushed a freshman TE (89) onto the field and while he had a couple of good scrimmages early, he looks outmatched on game days and has had issues with drops and blocking. RB's - a total issue but like what I saw from 32 yesterday (outside a late drop). Ran hard. Haven't seen a RB hit a hole with speed and toughness in a while...actually since little #21 played. Kid is a fire hydrant and has heart and runs as hard as anyone the roster but gets no love or reps-why? Every time he gets a chance, and they have been few, he runs with all he has - how they all should play. The others could learn from him. As for WR - two years running with drops and rushing to put freshmen in. What I have seen over the years is much of the same. Look good on paper, but that doesn't win games. #10 was the go to last year, played well in his role. #14 and #20 both older kids looked great in Spring and scrimmages leading up to the season but no where to be found. Dont recall seeing either drop a pass. Is it because they are holdovers? These three (10, 14, 20) all show fight when playing and give 100% on all plays - but their sitting because they are Swep recruits? 14 is a big body and 20 has speed and definitely has one of the best set of hands on the team and understands to come back to the QB when a play breaks down (see GW late drive even though CC threw it barely OB - other WR gave up on routes). These two are non existent yet led the team in the summer in receipts and yards for 2 of the 3 scrimmages. But even more, 14 and 20 have shown willingness to block downfield for RB's and QB's yet, little to no reps in these first three games when same old problems still exist? 20 also played last year as returner and was one of CAA top return men (with 10 blocking for him) until he was hurt late in season, and yet, again we have given two freshmen the position? You would think seeing the success of the defense and the growth with age from the upperclassmen (with the sprinkled in younger kids), they would do the same with the Offensive side of the ball and not hide behind we are going with younger kids. These kids while showing flashes of talent, are just not ready to be full time starters. Drops kill momentum and shake QB confidence.
Yes, im a frustrated fan. But really, tired of hearing and seeing wait wait wait. Especially when you can see what the issues are (Offense - RB, TE, and WR!) and what is not (an upper-class dominated unit). You can give Skrosky a pass, because he was here with Lembo, but he's not Lembo (so far) and has shaken my faith in him as both a HC (for failure to put players who are ready to play on the field) and OC (for a shockingly plain game plan that is too predicated on trying to force short passes. No imagination). I hope Im wrong, but its shaping up to be another long season and worse having to explain to others why our beloved Elon Football is struggling to others from CAA and So Con in business meetings...
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Post by elonfan10 on Sept 20, 2015 10:01:08 GMT -5
Great post Frustrated Fan. Great point on the D doing well and being Swepson's kids. Enough excuses already.
On the O, I think: we will not have a running game until we have a legit mid to deep ball passing game On the drops, I would like to see tape on them. I think it's some poor WR play, but also somewhat on the QB. Some balls have been thrown slightly behind receivers and some have been thrown with 100% velocity when the TE is only a few yards away and is wide open. All in all we need to work on our passing game, and when that improves it will soften defenses and our running game will get going. Throwing 3 yard outs over and over is not going to help our running game at all. It's hard to believe that after the entire Spring and Summer our passing game still looks quite inept.
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Post by elonforever on Sept 20, 2015 11:55:51 GMT -5
So people are starting to figure this out. I made some posts last year trying to point out that Skrosky wasn't playing the the best available players but was lambasted for speaking out against the messiah. So lets look back on it. (2014)First Lets look in the backfield. Our QB never ran but threw the ball ok but because he was one dimensional (until JMU) we had trouble moving the ball. Our receivers had their moments but former starters like Andre Davis and Ricky Brown were under-utilized. On the O-Line McGuire was not used at all the first four games despite being a returning starter and our best Tackle Sowell was moved to center. We were told because he was the captain of the OL. We now know it was because Skrosky wanted to develop Freshman. (his guys) In other words.. play guys who were not ready. And then we decided to absolutely wast the talent of Jacob Ingle and Gordon Acha. Remember him. He was the guy that the espn announcer raved about because he shut down the Highly touted DE from Georgia Tech. These guys are still on the roster but don't play Now lets shift back to the QB position. We were not good at this position but did we ever see our backup? Most coaches would say... Were down big.. which we were frequently... lets see what Loughery can do...Nope we didn't do that. Why? the answer is because if he had actually performed and moved the ball. Skrosky would have had to stick with a Sweepson QB for the next two years. Better to suffer through the year and play CC next year. On defense We improved but the trend of getting rid of Sweepsons guys continued. Example Bear Davis. He played great when he got a chance last year (see JMU game) but he was told not to come back. Several of the guys that were chased off are playing at other schools such as Loughery at Temple and the last I heard McGuire was the starting Center at South Dakota which is in the Missouri Valley.
