Let's talk Fall camp, offense first

[jodcon]

I am cautiously optimistic about oline due to the fact of the 2 transfers. My gut tells me they will both be playing 1st team by mid season after watching their demeanor and agility on tape. I have more confidence in them than in some returners despite another year in weight room and coaches by the staff. I still see an issue at tackle however unless a redshirt freshman has made the step up during offseason to replace someone who played last year.

RB wise still concerned but feel better with Knight on board.

QB. Good shape 2 deep

WR. Very good shape

TE. Will be serviceable

FB. Don't see them using one again, just sliding a TE in on occasion

TE: Serviceable? With Bingham? I’d say that’s about 5-6 notches above “serviceable”.

In Hauck's offence last year I think Bingham caught 12 in 11 games. Rensvold had about a catch a game and the Deming kid went 10 for about 140. Part of that is scheme, they had to stay in to block, and part of that is RPO play books don't wait for TE development plays. Bingham had 24 for 282 and 3 TD's under Stitt. These are all good kids and good players but the idea that they make up some sort of three headed hydra that is going to dominate has yet to be seen.

Well then that’s a scheme issue, not Bingham’s fault. He’s WAY above “serviceable” is my only point. If he caught 35-45 balls this year we’d be a better team....

I think it was more of a "we're desperate for more blocking to save Sneed's life" than any scheme they installed, coaches really had no choice with the OL problems. And along those lines not a lot of time for much to develop for TE routes, Sneed was usually running for his life a hair after receiving the snap. I think these 3 TE are a very good bunch and, if the OL play improves like it appears it could, we may see an uptick in receptions, but I doubt they go over 40-50 combined, it's not likely with the WR options available and hopefully we can get some resemblance of a running game going besides Sneed scrambling.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Well then that’s a scheme issue, not Bingham’s fault. He’s WAY above “serviceable” is my only point. If he caught 35-45 balls this year we’d be a better team....

LOL, 35-45 catches. The TE position might get 2-3 catches per game, and all 3 will play quite a bit, meaning there is no way one of them gets anywhere close to 35. I am also not even sure Bingham is the best of the 3.

Well we’ll never know if they’re used as glorified tackles or fullbacks.

 

[Ursus1]

Last year could of had Gronkowski playing and he would have been used to bail out the oline. The "serviceable" status is due to their really only job last year was as additional blockers. Never were used much as a passing threat and those guys did that. Until they prove that they are a major part of offense the position isn't critical other than blocking and they can do that....can they cause problems for defense receiving wise? Who knows.

 

[kemajic]

2. Running back was one position that I just didn't have the "warm fuzzies" with after spring ball. I believe Eastwood will show improvement with experience and I've seen that Knight has a good top gear and brings a good change of pace to the backfield. However I just don't see a "feature back" in this group. Concerned about Eastwood's overall agility/ability to get through the line and into the next level with good frequency and I'm concerned about Knight's ball security. Not meaning to knock these two guys and they're probably going to prove me wrong, haha. I still want to see Graves here, I just loved what he brought to the offense as a running back.

I agree about Graves. Love to see him step up as that power back! Also think Janacaro and Turner will be in the mix. Between the speed backs and the power backs, I think we'll have a great season, if the offensive line is improved. Running back by committee is fine with me. It'll take some pressure off Sneed, and allow us to control the clock more; which in turn will allow the defense some time off the field, and allow us to possibly hold on to some of the leads late in the game. Also will open it up on the outside, pulling the linebackers and safeties up, giving the receivers some single coverage. This could be in an incredible season!

Janacaro has to be in this discussion, particularly in short yardage situations. I believe, as does Green, that Knight has the best potential to become that feature back.

 

[grizindabox]

Well then that’s a scheme issue, not Bingham’s fault. He’s WAY above “serviceable” is my only point. If he caught 35-45 balls this year we’d be a better team....

LOL, 35-45 catches. The TE position might get 2-3 catches per game, and all 3 will play quite a bit, meaning there is no way one of them gets anywhere close to 35. I am also not even sure Bingham is the best of the 3.

Well we’ll never know if they’re used as glorified tackles or fullbacks.

