Moving Forward

[mtgrizrule]

As nice as doing what was expected is nice, there's a lot to improve on.

I watched this game on demand, after seeing it live. No doubt, as a whole, the team focused for the whole game.

Despite a dominant running game, I'm still concerned in 1 regard with the running game. We kept mostly with quick hit inside runs, between the tackles. Was it because it worked? Was it because we may struggle with setting the edges for more runs outside the tackles? I found it surprising we didn't use more outside runs. I really hope we see a few more outside run plays. If I as a fan can catch onto this run disparity, imagine what quality defensive coordinators do.

We also need to improve our passing game. Right now, could we beat a quality opponent that forces us to beat them with passing? It looks to me, our pass protection is still susceptible to 5 to 7 man pass rushers, and stunts. I hope our OL, TEs, and half backs can get in sync and recognize these quicker.

We seem to be solid in utilizing the edges with short passes and safety valve passes. However, will we start to see a short drags, and interior screens to counter these defenses? Can we make big TEs more of an emphasis too?

Defensively, who steps up at CB beyond Gradney? Teams are targeting Jackson a lot. Yet we have young inexperienced talented CBs that appear to have higher upside. What can be done to improve CB pass coverage? Fortunately, Western Carolina is the match up we need to truly evaluate where the pass defense is at?

I'm surprised, I'm questioning our cb play more than our safeties pass coverage. I'm more comfortable with our safeties than I thought I would be.

Special teams, overall I'm comfortable with that unit. My main concern, beyond Bergen, do we have a potential all conference level returner? I'd love to see a 2nd man emerge to the next level.

Thoughts all?

 

[mtgrizrule]

Sorry for typing errors. Apparently we can't edit posts any longer.

 

[Copper Griz]

As nice as doing what was expected is nice, there's a lot to improve on.

I watched this game on demand, after seeing it live. No doubt, as a while, the team focused for the whole game.

Despite a dominant running game, I'm still concerned in 1 regard with the running game. We kept mostly with quick hit inside runs, between the tackles. Was it because it worked? Was it because we may struggle with setting the edges for more runs outside the tackles? I found it surprising we didn't use more outside runs. I really hope we see a few more outside run plays. If I as a fan can catch onto this run disparity, imagine what quality defensive coordinators do.

We also need to improve our passing game. Right now, could we beat a quality opponent that forces us to bear them with passing? It looks to me, our pass protection is still susceptible to 5 to 7 man pass rushers, and stunts. I hope our OL, TEs, and half backs can get in sync and recognize these quicker.

We seem to be solid in utilizing the edges with short passes and safety valve passes. However, will we start to see a short drags, and interior screens to counter these defenses? Can we make big TEs more of an emphasis too?

Defensively, who steps up at CB beyond Gradney? Teams are targeting Jackson a lot. Yet we have young inexperienced talented CBs that appear to have higher upside. What can be done to improve CB pass coverage? Fortunately, Western Carolina is the match up we need to truly evaluate where the pass defense is at?

I'm surprised, I'm questioning our cb play more than our safeties pass coverage. I'm more comfortable with our safeties than I thought I would be.

Special teams, overall I'm comfortable with that unit. My main concern, beyond Bergen, do we have a potential all conference level returner? I'd love to see a 2nd man emerge to the next level.

Thoughts all?

You made several good points. The greatest concern I have is the lack of a passing game. I don’t recall many downfield plays in the first three games. Yesterday they talked about the receiving corps naming themselves “Waffle House” because they are always open and at several locations. That may be the case, but nobody is getting them the ball. At least one sack and several times both QB’s were under pressure. Yesterday sure seemed like an opportunity to open things up and get the passing game clicking. Griz have the weapons. Either there is a problem at QB or the O line, maybe both. Doesn’t help that receivers are dropping passes. Early in the season and plenty of opportunities for improvement. Possibly coaches are slowly implementing things.

 

[Copper Griz]

Sorry for typing errors. Apparently we can't edit posts any longer.

Did you click on the word report at the bottom left of your post where there is a drop down arrow? You should then see edit. Maybe you already tried that?

 

[mtgrizrule]

Did you click on the word report at the bottom left of your post where there is a drop down arrow? You should then see edit. Maybe you already tried that?

Thank you. I just corrected a few typos.

 

[BozAngelesGriz]

You made several good points. The greatest concern I have is the lack of a passing game. I don’t recall many downfield plays in the first three games. Yesterday they talked about the receiving corps naming themselves “Waffle House” because they are always open and at several locations. That may be the case, but nobody is getting them the ball. At least one sack and several times both QB’s were under pressure. Yesterday sure seemed like an opportunity to open things up and get the passing game clicking. Griz have the weapons. Either there is a problem at QB or the O line, maybe both. Doesn’t help that receivers are dropping passes. Early in the season and plenty of opportunities for improvement. Possibly coaches are slowly implementing things.

Probably didn’t want to turn the ball over. I know it wouldn’t have mattered much, but Morehead got that early INT and they are excellent in the turnover margin. And the running game didn’t exactly struggle.

I agree though, especially later in the game it would have been nice to see more downfield shots. They will be needed this (or any) season.

 

[BozAngelesGriz]

As nice as doing what was expected is nice, there's a lot to improve on.

I watched this game on demand, after seeing it live. No doubt, as a whole, the team focused for the whole game.

Despite a dominant running game, I'm still concerned in 1 regard with the running game. We kept mostly with quick hit inside runs, between the tackles. Was it because it worked? Was it because we may struggle with setting the edges for more runs outside the tackles? I found it surprising we didn't use more outside runs. I really hope we see a few more outside run plays. If I as a fan can catch onto this run disparity, imagine what quality defensive coordinators do.

We also need to improve our passing game. Right now, could we beat a quality opponent that forces us to beat them with passing? It looks to me, our pass protection is still susceptible to 5 to 7 man pass rushers, and stunts. I hope our OL, TEs, and half backs can get in sync and recognize these quicker.

We seem to be solid in utilizing the edges with short passes and safety valve passes. However, will we start to see a short drags, and interior screens to counter these defenses? Can we make big TEs more of an emphasis too?

Defensively, who steps up at CB beyond Gradney? Teams are targeting Jackson a lot. Yet we have young inexperienced talented CBs that appear to have higher upside. What can be done to improve CB pass coverage? Fortunately, Western Carolina is the match up we need to truly evaluate where the pass defense is at?

I'm surprised, I'm questioning our cb play more than our safeties pass coverage. I'm more comfortable with our safeties than I thought I would be.

Special teams, overall I'm comfortable with that unit. My main concern, beyond Bergen, do we have a potential all conference level returner? I'd love to see a 2nd man emerge to the next level.

Thoughts all?

Run blocking in particular could use work. It showed in the second half last week. On Saturday it wasn’t a factor because Montana’s RBs were just that much better than Morehead’s individual defenders. There were a surprising amount of first contacts in the backfield, but in general the RBs were able to break one, two, three or more tackles on their way downfield so missed blocks didn’t matter as much. This won’t be the case against good defenses.