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4 Games In: What's Broken & How Does It Get Fixed?
Posted on 9/21/14 at 9:15 am
Posted on 9/21/14 at 9:15 am
I would especially like the Xs and Os aficionados to spell it out in detail to educate us / me, please.
Correct me (or others) where we're wrong.
My thoughts...
OFFENSE
- Our offensive line was (obviously) manhandled, a total and complete sieve, while Boehm's game was clearly thrown off by having a man on his nose.
Does anyone have a solid explanation?
A fix? If it's a problem strictly with the front five, I'm holding a TE or RB in to block, keeping a TE (or two) in-line, even an f'n fullback back there - whatever it takes to protect Mauk. Nothing will succeed unless Mauk's protected, so I'm pulling out anything and everything to make it happen.
- While I like our RBs, I wish we had a hammer back like seemingly every team (but us) has - a 225 lb dreadlocked, between the tackles bronco.
- As an aside, it always feels like we're undersized along the lines and at RB and LB.
DEFENSE
- I really don't know what to look for at times, but the whole defense seems predicated on getting pressure from the front four, playing soft off-coverage behind it. Almost as if the coaching philosophy is to rely on the inaccuracy of opposing quarterbacks to sustain a drive.
- I'm really, really tired of the soft coverage we play in the secondary. An 8-10 yard completion is seemingly available on every play. It's obviously a coaching decision. Is it because our players can't play press or the hope an opposing QB will eventually kill the drive with a pick or incompletions?
- Running Defense. Although they've enjoyed some success stopping the run on the interior, I absolutely believe teams like Georgia and Arkansas will destroy us - a total annihilation. Primarily because (in my mind) we're slightly undersized throughout on defense. We can't hold the point on the edges and get worn down on the interior.
- The fix? Recruit better / bigger athletes and sack up as coaches to challenge people. Does it mean getting rid of Dave Steckle? If that's what it takes, yes. We know Pinkel won't do it, so it may take his eventual retirement / dismissal.
FINAL EVALUATION
I think the move to the SEC is a process: moving the recruiting grounds, upgrading facilities, establishing the brand on a national level - but above all, bringing in a higher / more athletic level of recruit. If Missouri can do this without bottoming out with 4-6 win seasons, Missouri stands a chance to truly compete in the SEC.
Otherwise, the coaching hire after Pinkel will have to be a home run; a recruiting machine who hopefully has an aggressive style that appeals to the kids in south. I'm not sure if he has to an SEC bred man (see trials of Stoops and Bert), but he'll have to be special.
And who here would want Mike Alden picking Pinkel's successor?
11
Posted on 9/21/14 at 9:25 am to Mizz-SEC
The guard play on ths Oline is horrible. With Gatti out hurt this what needs to be done. Move McGovern back to right guard. Hall to left guard. Put Chappell to RT.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 9:40 am to Mizz-SEC
quote:
Almost as if the coaching philosophy is to rely on the inaccuracy of opposing quarterbacks to sustain a drive.
Here it is. Right here.
We depend on the mistakes of others to win on defense.
quote:
- Running Defense. Although they've enjoyed some success stopping the run on the interior, I absolutely believe teams like Georgia and Arkansas will destroy us - a total annihilation. Primarily because (in my mind) we're slightly undersized throughout on defense. We can't hold the point on the edges and get worn down on the interior.
Superb point.
This post was edited on 9/21/14 at 9:42 am
Posted on 9/21/14 at 10:07 am to Mizz-SEC
This was a trap game, but here are my thoughts:
The O-line tried to change too much, too fast. AJ has only been here 2 months, but the different splits, calls, and hike system have caused a regression. I don't know if they go back to the old system and then try again in the off season to make changes or if Coach Ricker makes changes to his schemes. The problems with the Oline has caused the other problems to be magnified.
The play calling on offense could be questioned. Did we run the ball enough? Hard to say because our O-line was getting abused. Since the o-line was getting abused, did we call enough screens, draws, etc to use that to our advantage?
The only effort I question on offense is Darius W. I feel like he cuts routes off because he doesn't think the ball will come his way. When he slows down, Mauk's throws that way look inaccurate.
