Expect Gus

[cameo]

Although some responsibility can be laid on the QBs, I think most has to fall on the ineffectiveness of the offensive line. Since Stitt's basic scheme is based on a pass first offense, the defenses are targeting our QBs on every play and we are not able to block long enough for the QB to find his receivers. Maybe we should bring back the shovel pass. Even inside screens might slow them down.

 

[UMGriz75]

I think Makena is a great backup and will be a good qb in the future, but Brady does run this offense much faster. Thats why when watching this team currently i think they just look a little off on offense. Maybe Gus being back can get this thing running smoothly again?

Here's Brady's scoring history under "this offense."

38
19
0

The pattern makes me nervous, especially if this represents a "fast offense" and "understanding the playbook."

 

[Raider]

At this point, they would be better off putting Lucas in, and allowing him to create plays. What do you have to lose?

With the play of this offensive line, arguing semantics over what Gus brings to the table vs. Simis is pointless. When you have what is basically a mid-tier Frontier Conference level line in front of you, neither of these kids is the answer.

Option 1: An immobile quarterback, who can go through some progressions and stretch the field, but doesn’t have time too.

Option 2: A moderately mobile quarterback, who locks on one receiver and goes with a line that cannot create space.

Super!

 

[griz5700]

I think Makena is a great backup and will be a good qb in the future, but Brady does run this offense much faster. Thats why when watching this team currently i think they just look a little off on offense. Maybe Gus being back can get this thing running smoothly again?

Here's Brady's scoring history under "this offense."

38
19
0

The pattern makes me nervous, especially if this represents a "fast offense" and "understanding the playbook."

As BW said, Gus played 3 series at Liberty... Watch the film. 1 read and done for Simis. Stitt had every reason to get in Simis' face throughout the ISU game. He has a ways to go.

 

[beaverboy]

If we don't figure out more ways to get our receivers open it doesn't make any difference who plays QB. I know a coach in the Big Sky Conference who believes our offense is the most predicable they have encountered. Griz defense is going to have to score twice to beat EWU.

 

[go4two]

Gus has shown that he has a better handle on the playbook and routes. But the reason our run game has shown much improvement is the fact that opposing defenses have to take into account that Simis can run. So they cannot just pin their ears back on the running backs, with no worry that the quarterback is not going to run it.

This!!!

 

[grizindabox]

I've just watched the the last 2 games while examining the Q.B. position. Right now, we have the offensive breadth of a high school squad. The current signal caller does not have the skills to make ANY second or third reads in the offense. The tendency is to bail out right after the first read while holding the football. Stepping up in the pocket and using the throwing lanes isn't a thought. If the qb bails out to the left his shoulders are not squared to the line of scrimmage and the play breaks down with failure. I witnessed another "shot put" pass on 4th and 6 in the third qtr. while bailing out left. Expect Gus if he is ready to go... :egriz: If I'm Eastern Woo I want the current q.b. to start.

Don't think it really matters.... Our QB situation is anything but ideal..

These pretty much sum up the QB position....

 

[grizindabox]

I'm not sure we should take out one of our leading rushers and replace him with a non-athlete that can throw the ball long. With Simis our receivers have a chance to compete for the ball. Most of the time, Gus overthrew them. I love Gus for the NDSU game but I think Simis is a way bigger challenge for the opposing defense.

If you mean having the defense prepare for 5 offensive plays....then sure...way bigger challenge...

 

[Maxim]

A healthy Brady G is the best option. Those in and close to the program know say that. Don't think it's a close call. As others have said, Brady can run the full playbook and do it in hurry-up fashion. He generally can get the ball to the right person and make good decisions, and do it quickly enough to avoid sacks. Not always, but usually. Certainly did against NDSU. Obviously, isn't a good runner like Simis, but can still pull it and run on occasion. No knock on Simis or Chalich. Just think Brady is still ahead of them with the playbook and running the office. Has a nice, strong arm too. Don't know where Brady is at health wise, but assume we'll see him this weekend, at least some.

