Fixing this mess with what we have

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

On the lack of OT talent:

We've had a plethora of TE talent. We've had at least a few transfer. Shouldve invested time in trying to change them over to OT; ala Zipp Duncan. At least then we could pass protect for more than .5 seconds.

But as noted, right now, the release has to be either 2 seconds, or it has to be max protect.

The OL is better at run blocking, so we should run the ball more too.

On D, if we dont load up the run then theres no real shot. Our DB's will have to carry us on D; however far that might be.

 

[RonEJones]

Some good thoughts but in my opinion he has hired a proven OC and QB coach, so let them coach.

1. Back off of Gran and let him and his staff run whatever they think will score as many points as possible - cuz we're going to need them. Whether it is slowing it down (as you suggested), running the wishbone like Switzer at OU or going to a super fast, no huddle, spread attack. Let them do their jobs and trust that they are doing what is best for the personnel they have to score points. No micromanaging on offense. As a matter of fact, ignore what the offense is doing.

2. Micromanage the defense like there's no tomorrow. Whether you act like there's no title changes or not, become the defacto-DC. You control everything, including the scheme, defensive calls, substitutions, preparation, personnel, etc. Then earn your money. Honestly assess your talent, depth and opponents and run the best, well practiced, scheme to help slow down opposing offenses. If your "bend but don't break" approach can work at UK and is not being coached properly by Eliot, get them right and run it. But realize our obstacles and do not be sold on what has worked for you in the past (i.e. with our lack of depth, an attacking, blitzing, crowding the LOS scheme may prove better in the long run).

3. Have your most experienced ST coach immediately start focusing on ST. At worse, don't make mistakes and be in the right place.

 

[KY1WING]

We are most certainly not running option. The option takes a ton of practice time and skill to implement and we do not have the time or the ability. Any deviations we do make will have to be within the concepts of our current offense. It would take several weeks to move our team from what we are now to something that resembles a team from the 90's. These guys have been studying the current schemes for months. There is no possible way to put in a new scheme in a couple of weeks and expect it to succeed. I wonder how many times our center and QB have ever worked with a traditional snap in their entire career. Working under center is a completely different technique for both of them which could lead to a ton of botched snaps.

Simplifying the playbook makes sense. More quick hit options so he can get on rhythm and gain confidence. Plus, it puts less pressure on the O-line. Personally I have less concerns about the offense. I feel confident that Grinshaw (my celebrity couple pairing) will get it worked out. Our defense on the other hand is an unmitigated disaster and it doesn't appear that anyone on the coaching staff has experience in running or developing a defense focused around pressure. So, we will continue to 'tweak' something that doesn't work, hasn't worked and that never will work with the personal on hand. Basically it's time to head to the L'Oréal counter because our pig needs to look their best this weekend.

It can be done and be done quickly but it takes gigantic nads, a thick skin and a spine.

Moving right along ...

 

[WildCard]

Looking at the Cats roster, what things can the coaching staff do to right the ship THIS YEAR? This is probably a case of trying to make Kool-Aid without water, but what the hell. I'll give it a shot. Please add your thoughts. Five things I'd do to get the Cats rolling;....

GBB!!!

I totally agree with Point #5 (more man-free coverage) which facilitates Point #4 (more in box defenders). No argument here.

Point #3 is a bit more involved. TOP, 1st downs, 3rd down conversion, number of snaps, etc. all enter into what I will broadly call the possession game. I think the real issue is simply make first downs. It really doesn't matter how, just make first downs. After 2 games, the Cats are ranked #54 in 20 yard+ scrimmage plays with 11. (I believe 8 of those came in the first half of the USM game.) However, they are tied at #126 in 1st down made with an average of 11.5 per game. In 28 offensive possessions the Cats have mustered only 23 first downs. Right now the Cats are averaging a play every 26 seconds of possession. i don't think it matters if that number goes up or down as long as long as they are getting first downs. You take the big plays whenever you can or whenever they occur but you have to move the chains in between those big plays.

I really can't comment on Point #2 as far as individual players go but it is linked to Point #1 (i.e., try more power football). I have to assume the coaches are "playing their best" for what they want to do. So the question is: "Are these guys better run blockers than pass blockers"? Early stats suggest not. The Cats are #110 in rushing at 3.2 YPR and #122 in Sack Allowed at 4.5 sacks/game. If you can't block for the run or the pass I'm not sure there is an answer.

As for Conrad, despite all the pre-season talk about using the TE, they are not doing it. The spread offense concept basically does away with the traditional TE position. His role has been pretty much reduced to a near full time blocking back from the tight wing position. When they are in 1/0 sets is Conrad in a slot position or do they bring in a "true" WR? Regardless, I agree that HE would be more effective as a traditional TE.

All JMO

Peace

 

[carolinacat]

Props to Erik for trying to fix this dumpster fire!
1. I don't disagree with getting away from the spread, but how feasible is it to install basically whole new sets in the middle of the season?
2. If Mosier and Meadows can't block pass plays, and they are apparently the best we got, we're in deep doo doo.
4/5. Completely agree...it's obvious we can't stop the run with a base defense. Our only hope is to sellout against the run and hope our best defensive players (the secondary) can hold their own against the pass.

 

[Stonewall12]

I don't know why when we take a 5 step drop to pass we don't have 2 backs in the pocket to help protect. Kind of like Flordia and their big 2 plays including a TD.

 

[Xception]

I agree with getting away from hurrying on offense , we are not controlling any clock nor doing the defense any favors .

 

[BIGCAT4LIFE]

Any online Coaching classes at Community College, Madden 17, Etc.