Stephen Johnson's Impact

[Anon1712931820]

I really had never thought about it this way until reading KSR's Wednesday Football report, but I really believe Stephen Johnson will have a huge impact for this football team. No I am not talking about him taking the starting position away from Drew Barker, but he will help this team in practice by giving the defense a look they are not used to: a mobile running QB.

We have struggled MIGHTILY against running QBs for as long as I can remember and haven't had a true running QB since Shane Boyd (If you could call him that and I don't consider Cobb and Whitlow as true running QBs). This to me will go along way in the defenses preparation for QB's such as for the UT and UL games. May be more, but I think with our defense actually seeing a QB routinely escape the pocket in practice it will give them a better feel on how to handle their assignments when in live game situations.

 

[WildCard]

As long as he is the #2 QB it is doubtful Johnson will see any time on the scout team. He has to rep with his offense rather than "learn and show" an opponents offense.

However, his running ability offers a change of pace opportunity for Gran should he want to do that but most coaches are simply reluctant to replace their QB for any reason other than injury. Furthermore, Barker's lack of extensive PT last year suggests he may play "extra snaps" just to build his game experience. Other than being the back up QB it is pretty hard to see how Johnson will be "used" right now. JMO.

Peace

 

[macsauce13]

I don't think WildCard read your post...

I think you're absolutely right. I'd say they've got him running all over the place during practice. Our D getting regular looks at a running QB could be massive in terms of experience.

 

[Beatle Bum]

As long as he is the #2 QB it is doubtful Johnson will see any time on the scout team. He has to rep with his offense rather than "learn and show" an opponents offense.

However, his running ability offers a change of pace opportunity for Gran should he want to do that but most coaches are simply reluctant to replace their QB for any reason other than injury. Furthermore, Barker's lack of extensive PT last year suggests he may play "extra snaps" just to build his game experience. Other than being the back up QB it is pretty hard to see how Johnson will be "used" right now. JMO.

Peace

Eliot said he is helping them prepare for dual threat QBs.

 

[Beatle Bum]

On if facing Stephen Johnson in practice helps prepare for dual-threat QBs that have plagued them in the past: “Tremendous. Tremendous. Tremendous. We get live reps of that all the time, and it’s really been beneficial for us.”

 

[Deeeefense]

On if facing Stephen Johnson in practice helps prepare for dual-threat QBs that have plagued them in the past: “Tremendous. Tremendous. Tremendous. We get live reps of that all the time, and it’s really been beneficial for us.”

I think there's two different things. Right now in fall practice they can put the D1s against a team of either O1s or O2s with Johnson running that offense with some called running plays, but during the season, during the week leading up to a game, Johnson probably won't be on the scout team, he'll be taking reps with the offense.

 

[WildCard]

On if facing Stephen Johnson in practice helps prepare for dual-threat QBs that have plagued them in the past: “Tremendous. Tremendous. Tremendous. We get live reps of that all the time, and it’s really been beneficial for us.”

OK, OK. Deeee called it first. I assume that comment is based on 1s v. 2s scrimmage (i.e., UK offense vs UK defense) as opposed to specific scout team work. And if true, that would suggest that the #1 defense is either "forcing" the QB to run OR they are installing some QB run plays in the offense.

Peace

 

[Beatle Bum]

A great deal of assumptions.

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

I don't know why, but this is actually a fact i have really never thought much about for this coming season. It seems our defense always has trouble when we play a team with a running QB. I dread everytime i see running QB listed under their strengths. I know the last few years our defense hasn't had much of a chance to play these type of QB and with us having a fast running QB on the roster, it has to help while planning for teams we face that start a running QB. It can't hurt. I don't know how much playing time this kid gets, but i hope he at least gets a few snaps a game. The season is a long and brutal thing to face. It's almost a lock that at some point our starting QB will go out a few series with an injury. When that happens, i would rather us have a guy we actually have faith in instead of wondering what he will look like on the field. This season our defense really doesn't have an excuse when we play teams with QBs that can run the ball. Maybe in the past, but not anymore.

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

I think Johnson will be serviceable when needed. He scrambles when needed but I wouldn't call him a true DT QB.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Don't over expect.

 

[Glenn Fohr]

From his junior college film he looks like a passer who can can run well. They've said in practice that he can't throw long. Is this true?

 

[Mr Schwump]

From his junior college film he looks like a passer who can can run well. They've said in practice that he can't throw long. Is this true?

The claim is he's overthrowing the long ball but pretty much makes the other throws. Did that in the spring game too.

Been saying Dobbs/Jackson are runners who can throw a little. SJ is a thrower who can run a little. But at 180 pounds he won't last long vs SEC Ds. That's why I said above not to over expect with this guy.

 

[cat888]

Has to help The Freshmen QB is also running or Dual threat QB isn't he? It would seem Johnson would be perfect in a change of pace or wildcat type plays. I would think the week of playing a team like Tenn. or Louisville we would use all the help to prepare we could get

 

[BlueRaider22]

I agree with Wild. He likely won't get many snaps for the scout team.

One thing I will say is that I recently rewatched the entire 2015 season again. And I guesstimate that 75% of the time the problems with the mobile QBs were due to the OLB losing contain.....actually Ware was the largest culprit by a large, large margin. He was so fast to sprint up the field to gain a pass rush.....the OT would just allow him to blow by.....then a huge hole would open up and the QB would take off.

 

[WildCard]

... And I guesstimate that 75% of the time the problems with the mobile QBs were due to the OLB losing contain.....actually Ware was the largest culprit by a large, large margin. He was so fast to sprint up the field to gain a pass rush.....the OT would just allow him to blow by.....then a huge hole would open up and the QB would take off.

Hmmmm, there is a regular poster on this board who has emphatically argued that the way you bust up the "zone read" play is for the DE/OLB to target the QB every play. [winking] As you note, that opens up a B gap hole that looks like an Interstate unless there is a "gap exchange" stunt with the LB or Safety.

FWIW, there is a defensive distinction between "containing" a mobile QB and actually "defending" a QB run offense. And the latter is much more difficult than the former.

Peace