My Take on This Season

[gef21]

I do not post a lot on the board. I mostly read posts and digest what is going on. I do not post a ton because I am a high school coach (have coached at the D1AA college level).

I see the reactionary stuff of wanting Flood fired (who would we pay for that would be better?) and I get it. I have been a major fFood supporter for a long time. I have always said the things about us getting better, we are doing the right things, the right kids will come but they are not all coming. There is a major issue at RU

The issue I see with the program right now is a lack of excitement. There can be excitement behind a struggling program but right now Flood brings none to the table. Kids of all ages will get behind a charismatic leader and Flood is showing none of that at the moment. I would love to see fire in Flood during a press conference, on the side line, or in the media but he plays it too cool too much. Sometimes the best way to get a kid to know you care, and that something needs to change, is to really get in his face or show some serious emotion (huge norries wilson fan here for a lot of reasons).

I have spent a lot of time at practices at RU. I have spent time talking with coaches, talking with players, and just being present. I know the potential is there, I know the coaching is there but there is no excitement. I am very close with kids who made the decision to go else where and not Rutgers. I have players who are getting looks and there is no excitement with Rutgers (it is not all about Ws and Ls). The thing is the kids WANT to be excited about Rutgers (again it is not about Ws and Ls). It is a lack of excitement and a lack of identity that is holding the kids back. Right now NJ kids want and need a reason to believe in RU and it is not there yet.

I think the one area Rutgers is improving on is there social media use for football (and other sports) kids needs to be constantly flooded (no pun intended) with pro Rutgers excitement in order for things to change. Do I believe a coaching change is in order? Honestly I do not know that we will spend the money to hire a coach that will be instantly exciting. We either need to give Flood the time to really try and create his brand (and let his young coordinators develop) or we need to pony up for a top tier coach. I think we all know what choice we actually have in that.

I think we have the players on the team to be successful. I think our secondary was put into a terrible situation of having to play kids who were not ready. They made plays because they are athletes and the experience will pay off but getting their dicks kicked in for four weeks in a row has clearly taken a tole on the team. I know some people want us to lose all of our games, so Flood will be fired, but in my mind the KIDS on this team deserve two more wins (whoever is coaching them) and I hope they get the two wins to go into the off season with some positive momentum.

At some point I will do a complete break down of our commits (I really love a few of them).

Thanks for looking at my ramble.

 

[jmc11201]

Thanks for your views and I agree that you need enthusiasm and energy and right now the program had none. I honestly believe that there is enough talent on the roster to be reasonably competitive the next few seasons if they are well coached.

 

[gef21]

I more than believe that the talent is there on the roster. I think our coordinators are young guys who are still learning the job (you take shots on young guys when your bank account is not as big as other places) but the enthusiasm is below where it should be. Landing an exciting kid or an exciting brand being created will be the difference for RU football.

 

[Knight Shift]

Wonder what your thoughts are on PJ Fleck. Personally, I think he is a goofball. But what do I know. Seems like the kind of guy who would get kids excited.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

There's no "enthusiasm" for 2 reasons:

- we have a subpar product on the field, mainly due to a lack of quality depth at most position groups, due to

- the sub-par recruiting that has taken place since KF signed Greg's 2012 class.

You can be at "practice," and "talk to the coaches," all you want - and I say this without meaning ANY disrespect whatsoever - but it doesn't mean jack in the real world of "W"s, "L's," and/or looking completely lost on the field for complete games.

Maybe Greg was right: keep practices closed and for that matter, ALL scrimmages OTHER THAN the spring game. People around here get WAY to excited, and heap outlandish expectations on this team, prior to the season, because of "spring practice" and "summer camp." Not a good practice, my friends, not at all.

 

[gef21]

PJ fleck as a hire I think is risky just because of the scandal associated with him. I think that brings some bad publicity with him that RU does not need.

 

[gef21]

There's no "enthusiasm" for 2 reasons:

- we have a subpar product on the field, mainly due to a lack of quality depth at most position groups, due to

- the sub-par recruiting that has taken place since KF signed Greg's 2012 class.

You can be at "practice," and "talk to the coaches," all you want - and I say this without meaning ANY disrespect whatsoever - but it doesn't mean jack in the real world of "W"s, "L's," and/or looking completely lost on the field for complete games.

