bwbear wrote:
We're three games into a 12 game regular season. I'm excited that we are 3-0. But, we have some serious issues in a lot of areas that we need cleaned up. I expect us to lose this week against a 2-1 Hawaii team. I'm hope that we come back injury free from that game and have a bye week to work on things.
Here's my opinion on where we stand. No filter.
Offense, starting from the top down:
Whatever we're scripting on the first few series is not working. Whatever those 10-12 plays or whatever Ken Collums and team are putting together just is not getting the job done. Instead, we're starting slow, giving the ball right back to our opponent, and hoping that our defense does something spectacular.
Our offensive line needs help. We're missing blocks. We're getting beat. I know these men are young, but they are getting beat too often. Carlos and Kierre have no shot to hit their gaps because the holes are not there. And if I'm any defensive coordinator, I'm dialing up the corner blitz multiple times a game. We're not picking it up. Not from the line, not from anyone in the backfield, not from the QB, anywhere.
I think the RB's are doing okay. Sometimes I feel they miss some opportunities to bounce. or cut back to a secondary hole that has opened, but when you're trying to hit your gap at full speed and it is not there, getting that secondary look isn't always there. If these guys are ever given room to run, look out. We saw a bit of it at times this week against ACU. We don't need them to get 15-20 yards a run (although that would be nice). 4-5 yards at a time, stay ahead of schedule, use the run to open the QB and WR's up.
I think we did find some ability to use the RB's as quick swing passes. I think we need to get the ball to them faster and maybe ahead of the LOS just a bit.
QB and WR's miss some routes. My biggest complaint is the dropped balls. Way too many of them. I get it is Breylin misses the target, throws behind or above, but if he hits you in the number or hands, you've got to catch it.
My questions for the last 75% of the season:
Where's the hurry-up offense that has worked so well?
Will the O-line step up?
Can we start faster, sustain drives, give our defense a chance to rest and make adjustments?
Overall offensive grade: C+
Defense
These guys have played hard these three games. They need to be helped out by the offense a bit. There are only a couple of things that concern me at all, and they were exposed a lot by ACU and some by other teams.
First, I feel we do not have a LB keyed on the RB's. Either we're biting on the play action too much or we are just not watching for them to come out of the backfield. ACU's #21 would roll out, either immediately or slightly delayed, and have 10-15 yards with no one around him. I'd have to confirm this by rewatching games, but it seemed to be a weak side move a lot. They run out routes and pull the CB's and safety's out, roll the RB out, and have a 15+ yard play. We need to keep someone at home watching the RB's.
On a similar note, we were not sealing the edge well at first against ACU. They play would look like a designed run inside, and our LB's would bite. The RB would then bounce outside for a good size chunk. Great adjustments shut that down. We never made the adjustment on the pass route, and it helped ACU get in position to attempt to win the game.
Second, our DB's get beat a bit too much. We seemed to be with them a bit better this week, but we're not breaking up the long pass enough. Give up the PI before you give up a 30-40 yard pass.
Biggest weakness on defense is just form tackling. We're not wrapping up and waiting for help. We're trying to lay licks, but if we don't knock them off their feet, they are getting more yards. Now, we did better last night, so I think we're trending in the right direction. But, still something we can get better at doing.
Defense grade: B
Special Teams
We looked good on kick return this week. Minus the fumble, we put ourselves in good field position a lot.
I'm glad to see the we have great hands on punts. That plagued us a bit last year. Huge credit to those guys and the coaching staff.
The kick OB was not good. Sometimes we need to understand situation and instead of pinning to a corner, we need to kick center field, back of the end zone. Give it to them on the 25 at worst.
ST Grade: A-.
Intangibles
We have it. We finish stronger than any team in the nation. We don't give up. I was so impressed with these men last night. Tying it up, going down 6, and not giving up. As I said in the ACU post, there is no quit in this team. Zero. You can tell they want it more. They are just showing it a bit late.
I was joking with my wife: Nathan Brown calls this team "resilient." I hope we make the shift to dominant soon!
Grade: A+
Overall grade: B. I think if we don't improve some basics, some teams in the SLC are going to expose us. But this team is fun to watch. Great defense. Super athletic receivers and great QB play. They are fun to watch. It is a great product being put on the field despite the things that need to be cleaned up. I know I probably seem bearish on this team, but I believe these guys are just getting going, and they'll start clicking soon.
Go Bears! Beat UH!
Would it be crazy to say that the running game and O-Line earn a solid C?