So every time you hear the crap of we are a young team. It is because Skrosky only wants to play his guys not the best players available. He knows he dosn't have to win now to keep his job and people like Nelli and Homer will make excuses for him. Would we be a winning team in the CAA if he had played the best player even though some of them were Sweepson guys? I don't know but I do know we would be better than we are now. I was not a big Sweepson supporter mostly because he didn't interact well with booster and supporters but We were all ready on the way down before he got here. Just check the record.
Lets stop making excuses for Skrosky. We are young because he doesn't play our experienced guys and we are worse than we need to be for the same reason.
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Post by whoanellie on Sept 20, 2015 13:22:35 GMT -5
Time to be an armchair quarterback. I have watched and read these threads for quite some time and agree with many and disagree with many as well. Been to the games regularly (including that past five spring games) and a few practices only to come away with exasperation too many times, especially when it concerns the offense. I see a lot of blame on these posts for previous era under Swepson and rightfully so, but lets face it, this is year two under Skrosky and the offense has NOT improved. Swepson was a horrible communicator and developed no respect with his team. We bring in a blast from the past, a coach who knows Elon and a coach who is an FBS offensive coordinator to right the ship. We are now 13 games into his tenure and what has changed (when it comes to offense / defense is stronger as the upperclassmen and C Blair have improved since arriving - FYI many are Swepson recruits by the way). The offense has same issues as first game of Skrosky's tenure. We started against Duke and had WR position with 10 plus drops that day. Skrosky stuck with his starting WRs from that game all game and all season. Now we enter year two and still three games in, the talk is all about offense issues and drops. There is no improvement and play calling direct from Skrosky is as plain and unimaginative as ever. Shave it down...as he did this week and still no progress or signs of improvement. All this heading into the CAA which is arguably the top FCS conference. I don't see the offense as playing now improving against better competition compared to these two previous games. The CAA cupcakes aren't on our schedule this year. What I see after all these games etc is an offense that has the same problems and a coach covering the issues with "were a young team". An effort to continue to buy time? Swepson did the same thing and admin pulled the plug when improvement wasnt seen. This is what happens when you give freshmen positions rather than making them earn them. Yes there is talent but they aren't ready for FCS DBs. There is NO separation on routes and NO blocking for the RB's with the current group that is playing making CC or DT job even harder. These two QB's have shown promise which is good, but if your WR's and TE don't play with passion and realize that you need to fight for position, get separation, concentrate and catch with your HANDS, AND throw blocks downfield for the RB (i.e. for the good of the team) our offense is not going to improve any time soon, whether you wait four games, or another year. We have allowed the defense to mature over past couple of seasons, yet we continually allow the offense to get a pass because our HC/OC throws freshman into the starters rolls too soon. Where is TE82 and his 5-8 yd routes over the middle this year? Basically a safe throw to a big body and it gets you into second or third and short? Where is the sneaky good TE 38 on crossing routes where LB's cant keep up with him especially when we have CC running bootlegs? We have pushed a freshman TE (89) onto the field and while he had a couple of good scrimmages early, he looks outmatched on game days and has had issues with drops and blocking. RB's - a total issue but like what I saw from 32 yesterday (outside a late drop). Ran hard. Haven't seen a RB hit a hole with speed and toughness in a while...actually since little #21 played. Kid is a fire hydrant and has heart and runs as hard as anyone the roster but gets no love or reps-why? Every time he gets a chance, and they have been few, he runs with all he has - how they all should play. The others could learn from him. As for WR - two years running with drops and rushing to put freshmen in. What I have seen over the years is much of the same. Look good on paper, but that doesn't win games. #10 was the go to last year, played well in his role. #14 and #20 both older kids looked great in Spring and scrimmages leading up to the season but no where to be found. Dont recall seeing either drop a pass. Is it because they are holdovers? These three (10, 14, 20) all show fight when playing and give 100% on all plays - but their sitting because they are Swep recruits? 