The scheme of the defense is not the problem. I wish the whole cushion and 3rd down crap would quit being made up. Indiana was 1 of 14 on 3rd downs. UCF made 3 great plays on 3rd down. It happens.
The effort of the DL should be questioned in the IU game. They didn't seem to get after it. Tackling at the LB and DB level should be questioned. Getting off blocks should be questioned. How quickly the defense reads whether it is pass or run and then fills their assigned spaces should be questioned. The kind of problems we are seeing, to me, indicates a lot of youth and inexperience. How soon will we see improvements on that?
Our last 3 opponents have good offenses and the defense did enough to win those games. The questions should be on offense IMO.
The OL regression, mainly on the interior, needs to be fixed. This could be a coaching issue or just a learning curve. The WR attitude could be an issue. This could also be a coaching situation because it reminds me of Tenn. The QB play needs to improve, mainly on improving the progression of his reads. There are too many open receivers that he misses and tries to force it in somewhere else. This could be a coaching issue if he doesn't improve.
The O-line tried to change too much, too fast. AJ has only been here 2 months, but the different splits, calls, and hike system have caused a regression. I don't know if they go back to the old system and then try again in the off season to make changes or if Coach Ricker makes changes to his schemes. The problems with the Oline has caused the other problems to be magnified.
The play calling on offense could be questioned. Did we run the ball enough? Hard to say because our O-line was getting abused. Since the o-line was getting abused, did we call enough screens, draws, etc to use that to our advantage?
The only effort I question on offense is Darius W. I feel like he cuts routes off because he doesn't think the ball will come his way. When he slows down, Mauk's throws that way look inaccurate.
The scheme of the defense is not the problem. I wish the whole cushion and 3rd down crap would quit being made up. Indiana was 1 of 14 on 3rd downs. UCF made 3 great plays on 3rd down. It happens.
The effort of the DL should be questioned in the IU game. They didn't seem to get after it. Tackling at the LB and DB level should be questioned. Getting off blocks should be questioned. How quickly the defense reads whether it is pass or run and then fills their assigned spaces should be questioned. The kind of problems we are seeing, to me, indicates a lot of youth and inexperience. How soon will we see improvements on that?
Our last 3 opponents have good offenses and the defense did enough to win those games. The questions should be on offense IMO.
The OL regression, mainly on the interior, needs to be fixed. This could be a coaching issue or just a learning curve. The WR attitude could be an issue. This could also be a coaching situation because it reminds me of Tenn. The QB play needs to improve, mainly on improving the progression of his reads. There are too many open receivers that he misses and tries to force it in somewhere else. This could be a coaching issue if he doesn't improve.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 10:31 am to Mizz-SEC
Biggest thing I saw in the Indiana game was that we tried to substitute too much while they were in hurry up. It wasn't possible to get the defense set.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 11:22 am to Mizz-SEC
quote:
And who here would want Mike Alden picking Pinkel's successor?
This can't be allowed to happen.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 2:27 pm to Mizz-SEC
What's broke in my eyes?
This coaching staff sucks. I still think Henson is ok and I think he can fix what ever has broke down. He will figure the offense out.
My concern is, this offense can't continually score 40 points or more per game. The defense has I think just as much talent than last years, the DC just sucks big time. I sit there and watch his scheme and it's not hard to figure out, they line up in about the same formation every play and either fall back into a zone or man up 15 yrds. down the field. Problem is, the DB's give too much cushion. I don't see the aggression either. With lineman the size and talent level they have, they need to get up field. Yet, like yesterday, they seem to get caught up in flow to the left or right. No gap discipline. Shoot the gaps more and get up field. This problem seems to be a trademark of Steck defenses every year.
I would like to see Steck let these DB's press up a lot more. Get the lineman to become gap responsible. Don't be afraid to stunt and blitz a corner or linebacker once a blue moon. It may not work every time, but it gives the offense one more thing to have to respect.
This weeks game will tell us a lot more. Real competition, and it's as always a 4 quarter game. They will have to play all four quarters to win.
This coaching staff sucks. I still think Henson is ok and I think he can fix what ever has broke down. He will figure the offense out.
