In Reply to: D played well, but OL still leaving a lot to be desired posted by Robofat on October 12, 2024 at 22:44:32
the OL has been the obvious problem since we finally got to see them play an actual game - in Hawai'i. It is what it is,
The changes they had to make when our so-often injured transfer LT got injured again helped a little bit but the talent just isn't there. It's not there up front which is the basis of everything. On offense our QB is always running for his life and only a clever bait and switch by the OC - starting every first down by a handoff into the middle of the line (for one yard gain) led to a play action call that was actually effective giving Garbers time to find Sturdivant on a long route for a touchdown.
But that play was clearly a one-off; on most other snaps, Garbers has to unload in 2 seconds or go running for his life. There's no time for routes to develop and receivers to beat their men. And the running game is nonexistent.
On defense, there has been a bit of improvement. The DC has found Schwesinger and found the great role for Oladejo and that gives us an occasional pass rush. But the loss of Latu and the Murphys ihas been almost as devastating to the defense as the lack of tackles has to the offense.
My point is, imo you are right on. And the lack of talent defines the season. It is what it is. Kelly's Xs and Os acumen - at least on offense - was quite good - where he killed the program was hs refusal to buy into recruiting as a priority. This has been most apparent in terms of linemen. We're playing with one or possibly both hands tied behind our back.
To the point where it occurred to ALL of us to want to play like we were losing when we had a three point lead with just a short time remaining in the game and go for an improbable first down deep in our own territory.
I was thinking we should have thrown the ball down there on first and surely on second down because there was no way to make a first down just running the ball which meant, while we did force Minnesota to use up its time outs, we still were going to have to give them the ball with nearly three minutes left to play.
Love the spirit of the kids, but until we have offensive linemen and edge rushers, no coaching staff would have much chance to succeed,
Thanks again, Chip