14 is a big body and 20 has speed and definitely has one of the best set of hands on the team and understands to come back to the QB when a play breaks down (see GW late drive even though CC threw it barely OB - other WR gave up on routes). These two are non existent yet led the team in the summer in receipts and yards for 2 of the 3 scrimmages. But even more, 14 and 20 have shown willingness to block downfield for RB's and QB's yet, little to no reps in these first three games when same old problems still exist? 20 also played last year as returner and was one of CAA top return men (with 10 blocking for him) until he was hurt late in season, and yet, again we have given two freshmen the position? You would think seeing the success of the defense and the growth with age from the upperclassmen (with the sprinkled in younger kids), they would do the same with the Offensive side of the ball and not hide behind we are going with younger kids. These kids while showing flashes of talent, are just not ready to be full time starters. Drops kill momentum and shake QB confidence. Yes, im a frustrated fan. But really, tired of hearing and seeing wait wait wait. Especially when you can see what the issues are (Offense - RB, TE, and WR!) and what is not (an upper-class dominated unit). You can give Skrosky a pass, because he was here with Lembo, but he's not Lembo (so far) and has shaken my faith in him as both a HC (for failure to put players who are ready to play on the field) and OC (for a shockingly plain game plan that is too predicated on trying to force short passes. No imagination). I hope Im wrong, but its shaping up to be another long season and worse having to explain to others why our beloved Elon Football is struggling to others from CAA and So Con in business meetings... you need to join this forum it is free
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Post by phoenixfan on Sept 20, 2015 13:28:12 GMT -5
So people are starting to figure this out. I made some posts last year trying to point out that Skrosky wasn't playing the the best available players but was lambasted for speaking out against the messiah. So lets look back on it. (2014)First Lets look in the backfield. Our QB never ran but threw the ball ok but because he was one dimensional (until JMU) we had trouble moving the ball. Our receivers had their moments but former starters like Andre Davis and Ricky Brown were under-utilized. On the O-Line McGuire was not used at all the first four games despite being a returning starter and our best Tackle Sowell was moved to center. We were told because he was the captain of the OL. We now know it was because Skrosky wanted to develop Freshman. (his guys) In other words.. play guys who were not ready. And then we decided to absolutely wast the talent of Jacob Ingle and Gordon Acha. Remember him. He was the guy that the espn announcer raved about because he shut down the Highly touted DE from Georgia Tech. These guys are still on the roster but don't play Now lets shift back to the QB position. We were not good at this position but did we ever see our backup? Most coaches would say... Were down big.. which we were frequently... lets see what Loughery can do...Nope we didn't do that. Why? the answer is because if he had actually performed and moved the ball. Skrosky would have had to stick with a Sweepson QB for the next two years. Better to suffer through the year and play CC next year. On defense We improved but the trend of getting rid of Sweepsons guys continued. Example Bear Davis. He played great when he got a chance last year (see JMU game) but he was told not to come back. Several of the guys that were chased off are playing at other schools such as Loughery at Temple and the last I heard McGuire was the starting Center at South Dakota which is in the Missouri Valley. So every time you hear the crap of we are a young team. It is because Skrosky only wants to play his guys not the best players available. He knows he dosn't have to win now to keep his job and people like Nelli and Homer will make excuses for him. Would we be a winning team in the CAA if he had played the best player even though some of them were Sweepson guys? I don't know but I do know we would be better than we are now. I was not a big Sweepson supporter mostly because he didn't interact well with booster and supporters but We were all ready on the way down before he got here. Just check the record. Lets stop making excuses for Skrosky. We are young because he doesn't play our experienced guys and we are worse than we need to be for the same reason. Thank you. Those without voices appreciate this more than you will ever know.