I think we do, but whatever. You do realize that last season, there were 10 guys that caught more than 45 balls and 18 that caught more than 35 in the entire BSC. How many of those guys do you think were TE's?

 

[dayday]

2. Running back was one position that I just didn't have the "warm fuzzies" with after spring ball. I believe Eastwood will show improvement with experience and I've seen that Knight has a good top gear and brings a good change of pace to the backfield. However I just don't see a "feature back" in this group. Concerned about Eastwood's overall agility/ability to get through the line and into the next level with good frequency and I'm concerned about Knight's ball security. Not meaning to knock these two guys and they're probably going to prove me wrong, haha. I still want to see Graves here, I just loved what he brought to the offense as a running back.

I agree about Graves. Love to see him step up as that power back! Also think Janacaro and Turner will be in the mix. Between the speed backs and the power backs, I think we'll have a great season, if the offensive line is improved. Running back by committee is fine with me. It'll take some pressure off Sneed, and allow us to control the clock more; which in turn will allow the defense some time off the field, and allow us to possibly hold on to some of the leads late in the game. Also will open it up on the outside, pulling the linebackers and safeties up, giving the receivers some single coverage. This could be in an incredible season!

Janacaro has to be in this discussion, particularly in short yardage situations. I believe, as does Green, that Knight has the best potential to become that feature back.

There is no Green on the roster anymore at RB.

 

[jodcon]

2. Running back was one position that I just didn't have the "warm fuzzies" with after spring ball. I believe Eastwood will show improvement with experience and I've seen that Knight has a good top gear and brings a good change of pace to the backfield. However I just don't see a "feature back" in this group. Concerned about Eastwood's overall agility/ability to get through the line and into the next level with good frequency and I'm concerned about Knight's ball security. Not meaning to knock these two guys and they're probably going to prove me wrong, haha. I still want to see Graves here, I just loved what he brought to the offense as a running back.

I agree about Graves. Love to see him step up as that power back! Also think Janacaro and Turner will be in the mix. Between the speed backs and the power backs, I think we'll have a great season, if the offensive line is improved. Running back by committee is fine with me. It'll take some pressure off Sneed, and allow us to control the clock more; which in turn will allow the defense some time off the field, and allow us to possibly hold on to some of the leads late in the game. Also will open it up on the outside, pulling the linebackers and safeties up, giving the receivers some single coverage. This could be in an incredible season!

Janacaro has to be in this discussion, particularly in short yardage situations. I believe, as does Green, that Knight has the best potential to become that feature back.

There is no Green on the roster anymore at RB.

Coach Green he means

 

[AZGrizFan]

Well then that’s a scheme issue, not Bingham’s fault. He’s WAY above “serviceable” is my only point. If he caught 35-45 balls this year we’d be a better team....

LOL, 35-45 catches. The TE position might get 2-3 catches per game, and all 3 will play quite a bit, meaning there is no way one of them gets anywhere close to 35. I am also not even sure Bingham is the best of the 3.

Well we’ll never know if they’re used as glorified tackles or fullbacks.

I think we do, but whatever. You do realize that last season, there were 10 guys that caught more than 45 balls and 18 that caught more than 35 in the entire BSC. How many of those guys do you think were TE's?

I’m going to guess zero. Doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Get him the ball in space and let him truck some folks. If he’s not made a legit weapon the D is able to key on the X,Y & Z guys.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

LOL, 35-45 catches. The TE position might get 2-3 catches per game, and all 3 will play quite a bit, meaning there is no way one of them gets anywhere close to 35. I am also not even sure Bingham is the best of the 3.

Well we’ll never know if they’re used as glorified tackles or fullbacks.

I think we do, but whatever. You do realize that last season, there were 10 guys that caught more than 45 balls and 18 that caught more than 35 in the entire BSC. How many of those guys do you think were TE's?

I’m going to guess zero. Doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Get him the ball in space and let him truck some folks. If he’s not made a legit weapon the D is able to key on the X,Y & Z guys.

I agree with AZ that we should utilize TE position more and hopefully will be able to this year with improved O line play and maybe letting the FB’s smell the field. I do think all three of our TE’s could be all league(obviously not in the same season) especially after being inspired by box to check out the TE usage around the league. Here’s a list of each teams leading receiver from the TE position plus any others that totaled over 20 receptions.

