X Williams

uihawk82

All-Conference
Nov 17, 2021
3,388
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3 fumbles in the last 2 games. Minnesota fumble was at a critical time. Have to wonder going forward how long of a leash he's on.
One was a punchout fumble as he churned for extra yardage but agree that he needs to pull that ball in super tight just before contact and keep it tight.

XW has very good feet, stutter step etc. Start XW but maybe split the carries a little more evenly between backs to keep them fresh, and strong
 

uihawk82

All-Conference
Nov 17, 2021
3,388
4,954
113
Yeah, good point - I think both will probably split carries...😎
And when Braedon Jackson is at running back we could maybe better use his as a receiver or on wide sweep type runs as he doesnt seem to have the bulk on the inside runs to withstand that first contact without getting knocked off stride

McNeil is like #4 RBack now but he is a pretty good glider for some outside runs and passes
 
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AndreTheHawk

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
1,190
2,461
113
X needs to learn to wrap up when making contact,... Today's defensive squads have been coached to punch the ball and tackle.
I've thought about this a lot more lately, especially after watching an NFL game last week, where one particular guy spent far more energy and attempts at "punching" than he did tackling for the entire game. Was pretty good at it too. (Linebacker I believe....)

Football is a violent sport and I loved playing it more than any other sport personally as well, so not the squeamish type in regards to stepping on that field and the risk involved. But we're on a bit of a slippery slope trajectory in regards to "the punch" IMO. It seems to be more prevalent these days, and it's leaning more like boxing/football in that regard.

We know there have been MANY rule changes over the decades in regards to "player safety", and it will only take one incident/injury from a "missed" punch to a "star" player and the NFL Rules Committee will be all over it in a heartbeat (and/or the NCAA). (granted, most of the safety changes are head/neck area related, targeting, etc., so the emphasis isn't on the midsection with ball carriers)

I do believe it's just a matter of time that "the punch" gets far more attention than it currently does. (but in the meantime, I hope the Hawks are excellent at it........🙂).
 
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Kceasthawk@77

All-American
Feb 2, 2005
4,692
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X. is thick and difficult to bring down but dang he is slow. Wish we could see a full game with Brevin Doll as RB1 🤷🏼‍♂️
He's had a couple of pretty long runs the last couple of season. As much as some on here said he wasn't, its obvious once again that the coaches had the right guy starting. Moulton......
 

Rambler Hawk

All-Conference
Oct 10, 2001
2,733
3,615
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I've thought about this a lot more lately, especially after watching an NFL game last week, where one particular guy spent far more energy and attempts at "punching" than he did tackling for the entire game. Was pretty good at it too. (Linebacker I believe....)

Football is a violent sport and I loved playing it more than any other sport personally as well, so not the squeamish type in regards to stepping on that field and the risk involved. But we're on a bit of a slippery slope trajectory in regards to "the punch" IMO. It seems to be more prevalent these days, and it's leaning more like boxing/football in that regard.

We know there have been MANY rule changes over the decades in regards to "player safety", and it will only take one incident/injury from a "missed" punch to a "star" player and the NFL Rules Committee will be all over it in a heartbeat (and/or the NCAA). (granted, most of the safety changes are head/neck area related, targeting, etc., so the emphasis isn't on the midsection with ball carriers)

I do believe it's just a matter of time that "the punch" gets far more attention than it currently does. (but in the meantime, I hope the Hawks are excellent at it........🙂).
Great post, I am actually surprised the 'Peanut Punch' had not caught on years ago...I do think it has gotten out of hand lately (especially in the NFL), and I foresee a rule change coming a la the horse collar restriction.😎
 
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