Offensive strategy changes?

[happyvalleydevil]

Wondering what the most savvy and plugged in members of this board feel will be the most noticeable strategic changes to our offense in 2015.

Like most PSU fans I assume, I didn't feel like our offensive was working in 2015. I was and am willing to give the coaching staff a break on this for a variety of reasons, including staff's first year, patchwork OL, no ARob, lack of every down backs, immobile qb, etc.

But I do hope and expect some changes to be made for 2015 to make our offense look and work better.

So what do you think?
Greater use of TEs? More running between the tackles? Higher run/pass ratio? Establish Lynch/20+ carries per game?

 

[BBrown]

Wondering what the most savvy and plugged in members of this board feel will be the most noticeable strategic changes to our offense in 2015.

Like most PSU fans I assume, I didn't feel like our offensive was working in 2015. I was and am willing to give the coaching staff a break on this for a variety of reasons, including staff's first year, patchwork OL, no ARob, lack of every down backs, immobile qb, etc.

But I do hope and expect some changes to be made for 2015 to make our offense look and work better.

So what do you think?
Greater use of TEs? More running between the tackles? Higher run/pass ratio? Establish Lynch/20+ carries per game?

I hate using the B&W game as any kind of indicator but I think we may see Hack rolling out more. The rest I think is going to stay somewhat the same.
I mean we have way too many talented WR's and TE's for one group to see more action than the other.

 

[Ten Thousan Marbles]

I hate using the B&W game as any kind of indicator but I think we may see Hack rolling out more. The rest I think is going to stay somewhat the same.
I mean we have way too many talented WR's and TE's for one group to see more action than the other.

I think you are right, and I think this will involve some pulling linemen.

 

[bjf1984]

Wondering what the most savvy and plugged in members of this board feel will be the most noticeable strategic changes to our offense in 2015.

Like most PSU fans I assume, I didn't feel like our offensive was working in 2015. I was and am willing to give the coaching staff a break on this for a variety of reasons, including staff's first year, patchwork OL, no ARob, lack of every down backs, immobile qb, etc.

But I do hope and expect some changes to be made for 2015 to make our offense look and work better.

So what do you think?
Greater use of TEs? More running between the tackles? Higher run/pass ratio? Establish Lynch/20+ carries per game?

I know its been said before......but its the truth: The offense will improve in proportion to the improvement of the offensive line.

That's it in a nutshell.

How much will the offensive line improve? No matter how much we all want to "know" or "speculate"....we'll all find out in September (even the coaching staff won't "really" know until the play a few live games).

 

[Obliviax]

it all comes down to the o-line, as previously stated. Last year, our like was OK until our LT got hurt. That was the second of two key injuries that really hurt a young and inexperienced line. then, when ZZ went down, that really hurt any way to help in protection on blitzes or anytime a specific OLmen got beat.

As a result, teams simply brought 5, 6 & 7 on every single play. At the same time, they played out wideouts tight to take away the quick throw that was so effective the year before (and early against UCF). So, my point is the youth and injuries to the oline exacerbated all of the other problems.

I am hopeful that will be different this year. The staff is saying all of the right things...we'll see, but it could hardly be worse.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Wondering what the most savvy and plugged in members of this board feel will be the most noticeable strategic changes to our offense in 2015.

Like most PSU fans I assume, I didn't feel like our offensive was working in 2015. I was and am willing to give the coaching staff a break on this for a variety of reasons, including staff's first year, patchwork OL, no ARob, lack of every down backs, immobile qb, etc.

But I do hope and expect some changes to be made for 2015 to make our offense look and work better.

So what do you think?
Greater use of TEs? More running between the tackles? Higher run/pass ratio? Establish Lynch/20+ carries per game?

TE's may be used to block more going off of the B&W game. The OL still has a lot to prove and everything will start there. The LT position is a huge concern and the interior needs to use last as a big stepping stone going into this season. I imagine most of the strategic moves will be to keep Hack from getting killed again this year. All starts up front as the greatest gameplan in the world will go to hell quickly if you can't block.

 

[CappyToCJF]

it all comes down to the o-line, as previously stated. Last year, our like was OK until our RT got hurt. That was the second of two key injuries that really hurt a young and inexperienced line. then, when ZZ went down, that really hurt any way to help in protection on blitzes or anytime a specific OLmen got beat.

As a result, teams simply brought 5, 6 & 7 on every single play. At the same time, they played out wideouts tight to take away the quick throw that was so effective the year before (and early against UCF). So, my point is the youth and injuries to the oline exacerbated all of the other problems.

