Conversation about Men’s Lax

[biazza38]

Here’s what scares me the most about this team. We didn’t look like we belonged on the field against Loyola a few weeks ago. I know we were missing Mullins, but we made them look like a runaway champion. Loyola then goes on to lose to Duke and Towson, so clearly they are not as good as we made them seem.
Second, this offense has regressed. I’m sick of this. I’m watching PSU run away in games, meanwhile we’re struggling with Army, Princeton, St John’s and Lehigh. That is inexcusable. I’m not here to say fire Bretch. That’s stupid. But again, we have too many bad losses a no signature win.
0-5 against UMD and Hopkins the last two seasons. PSU will probably embarrass us this year. Man, I hope I’m wrong. But even if we turn it around, you still have to wonder why the slow start

 

[Roy_Faulker]

How much of this is on the new coaches?

 

[Caliknight]

Young team and new systems. We overlooked it all.

 

[rutpsychward]

The announcer the brown game or the maryland game a couple seasons back said if rutgers wants to be the level of program that is elite it had to step up in big moments. I think brian has improved the talent. However this team every season just doesnt step up in the biggest games in the key momements. Delaware loss after the number 1 ranking. Losing in overtime to and elite team. it doesnt matter if they are wtf losses or letting a chance to beat a top team go. They have a scary pattern of being talented but with difference in talent a roster not stepping up against good and bad teams. It also is a comparable issue with depth. We have a key player out and we lose, other teams have multiple starters out and they win. It would probably be easiest to call it a lack of a killer mentality. However, good teams win and good teams lose. Teams that know how to really win are at their best in the biggest moments. This team if there is one major issue under bretch does not seem to have that skill. And it is with various rosters.

 

[biazza38]

The announcer the brown game or the maryland game a couple seasons back said if rutgers wants to be the level of program that is elite it had to step up in big moments. I think brian has improved the talent. However this team every season just doesnt step up in the biggest games in the key momements. Delaware loss after the number 1 ranking. Losing in overtime to and elite team. it doesnt matter if they are wtf losses or letting a chance to beat a top team go. They have a scary pattern of being talented but with difference in talent a roster not stepping up against good and bad teams. It also is a comparable issue with depth. We have a key player out and we lose, other teams have multiple starters out and they win. It would probably be easiest to call it a lack of a killer mentality. However, good teams win and good teams lose. Teams that know how to really win are at their best in the biggest moments. This team if there is one major issue under bretch does not seem to have that skill. And it is with various rosters.

This is spot on and I agree 100%. They don’t step up at all

 

[mikefla]

This team is just not good at the moment. I follow Rutgers and Cornell(my 2 schools). Cornell was the dregs just a few years ago and now is 3rd ranked. It all had to do with recruiting. Rutgers sometimes looks like they are going through the motions & it takes forever to take a shot. Frankly is if werent for goalie Edelman we would be in BIG trouble.

In the B10 we always have a hard time with Md and Hopkins. PSU looks to be on fire...its going to a hard to do well in the B10 if we play like we have been playing

Last night we lost to Lehigh who beat Army. We lost to Loyola, Army and Lehigh. With Cuse coming up & the B10 ahead....its going to be rough going.

Hey..at least we beat Princeton ! Beat even then we didnt score at all in the 2nd half...thats scary!

 

[mikefla]

The announcer the brown game or the maryland game a couple seasons back said if rutgers wants to be the level of program that is elite it had to step up in big moments. I think brian has improved the talent. However this team every season just doesnt step up in the biggest games in the key momements. Delaware loss after the number 1 ranking. Losing in overtime to and elite team. it doesnt matter if they are wtf losses or letting a chance to beat a top team go. They have a scary pattern of being talented but with difference in talent a roster not stepping up against good and bad teams. It also is a comparable issue with depth. We have a key player out and we lose, other teams have multiple starters out and they win. It would probably be easiest to call it a lack of a killer mentality. However, good teams win and good teams lose. Teams that know how to really win are at their best in the biggest moments. This team if there is one major issue under bretch does not seem to have that skill. And it is with various rosters.

