[Phogge]

Block energized the team. Might have saved the season but Shaw will start Chryst if he's healthy.

[Phogge]

Block energized the team. Might have saved the season but Shaw will start Chryst if he's healthy.

[stupac2]

No he won't. What on earth makes you say that?

[stupac2]

No he won't. What on earth makes you say that?

[Redrum]

It's the same thing I texted to my friend at the game last night.  Certainly the thought of Shaw's inertia on QB changes occurred to more than two of us.

[Redrum]

It's the same thing I texted to my friend at the game last night.  Certainly the thought of Shaw's inertia on QB changes occurred to more than two of us.

[BobK]

Silly.  Lol.  I thought you better Phogge.  Costello plays then we yell for Mills lol

Phillips block was brobdingnagian.  A yes we can moment

[BobK]

Silly.  Lol.  I thought you better Phogge.  Costello plays then we yell for Mills lol

Phillips block was brobdingnagian.  A yes we can moment

[qwerty49]

Agree, it was the play of the game. Leadership by doing--what the team needed.

KJ first drive, not much. Then 7 TDs in 7 drives. Even Shaw noted that stat. And I bet he remembers the last time one of his QBs came in and led the team to scores on several drives in a row. IIRC it was 4 or 5 scores -- Kevin Hogan vs Colorado.

I think the Costello Era is here.

[qwerty49]

Agree, it was the play of the game. Leadership by doing--what the team needed.

KJ first drive, not much. Then 7 TDs in 7 drives. Even Shaw noted that stat. And I bet he remembers the last time one of his QBs came in and led the team to scores on several drives in a row. IIRC it was 4 or 5 scores -- Kevin Hogan vs Colorado.

I think the Costello Era is here.

[Goose]

Costello plays then we yell for Mills lol

Wait till he throws an interception. You will be right for sure :). Seriously, I don't know what Shaw will do. I think he is loyal to his players, and the concept that you don't lose your job due to injury does resonate with him. My opinion is that

• Chryst got too much credit for the wins in the second half of last year. We played some really, really bad defenses.
• Chryst isn't fully healthy from his knee injury. He wasn't real mobile before he was hurt, but so far this year, he is a statue. Ironic he gets hurt on a designed run. (Which we haven't previously called with him this year that I recall).
• Chryst probably does understand the offense real well at this point. He is the son of a coach. He has three years in the program. That counts. However, if he doesn't execute the offense well, it doesn't matter.
  

So what happens next week? As I understand it, Chryst is undergoing the concussion protocol. That probably means he can't practice until Wednesday, at the earliest. If he actually has a concussion, he probably can't play next Saturday, in any case. So Shaw may have no decision to make. That also means that Costello gets all the early week first string reps, even if he isn't going to start. If Chryst can play in the game, Shaw will have to decide. It might be best to just say the lack of early week practice by Chryst forced him to start Costello, see what happens, and go from there. It is appealing to say Costello should be the starter until proven otherwise. He does seem to bring a lot to the offense that the other QBs haven't. That said, it was 3/4 of one game.

[Goose]

Costello plays then we yell for Mills lol

Wait till he throws an interception. You will be right for sure :). Seriously, I don't know what Shaw will do. I think he is loyal to his players, and the concept that you don't lose your job due to injury does resonate with him. My opinion is that

• Chryst got too much credit for the wins in the second half of last year. We played some really, really bad defenses.
• Chryst isn't fully healthy from his knee injury. He wasn't real mobile before he was hurt, but so far this year, he is a statue. Ironic he gets hurt on a designed run. (Which we haven't previously called with him this year that I recall).
• Chryst probably does understand the offense real well at this point. He is the son of a coach. He has three years in the program. That counts. However, if he doesn't execute the offense well, it doesn't matter.
  

So what happens next week? As I understand it, Chryst is undergoing the concussion protocol. That probably means he can't practice until Wednesday, at the earliest. If he actually has a concussion, he probably can't play next Saturday, in any case. So Shaw may have no decision to make. That also means that Costello gets all the early week first string reps, even if he isn't going to start. If Chryst can play in the game, Shaw will have to decide. It might be best to just say the lack of early week practice by Chryst forced him to start Costello, see what happens, and go from there. It is appealing to say Costello should be the starter until proven otherwise. He does seem to bring a lot to the offense that the other QBs haven't. That said, it was 3/4 of one game.

[troyc]

I was in the room when he said this, so I'll paraphrase what Shaw said re: QB situation...if Chryst isn't available, it will be some combination of Costello & Burns. If Chryst is available, "we'll see what happens."

And yes, Phillips' block turned the game around, and -- at this point -- maybe saved the season. (shameless plug alert: Harrison will be a guest on Monday's TreeCast podcast) Love may be Stanford's best player, but Phillips may be the most valuable (much like McCaffrey & Solomon Thomas last year).

Troy C

[troyc]

I was in the room when he said this, so I'll paraphrase what Shaw said re: QB situation...if Chryst isn't available, it will be some combination of Costello & Burns. If Chryst is available, "we'll see what happens."

And yes, Phillips' block turned the game around, and -- at this point -- maybe saved the season. (shameless plug alert: Harrison will be a guest on Monday's TreeCast podcast) Love may be Stanford's best player, but Phillips may be the most valuable (much like McCaffrey & Solomon Thomas last year).