My concern is, this offense can't continually score 40 points or more per game. The defense has I think just as much talent than last years, the DC just sucks big time. I sit there and watch his scheme and it's not hard to figure out, they line up in about the same formation every play and either fall back into a zone or man up 15 yrds. down the field. Problem is, the DB's give too much cushion. I don't see the aggression either. With lineman the size and talent level they have, they need to get up field. Yet, like yesterday, they seem to get caught up in flow to the left or right. No gap discipline. Shoot the gaps more and get up field. This problem seems to be a trademark of Steck defenses every year.
I would like to see Steck let these DB's press up a lot more. Get the lineman to become gap responsible. Don't be afraid to stunt and blitz a corner or linebacker once a blue moon. It may not work every time, but it gives the offense one more thing to have to respect.
This weeks game will tell us a lot more. Real competition, and it's as always a 4 quarter game. They will have to play all four quarters to win.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 6:12 pm to the808bass
quote:
We depend on the mistakes of others to win on defense.
And the lack of mistakes by our team. Unfortunately, the Indiana game saw neither.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 6:20 pm to Mizz-SEC
The loss of Justin Britt was huge.
OL isn't nearly as talented as it was last year.
Mitch Morse? Have you ever looked at that guy?
This team is meh on paper.
Not surprising they're meh in reality.
OL isn't nearly as talented as it was last year.
Mitch Morse? Have you ever looked at that guy?
This team is meh on paper.
Not surprising they're meh in reality.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 6:28 pm to Mizz-SEC
We were starting to get some respect, but we've fixed that now.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 6:55 pm to Tigersessed
quote:
I wish the whole cushion and 3rd down crap would quit being made up.
You actually think that's being "made up"?
That would be funny if it weren't so sad.
Then blame the D lines effort for the lame scheme we run into the ground that every coach with a brain wave can figure out? Really sad.
Our last 3 opponents have been nothing special at all and still caused us to struggle, sadly the poor play only intensifies the lame scheme this staff tries to employ. We could of course fall back to running the power I, it would give Pinkel a better chance to kill the clock from the outset of the game which seems to be what he would prefer.
The flaw in the scheme is that if you can't rotate all conference caliber ends you don't get the pressure you need to prevent an even average offense from picking you apart, and that's exactly what we saw happen.
At this point we can only wait to see if the SEC was right about last year being a fluke, but Pinkels big idea of trying to get a score lead then slow the game down and play prevent is one he doesn't recruit well enough to make work on any kind of consistent level. More like a trap season than a trap game.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 8:28 pm to Jagd Tiger
Yes I think it is made up because the ill informed group thinkers act like it happens every play. I have seen us line up 10 yards off a couple of times a game. Usually when 3rd and long, like 15 or more to go. How often do you think we line up with 10 yard cushions? 100%, 50%, 25% of the plays? How often have you seen us line up 10 yards off on 3rd and 3 that is so often criticized? IMO from watching games, in the 4-3 or 4-2-5, we line up 5 to 7 yards off on average depending upon the situation. With a 3-3-5, I think it is closer to 5 yards. I am not going to break down any film to prove my point though.
Our D has out performed our talent the last couple of years. To me that is due to coaching. Can you imagine if the UGA or UF teams had our talent? Their D's suck with more talent.
I bet we hold teams below their average in points scored which is a good indicator of how our D is playing. That includes our last 3 opponents.
Basically you type a bunch of words without saying anything of substance or proving a point. Any game clips or stats to support your stance?
I would recommend reading Rock M, the new David guy at the Tribune, or even Pete S at PM has started to increase the film breakdown.
Our D has out performed our talent the last couple of years. To me that is due to coaching. Can you imagine if the UGA or UF teams had our talent? Their D's suck with more talent.
I bet we hold teams below their average in points scored which is a good indicator of how our D is playing. That includes our last 3 opponents.
Basically you type a bunch of words without saying anything of substance or proving a point. Any game clips or stats to support your stance?