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Post by phoenixfan on Sept 20, 2015 13:35:31 GMT -5
So people are starting to figure this out. I made some posts last year trying to point out that Skrosky wasn't playing the the best available players but was lambasted for speaking out against the messiah. So lets look back on it. (2014)First Lets look in the backfield. Our QB never ran but threw the ball ok but because he was one dimensional (until JMU) we had trouble moving the ball. Our receivers had their moments but former starters like Andre Davis and Ricky Brown were under-utilized. On the O-Line McGuire was not used at all the first four games despite being a returning starter and our best Tackle Sowell was moved to center. We were told because he was the captain of the OL. We now know it was because Skrosky wanted to develop Freshman. (his guys) In other words.. play guys who were not ready. And then we decided to absolutely wast the talent of Jacob Ingle and Gordon Acha. Remember him. He was the guy that the espn announcer raved about because he shut down the Highly touted DE from Georgia Tech. These guys are still on the roster but don't play Now lets shift back to the QB position. We were not good at this position but did we ever see our backup? Most coaches would say... Were down big.. which we were frequently... lets see what Loughery can do...Nope we didn't do that. Why? the answer is because if he had actually performed and moved the ball. Skrosky would have had to stick with a Sweepson QB for the next two years. Better to suffer through the year and play CC next year. On defense We improved but the trend of getting rid of Sweepsons guys continued. Example Bear Davis. He played great when he got a chance last year (see JMU game) but he was told not to come back. Several of the guys that were chased off are playing at other schools such as Loughery at Temple and the last I heard McGuire was the starting Center at South Dakota which is in the Missouri Valley. So every time you hear the crap of we are a young team. It is because Skrosky only wants to play his guys not the best players available. He knows he dosn't have to win now to keep his job and people like Nelli and Homer will make excuses for him. Would we be a winning team in the CAA if he had played the best player even though some of them were Sweepson guys? I don't know but I do know we would be better than we are now. I was not a big Sweepson supporter mostly because he didn't interact well with booster and supporters but We were all ready on the way down before he got here. Just check the record. Lets stop making excuses for Skrosky. We are young because he doesn't play our experienced guys and we are worse than we need to be for the same reason. Andre Davis and Ricky Brown are playing their 5th year at Campbell.
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homer
Elon Only
Posts: 583
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Post by homer on Sept 20, 2015 13:38:56 GMT -5
...So every time you hear the crap of we are a young team. It is because Skrosky only wants to play his guys not the best players available. He knows he dosn't have to win now to keep his job and people like Nelli and Homer will make excuses for him. Lets stop making excuses for Skrosky. We are young because he doesn't play our experienced guys and we are worse than we need to be for the same reason. At this time, I would like to say, "BS!!!" I may not have the best reading comprehension, but it baffles me to see you say Skrosky doesn't need to win because I make excuses for him. A) You don't know me. But let me assure you, and thus allow you to sleep peacefully tonight, that neither Skrosky nor anyone else on the coaching staff, athletic administration or members of the team give a second's thought to what I think. Heck, very few would even recognize me. B) You don't know Skrosky (or so it would appear to me), yet you claim to know his deep motivation for selecting players. How is that possible? The bottom line is you're frustrated. I understand. Did you read what I wrote above? Don't allow your frustration to lead to speculation and then that make you vitriolic. That's unhealthy and pointless. Some players, like Bennett, aren't playing because they're hurt. Other players have simply been beat out. Others haven't. You don't see 89 playing in front of 82, do you? You see upper classmen playing on defense, right? He has no problem playing Swepson's recruits on defense. Maybe, just maybe, the older offensive players aren't good enough to earn the spot. Maybe, just maybe, it makes more sense to play a young guy with higher potential than an older guy of equal quality who has no upside. Do I preach patience? Yes. Forevermore, yes. Because one game does not make a season. Chill. If you can't see progress with this offense, you're not looking. Are they misfiring too much, yes. And I maintain its because of youth. Here's the thing, though, about youth. They grow up. And this group will grow up in a hurry. If I'm wrong, mock me. And the reason this offense is so young is simple. That's where the talent is. You'll see. Until then, I'd appreciate it if you'd quite trying to read he coach's mind and interpret his motivation.