Maybe Greg was right: keep practices closed and for that matter, ALL scrimmages OTHER THAN the spring game. People around here get WAY to excited, and heap outlandish expectations on this team, prior to the season, because of "spring practice" and "summer camp." Not a good practice, my friends, not at all.

In regards to Schiano holding closed practices he always allowed (and encouraged high school coaches to go). I am not present at these as a fan (even though I am a long time fan) I am present at them usually with kids that are looking at the school.

Again I see that Ws and Ls on this team is not the deal breakers for encouraging growth. But I agree that sub-par effort and excitement on the field hurts.

 

[RURM85]

Appreciate your insight. I'll state I support the HC of Rutgers because I'm a fan who roots for my alma mater no matter what the state of affairs.

Went to the game yesterday and upon arriving home last night, I watched 4 college football games that I taped for a number of reasons (I have 2 college age girls - 1 in college and the other in process of applying/admitted to schools). I watched USC-Colorado, Michigan-Indiana, Oklahoma-Baylor and Washington St.-UCLA. These 4 games were fantastic games. 8 teams playing their hearts out and they all left it on the field. From teams that were playing for Playoff implications to teams that have no bowl aspirations. From experienced seniors to true freshmen that were starting or coming off the bench.

For the last 4 weeks, we've watched a Rutgers team play that had every reason to play well and looked like they should not have gotten out of bed. I'm not going to sit here and make excuses for a young secondary as other teams play with true freshmen. I'm not going to sit here and blame all of this on the QB when our blocking can't pick up a blitz over and over again yesterday. There is something seriously wrong with this team. I refuse to believe we are so overmatched talent wise to lose the way we're losing. These players look like they have no interest playing football. I have no other place to turn but to blame this coaching staff for simply not having this team ready to play football in every phase of the game.

Even if we don't have the money to get a big time coach, at this point, I'm hoping for a gamble, possibly smoke and mirrors, to bring some hope back to this program. I did not mind losing to Michigan State because the kids played with energy, emotion and purpose. The last 4 weeks have been a complete disaster. A coaching staff that can at least get the kids ready to play and play with everything they have, even if it means defeat. I'll take that over what I've seen the last 4 weeks and other historical loses during this Flood era.

 

[ArminRU]

Totally agree about Flood's lack of emotion.

 

[RUJohnny99]

Does anyone happen to know the date Kyle Flood was hired as OL coach back in 2005? Was it around his birthday?

 

[gef21]

Appreciate your insight. I'll state I support the HC of Rutgers because I'm a fan who roots for my alma mater no matter what the state of affairs.

Went to the game yesterday and upon arriving home last night, I watched 4 college football games that I taped for a number of reasons (I have 2 college age girls - 1 in college and the other in process of applying/admitted to schools). I watched USC-Colorado, Michigan-Indiana, Oklahoma-Baylor and Washington St.-UCLA. These 4 games were fantastic games. 8 teams playing their hearts out and they all left it on the field. From teams that were playing for Playoff implications to teams that have no bowl aspirations. From experienced seniors to true freshmen that were starting or coming off the bench.

For the last 4 weeks, we've watched a Rutgers team play that had every reason to play well and looked like they should not have gotten out of bed. I'm not going to sit here and make excuses for a young secondary as other teams play with true freshmen. I'm not going to sit here and blame all of this on the QB when our blocking can't pick up a blitz over and over again yesterday. There is something seriously wrong with this team. I refuse to believe we are so overmatched talent wise to lose the way we're losing. These players look like they have no interest playing football. I have no other place to turn but to blame this coaching staff for simply not having this team ready to play football in every phase of the game.

Even if we don't have the money to get a big time coach, at this point, I'm hoping for a gamble, possibly smoke and mirrors, to bring some hope back to this program. I did not mind losing to Michigan State because the kids played with energy, emotion and purpose. The last 4 weeks have been a complete disaster. A coaching staff that can at least get the kids ready to play and play with everything they have, even if it means defeat. I'll take that over what I've seen the last 4 weeks and other historical loses during this Flood era.

This is very well said. I can deal with losing but it needs to be losing with a fight and emotion. We seem to be going through the motion sometimes and this is the biggest thing holding back excitement.

 

[brgossRU90]

Four beatings in a row and 5 on the season tends to take the air out of the tires. And a coach incapable of stopping this from happening is forever going to be dealing with that problem. Some coaches weren't meant to be HC at this level.