SUU 32, 20
UCD 29
PSU 28
UNC 24
EWU 20
WSU 20
MSU 16
NAU 15
Sac 15
ISU 14
IU 12
UM 12

Only seven around the league collected more then 20 receptions and SUU’s Hill(who was a BYU transfer) led the league. Easily surpassable by any one of ours, if they were used exclusively.

 

[grizindabox]

LOL, 35-45 catches. The TE position might get 2-3 catches per game, and all 3 will play quite a bit, meaning there is no way one of them gets anywhere close to 35. I am also not even sure Bingham is the best of the 3.

Well we’ll never know if they’re used as glorified tackles or fullbacks.

I think we do, but whatever. You do realize that last season, there were 10 guys that caught more than 45 balls and 18 that caught more than 35 in the entire BSC. How many of those guys do you think were TE's?

I’m going to guess zero. Doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Get him the ball in space and let him truck some folks. If he’s not made a legit weapon the D is able to key on the X,Y & Z guys.

Sure, he could be capable, but not when there will be 2 other guys getting a large number of reps at TE also. There just are not enough receptions available when you talk Bingham and possibly 6-7 other players at the WR/TE position and then a back or two. My guess is 25 is probably the ceiling for Bingham receptions.

 

[tourist]

What difference does it make if a TE gets 2-3 or 30 receptions/game? If that's were the opportunites are, take'm.
Its all about 'W's''. 30 TDs to JLM are no better that anyone else.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

What difference does it make if a TE gets 2-3 or 30 receptions/game? If that's were the opportunites are, take'm.
Its all about 'W's''. 30 TDs to JLM are no better that anyone else.

The difference is it gives defense’s more to prepare for. If the D knows your only going to your TE 2-3 times a game, he gladly give those up to make sure your dangerous receivers are shut down. If he’s gotta worry about your very athletic TE’s getting possibly 7,8, or more targets a game, that’s a much different scheme they gotta plan for and harder to prepare for. It was basically why D’s caught on to Stitt’s O so easily, only four receivers to worry about is easier then the multiple sets and uses of those sets you might see from a fully developed Hauck O.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Well we’ll never know if they’re used as glorified tackles or fullbacks.

I think we do, but whatever. You do realize that last season, there were 10 guys that caught more than 45 balls and 18 that caught more than 35 in the entire BSC. How many of those guys do you think were TE's?

I’m going to guess zero. Doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Get him the ball in space and let him truck some folks. If he’s not made a legit weapon the D is able to key on the X,Y & Z guys.

Sure, he could be capable, but not when there will be 2 other guys getting a large number of reps at TE also. There just are not enough receptions available when you talk Bingham and possibly 6-7 other players at the WR/TE position and then a back or two. My guess is 25 is probably the ceiling for Bingham receptions.

I’d take that. :thumb:

 

[grizindabox]

I think we do, but whatever. You do realize that last season, there were 10 guys that caught more than 45 balls and 18 that caught more than 35 in the entire BSC. How many of those guys do you think were TE's?

I’m going to guess zero. Doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Get him the ball in space and let him truck some folks. If he’s not made a legit weapon the D is able to key on the X,Y & Z guys.

Sure, he could be capable, but not when there will be 2 other guys getting a large number of reps at TE also. There just are not enough receptions available when you talk Bingham and possibly 6-7 other players at the WR/TE position and then a back or two. My guess is 25 is probably the ceiling for Bingham receptions.

I’d take that. :thumb:

As a follow up, I don't think he gets to 25, and think it will be 12-16

 

[SoldierGriz]

I’m going to guess zero. Doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Get him the ball in space and let him truck some folks. If he’s not made a legit weapon the D is able to key on the X,Y & Z guys.

Sure, he could be capable, but not when there will be 2 other guys getting a large number of reps at TE also. There just are not enough receptions available when you talk Bingham and possibly 6-7 other players at the WR/TE position and then a back or two. My guess is 25 is probably the ceiling for Bingham receptions.

I’d take that. :thumb:

As a follow up, I don't think he gets to 25, and think it will be 12-16

He had 12 last year...TEs had 30 overall, I think.