I agree Brian has brought in talent. We DEF have very good players. But like you said they lack "the killer instinct". Sometimes it looks like they are sleep walking.

Case in point...the Lehigh game was a close contest. We outshot LHigh. Things were going well. Except Lehigh stepped up and scored the last 4 goals in a row.

 

[Roy_Faulker]

Then how does tOSU do it? Rutgers has more history and tradition. Are the players of similar caliber? Something not right.

I feel bad for Edelman because he came back for this season.

RU needs to sweep the big for a shot at the NCAAs cause the resume sucks right now.

 

[hinson32]

The worst thing is that we host the BIG tournament this year and right now it seems doubtful that we will be a part of it.

 

[biazza38]

This team is just not good at the moment. I follow Rutgers and Cornell(my 2 schools). Cornell was the dregs just a few years ago and now is 3rd ranked. It all had to do with recruiting. Rutgers sometimes looks like they are going through the motions & it takes forever to take a shot. Frankly is if werent for goalie Edelman we would be in BIG trouble.

In the B10 we always have a hard time with Md and Hopkins. PSU looks to be on fire...its going to a hard to do well in the B10 if we play like we have been playing

Last night we lost to Lehigh who beat Army. We lost to Loyola, Army and Lehigh. With Cuse coming up & the B10 ahead....its going to be rough going.

Hey..at least we beat Princeton ! Beat even then we didnt score at all in the 2nd half...thats scary!

It’s sad to see and very upsetting. They look lost on offense. Inexcusable lack of second half production. The Fairfield game was a huge red flag

 

[rufeelinit]

The worst thing is that we host the BIG tournament this year and right now it seems doubtful that we will be a part of it.

Your right and that will be embarrassing. It's time for Brecht to step up and get this straightened out otherwise it is beginning to look like a premature extension from Hobbs.

 

[RUJMM78]

The repetitive nature of Rutgers teams not performing up to expectations or showing marked improvement during the season is something that the coaching staffs seem incapable of correcting.Recruiting seems to be the answer but its difficult to attract the difference makers to Rutgers.

 

[biazza38]

Your right and that will be embarrassing. It's time for Brecht to step up and get this straightened out otherwise it is beginning to look like a premature extension from Hobbs.

I wouldn’t say it’s a premature extension. It’s was an approriate extension given where the program was. In Brecht’s defense, we did lose some talented players. That being said, there is no denying this team is totally underachieving.

 

[rufeelinit]

The repetitive nature of Rutgers teams not performing up to expectations or showing marked improvement during the season is something that the coaching staffs seem incapable of correcting.Recruiting seems to be the answer but its difficult to attract the difference makers to Rutgers.

I am certainly not that close to Lax recruiting, but from what has been conveyed by those whose seem to follow it very closely, I have been lead to believe each of our recruiting classes under Brecht have been progressively better. I was under the impression we had built up considerable roster depth.

 

[mdk02]

Then how does tOSU do it? Rutgers has more history and tradition. Are the players of similar caliber? Something not right.

I feel bad for Edelman because he came back for this season.

RU needs to sweep the big for a shot at the NCAAs cause the resume sucks right now.

If RU had played the schedule Ohio St. has played thus far this year they might be undefeated. At worst they'd have 1 loss. So hold off on the OSU coronation for a few weeks. Penn St., on the other hand, is legit. But Tambroni has been there a few more years than Brecht to put the program over the top.

BTW, I'd say OSU got better by bringing in more Canadiens.

 

[kupuna133]

All we heard leading in to the clock shot rule change was "this will create an advantage for Rutgers." This rule change has had the opposite effect. The gunslingers are afraid to rip it. The new offense does not look like it gives freedom to the play makers to create for themselves. The transition game looks awful and the team is not playing with an edge.

Defense has shown that they can limit the other team to low goal totals but they also have been susceptible to huge runs and can't hold a lead. So in order to win this team needs to open up the offense and let the playmakers play.

 

[patk89]

My hope is that things will start to click by the time our league games start. Not playing very well right now. But still time to turn things around and have a good season. I want to see improvement from here on out.

