Strength down the middle

I made a post prior to the first game that I think the team and season depends on what our strength, ability, and productivity was down the middle of our offense and defense.

I put it on running backs, QB, C/G, NT, MLB, safety.

So far nothing has changed that our season depends on how well those areas play. Which you could say for almost all teams considering QB is in that group. But running backs and center/guard positions can help a lot with how the run game goes. If they are able to handle the inside it makes the backers move inside more for run support making it easier to get the edge on outside run plays as well.

As of now I will rate where I think we are at those positions taking in to account we should have dominated both our first 2 games.

Running backs B- Tank is still breaking tackles and looks healthy. Hunter is a great compliment to Tank.

QB D TJ has a nice 2nd half last week but hasn’t show he can create big plays in the passing game. Looks like we were vanilla on offense but I think he’s worried about the rush and goes check down to quickly. Ashford is a gimmick that has done ok but take out the pass to Var in the first game and his passing has been horrible.

C/G C they have been ok in pass pro but still aren’t giving the push in the run game you like consistently. Some inside combo blocks have been sloppy and slow for the transfer to get to the next level for the their block. We can probably win some games with this group but need to see more in the run game against good opponents.

NT B+. Jones has done his job as a run stopper so far. Competition steps up over the next few weeks. He and M’ba have got to get better as well cause some good dudes are on the slate. M’ba hasn’t gotten enough snaps in my opinion so not sure his role yet is it 10 snaps a game or is he going to be in the rotation heavily? Gonna be the inside pass rush guy?

MLB D I love Owen he’s just not an inside guy. Neither is Riley. I know he’s a team captain but I think for the role our inside guy plays Steiner is the best option at this point. I don’t see them replacing Owen regardless if it’s best for the team or not.

Safeties C+ Have been some nice tackles in the open field and Kaufman replacing Bridges was the right move. Zion still scares me in coverage I think he might be to easy to scheme 1 on 1s with even in zone. I can tell you I’m not looking forward to Zion trying to cover Bowers from UGA. But I think this group can improve and hope the move for Kaufman is permanent and Scott to nickel as well.

Long way to go but for now the scores aren’t great. These areas have to improve week over week and in a hurry. You get every grip playing high B low A grades starting this weekend we can be a 9 win team. Stay where we are a 6-7 win team.

I’d like to know what some other people would give these positions grades and reasons especially if they differ strongly against mine.

Beat Penn State. WDE