Would like to see 40 to 45 total for the group this year.

 

[bitterrootobserver]

Well we’ll never know if they’re used as glorified tackles or fullbacks.

I think we do, but whatever. You do realize that last season, there were 10 guys that caught more than 45 balls and 18 that caught more than 35 in the entire BSC. How many of those guys do you think were TE's?

I’m going to guess zero. Doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Get him the ball in space and let him truck some folks. If he’s not made a legit weapon the D is able to key on the X,Y & Z guys.

I agree with AZ that we should utilize TE position more and hopefully will be able to this year with improved O line play and maybe letting the FB’s smell the field. I do think all three of our TE’s could be all league(obviously not in the same season) especially after being inspired by box to check out the TE usage around the league. Here’s a list of each teams leading receiver from the TE position plus any others that totaled over 20 receptions.

SUU 32, 20

The Gilder Kid at EWU had 20 receptions and 7 TD's splitting time with Henderson Belk who had 18 catches and 5 TD's. It will be interesting to see what he does this year with Belk gone and getting the majority of the reps.
UCD 29
PSU 28
UNC 24
EWU 20
WSU 20
MSU 16
NAU 15
Sac 15
ISU 14
IU 12
UM 12

Only seven around the league collected more then 20 receptions and SUU’s Hill(who was a BYU transfer) led the league. Easily surpassable by any one of ours, if they were used exclusively.

 

[bitterrootobserver]

The Gilder Kid at EWU had 20 receptions and 7 TD's splitting time with Henderson Belk who had 18 catches and 5 TD's. It will be interesting to see what he does this year with Belk gone and getting the majority of the reps.

 

[poorgriz]

"4. I want to see more consistency from Sneed. We've beat this dead horse about good Sneed vs bad Sneed from last year, if we can see far more "good Sneed" we'll see a far more efficient offense."

He was really good last year the majority of the time. It is hard to play QB position when you are on your back or under so much pressure. He bailed the Griz offense out with his legs every week. The teams leading rusher not necessarily by design but out of necessity. Besides that he throws a great ball and is tough as nails. Did you see the shots he took last year? He is as good a QB as the Griz have had in quite awhile. The offensive line will be better this year and with that he is going to be a stud this year.

lol yes I saw the shots he took, and I agree the guy is tough as hell and I’m damn glad he’s our starting QB. Also saw some games like PSU and the 2nd halves of UCD and MSU where turnovers and inconsistent passing could’ve maaaaybe changed the game. Now it’s not all on him, the guy was playing his heart out with a patchwork OL, however, there were some glaring spots last year where if he would have been more consistent to top level play, the Griz might have had another win or two. And yes, that goes for more players too than just Sneed.

I think Sneed is a stud, but agree with BW he needs to be more consistent if the griz want to make a run at the Big Sky title and possible playoffs. Even the last game, Cat griz - he threw some balls directly to Bobcat defenders, even when he had time. I think he tries to do too much..... maybe that was necessary last year. Dunno - but Cats should have at at least 3 INTs it that game.

 

[SoldierGriz]

So, it is possible 2/8 of the offensive linemen listed by BW never see the field this season? The Griz have young o-linemen pushing upperclassmen for playing time despite the belief that more time in a program generates improvement...

The bottom line is the Griz Offense will be as good as the offensive line allows. There is no evidence there will be improvement to the unit this season. None. The unit was under recruited and wrongly recruited for going on 5 seasons or more.

I get the positive attitude...hope and desire for excellence. But, there is a reason the coaches and media picked the Griz where they did...schedule and under skilled and unproven offensive line.

I think the offense will be good enough when paired with the defense, which I do think will be better than last season.

Success to me will be...a chance for the playoffs with a brawl win.

There is lots of evidence the o-line will be better. Please pay attention.

You gonna post some measurables? How about some personal observations from a few spring practices? Or, maybe quote a few coaches who are optimistic? Perhaps you'll mention something about a couple of transfers or underclassmen yet to play a snap?

Is this what I should be paying attention to?

 

[oGriz]

Of the players mentioned, we still have a pretty young team.

6 R-Sr + 5 R-Jr = 11
7 R-So + 2 So + 3 R-Fr = 12