 

[MikeR0102]

Does anyone happen to know the date Kyle Flood was hired as OL coach back in 2005? Was it around his birthday?

February 19, 2005 - http://www.scarletknights.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021905aaa.html

 

[gef21]

Four beatings in a row and 5 on the season tends to take the air out of the tires. And a coach incapable of stopping this from happening is forever going to be dealing with that problem. Some coaches weren't meant to be HC at this level.

I agree that flood seems more like an assistant to the head coach as opposed to being a head coach.

 

[Knight Shift]

PJ fleck as a hire I think is risky just because of the scandal associated with him. I think that brings some bad publicity with him that RU does not need.

I appreciate your posting and your perspective. I guess that being a top team or a legend generates its own excitement. Because I don't find a guy like D'antonio or Brian Kelly to be all that "exciting", but they are intense. Can you give us some examples of some up and comers who you think would bring excitement?

 

[gef21]

I appreciate your posting and your perspective. I guess that being a top team or a legend generates its own excitement. Because I don't find a guy like D'antonio or Brian Kelly to be all that "exciting", but they are intense. Can you give us some examples of some up and comers who you think would bring excitement?

Matt Rhule.

 

[saran]

I

The issue I see with the program right now is a lack of excitement. .

The root problem goes back to too much excitement for some early wins by a guy who was clearly not HC material. You could see this train wreck coming a long way off.

 

[JoeRU0304]

Fantastic thread though very sobering. I think a few here said it well in regards to the lack of excitement regarding RU Football from NJ recruits despite them *wanting* to be excited, as well the completely flat, dull, listless and milquetoast tone the team seems to have taken on over the past few weeks. They seem like walking, talking punching bags at this point; IMO that's on the staff.

My Father-in-Law said it well earlier tonight- "with Schiano, even when they lost they had fire and looked like they generally were organized. Now, all these stupid penalties, boring play, they look like they have no idea what they're doing and they don't care."


Joe P.

 

[Knight Shift]

Fantastic thread though very sobering. I think a few here said it well in regards to the lack of excitement regarding RU Football from NJ recruits despite them *wanting* to be excited, as well the completely flat, dull, listless and milquetoast tone the team seems to have taken on over the past few weeks. They seem like walking, talking punching bags at this point; IMO that's on the staff.

My Father-in-Law said it well earlier tonight- "with Schiano, even when they lost they had fire and looked like they generally were organized. Now, all these stupid penalties, boring play, they look like they have no idea what they're doing and they don't care."


Joe P.

I respectfully disagree about Schiano. He had a good amount of WTF losses. In the last 2 seasons, we beat the teams we were supposed to beat. But the WTF losses have been replaced by blowout losses. Equally bad. The penalty issues have been largely cleaned up the last several games.

 

[lighty]

I'd gladly go back to the days of 1-2 WTF losses versus half a season of blow outs.

 

[rutgersguy1_rivals]

I don't think you need to be rah rah. That stuff fades with time if it's not backed up by actual ability. I think it's more competence and how the team plays that will create excitement. I do think Ws and Ls are a big part of it over the long term. Short term you might be able to get around it but over the longer term that's what would really create excitement IMO.

 

[BiggyRU]

..the players try hard every week....they simply are out manned against top 20 type teams ......jpo Mera and lambert start on our dline....they are woefully undersized.....our tight ends are woefully undersized.......we don't have a bruising back with speed.....our receivers don't have enough speed and twitch.....we have zero depth at lb...zero ...etc..etc......could another coach do more? ...probably .....but thus roster would struggle with bill belichek as our coach.......we need a major major upgrade in recruiting....

 

[lighty]

The problem is these are teams RU will face every year. Saying we are losing to good top 20 teams is basically giving up on the program.

They all have strong coaches, RU needs a strong coach as well.

 

[zappaa]

I disagree with the OP's premise we have P5 level talent in quantity.
As far as I'm concerned we have two or three excellent players with NFL ability, and hand full of good players.
All magnified by the fact they're so poorly coached, they're rarely in position to make plays

 

[BiggyRU]

Zap...you are correct.....I sat near the field yesterday...did anyone compare the size and speed of Nebraska rbs compared to ours? Or the the nebraska d line compared to ours? The gap in talent is noticeable.....the only reason that game was somewhat competitive is there qb made some terrible throws for pics......we need litteraly 4 2012 type recruiting classes to get on these teams level

 

[RURM85]

I believe talent (recruiting) is a component but doesn't tell the story of what we've seen over the past 4 weeks. Wisconsin's recruiting rankings are similar to ours and yet with the performance in Madison, I have to question why the team even bothered to board the plane. We were playing a Wisconsin team that played all young OL with a number of key injuries spread throughout their roster. This was not a Wisconsin team of the past and has not blown anyone out this season in conference.