I am hopeful that will be different this year. The staff is saying all of the right things...we'll see, but it could hardly be worse.

Yes, it's pretty obvious that how much the OL improves will determine the play calling and game planning. Given more time to throw we will see more mid and deeper WR routes. I am more confident about having a stronger run blocking OL than dramatic pass blocking improvement. But a big improvement in YPC will also require improved passing to keep Safety's off LOS. With a full yr to learn CJF offense we may see better execution of passes to RB's and QB roll outs.

 

[tboyer]

The wild card is the young running backs. The OL's job becomes completely different if there is a tailback with breakaway ability, which the might have this year for the first time in a very long time.

Defenses crowded the line of scrimmage and focused on Hack last year -- this year they could have more to worry about.

I don't think there's any replacing a LT as good as Donovan Smith. But a great TB or two would sure help.

 

[sluggo72]

my hope is the Wildcat goes away. Take the time you work on the wildcat, and spend it on 1 on 1 situations. It will make the OL better, the DL better, the WR, RB, TE & QB's better, the DB's and LB's better. What's wrong with this idea??

 

[LaJolla Lion]

The wild card is the young running backs. The OL's job becomes completely different if there is a tailback with breakaway ability, which the might have this year for the first time in a very long time.

Defenses crowded the line of scrimmage and focused on Hack last year -- this year they could have more to worry about.

I don't think there's any replacing a LT as good as Donovan Smith. But a great TB or two would sure help.

Scary thing is the defenses last year didn't have to do much to get to Hack because PSU could not run the ball. The RB's were getting hit in the backfield over and over again. IMO that needs to get fixed quickly or PSU will still struggle to put up 20+ a game.

 

[Nashville Lion]

To piggy back off what others stated....but with improved offensive line play, we will see a huge improvement in the amounts of yards gained and points put on the scoreboard. Hack was running for his life last year and the run game was stifled. The line was just awful.

 

[spud358]

I expect much of the same with better blocking from the TEs, which was a major aspect that killed the offense last year that no one talks about. Franklin made a point to call them out after the season and focus on blocking in the spring. PSU's TEs are now H-Backs and expected to be lead blockers in a lot of Donovan's run plays. Hopefully if they stick with that, the TEs have come a long way.

I expect, and pray, that we see the hurry up more. It was baffling that they had a QB like Hack and didn't leverage the single best way to mitigate a weak OL more last year. I know they had (valid) concerns about time of possession and ensuring the defense a rest, but sometimes you have to roll the dice. The best way to protect your defense is to move the chains, improve field position, and score points. They were WAY too conservative in that regard last year and finally opened it up in the bowl game with good results.

I also hope to see more slant passes and timing routes. They got them in at the end of the season more and I'm guessing the main reason they didn't use them too often was because of the inexperience at WR. These routes are another great way to mitigate a weak OL that wasn't used nearly enough throughout the season.

 

[BBG65]

Our RT got hurt? I thought Andrew Nelson was able to play all season and was one of our best linemen. I agree that ZZ was a loss, but even before the injury, I thought he should have been playing ahead of Belton and wasn't doing so. I hope they get away from that delay/draw as the base of their running game. it's okay as a change of pace, but not every play.

it all comes down to the o-line, as previously stated. Last year, our like was OK until our RT got hurt. That was the second of two key injuries that really hurt a young and inexperienced line. then, when ZZ went down, that really hurt any way to help in protection on blitzes or anytime a specific OLmen got beat.

As a result, teams simply brought 5, 6 & 7 on every single play. At the same time, they played out wideouts tight to take away the quick throw that was so effective the year before (and early against UCF). So, my point is the youth and injuries to the oline exacerbated all of the other problems.

I am hopeful that will be different this year. The staff is saying all of the right things...we'll see, but it could hardly be worse.

 

[bjf1984]

Our RT got hurt? I thought Andrew Nelson was able to play all season and was one of our best linemen. I agree that ZZ was a loss, but even before the injury, I thought he should have been playing ahead of Belton and wasn't doing so. I hope they get away from that delay/draw as the base of their running game. it's okay as a change of pace, but not every play.

I am guessing he meant to say the LT (Smith) who missed - IIRC - about 2 games due to injury.

 

[BBrown]

my hope is the Wildcat goes away. Take the time you work on the wildcat, and spend it on 1 on 1 situations. It will make the OL better, the DL better, the WR, RB, TE & QB's better, the DB's and LB's better. What's wrong with this idea??

yeaaa, I'm not sure that will happen. If anything I expect to see more of it this year with a qb thats more mobile in McSorley.
Not saying I don't agree with you just that I'm expecting to see more of it.

