because I am not a coach. I am a fan. I was a decent high school football player - that’s it.
That said, here a few observations from a fan:
(1). Has our team assumed the persona of CJF? No offense to Pitt, but there was a lot of thuggish behavior. Those boys set the tone early and, literally, punched our guys in the face. We sit 26 rows up I am watching a Pitt player throw a punch at Jahan in front of the ref - no flag! So, in baseball and football, you learn what the refs will let you get away with. I did not see a response from our guys - not that I wanted to see a fight - but I did not see a response. I cannot imagine a certain safety or a couple of recent LBs who would have allowed that to go on. CJF is the CEO - have we lost that edge?
(2). I share the head scratching on the RBs. JB breaks off a huge run and is out. Cain runs hard and is out. Those are your two guys. The RBs need to get in the flow of the game. The 4 headed monster will not work.
(3). Hamler is all in on running the ball out of the end zone - even if it is not the best choice.
(4). Clifford has admitted to having happy feet. He looked tentative at times yesterday - should I run or should I extend the play. Trace made the decision to run and went - I don’t think Clifford is there yet. Part of it may be the success he has had in extending plays. When you hold the ball just a second more and you get a 49 yard TD pass - you want to keep doing it. He has the arm skill to do what he wants - I am not sure how quickly he is getting to the decision.
(5). Outside rush seems to lack variety. Shaka loves the dip and glide move. With his weight, it works for him. If you have a tickle that can move his feet and you know that is the move that is coming - it can be defended. It will become more of a problem as the year moves forward and that tackles become better.
(6). Drops. Yikes.
I will spare you the rest.
That said, here a few observations from a fan:
(1). Has our team assumed the persona of CJF? No offense to Pitt, but there was a lot of thuggish behavior. Those boys set the tone early and, literally, punched our guys in the face. We sit 26 rows up I am watching a Pitt player throw a punch at Jahan in front of the ref - no flag! So, in baseball and football, you learn what the refs will let you get away with. I did not see a response from our guys - not that I wanted to see a fight - but I did not see a response. I cannot imagine a certain safety or a couple of recent LBs who would have allowed that to go on. CJF is the CEO - have we lost that edge?
(2). I share the head scratching on the RBs. JB breaks off a huge run and is out. Cain runs hard and is out. Those are your two guys. The RBs need to get in the flow of the game. The 4 headed monster will not work.
(3). Hamler is all in on running the ball out of the end zone - even if it is not the best choice.
(4). Clifford has admitted to having happy feet. He looked tentative at times yesterday - should I run or should I extend the play. Trace made the decision to run and went - I don’t think Clifford is there yet. Part of it may be the success he has had in extending plays. When you hold the ball just a second more and you get a 49 yard TD pass - you want to keep doing it. He has the arm skill to do what he wants - I am not sure how quickly he is getting to the decision.
(5). Outside rush seems to lack variety. Shaka loves the dip and glide move. With his weight, it works for him. If you have a tickle that can move his feet and you know that is the move that is coming - it can be defended. It will become more of a problem as the year moves forward and that tackles become better.
(6). Drops. Yikes.
I will spare you the rest.
