So has JFF lost a step?

Maybe two

Beer Bryant brought this up in another thread last week, to which I posted the following response:

This discussion has been had on Ag boards as well. A few people saw what you saw; most say he looked the same. Some possible explanations for your observation:

- This year (as opposed to last) he's going through his progressions--which goes against his natural instinct to take off in the open field

- He's basically been working in the pocket since January. No running allowed in spring, summer, or fall camp. Could've been just a little rusty

- Added approx. 15# of muscle (entirely intentional. Johnny at 210# is more resilient than Johnny at 195#), which could impact his elusiveness

Again, most people disagreed with the "Johnny was slower" observation; but some saw what you saw. Guess we'll know more as the season progresses.

I'm one who happens to believe that JFF's speed isn't his strength; it's his vision & instincts that make him such a freak.

What he lost in his legs, he made up for in hand strength. This offseason was grueling.

He's been drunk all season.

quote:

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but I did notice his YPC is way down compared to last year.

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4.2 yards per carry so far (13 carries for 67 yards)

He had 17 carries for 60 yards vs. Florida (3.5 ypc) and 13 carries for 124 yards vs. SMU (9.5 ypc) in our first two games last year.

That rounds out to 30 carries for 184 yards. (6.1 ypc).

What you aren't talking about, however is this:

vs. Florida (2012) - 23 for 30, 173 yards, 0 TD
vs. SMU (2012) - 20 for 36, 294 yards, 4 TD

That's 43 for 66, 467 yards and 4 TD after 2 games.

After 2 games this year, Manziel is 35 for 50 with 1 INT, 520 yards, and 6 touchdowns.

After 2 games in 2012, Manziel had played 7 total quarters, accounted for 651 yards and 7 touchdowns.

After 2 games in 2013, Manziel has played 5 total quarters and accounted for 587 yards and 7 touchdowns.

If you want to extrapolate, had Manziel played 7 quarters in the first two games of 2013, he would account for the following:

822 total yards, 10 TD.

I think he gained 2.

There were a couple of plays where I thought he looked a bit slower, but on his touchdown run and the one where he trucked that guy at the goal line, he looked just as quick as ever.

As others have mentioned, I think it has more to do with his push to become more of a pocket passer.

Doesn't look as fast. He's trying so hard to be a pocket QB--maybe too hard.

There were several plays during which he should have taken off. I hope he starts to play within himself rather than conform to what others say he needs to be.

Carrying all that money in your pockets will do that

Of course he won't ever be able to have success against that vaunted $aban D...wait, never mind.