This has to be the most logical post you have ever had. And you did it without interjecting your i know more than everyone else point of view.

 

[UMGriz75]

As BW said, Gus played 3 series at Liberty...

Well, the score was 17-0 when Gus left the game. The offense had been able to do nothing, absolutely nothing.

What was the playbook call there, lull Liberty to sleep and then strike with Biblical vengeance?

Yet, when Chad came in to replace Brady, a QB who did not have the steely grasp and profound understanding of "The Playbook," was the QB who then put all of Montana's points on the board, and in fact outscored Liberty for the last 3 quarters, indeed one 70 yard pass to Jamal Jones of precisely the kind of passing that Makena has demonstrated he can do, and which Brady just was unable to do with continual "overthrows" and "miscommunications."

Indeed, in a game where typically, Brady was passing for just 7.7 yds per completed pass, 2 of 6 3rd down conversions, and scoring no points, Chad's average pass was 16.2 yds, scoring 21 points. Chad's third down conversion rate, however, was just 10% in the three quarters he played.

For the number of 3rd down conversions, Makena has a low of 33% and a high of 50%, an average conversion rate of 44%. Brady has a low of 33% and a high of 35% for an average of 34%. Chad's average 3rd down conversion rate for the quarters he played is 25%.

A 44% conversion average is for a top-25 NCAA team, rubbing shoulders with Ohio, Notre Dame, Arizona and Arizona State. 34% gets you in the top 108. 25% gets you in the top 130.

Which page of "The Playbook" is Brady so good at reading?

 

[Glendivegriz]

What was the playbook call there, lull Liberty to sleep and then strike with Biblical vengeance?

That's funny!

 

[reinell30]

It is not a fair comparison to use NDSU stats for Brady G because NDSU had no tape to look over before game. Since NDSU, every team has known exactly what the Griz are doing. Without good pass protection for Brady G. he will not be able to get off the long passes needed to beat EW. We will see a lot of bubble screens again to counter the EW rush. I know their defense is horrible, but so was ISU's. I think we see a lot of Tyler Lucas in this game. I believe we see a lot of Roberts and Horner in pass protection of Brady...I believe we see a Griz team (Offense) we haven't seen this year...I believe Coach Stitt has been looking forward for these last two games since the season started and he has a lot of schemes up his sleeves planned for just these next two...I like Brady G back at QB, he will lead this team to the victory over EW...

 

[grizfan95]

Gus has shown that he has a better handle on the playbook and routes. But the reason our run game has shown much improvement is the fact that opposing defenses have to take into account that Simis can run. So they cannot just pin their ears back on the running backs, with no worry that the quarterback is not going to run it.

This is a HUGE deal. I wish Simis showed more composure passing over the past 2 weeks because his legs are a difference maker. Fact is, his passing is still fairly one-dimensional at this point.

 

[mcg]

It is not a fair comparison to use NDSU stats for Brady G because NDSU had no tape to look over before game. Since NDSU, every team has known exactly what the Griz are doing. Without good pass protection for Brady G. he will not be able to get off the long passes needed to beat EW. We will see a lot of bubble screens again to counter the EW rush. I know their defense is horrible, but so was ISU's. I think we see a lot of Tyler Lucas in this game. I believe we see a lot of Roberts and Horner in pass protection of Brady...I believe we see a Griz team (Offense) we haven't seen this year...I believe Coach Stitt has been looking forward for these last two games since the season started and he has a lot of schemes up his sleeves planned for just these next two...I like Brady G back at QB, he will lead this team to the victory over EW...

I really want to believe this.......really.....really..... I hope so. Cause what the Griz did against ISU and Weebs ain't gonna beat Ewooo.

 

[grizindabox]

It is not a fair comparison to use NDSU stats for Brady G because NDSU had no tape to look over before game. Since NDSU, every team has known exactly what the Griz are doing. Without good pass protection for Brady G. he will not be able to get off the long passes needed to beat EW. We will see a lot of bubble screens again to counter the EW rush. I know their defense is horrible, but so was ISU's. I think we see a lot of Tyler Lucas in this game. I believe we see a lot of Roberts and Horner in pass protection of Brady...I believe we see a Griz team (Offense) we haven't seen this year...I believe Coach Stitt has been looking forward for these last two games since the season started and he has a lot of schemes up his sleeves planned for just these next two...I like Brady G back at QB, he will lead this team to the victory over EW...