 

[Obliviax]

Our RT got hurt? I thought Andrew Nelson was able to play all season and was one of our best linemen. I agree that ZZ was a loss, but even before the injury, I thought he should have been playing ahead of Belton and wasn't doing so. I hope they get away from that delay/draw as the base of their running game. it's okay as a change of pace, but not every play.

Sorry...meant LT.

 

[psuro]

I hope the #1 strategy change is "score more points".

 

[Obliviax]

I am guessing he meant to say the LT (Smith) who missed - IIRC - about 2 games due to injury.

Right...apologies...Smith missed part of tOSU and part of Temple while he missed all of MD and Indy. IMHO, he was never "right" until the Bowl game. They also tried to work Deffinbach in there around Temple. But what they accomplished was to keep moving guys in and out with Smith, Deff and others and there were a ton of missed assignments as a result. And these weren't just on the Oline but the RBs and TEs as well.

 

[PSU-Knocker]

The staff is saying all of the right things...we'll see, but it could hardly be worse.

You must be listening to a different staff than I because I saw reports that they are not expecting top caliber line play for maybe two more years. That is not to say we won't see improved line play because we should by virtue of another years experience and improved strength and last years recruiting adds.

 

[Obliviax]

You must be listening to a different staff than I because I saw reports that they are not expecting top caliber line play for maybe two more years. That is not to say we won't see improved line play because we should by virtue of another years experience and improved strength and last years recruiting adds.

I keep hearing the term "improved". From today's MLive:

"We're building our program to win at the highest level, national championships. It falls in line, we have to win the Big Ten before we can win that,'' he said. "My point is, our focus is on catering our schemes and program to take advantage of our strengths.''

Penn State had one scholarship offensive tackle between its sophomore, junior and senior classes last season.

"So we had one junior, he came out early, we started a redshirt freshman, and all the rest of the guys were true freshmen that redshirted, so we'll be a year older and a year stronger,'' Franklin said. "Last year we had one returning starter on the offensive line and this year we'll have four returning starters.

"That's one of those positions you can't solve overnight, it takes time. You have to put those guys in the refrigerator and let them marinate, and over time they'll be playing the way we want them to play.''

 

[CDW3333]

Bring back O'Brien's offense.

 

[PSU-Knocker]

I keep hearing the term "improved". From today's MLive:

"We're building our program to win at the highest level, national championships. It falls in line, we have to win the Big Ten before we can win that,'' he said. "My point is, our focus is on catering our schemes and program to take advantage of our strengths.''

Penn State had one scholarship offensive tackle between its sophomore, junior and senior classes last season.

"So we had one junior, he came out early, we started a redshirt freshman, and all the rest of the guys were true freshmen that redshirted, so we'll be a year older and a year stronger,'' Franklin said. "Last year we had one returning starter on the offensive line and this year we'll have four returning starters.

"That's one of those positions you can't solve overnight, it takes time. You have to put those guys in the refrigerator and let them marinate, and over time they'll be playing the way we want them to play.''

"That's one of those positions you can't solve overnight, it takes time. You have to put those guys in the refrigerator and let them marinate, and over time they'll be playing the way we want them to play.''

That's exactly what my post stated.

 

[Obliviax]

"That's one of those positions you can't solve overnight, it takes time. You have to put those guys in the refrigerator and let them marinate, and over time they'll be playing the way we want them to play.''

That's exactly what my post stated.

got it...and I was saying they'd be improved, based on staff comments. we both are right.

 

[21Guns]

The wild card is the young running backs. The OL's job becomes completely different if there is a tailback with breakaway ability, which the might have this year for the first time in a very long time.

Defenses crowded the line of scrimmage and focused on Hack last year -- this year they could have more to worry about.

I don't think there's any replacing a LT as good as Donovan Smith. But a great TB or two would sure help.

He didn't play well last year, and was about 30 pounds overweight. He had played much better during his early years.

 

[21Guns]

I didn't see any improvement at all in the spring game. They were thoroughly dominated by our second unit front seven.

I really don't think there is anything anyone can do, but wait for the current second and third team units to develop. I don't believe we'll see any improvement until the McSorely era, unfortunately.

The ONE thing I DID see, that I liked, was Hacks' willingness to pull the ball down and run for first downs...believe it or not, that might make the difference this year between a 7-5, and a 9-3 record.

We'll need to win games as we did last year: With our defense.

 

[PSU-Knocker]

I really don't think there is anything anyone can do, but wait for the current second and third team units to develop. I don't believe we'll see any improvement until the McSorely era, unfortunately.