 

[Caliknight]

If RU had played the schedule Ohio St. has played thus far this year they might be undefeated. At worst they'd have 1 loss. So hold off on the OSU coronation for a few weeks. Penn St., on the other hand, is legit. But Tambroni has been there a few more years than Brecht to put the program over the top.

BTW, I'd say OSU got better by bringing in more Canadiens.

If not for his contract, Penn St fans wanted Tambroni run out of town before this year. Sports are funny like that.

 

[Caliknight]

All we heard leading in to the clock shot rule change was "this will create an advantage for Rutgers." This rule change has had the opposite effect. The gunslingers are afraid to rip it. The new offense does not look like it gives freedom to the play makers to create for themselves. The transition game looks awful and the team is not playing with an edge.

Defense has shown that they can limit the other team to low goal totals but they also have been susceptible to huge runs and can't hold a lead. So in order to win this team needs to open up the offense and let the playmakers play.

We got off 45 shots. That’s a lot.

 

[Abro1975]

How many teams make the Big 10 tournament?

 

[MS-RU]

How many teams make the Big 10 tournament?

4

 

[biazza38]

4

Beat Umich and OSU and we might be okay

 

[RC91CP]

There are GOOD shots, and there are GREAT shots... seems like we are settling for Good shots. Not sure if its depth or something else, but we seem very tired in the 2nd half of games.. P'ton game up 9-3 and won 9-8?? Last night similar.

 

[Scarlet Craig]

All we heard leading in to the clock shot rule change was "this will create an advantage for Rutgers." This rule change has had the opposite effect. The gunslingers are afraid to rip it. The new offense does not look like it gives freedom to the play makers to create for themselves. The transition game looks awful and the team is not playing with an edge.

Defense has shown that they can limit the other team to low goal totals but they also have been susceptible to huge runs and can't hold a lead. So in order to win this team needs to open up the offense and let the playmakers play.

Could someone enlighten me? Why did we change the offense from last year? I liked that up tempo approach we've used the last couple of years but I don't follow lacrosse all that closely so not sure what changed.

I would also like to add that it seems whenever the general consensus is that a Rutgers team in any sport seems like they might be taking the next step, they flop terribly. This has been my observation for my entire career as a Rutgers fan from the early nineties. We've never really sustained high level success in many sports over several years (maybe men's soccer in the 80s-90s?). Not sure why that is. Facilities used to be the excuse but even after we have all these new facilities done, I don't think much will change. I think it's psychological!

 

[Caliknight]

Could someone enlighten me? Why did we change the offense from last year? I liked that up tempo approach we've used the last couple of years but I don't follow lacrosse all that closely so not sure what changed.

We still run, but teams scheme against taking that away from us. We got off 45 shots. That’s a lot. It’s the shots we are taking. More so the shot placement. I don’t mind the lower angle shots down the alley but we are going high to high. That’s popcorn at this level.

We also missed some very good looks that you’d like to bury. AC didn’t have his best shooting day, and he would be the first to say that.

After watching again, it remains our biggest issue from the Lehigh game. Shooting and midfield D.

 

[Scarlet Craig]

We still run, but teams scheme against taking that away from us. We got off 45 shots. That’s a lot. It’s the shots we are taking. More so the shot placement. I don’t mind the lower angle shots down the alley but we are going high to high. That’s popcorn at this level.

We also missed some very good looks that you’d like to bury. AC didn’t have his best shooting day, and he would be the first to say that.

After watching again, it remains our biggest issue from the Lehigh game. Shooting and midfield D.

Thanks Cali [thumb2]

 

[Golfer2019]

We still run, but teams scheme against taking that away from us. We got off 45 shots. That’s a lot. It’s the shots we are taking. More so the shot placement. I don’t mind the lower angle shots down the alley but we are going high to high. That’s popcorn at this level.

We also missed some very good looks that you’d like to bury. AC didn’t have his best shooting day, and he would be the first to say that.

After watching again, it remains our biggest issue from the Lehigh game. Shooting and midfield D.

I agree with pretty much everything here. Some other observations that I will not discuss here. Everyone’s frustrated. Trust me

 

[Rutgers83]

Last couple games we definitely have had a let down in the 2nd half . Wondering if it is a conditioning issue or if opposing coaching adjustments at the half. Perhaps just lacking the killer instinct. With their back now up against the wall, hope they make a good run in conf play. Team has the talent.