Don't hold your breath if you are thinking he plays QB...

 

[UMGriz75]

Eastern has a 48% 3rd down efficiency, throws an average of 12.1 yds/completed throw, has 35% of yards per game in rushing. Brady can't come close to those numbers, but those are the numbers that have made a winning season for Eastern.

 

[grizindabox]

Eastern has a 48% 3rd down efficiency, throws an average of 12.1 yds/completed throw, has 35% of yards per game in rushing. Brady can't come close to those numbers, but those are the numbers that have made a winning season for Eastern.

Are you suggesting that Simis can come close to those numbers?

 

[kemajic]

A healthy Brady G is the best option. Those in and close to the program know say that. Don't think it's a close call. As others have said, Brady can run the full playbook and do it in hurry-up fashion. He generally can get the ball to the right person and make good decisions, and do it quickly enough to avoid sacks. Not always, but usually. Certainly did against NDSU. Obviously, isn't a good runner like Simis, but can still pull it and run on occasion. No knock on Simis or Chalich. Just think Brady is still ahead of them with the playbook and running the office. Has a nice, strong arm too. Don't know where Brady is at health wise, but assume we'll see him this weekend, at least some.

Brady's height advantage is significant; he steps up in the pocket far better than the other two QBs enabling him to get his throws off with correct timing in spite of the edge rushes. The shorter QBs need passing lanes and get passes batted down by the DL. Simis has happy feet, often abandoning the pocket and encountering the edge rush. Pocket presence; clear advantage Gus.

 

[BWahlberg]

Is it fair to say Gus is 1-2 when that 2nd loss at Liberty he played just 3 series?

It is when we were in a 17-0 hole when he left.

I didn't realize Gus was playing defense in that game too.

 

[MiningCityGrizFan]

What I've yet to hear anyone comment on is that Simis completely lost his confidence in Portland. Stitt's an experienced coach, that's why the ISU playbook was basically set up to the strength of Semis, which is running the ball and short passes across the middle to Roberts -- and only when absolutely necessary.

At this point Simis is afraid to throw the ball. Even to a wide open receiver in the end zone -- any one else see him look past a wide open Ellis in the end zone during the 3rd quarter? They ended up settling for a FG. That game never would have went to OT had he made that basic throw...

For that reason alone, I think Gus gets the nod on Saturday.

Regarding those who think the o-line is horrible, I disagree. First off this offense is dynamic -- in that the line isn't ever 100% sure where the play is going. This is a huge disadvantage in that, as a lineman, you can't line up and tee off on a particular guy. Instead you're blocking for a particular area or zone. If that zone has three defenders in it, too bad...

Second, there is no full back and there are no tight ends. So when a defense stacks the box or shifts to overload on one side, the o-line is screwed before the ball is even snapped. If the QB doesn't recognize it and audible out of the original play call or to change the protection or if he ends up hanging on to the ball too long, it's a blown play regardless...

Finally, Stitt and co. seemed to go away from the formula that was working against UND. In that game they kept the RB in to block, which gave the routes time to develop down field and Simis time to go through his progressions.

That same game plan didn't work against PSU though. The long ball was taken away early. Then the defense started giving up big plays and the Griz fell behind quick. They already knew they couldn't do what they needed to do after falling behind -- throw the ball deep -- so they went to the short passes and runs, which PSU stuffed...

The PSU game was an absolute mind job for a young QB like Simis and it directly resulted in an over protective game plan for ISU. Stitt kept Simis in his comfort zone and didn't ask Simis to win the game. Instead he asked Simis not to lose the game -- which he almost did in OT. Again.

So again, expect to see Gus against EWU on Saturday.

Go Griz!