Stoops said on the call in show that it would basically take a miracle for Barker to be back this week. Sounds like Johnson will be the guy this week again.
Barker vs. Johnson
- Thread starter FanbaseSucks
- Start date
You keep making these statements, yet never explain why you think it so. You know, simply saying something does not make it true. And what you're saying is NOT what the actual game evidence shows.
And, fwiw, one could just as easily make the opposite argument that Johnson "can drive the ball in a way Barker just can't", considering Johnson's game includes a huge extra dimension (running speed and elusiveness) that Barker lacks.
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Until we get an OL who can keep the defense off the QB for at least 2.5 seconds, Barker is going to have a harder time then Johnson. Barker's ability to scramble is very low, where Johnson can pull down the ball and scramble, instead of getting sacked.
OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!
OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!
- Based on what I've seen of him, Johnson can also roll out, looking to either pass or run. He seems to be able to throw on the run with accuracy, which is something most quarterbacks struggle with. He's not Derrick Ramsey, of course, but those who remember his play can recall how 3rd and 5 was almost automatic because Derrick could roll out and look to run OR throw ... many times to the tight end rolling with him across the field. If open, throw it, if not, run it. Of course, I realize that Ramsey could run over people, too. After all, he was a 3rd-team All American.
If you were at the Blue-White game, you realize he was throwing to a receiving corps that included walk-ons and had several drops. Holtzclaw dropped a couple of beautiful passes, for example. He threw the ball very well in that game and averaged 22.50 yards per reception, with no interceptions, in addition to running for 69 yards. Given reasonable time and open receivers, I think he can complete passes at an acceptable percentage.
It is, sorry.
Preseason quotes/reports:
After seeing Johnson in the Blue-White scrimmage and in limited availability in practice, we’ve seen flashes of brilliance, but several flaws in his game. Running the ball, he’s excellent, and really could give the Wildcats a whole new attack in a read option scenario. Throwing the ball, he has great zip on the ball and nice touch in the short game and out to 10-15 yards, but beyond that there’s work to be done.
In the Blue-White game and open practice, Johnson overthrew his target more often than not on deep bombs and really anything over 20 yards. He has the arm strength to compete, but accuracy is a work in progress, and thus keeping him off the field in any real passing scenarios.
QB Stephen Johnson (Jr.) - Stock HOLDING
We'll avoid saying that Johnson's stock is rising or falling because Hinshaw said there's been some good and some bad. The bad mostly seems to be throwing over the heads of receivers, as Hinshaw said on Friday. But Johnson is fast and Hinshaw said he knows where he wants to go with the ball.
Just a couple of examples...but I think this may be best for the team - it will make us a little more creative, more run heavy and his running ability will keep defenses a little more honest on the DL.
FWIW: ESPN rated Barker a 4-star with an 83 Grade and Johnson a 3-star with a 79 Grade. Johnson's 40 time was not listed, but Barker's was at 5.13.
Do we though?
It's tough to gauge with the opponent, but honestly, that offense on Sat looked better than anything we've done for a while. Had a lot of Mumme type stuff. Worked the middle, short stuff, with the occasional deeper try. Honestly, our O line seems most suited to that type of quick read stuff moreso than getting the time to go deep.
I'm not done with Barker. Johnson may get against better opponents and not be able to execute. But I think with our plethora of skill players that an offense tailored to his strengths would do more than fine.
They definitely ran an entirely different offense, which was more suited to his strengths. Which actually makes my point about arm strength.
If Johnson can have this kind of success moving forward, fantastic. But we're just a better, more explosive offense when Drew is playing at a high level
Well, I think it's "different" on offense, but wouldn't say it's "better" or more "explosive". I mean really with our offense it's about getting guys like Boom and Badet the ball in space. Often that doesn't matter if they catch it 30 yards down field, or at the line of scrimmage.
Mumme's offense didn't use the deep ball much at all, but was explosive as hell, in the sense that we racked up tons of yards and points. I personally would exchange working the TE and middle of the field for deep balls. I think it's something we can be more consistently good at. Seems like our O line has too many lapses and when going deep we inevitably have the breakdowns that lead to playing behind the chains.
Plus, a deep ball, score quick in 3 plays offense only adds to our defensive weaknesses by keeping them on the field more. A short passing game, running game, that controls the ball with more methodical drives eases those ailments, while still providing periodic big plays when guys like Boom inevitably shake loose.
Basically, I'm not sure, but I think that the short passing style with Johnson at his A game is better for this particular team than the deeper downfield more quick strike with Barker at his A game style.
In terms of offense, scoring faster, in fewer plays, is always better. Reduces potential for mistakes, stops, etc. If it werent so, everytime there was a breakaway kids would be coached to just fall to the ground to avoid scoring too fast.
Offense last game looked great, because we had exponentially superior athleticism across the board. Wont be that way in the SEC. Johnson wont get the corner in the SEC. It looked like he was running in quicksand againsst UF. Plus that was a new offense we were running, so now teams have tape. Finally, NMS was absolutely terrible on defense.
That offense can still carry us. But to really reach next level, we need Barker back playing at peak performance. Johnson doesnt have the arm Barker does, and the field is going to start getting smaller and smaller as defenses sit on short routes.
Now, I really like how Johnson spread the ball around. I love how he hit the one deep shot he took. I also love how coaches balanced the game by running the ball. I think with the success in the first half of USM, the staff got greedy because they know we have big, fast WRs that create a huge problem; and we went for the big play too often. I like the balance much better.
Scoring faster is better ... if you can do it consistently. We haven't shown any ability to do it consistently. If you fail to do it consistently, you set up 3 and outs, and turnovers, and it becomes a nightmare real fast in some games as it snowballs on you. Scoring in a more methodical manner, if consistent, can be better for the overall health of a team.
There's a bunch of ways to skin a cat. Like I said Mumme's teams didn't use the deep ball much and scored tons of points. If all that mattered was scoring points as fast as possible there would be no success of teams like a Stanford, Bama, etc. Controlling the clock and the ball is valuable to some coaches. Mostly, it's what works for your team and personnel.
I think our O line is better suited to blocking for the run, and shorter passing schemes. I think they can do that consistently. I don't think our O line has shown the ability to block consistently for the time it takes to run deep balls regularly.
I don't think we "need" Barker and the deep ball. Maybe we will. Maybe against better teams Johnson won't be able to do well. Won't know until we see it. And I don't count Florida. That's an elite D he was just thrown into and the team had kinda quit already. Let's see what he does this week. Plus, honestly, jury is still very much out for me on Barker. Basically, he's had about 1 good half in college and that's really it aside from some high school accolades.
Mainly, I want to see what Johnson does against an SEC team with a week to prepare. If he does well again, I say you stick with him. If he fails, then hit Barker up again. I do lean towards thinking the Johnson style of offense we ran will suit this team better than the Barker style on the whole.
I agree about the ol. Which is why I was confused as to why we didn't run the ball more in previous games. Staff got greedy I think with all the match ups outside.
We'll see. Hopefully Johnson or barker one keep it rolling. Would be nice to save this season and not have to endure turmoil anymore
Johnson will never match Barker's Beauties.
Thanks, now I remember why I used to watch his dumb show.
NNn