What a Game by D'Eriq. Can't say enough about the kid and it was nice to see the passing game take off (last two games actually), despite the not-so-tough competition. Here are some thoughts that crossed my mind during and after the game:
1. Our secondary is average. Bolden has disappeared, Hall leaves a lot to be desired, and Carter is a solid tackler that can't really cover on his best day (although this may have been his best game of the season). Blades had a bad day, but is still a solid corner, and Ivey is known for his tackling (all you need to know about him as a cover man). Couch is coming along but still green and small, although that kid can blitz. That being said, the talent is severely lacking here.
2. My beef with Baker. He has been stubborn with playing 2 deep all year (won't work against run heavy VT this week), but my issue with him is the lack of an aggressive/smart initial game plan. He never seems to be able to scheme to take away the opponents primary attack until a second half adjustment. WTF dude? Do you not watch the film? Maybe it is just the players not having FB IQ (and we lack that severely) but he leaves a lot to be desired.
3. We have 2 DE's and a bunch of JAGS. Yeah the young guys have athleticism, length, and promise. But none of them have shown enough consistency to date. After Roche and Phillips we are in trouble, hence why you see those two on the field so damn much.
4. Watch the F-ing ball. How many times are we going to see guys jump on the first clap. Whether it is Gil, or a DL, or blitzing backer, it happens wayyyyyy too often. I am very happy with what Diaz has done to date, but he needs to pull guys out immediately. Put them back in after a play, but take them out and talk to them, can't go unaddressed to build that winning culture.
5. Same goes for the personal fouls. Yelling isn't his style, although sometimes you absolutely need to IMO, but at least carry a big stick and take away some playing time like I mentioned in #4. They are hurting the team by being out there, so what if they backup gives up a big play, chances are it won't be a gamebreaker and you send a message to your team.
6. WRs are getting better. It is not pretty and we only had 4 scholarship dudes that could play this week, but the starting three looked their best (again, it was subpar competition however). That being said, the back to back drops to end the 1st half by Pope and Wiggins were horrible and killed a chance at a momentum changing TD. Still, they should be playing with confidence going into this week.
7. OL good and bad. First, can we replace Clark with Rivers already? He gets 2 false starts a game, and is not impactful at all. Put in the kid with arguably the best upside. Gaynor had a rough game against a very good NT in McNeil, but he is a JAG and we know it. That said, Zion Nelson has no pressures in his last 90 something snaps according to PFF. Kid is becoming a good player.
8. Frierson appreciation. Kid is our smartest defender, a very good tackler in space, and leader for this team. He did almost go offsides twice, but the kid is a great college defender and someone I look forward to watching every week.
9. King, King, King. Look man, we have been in love with him all weekend, and deservedly so. He is a phenomenal kid, great player, and the heart of a lion. This offense is starting to click, and I expect the run and pass to both show up the rest of the season. D'Eriq, come back next year in year 2 of the Lashlee system with a better OL, WR, and RB group in 2021. Has to be enticing.
Look, I was furious most of this game with the lack of discipline and Manny needs to get that corrected. The talent is lacking on the roster, and particularly on D and I don't expect that corrected this season. However, fix what you can coach. It won't be pretty but just keep winning and build the program.
1. Our secondary is average. Bolden has disappeared, Hall leaves a lot to be desired, and Carter is a solid tackler that can't really cover on his best day (although this may have been his best game of the season). Blades had a bad day, but is still a solid corner, and Ivey is known for his tackling (all you need to know about him as a cover man). Couch is coming along but still green and small, although that kid can blitz. That being said, the talent is severely lacking here.
2. My beef with Baker. He has been stubborn with playing 2 deep all year (won't work against run heavy VT this week), but my issue with him is the lack of an aggressive/smart initial game plan. He never seems to be able to scheme to take away the opponents primary attack until a second half adjustment. WTF dude? Do you not watch the film? Maybe it is just the players not having FB IQ (and we lack that severely) but he leaves a lot to be desired.
3. We have 2 DE's and a bunch of JAGS. Yeah the young guys have athleticism, length, and promise. But none of them have shown enough consistency to date. After Roche and Phillips we are in trouble, hence why you see those two on the field so damn much.
4. Watch the F-ing ball. How many times are we going to see guys jump on the first clap. Whether it is Gil, or a DL, or blitzing backer, it happens wayyyyyy too often. I am very happy with what Diaz has done to date, but he needs to pull guys out immediately. Put them back in after a play, but take them out and talk to them, can't go unaddressed to build that winning culture.
5. Same goes for the personal fouls. Yelling isn't his style, although sometimes you absolutely need to IMO, but at least carry a big stick and take away some playing time like I mentioned in #4. They are hurting the team by being out there, so what if they backup gives up a big play, chances are it won't be a gamebreaker and you send a message to your team.
6. WRs are getting better. It is not pretty and we only had 4 scholarship dudes that could play this week, but the starting three looked their best (again, it was subpar competition however). That being said, the back to back drops to end the 1st half by Pope and Wiggins were horrible and killed a chance at a momentum changing TD. Still, they should be playing with confidence going into this week.
7. OL good and bad. First, can we replace Clark with Rivers already? He gets 2 false starts a game, and is not impactful at all. Put in the kid with arguably the best upside. Gaynor had a rough game against a very good NT in McNeil, but he is a JAG and we know it. That said, Zion Nelson has no pressures in his last 90 something snaps according to PFF. Kid is becoming a good player.
8. Frierson appreciation. Kid is our smartest defender, a very good tackler in space, and leader for this team. He did almost go offsides twice, but the kid is a great college defender and someone I look forward to watching every week.
9. King, King, King. Look man, we have been in love with him all weekend, and deservedly so. He is a phenomenal kid, great player, and the heart of a lion. This offense is starting to click, and I expect the run and pass to both show up the rest of the season. D'Eriq, come back next year in year 2 of the Lashlee system with a better OL, WR, and RB group in 2021. Has to be enticing.
Look, I was furious most of this game with the lack of discipline and Manny needs to get that corrected. The talent is lacking on the roster, and particularly on D and I don't expect that corrected this season. However, fix what you can coach. It won't be pretty but just keep winning and build the program.