I would recommend reading Rock M, the new David guy at the Tribune, or even Pete S at PM has started to increase the film breakdown.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 8:43 pm to Tigersessed
quote:
Yes I think it is made up because the ill informed group thinkers act like it happens every play.
lol, *gulp gulp gulp* (have some more koolaid)
Our D has had NFL talent on it for several years, which is the only reason it's even come close to doing anything. Bet yer azz on the idiotic scheme this staff comes up,, you are the sucker.
quote:
Basically you type a bunch of words without saying anything of substance
more meaningless gobbeldy poop from a fan with pinkel colored glasses. lol
This post was edited on 9/21/14 at 8:45 pm
Posted on 9/21/14 at 8:47 pm to Jagd Tiger
There you go again. Do you have any stats or game film clips to support your stance of 10 yard cushions? Quit wasting our time otherwise. If you read my posts, I definitely do not have rose colored glasses. I usually read more than I post except for when I see false information starting to get passed around as acceptable.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 9:37 pm to Tigersessed
Here's the bottom line guys, we're all fans and we all want the same thing. Let's not forget that as we banter back and forth about what the problems are and are not.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 9:56 pm to Mizz-SEC
You guys realize every single team in every sport has off days.
OK State lost to Iowa State with arguably the best offense a few years ago
South Carolina lost to a turrible Tenn team last year.
Stanford lost to Utah last year.
I understand it is the coaches job to have their players ready for every game, but these are 19-22 y/o kids. It's not really surprising they overlooked IU. And thats what happened. Our players overlooked an obviously inferior team that is designed around a big play offense.
What I take away from this game is that they executed their plays to near perfection on offense, defense, and special teams. At the same time we screwed pretty much everything up, and I mean everything. No turnovers, 11 penalties, only 2 sacks (if I remember correctly), and 2 key injuries (our best defender in Golden and Gatti).
With that perfect storm, we only lost by 4. It took all of that clusterfrick of bullshite, and they won on what looked like two weak penalties on their final drive.
We are much better than this, and maybe our players heads were too big. Taking credit for what last years team did, and not waking up and doing the job themselves. Maybe this is what they need.
All I know is we have will have a relatively healthy team going into conference play, and everyone in the East has at least one conference loss except for us. It's our race to lose at this point, and I haven't given up hope.
OK State lost to Iowa State with arguably the best offense a few years ago
South Carolina lost to a turrible Tenn team last year.
Stanford lost to Utah last year.
I understand it is the coaches job to have their players ready for every game, but these are 19-22 y/o kids. It's not really surprising they overlooked IU. And thats what happened. Our players overlooked an obviously inferior team that is designed around a big play offense.
What I take away from this game is that they executed their plays to near perfection on offense, defense, and special teams. At the same time we screwed pretty much everything up, and I mean everything. No turnovers, 11 penalties, only 2 sacks (if I remember correctly), and 2 key injuries (our best defender in Golden and Gatti).
With that perfect storm, we only lost by 4. It took all of that clusterfrick of bullshite, and they won on what looked like two weak penalties on their final drive.
We are much better than this, and maybe our players heads were too big. Taking credit for what last years team did, and not waking up and doing the job themselves. Maybe this is what they need.
All I know is we have will have a relatively healthy team going into conference play, and everyone in the East has at least one conference loss except for us. It's our race to lose at this point, and I haven't given up hope.
Posted on 9/21/14 at 10:08 pm to MrPoppersPuffins
Haven't given up hope either the more I think about it but it's just as much about UGA, SC and UF as it is MU. The concern I get isn't from the loss, it's the fact that I haven't been overly impressed with any of the games so far. But then I go right back to SC's loss and East Carolina game, UF against UK and Bama and UGA against SC. Anyone's to take.
Posted on 9/22/14 at 7:06 am to MrPoppersPuffins
You are correct sir, nothing has been lost yet.
Posted on 9/22/14 at 9:05 am to TigerCruise
The more concerning thing to me is whether there is dissension on the team. We've heard about Loud's tweets. We've heard about Moore's tweets. Now Morrison tweeted a vimeo right before the last play of the game with White seeming to walk away and a towel being thrown at him. Apparently White didn't play in the last series at all according to Morrison. Seems someone is gonna have to get control of the team and that probably has to be one of the players.
Posted on 9/22/14 at 12:22 pm to reedus23
HCGP listen to me and put McGovern back to RG and Chappell to RT. Leftwich starting at WR. White must be hurt.
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