01-06-2014, 11:24 AM
Wow, I go away for a few days to recover and have 4 pages of posts to wade through. As most of you know, I am a brobdingnagian Shaw apologist and a big fan of him as a coach. It could come from being classmates and, if not close, at least close enough friends to have him recognize me on the sideline of the U of A game 18 years after we last hung out. For those not aware of this, frame my next comments in that context.
David only calls plays in the redzone, and all of his QBs are given some latitude to audible to 1 of 4 alternate sets. Luck did this with ease, not many can do that effectively. David has adapted to his personnel every season though. The recent criticism surprises me, given that he made many of the calls under Harbaugh. Were the calls predictable this season, yes, but at the same time, you have to look at the personnel he adapted to every year.
Luck gave him a great ability to utilize the short and long game with the TEs and receivers. Stephan was complimented by 2 of the tree amigos last season, so the passes were shorter than in years past. This year we had to rely on the run more than ever with the lack of the short passes due to receiving TEs not being as available. However, the long ball became part of the game again with the health of Montgomery improved, and Rector/Cajuste having a bit of a coming out party. I expect the O will look much different next year with the lack of a true power back. I expect the run plan to be similar, but with less jumbo sets and wider spacing on the line to take advantage of the shifty back we have in waiting.
That said, I fully expect the ceiling for the team to continue to climb to the top of the mountain. If it doesnt, so be it. As a fan of 41 years, I never thought I would see Stanford be this good for this many years in a row. I could live with 8-4 happily in years past, and would not be heartbroken if that became our regression to the mean every few years. If the team continues winning 10 games per year I will be ecstatic, and if they were to get to the very top, I would be at a whole new level of bliss (as far as sports fandom).
David only calls plays in the redzone, and all of his QBs are given some latitude to audible to 1 of 4 alternate sets. Luck did this with ease, not many can do that effectively. David has adapted to his personnel every season though. The recent criticism surprises me, given that he made many of the calls under Harbaugh. Were the calls predictable this season, yes, but at the same time, you have to look at the personnel he adapted to every year.
Luck gave him a great ability to utilize the short and long game with the TEs and receivers. Stephan was complimented by 2 of the tree amigos last season, so the passes were shorter than in years past. This year we had to rely on the run more than ever with the lack of the short passes due to receiving TEs not being as available. However, the long ball became part of the game again with the health of Montgomery improved, and Rector/Cajuste having a bit of a coming out party. I expect the O will look much different next year with the lack of a true power back. I expect the run plan to be similar, but with less jumbo sets and wider spacing on the line to take advantage of the shifty back we have in waiting.
That said, I fully expect the ceiling for the team to continue to climb to the top of the mountain. If it doesnt, so be it. As a fan of 41 years, I never thought I would see Stanford be this good for this many years in a row. I could live with 8-4 happily in years past, and would not be heartbroken if that became our regression to the mean every few years. If the team continues winning 10 games per year I will be ecstatic, and if they were to get to the very top, I would be at a whole new level of bliss (as far as sports fandom).
Heroism is not defined by one great act, but by a lifetime of right action.