 

[CERU00]

All we heard leading in to the clock shot rule change was "this will create an advantage for Rutgers." This rule change has had the opposite effect. The gunslingers are afraid to rip it. The new offense does not look like it gives freedom to the play makers to create for themselves. The transition game looks awful and the team is not playing with an edge.

Defense has shown that they can limit the other team to low goal totals but they also have been susceptible to huge runs and can't hold a lead. So in order to win this team needs to open up the offense and let the playmakers play.

yeah, but we've also seen a number of shots that looked piss poor- directly at the goalie's chest. These are generally from the Midfield group. As Cali has mentioned we used to rely on a healthy amount of production from the midfield and we're just not getting it. Although, switching Gallagher and Coyne has worked out.

 

[DowntownT_Brown]

Hey @Golfer2019, without diving into the content of the items you have the inside track on, can you touch on whether these areas have the full attention of the team/coaching staff and if they expect to get ahead of them? - Thanks.

 

[kupuna133]

We got off 45 shots. That’s a lot.

My comments were not necessarily about the Lehigh game but the overall impression from this season. The offense looks tentative and with a lack of direction. This team needs to get out and run or create space to be creative. The spacing on offense has been horrible with little to no movement. Seems that there is too much standing around on offense. They need to be more active with their feet.

The shot count in the Lehigh game seems a bit skewed. There were very few good shots on goal. As you said many of the shots given credit for were of the "popcorn" variety.

 

[Golfer2019]

We got off 45 shots. That’s a lot.

It's a good number, but the accuracy of those stats may be off...I know for a fact that 44 didn't come close to taking a shot last night (which is criminal) yet they have him listed as taking 2...which is flat out wrong...he had zero shots

Shot quality is another story...with that said, we had plenty of good looks last night that guys didn't convert

 

[Golfer2019]

Hey @Golfer2019, without diving into the content of the items you have the inside track on, can you touch on whether these areas have the full attention of the team/coaching staff and if they expect to get ahead of them? - Thanks.

Not ignoring you, but I'll stay away from this one...sorry. And that's not to be construed as a negative...just not really anything I can add here or should add here...hope that make sense to you...

 

[DowntownT_Brown]

Not ignoring you, but I'll stay away from this one...sorry. And that's not to be construed as a negative...just not really anything I can add here or should add here...hope that make sense to you...

This makes complete sense, I was probably a little out of line in even asking the question.

 

[Roy_Faulker]

I agree with pretty much everything here. Some other observations that I will not discuss here. Everyone’s frustrated. Trust me

All you had to do was watch the camera on Brecht at the end of the game. He was PISSED.

 

[rutpsychward]

Could someone enlighten me? Why did we change the offense from last year? I liked that up tempo approach we've used the last couple of years but I don't follow lacrosse all that closely so not sure what changed.

I would also like to add that it seems whenever the general consensus is that a Rutgers team in any sport seems like they might be taking the next step, they flop terribly. This has been my observation for my entire career as a Rutgers fan from the early nineties. We've never really sustained high level success in many sports over several years (maybe men's soccer in the 80s-90s?). Not sure why that is. Facilities used to be the excuse but even after we have all these new facilities done, I don't think much will change. I think it's psychological!

The salient issue is that rutgers has never had the administration that was fully committed to comprehensive quality let alone excellence. You combine that with nj and not cultivating major donors and you get a terrible mens athletics programs and while the big ten has helped with donors in some things we simply are way behind the arms race. In sports where there is less money we have had some success but I dont see any real success, we might be good or even ranked a year or more but a radical administrative shift needs to occur. We chose to enter the big ten. Our administration is about an antithetical to the mission of the big ten as it could be.

I know it isnt popular however our recruits have not been highly ranked. I know lacrosse is changing and the rankings havent really caught up. However we arent getting the top programs recruits. I still think that is an issue. I trust the more long time lacrosse fans in that the rankings arent as important. However it think it is still an issue.