In addition, we're watching Indiana and Maryland teams that are not much more talented than we are playing competitive against the best B1G teams in the conference, although they're losing these games. Although the scoreboard doesn't indicate it, Indiana was the best football team on the field yesterday against Michigan. Indiana's recruiting rankings is not much different than our recruiting rankings.

Does OSU, Michigan and Nebraska have a recruiting advantage over us. Sure, but we should not consistently get blown out of these games. I'm not buying that recruiting is the sole reason for our performance issues, when I see teams with similar talent to us, play competitive football.

 

[SkilletHead2]

Really appreciate your thoughts on this, gef.

Here is where I'm disappointed: we take bad penalties, aren't ready to play sometimes at the snap of the ball, bad clock management, etc. These are signs of disorganized coaching. Add to that the notion that we don't seem to have clever schemes. We saw a bit of that last year with the Fridge, but seems to be gone now. I think if we saw a team that was organised, played the game well, was creative, but outgunned, we'd be more encouraged about the future. Just don't see that and think it's time to move on.

 

[gef21]

I disagree with the OP's premise we have P5 level talent in quantity.
As far as I'm concerned we have two or three excellent players with NFL ability, and hand full of good players.
All magnified by the fact they're so poorly coached, they're rarely in position to make plays

I said that we do have the players on our roster to be successful and I disagree with people who say we are not at the same skill level of most Big 10 teams. I strongly believe we have multiple NFL caliber players on the team and some serious skill level is present. My issue is that we are not playing with intensity and that was my point.

 

[gef21]

Really appreciate your thoughts on this, gef.

Here is where I'm disappointed: we take bad penalties, aren't ready to play sometimes at the snap of the ball, bad clock management, etc. These are signs of disorganized coaching. Add to that the notion that we don't seem to have clever schemes. We saw a bit of that last year with the Fridge, but seems to be gone now. I think if we saw a team that was organised, played the game well, was creative, but outgunned, we'd be more encouraged about the future. Just don't see that and think it's time to move on.

I have been a part of teams that have won a lot of games and a part of teams that have not. As long as teams are doing what they are supposed to do I will always be happy. If players are doing the right things, in the right positions, and you still lose so be it. The other players play the game also and sometimes they are just better than you. The thing that is discouraging to me is that Rutgers is losing because they are not doing the right things. There is a break down on every play that is a technique thing. A corner flips his hips the wrong way, a linebacker does not drive his feet through contact, an offensive linemen does not get his head on the correct side, the qb pulls out too early on a snap (this is a huge WTF in my book). These little things not being fixed go back to the lack of emotion that I see from Rutgers.

 

[NickyNewark51]

I do not post a lot on the board. I mostly read posts and digest what is going on. I do not post a ton because I am a high school coach (have coached at the D1AA college level).

I see the reactionary stuff of wanting Flood fired (who would we pay for that would be better?) and I get it. I have been a major fFood supporter for a long time. I have always said the things about us getting better, we are doing the right things, the right kids will come but they are not all coming. There is a major issue at RU

The issue I see with the program right now is a lack of excitement. There can be excitement behind a struggling program but right now Flood brings none to the table. Kids of all ages will get behind a charismatic leader and Flood is showing none of that at the moment. I would love to see fire in Flood during a press conference, on the side line, or in the media but he plays it too cool too much. Sometimes the best way to get a kid to know you care, and that something needs to change, is to really get in his face or show some serious emotion (huge norries wilson fan here for a lot of reasons).

I have spent a lot of time at practices at RU. I have spent time talking with coaches, talking with players, and just being present. I know the potential is there, I know the coaching is there but there is no excitement. I am very close with kids who made the decision to go else where and not Rutgers. I have players who are getting looks and there is no excitement with Rutgers (it is not all about Ws and Ls). The thing is the kids WANT to be excited about Rutgers (again it is not about Ws and Ls). It is a lack of excitement and a lack of identity that is holding the kids back. Right now NJ kids want and need a reason to believe in RU and it is not there yet.