You don't think there will be any improvement after another year of lifting, another year of experience? You didn't see any improvement in the bowl performance last year?

I wouldn't expect to see improvement in performance after 15 days of Spring practice. There is far to much experimentation, swapping of personnel and just learning going on.

 

[dawgduice]

I really believe the OL will be better than last year. My guess would be about 25%. Why? Physical age and growth PLUS a year of REAL game experience (for good and bad). I think depth will be better. Will they be a good OL? Not so much. But they will be "good enough". I "think" we will win 10 games in the regular season !!!
We will be deeper across the board AND that means a great deal in the Big.

 

[PSUSignore]

I know its been said before......but its the truth: The offense will improve in proportion to the improvement of the offensive line.

I agree. One area that gives me a little hope even if the OL struggles continue is that the surrounding skill players also have more experience. It won't make a massive difference if the OL is still a sieve, but maybe the TEs/WRs will get open more quickly off the line. Last year that was a problem as well. We tried to run some fast-developing plays due to the OL situation but nobody could consistently get open that quickly. That, combined with the OL equalled a ton of negative yardage plays. Hopefully we make strides in both areas, but if we can get some quick receiver separation it will at least help marginally.

 

[spud358]

The OL is the focus of offensive predictions for most and with good reason. However, it's easy to forget all the other offensive positions that struggled last year (hint... all of them!).

If the OL wasn't so bad, I suspect most would be talking about the WRs. PSU returned a single starter in Lewis and he only had something like 19 career receptions heading into the season. Everyone else who saw significant time was playing for the first time. I think a bunch of those throws that Hack missed were actually on the WRs. Not all of them, but certainly some of them. Their down field blocking also left a lot to be desired at time.

TEs were pretty awful. James, despite being 6'7" 270, played like scared undersized freshman. He took a really hard shot early in the season, was banged up, and looked like a guy playing overly careful because he knew he was headed to the NFL. Carter seemed like he wasn't interested in blocking and dreaming of of 2012 when he was McGloin's go to receiver. Brenneman is the best all around TE and he was out. Gesicki was pretty much a WR and looked lost in the few instances he was asked to block.

RBs were equally bad. ZZ is a good back, but not the type of guy that can do anything without some room; plus he was hurt midseason. Belton simply isn't a RB IMO. Lynch's blocking was embarrassing for most of the season and likely the reason he didn't see more time until the very end of the season (along with ZZ's injury). His running was pretty good, but those last few games were his real first experience as the lead back.

Hack... Hard to put too much on him considering what he was working with, but he had a pretty rough season. Add in the fact that EVERYONE was playing their first season in a new system and it's hard not to expect some improvement on that fact alone.

Coaching... Similar to Hack, it's hard to know how much was on them and how much was just being limited. That said, I think there was a bunch of room for improvement from the staff, specifically Donovan. I mean, how many times can you get stuffed with the wildcat before you realize it's not working? The lack of slants and hurry up are other areas I think they will look back on and wish they did more of. Either way, they were in a tough spot and were still learning what they had. I think they clearly thought they had better blocking TE's (aka. H-Backs) than they really did, which threw a big wrench into an already rusty and broken running game.

Long post short, the OL is focus, but each and every other position last year was either extremely inexperienced or struggled for lack of talent/depth. Everyone was learning a new system and the coaches were still learning their personnel. Even if the OL doesn't improvement, I have to expect the improvement from Hack, the TEs, RBs (even though the depth is inexperienced), WRs, and Donovan.

 

[PhillipintheValley]

Offenses are effective when they either do one thing really well (Wisconsin, for example) or they are very balanced. This offense's best chance to be effective is to find some balance. They are not going to become dominant in one aspect of the game, so they have to be a little better in all phases of the game to keep the defense guessing and not find themselves behind the sticks because of negative plays. That's the best chance to be better. I think that is possible. The O-line should be better. Not great but better. Wide receivers should be better. Tight Ends should be better. Running backs should be better. Fewer negative plays. Less predictability. More variety. That will equal better results. If the offense can be in the middle of the pack, the defense will benefit and this team will have a shot at 9 wins.

 

[GregInPitt]

"That's one of those positions you can't solve overnight, it takes time. You have to put those guys in the refrigerator and let them marinate, and over time they'll be playing the way we want them to play.''

That's exactly what my post stated.

We all pretty much know that it will take time to "solve" the OL issues. But I interpret CJF's "solve" as our OL being a premier unit, like the DL was last year.