 

[rutpsychward]

We still run, but teams scheme against taking that away from us. We got off 45 shots. That’s a lot. It’s the shots we are taking. More so the shot placement. I don’t mind the lower angle shots down the alley but we are going high to high. That’s popcorn at this level.

We also missed some very good looks that you’d like to bury. AC didn’t have his best shooting day, and he would be the first to say that.

After watching again, it remains our biggest issue from the Lehigh game. Shooting and midfield D.

I dont mean this with any disrespect. If it is so easy to sceme against than that is a problem. I defer to you on lacrosse certainly. However it seems to me we have an injury or a depth issue we lose. Other teams find ways to win. How many key players was lehigh without. Yes we lost a midfielder, so what. That is the point I am talking about with the coaches and this program it seems like any thing makes them fold in a big moment for multiple seasons, and it is not just me who agrees. I have heard multiple announcers as I mentioned, say the same thing. All I am saying is what in your opinion is wrong from a coaching prospective longer term, because this is not about a single game or even this season where we may just not be as good. This team had far to much talent to not making the tourney multiple times Yes we got the shaft. However the team still didnt step up and allowed themselves to be in a position to not decide it themselves. I am for bretch. I think he is a good coach. I am saying is there something in his approach that is sacrificing some important things. Less focus on depth or toughness for stars or speed. I dont know but it does seem to be systemic. I think the frustrating part is that you are right we are talented enough to play with teams and beat them. It makes failing in what would really be program elevating moments that much tougher. thanks

 

[Caliknight]

I dont mean this with any disrespect. If it is so easy to sceme against than that is a problem. I defer to you on lacrosse certainly. However it seems to me we have an injury or a depth issue we lose. Other teams find ways to win. How many key players was lehigh without. Yes we lost a midfielder, so what. That is the point I am talking about with the coaches and this program it seems like any thing makes them fold in a big moment for multiple seasons, and it is not just me who agrees. I have heard multiple announcers as I mentioned, say the same thing. All I am saying is what in your opinion is wrong from a coaching prospective longer term, because this is not about a single game or even this season where we may just not be as good. This team had far to much talent to not making the tourney multiple times Yes we got the shaft. However the team still didnt step up and allowed themselves to be in a position to not decide it themselves. I am for bretch. I think he is a good coach. I am saying is there something in his approach that is sacrificing some important things. Less focus on depth or toughness for stars or speed. I dont know but it does seem to be systemic. I think the frustrating part is that you are right we are talented enough to play with teams and beat them. It makes failing in what would really be program elevating moments that much tougher. thanks

Lehigh actually got players back. Early in the season they were without. That's when they struggled.

This team has won a number of big games over the last 3 seasons. To say they haven't is disrespecting the work and wins a lot of these kids have had. The program has stepped up many times over the past 3 years, beating a number of teams ranked ahead of them. I'd be happy to dissect that further if you'd like.

It's not easy to scheme against, but other coaches get paid and have kids on scholarships too. Winning at this level is very thin margins.

Longer term coaching I don't believe there is a problem. This is the best our staff has been ever.

 

[rutpsychward]

Lehigh actually got players back. Early in the season they were without. That's when they struggled.

This team has won a number of big games over the last 3 seasons. To say they haven't is disrespecting the work and wins a lot of these kids have had. The program has stepped up many times over the past 3 years, beating a number of teams ranked ahead of them. I'd be happy to dissect that further if you'd like.

It's not easy to scheme against, but other coaches get paid and have kids on scholarships too. Winning at this level is very thin margins.

Longer term coaching I don't believe there is a problem. This is the best our staff has been ever.

I appreciate the response. Didnt say they havent won big games, just that the majority of times where they could have stepped up in critical moments they didnt. I am not saying I see an answer, just that it seems to be a continuing problem.I tend to agree it does seem to be really think margins. That was my point about it seems even more dissapointing due to being able to win. However, I do think as indicated by missing the tourney that we at a rate that is unfortunately above par have not closed in the most important games that other teams have. This season seems different from a talent issue. However, while it is only a few wins that would have made things very different, we havent gotten it done. Definitely have had many impressive wins and I am confident the team and coaches work hard.