I think the one area Rutgers is improving on is there social media use for football (and other sports) kids needs to be constantly flooded (no pun intended) with pro Rutgers excitement in order for things to change. Do I believe a coaching change is in order? Honestly I do not know that we will spend the money to hire a coach that will be instantly exciting. We either need to give Flood the time to really try and create his brand (and let his young coordinators develop) or we need to pony up for a top tier coach. I think we all know what choice we actually have in that.

I think we have the players on the team to be successful. I think our secondary was put into a terrible situation of having to play kids who were not ready. They made plays because they are athletes and the experience will pay off but getting their dicks kicked in for four weeks in a row has clearly taken a tole on the team. I know some people want us to lose all of our games, so Flood will be fired, but in my mind the KIDS on this team deserve two more wins (whoever is coaching them) and I hope they get the two wins to go into the off season with some positive momentum.

At some point I will do a complete break down of our commits (I really love a few of them).

Thanks for looking at my ramble.

I really think you hit the nail on the head....lack of buzz was what bothered me most...when GS first came and we were losing you could see and feel it.....''buzz''...it was palpable and excitingly emanated out too the fans and recruits and we KNEW better days were coming...i'm not seeing that and its like a black cloud over us...i love KF THE MAN...not sure about the HC...great post..looking forward to you're recruit summary.

 

[Perricone7]

While Schiano had his flaws, he at least knew how to run a program. By that I mean you were able to see development from a players Freshman to Senior year. Guys like Logan Ryan, Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, they all made significant year to year improvements and kept their nose clean. Under Flood, I see nothing. Half our team either transfers or gets arrested by their third year in the program. Add that to the fact that most of the guys who do stay (except a few Schiano recruits) show no improvement year to year.

 

[NickyNewark51]

I believe talent (recruiting) is a component but doesn't tell the story of what we've seen over the past 4 weeks. Wisconsin's recruiting rankings are similar to ours and yet with the performance in Madison, I have to question why the team even bothered to board the plane. We were playing a Wisconsin team that played all young OL with a number of key injuries spread throughout their roster. This was not a Wisconsin team of the past and has not blown anyone out this season in conference.

In addition, we're watching Indiana and Maryland teams that are not much more talented than we are playing competitive against the best B1G teams in the conference, although they're losing these games. Although the scoreboard doesn't indicate it, Indiana was the best football team on the field yesterday against Michigan. Indiana's recruiting rankings is not much different than our recruiting rankings.

Does OSU, Michigan and Nebraska have a recruiting advantage over us. Sure, but we should not consistently get blown out of these games. I'm not buying that recruiting is the sole reason for our performance issues, when I see teams with similar talent to us, play competitive football.

Outside of the history and support theres NO reason Neb should ''outside facilities'' for now have a recruiting advantage against us...I'd be interested in recruiting rankings since ''05''...last 8-10 yrs..

 

[MoobyCow]

I have been a part of teams that have won a lot of games and a part of teams that have not. As long as teams are doing what they are supposed to do I will always be happy. If players are doing the right things, in the right positions, and you still lose so be it. The other players play the game also and sometimes they are just better than you. The thing that is discouraging to me is that Rutgers is losing because they are not doing the right things. There is a break down on every play that is a technique thing. A corner flips his hips the wrong way, a linebacker does not drive his feet through contact, an offensive linemen does not get his head on the correct side, the qb pulls out too early on a snap (this is a huge WTF in my book). These little things not being fixed go back to the lack of emotion that I see from Rutgers.

Good post. It is screamingly obvious that this is not a well coached team. Forget schemes for a second and just look at fundamentals. How many procedural penalties? How many free plays given up on D because we can't get lined up? How many wasted timeouts?

 

[RURM85]

Outside of the history and support theres NO reason Neb should ''outside facilities'' for now have a recruiting advantage against us...I'd be interested in recruiting rankings since ''05''...last 8-10 yrs..

In college football it's hard to beat history. Here's the Rivals rankings for the last 6 years. I'm assuming the trend prior to 2010 is more of the same, if not worse:

2015
Neb. - 31
Rut. - 53

2014
Neb. - 32
Rut. - 57

2013
Neb. - 17
Rut. - 45

2012
Neb. - 25
Rut. - 24

2011
Neb. - 15
Rut. - 32

2010
Neb. - 22
Rut. - 64

 

[gef21]

Good post. It is screamingly obvious that this is not a well coached team. Forget schemes for a second and just look at fundamentals. How many procedural penalties? How many free plays given up on D because we can't get lined up? How many wasted timeouts?