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Post by whoanellie on Sept 20, 2015 13:46:35 GMT -5
Well my take is of the present. or at least a view of last nights effort. Young old or balanced this Offensive line is in trouble. It is a fact that there are 3 Froshmen starting all 18 year old. It is what it is but I could take the #2's on the depth chart and probably at least equal. Everyone needs experience and at our stage why not? We are down to one QB and they better learn to protect him. Thompson may never play again and that is tragic. without blocking there is no rushing game. fumbles false starts and mental errors like covering the Tight End by Wide outs are a prescription to play good enough to lose. I just do not see much of a connection to any receivers they do not separate well and their routes do not mesh very well for Christensen and his throwing skill set. Someone has to make some plays move the chains. Gentry showed me the most and He is not on the 2 deep. Remember coaches the object is to score.
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Post by ElonNewbie on Sept 20, 2015 14:27:10 GMT -5
I understand the frustration. 10 ppg is not going to cut it. However I think some may be experiencing some "absence makes the heart grow fonder." For example, here are some of the stats of last years guys that we now long for...
TE 82: Averaged 2 catches for 11 yds last season. TE 38: 2 catches for 15 yds in his career before this year. And both guys have received more PT this year than TE 89.
WR 10: Averaged 5 catches and 44 yds per game last year. (Averaging 2 catches for 23 yds per game this season) WR 14: Totalled 5 catches and 36 yds all of last season. WR 20: 0 career receptions. Averaged 19.8 yards per return as returner. (Freshman Joyner averaging 23.8 yards per return.)
I am not trying to belittle the abilities of these older players, but let's just make sure we are looking at this through the lenses of reality. With the exception of WR 10 (Who is still starting this season) none of those guys were productive in the past. It's not like we are electing to play freshmen and leaving Gronk and Megatron on the bench.
I agree that the offense needs plenty of work, but if you played all the upperclassmen this season what is the record gonna be? 3-9...maybe? Why not play the younger kids so that next year your got talent AND experience. Why forfeit experience for the young kids just for the sake of winning one extra game this season?
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homer
Elon Only
Posts: 583
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Post by homer on Sept 20, 2015 15:22:34 GMT -5
I think you're right, Newbie.
The major bone of contention, however, seems to be with the handling of the O line. Again, stats tell a different story. We have allowed 5 sacks so far. By comparison, our opponents have allowed 13. So pass protection is at least decent.
The running game is an issue. We are gaining 2.5 yards per rush. By comparison, last year, with older guys, we averaged 2.8.
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Post by elonfan10 on Sept 20, 2015 16:51:34 GMT -5
The running game won't improve until we have an effective down field passing game. These days a passing attend enables the run game. It's not the Oline IMHO. Until then Ds creep up to stuff the run and all our 3 yard outs.
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Post by Frustrated Fan on Sept 20, 2015 18:08:19 GMT -5
Sorry for my long winded comments earlier but wanted to be thorough. Ill try to keep this short, but ahhh...lets see.
Homer - I don't believe anyone was pointing at you/your posts and saying Skrosky doesn't have to win, its just that we hear the wait til his kids come line for too long already. He came to Elon as a former coach here and as a qualified OC. He runs a good practice and seems to have the attention of the team (unlike Swepson who couldnt or wouldnt relate to his team or alumni; just plain arrogant). But lets face it, this is not three games, this is 13 games into his tenure and we are scoring less and winning less than Swepson did in his short tenure. I like Skrosky better but his track record so far has not shown any improvement. I, myself, don't buy the wait until he gets his recruits in here. A good coach that is brought in to a struggling program can win with the team he inherits while sprinkling in his recruits at the same time. It happens all the time. At the very least, there is signs of improvement from year to year. This is not happening, after 13 games - this is especially true on offense - which is his specialty! The defense is run by the DC and he alone seems to have his imprint on who plays, not Skrosky, as Skrosky is heavily involved with the O - as he should be. So the D is a good mix of young and old and shown improvement, the O, not at all, and actually seems to be worse.
But bottom line, if you haven't watched practices, spring game and the scrimmages this summer, it probably hard to understand where I am (and seemingly some others) are coming from. (Newbie...pls note)
The offense and push to younger kids is all Skrosky. TE 89 played more significant snaps / and on passing downs than the older TE's. Yet these guys played very well in the spring game and summer scrimmages. 38 had a number of nice catches in the spring game and scrimmages this summer - all 15+ yds downfield. Has great hands. 89 has dropped at least a few balls already this season.