But this year we should see improvement. Pass blocking may improve some, but I believe the more dramatic improvement will be run blocking. Just due to having a few older, stronger kids playing. The passing game has to improve to get the safety's off the LOS. I see the WR improvement as being another key, and with all of them back there should be noticeable improvement. There were many times that Hack was looking for a quick release as he saw the rush coming last year but there was no where to throw it. If the WR's are better overall, i.e. less blown assignments and more separation, the passing game will improve and any better protection will add to it. The passing and run games go hand in hand and I believe we will see improvement.

Our RB's will hopefully improve as a unit as well. Belton was a marginal talent, not really fast, had a few moves, but could not break many tackles. ZZ needs a start before he can drag a couple guys forward which was not there last year. AL will be somewhat better, and the wild card will be the 1-3 other RB's that emerge to get carries. I think Barkley and or Robinson, maybe both, will be lighting things up in practice and see the field. Why save them with Sanders on the way (who I have seen in person and is the real deal)? Yea we have 3 redshirt RB's but if there are game breakers on the roster they will play.

 

[bjf1984]

The OL is the focus of offensive predictions for most and with good reason. However, it's easy to forget all the other offensive positions that struggled last year (hint... all of them!).

If the OL wasn't so bad, I suspect most would be talking about the WRs. PSU returned a single starter in Lewis and he only had something like 19 career receptions heading into the season. Everyone else who saw significant time was playing for the first time. I think a bunch of those throws that Hack missed were actually on the WRs. Not all of them, but certainly some of them. Their down field blocking also left a lot to be desired at time.

TEs were pretty awful. James, despite being 6'7" 270, played like scared undersized freshman. He took a really hard shot early in the season, was banged up, and looked like a guy playing overly careful because he knew he was headed to the NFL. Carter seemed like he wasn't interested in blocking and dreaming of of 2012 when he was McGloin's go to receiver. Brenneman is the best all around TE and he was out. Gesicki was pretty much a WR and looked lost in the few instances he was asked to block.

RBs were equally bad. ZZ is a good back, but not the type of guy that can do anything without some room; plus he was hurt midseason. Belton simply isn't a RB IMO. Lynch's blocking was embarrassing for most of the season and likely the reason he didn't see more time until the very end of the season (along with ZZ's injury). His running was pretty good, but those last few games were his real first experience as the lead back.

Hack... Hard to put too much on him considering what he was working with, but he had a pretty rough season. Add in the fact that EVERYONE was playing their first season in a new system and it's hard not to expect some improvement on that fact alone.

Coaching... Similar to Hack, it's hard to know how much was on them and how much was just being limited. That said, I think there was a bunch of room for improvement from the staff, specifically Donovan. I mean, how many times can you get stuffed with the wildcat before you realize it's not working? The lack of slants and hurry up are other areas I think they will look back on and wish they did more of. Either way, they were in a tough spot and were still learning what they had. I think they clearly thought they had better blocking TE's (aka. H-Backs) than they really did, which threw a big wrench into an already rusty and broken running game.

Long post short, the OL is focus, but each and every other position last year was either extremely inexperienced or struggled for lack of talent/depth. Everyone was learning a new system and the coaches were still learning their personnel. Even if the OL doesn't improvement, I have to expect the improvement from Hack, the TEs, RBs (even though the depth is inexperienced), WRs, and Donovan.

I think - SPUD - that the reason folks are (rightfully) focused on the O Line is that those other positions all AT LEAST showed the ability.....and given the incredibly youthful nature of the squad - a very reasonable expectation of being pretty good.

As you said, the WR "depth" last year started out as one sophomore (Lewis) and one freshman (Hamilton)...and essentially nothing else until the two TR FR (Godwin and Blacknail) started to get worked in. That said, they showed a wealth of raw ability and actually made a fair number of plays - with the reasonable expectation of being real good by 2015.

Similarly, at TB, CJF seemed obligated to get the Senior a lot of time.....but even at that, Lynch started to take over the bulk of the PT as the season went along - and showed (IMHO) a lot more ability than Belton (given the nature of the line, it was hard to get a good read, but I think, to me at least, he is a legit prospect - unlike Belton). We also now have two or three decent prospects coming off of redshirts, and two more high end prospects coming in as true freshmen......so there is a lot to feel good about there.

Hack is Hack. I think anyone who follows things can see the very high level skills he has - if he gets a chance to run an offense where the skill people have all played enough to know what the heck they are supposed to do....and he has a line that can generate any semblance of a run game, and allow him to look downfield before worrying about the rush in his face.

Gesicki showed some nice flashes at TE (for a True Freshman) and getting Brenneman back has to make one feel pretty good about that spot as well.

So....as we all know.....the focus shines on the big eaters. What are we gonna' get up front?