This is exactly my thoughts. Without saying too much about where I coach I am a DC on a team that had a tough season this year. But I am okay with the season because of two things. Our kids were young but almost always in position. We got beat because we lacked experience not because we were playing badly. This (and bringing back 10/11 starters on defense) gives me confidence for next year.

With Rutgers this season they seem lost at times all over the field. They seem like they are confused, they are not flying to the ball, they are not playing football they are constantly thinking.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

I have been a part of teams that have won a lot of games and a part of teams that have not. As long as teams are doing what they are supposed to do I will always be happy. If players are doing the right things, in the right positions, and you still lose so be it. The other players play the game also and sometimes they are just better than you. The thing that is discouraging to me is that Rutgers is losing because they are not doing the right things. There is a break down on every play that is a technique thing. A corner flips his hips the wrong way, a linebacker does not drive his feet through contact, an offensive linemen does not get his head on the correct side, the qb pulls out too early on a snap (this is a huge WTF in my book). These little things not being fixed go back to the lack of emotion that I see from Rutgers.

gef, excellent post. There was horrible execution in the last game from the first play to the last, in all aspects. As a coach, aside from lack of emotion, what other causes could there be? Coaching? Inexperience? How could dbs be out of position so often, or a snap to a rb be mishandled, etc?

 

[gef21]

gef, excellent post. There was horrible execution in the last game from the first play to the last, in all aspects. As a coach, aside from lack of emotion, what other causes could there be? Coaching? Inexperience? How could dbs be out of position so often, or a snap to a rb be mishandled, etc?

Young defensive backs make mistakes. One misstep can result in a big gain. My issue that I see with our Cover 2 zone that we sit in is that our safeties and line backers do not get eyes on the #2 and #3 WRs. We also allow far too many free releases that do not help our safeties. In my mind the secondary is a wash this year. We took some very young DBs and threw them into the fire because of some unfortunate events this year. Most of our DBs that are now starting are young and come from playing man coverage in HS (because they were that much better than other kids they were playing). Going from playing man free in HS to playing pattern read cover 2 with cut off slant responsibility is very difficult.

The bad snaps and dropped snaps baffle me. That is poor practice execution.

 

[NickyNewark51]

In college football it's hard to beat history. Here's the Rivals rankings for the last 6 years. I'm assuming the trend prior to 2010 is more of the same, if not worse:

2015
Neb. - 31
Rut. - 53

2014
Neb. - 32
Rut. - 57

2013
Neb. - 17
Rut. - 45

2012
Neb. - 25
Rut. - 24

2011
Neb. - 15
Rut. - 32

2010
Neb. - 22
Rut. - 64

I'm a bit surprised....i know they used to recruit NJ well but backed off since GS yrs and concentrated on getting Texas leftovers after UT,OU,aTm, and SEC cherrypickers leaving them Big 12 middle of the pack and the state they represent is devoid of real talent with a tiny population...Lets face it...what young kid dreams of Nebraska now that everyones on TV unlike the old Mike Rozier days when 10-12 teams would dominate...word on Okies Landthieves FB board which i follow is Nebby made up for a lack of talent by finding sleepers,famed walkon program numbers and top notch coaching...i'm a little puzzled now..if were THAT far behind even in the B1G i don't know what to say....esp with all our built in advantages and Fla connections.

 

[ru8081]

Schiano had his issues as a game day coach, what I saw on Saturday made Schiano look like Lombardi.

 

[MoobyCow]

Young defensive backs make mistakes. One misstep can result in a big gain. My issue that I see with our Cover 2 zone that we sit in is that our safeties and line backers do not get eyes on the #2 and #3 WRs. We also allow far too many free releases that do not help our safeties. In my mind the secondary is a wash this year. We took some very young DBs and threw them into the fire because of some unfortunate events this year. Most of our DBs that are now starting are young and come from playing man coverage in HS (because they were that much better than other kids they were playing). Going from playing man free in HS to playing pattern read cover 2 with cut off slant responsibility is very difficult.

The bad snaps and dropped snaps baffle me. That is poor practice execution.

It shocks me how much cover 2 we play. You would think that with a backfield full of inexperienced guys that man coverage would be called more often. We'd probably still get beat, but we wouldn't look so lost so often.