The WR position is a mess, plain and simple. It seems that the positions were just handed to the Freshman (maybe the line as well?). If you only see the games, then your missing what and where I am coming from. In the spring game, we had a number of downfield throws, especially by Connor which allowed some good runs because the defense had to stay back. We also had 10, and especially 14 and 20 making big strong blocks on LBs and DBs to spring the running backs for long gains. 20 made the block to seal the LB in the spring game to allow Connor to score the game winning TD. Also, Connor looked long and short for 20 who beat a number of our first team DB's (remember they are much improved part of this team) easily and was open many times as I dont think anyone realizes how fast he is. Further 20 led the team in receptions and yards in the last scrimmage and led the WR's in catches in the another one i believe all while making some very nice catches and gaining extra yards after the catch (YAC) which for two years now, seems our WRs go straight to the ground when they do catch the ball. 14 (and 20) are older AND know how to get off coverage by using their hands and leverage/same as the TE's. Something the freshman haven't learned yet. 20 played BOTH ways in the scrimmage and from what I hear from some parents, he knows all the positions - and I have yet to see a drop by either of these two kids. So, why haven't 14 and 20 been given a chance? Its not like the freshman are beating coverages right now? We are still dropping passes which is morale killer. If you were at the Wake game, 80 had two fly routes thrown to him (albeit finally only late in second half / right in front of our fan section and didn't fight off coverage or run full speed - gave little effort according to many of the fans in attendance/our opinions. Last year against Duke, we had double digit drops, yet we stuck with the first team WRs- the entire game - same as this year against Wake. If you see this type of effort and your losing against FBS teams, why aren't you playing the backups? All teams do to reward the kids and team for their hard work...so why not ours? What do we have to lose in those games or any games when we are down big by playing the others - just to see what they can do in game situations? Seems there is an effort to make sure these guys don't have opportunity to show what they can do in games. CC seems trusts 10, 14 and 20 in practice/scrimmages, as these older kids have a clear difference in the play from the freshmen - because they have learned. And their open!! I just don't understand as a HC and OC why these kids when we are losing big aren't given a chance. If they were equal or beat out they should still be given opportunities when the games are out of hand. Thats not happening at all and in my opinion, the three should be playing at some point (and I know that Im not alone in these views). In talking with other fans and parents about WR issues and drops in the stands, there is a feeling that they guys can play and have proven it in practice but the coach is going with his guys. That's a mistake and possibly part of why we aren't progressing on offense. I think 83 will be a good one but he has much to learn. 84 got more plays this week and again, these two look good but aren't getting separation and not making plays regularly when needed. If we cant move the ball against GW and NC AT, the CAA teams are going to be a bigger issue for us.
I thought after the spring game that improvement was for sure coming. It was then reinforced by the scrimmages - downfield passes, some great catches and a mix of young and old talent / and the improvement has come, but only by the Defense, the offense has not and its no coincidence that we aren't mixing vets with freshmen esp with the line and WRs on this side of the ball and it is the side that isnt improving. CC will have growing pains this year but are we giving him the tools to be successful now or trying to have all these freshmen learn at the same time?? The D is proof there is probably a better way to build this team..or at least give it a solid effort by using what is there on sidelines already and give the kids some positive to build on week to week.
And for the record, I was shocked that Bear was not asked back, let alone Andre who they stuck with all year.
Again, too long, sorry but lets not cloud this. Improvement after 13 games is not there and frankly the offense is worse than Swepsons last year (and that was abysmal) in terms of ppg and yds/game. And here we go, entering CAA games this week. It is not going to get any easier...
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Post by ElonNewbie on Sept 20, 2015 19:16:25 GMT -5
It is easy to be frustrated in the moment when the offense looks terrible, I get it. But you have referenced the strong offensive play in the Spring game by certain players as an indication that they should be playing more....a game that ended 6-3 with a Christiansen rush being the only TD.
Again, I get the frustration. It has been painful to watch at times. But let's try to have some perspective an realistic expectations here.
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