Troy C

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Block energized the team. Might have saved the season but Shaw will start Chryst if he's healthy.

Last night was the first time I've watched Phillips #66 play.
It was incredible to see a guy of his size display such agility, quickness, strength and speed.

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Block energized the team. Might have saved the season but Shaw will start Chryst if he's healthy.

Last night was the first time I've watched Phillips #66 play.
It was incredible to see a guy of his size display such agility, quickness, strength and speed.

[Phogge]

DL is a prized NFL position. Enjoy 66 this season.

As to Chryst, remember Shaw is who he is.

[Phogge]

DL is a prized NFL position. Enjoy 66 this season.

As to Chryst, remember Shaw is who he is.

[pefloresjr]

Phillips' block was a big turning point in terms of the team seeming more energized.  This is where I think a lot of the criticism of the coaching staff misses the reality that the real spark for a team over the course of a season comes from the players on the field.  Great players make great plays and help to elevate the play of those around them.  Plus/minus stats in basketball are the best measure I've seen of this. 

As for Shaw's quarterback change inertia, I absolutely support our coach being reluctant to change quarterbacks after every poor performance.  If Shaw changed quarterbacks as much as some fans wanted, our quarterbacks would be looking over their shoulders and worrying about making mistakes.  That is not a recipe for success.  I do agree that Shaw should make some changes that allow younger players to get into the system sooner so that they have a better opportunity to win the starting job.  Based on Shaw's postgame comments, I think that no matter what, we will see Costello on the field a good portion of next week's game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.

[pefloresjr]

Phillips' block was a big turning point in terms of the team seeming more energized.  This is where I think a lot of the criticism of the coaching staff misses the reality that the real spark for a team over the course of a season comes from the players on the field.  Great players make great plays and help to elevate the play of those around them.  Plus/minus stats in basketball are the best measure I've seen of this. 

As for Shaw's quarterback change inertia, I absolutely support our coach being reluctant to change quarterbacks after every poor performance.  If Shaw changed quarterbacks as much as some fans wanted, our quarterbacks would be looking over their shoulders and worrying about making mistakes.  That is not a recipe for success.  I do agree that Shaw should make some changes that allow younger players to get into the system sooner so that they have a better opportunity to win the starting job.  Based on Shaw's postgame comments, I think that no matter what, we will see Costello on the field a good portion of next week's game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.

[Stymie]

It was incredible to see a guy of his size display such agility, quickness, strength and speed.

Not so incredible if you've read the article below:

http://journalstar.com/sports/high-schoo...1e4aa.html

[Stymie]

It was incredible to see a guy of his size display such agility, quickness, strength and speed.

Not so incredible if you've read the article below:

http://journalstar.com/sports/high-schoo...1e4aa.html

[OutsiderFan]

Phillips' block was a big turning point in terms of the team seeming more energized.  This is where I think a lot of the criticism of the coaching staff misses the reality that the real spark for a team over the course of a season comes from the players on the field.  Great players make great plays and help to elevate the play of those around them.  Plus/minus stats in basketball are the best measure I've seen of this. 

As for Shaw's quarterback change inertia, I absolutely support our coach being reluctant to change quarterbacks after every poor performance.  If Shaw changed quarterbacks as much as some fans wanted, our quarterbacks would be looking over their shoulders and worrying about making mistakes.  That is not a recipe for success.  I do agree that Shaw should make some changes that allow younger players to get into the system sooner so that they have a better opportunity to win the starting job.  Based on Shaw's postgame comments, I think that no matter what, we will see Costello on the field a good portion of next week's game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.

This is just a total misreading of the situation, at least as far as my paradigm.  I don't think I've seen anyone call for different QBs the minute they make a mistake.  That's kind of hyperbole IMO. 

After seeing Burns and Chryst in 2016, it was clear to me they weren't championship QB caliber.  I really didn't feel good about either one.  After seeing Costello in Spring, I wanted him to be the QB to start this season because I felt he was the best QB among the three.  There was no "replace this guy if he screws up, then bring in a new guy if he does too."  If Costello came in and stunk up the joint against UCLA, I'd still be more inclined to play him because he has a higher upside than either of the other two QBs.  Of course, he played pretty well.  He was demonstrably better than Chryst or Burns.  Sure it's one game, but you can see Costello just has more talent and needs an opportunity to get the reps needed to develop into a clear #1 starting QB.

It's just a mischaracterization to claim fans want to change QBs like socks.  I want one.  And I want Costello in 2017, period.  That said, I want to see Mills and Costello battle it out in Spring and Summer next year, and I want whoever wins that competition to be the QB in 2018. 

[OutsiderFan]

Phillips' block was a big turning point in terms of the team seeming more energized.  This is where I think a lot of the criticism of the coaching staff misses the reality that the real spark for a team over the course of a season comes from the players on the field.  Great players make great plays and help to elevate the play of those around them.  Plus/minus stats in basketball are the best measure I've seen of this. 

As for Shaw's quarterback change inertia, I absolutely support our coach being reluctant to change quarterbacks after every poor performance.  If Shaw changed quarterbacks as much as some fans wanted, our quarterbacks would be looking over their shoulders and worrying about making mistakes.  That is not a recipe for success.  I do agree that Shaw should make some changes that allow younger players to get into the system sooner so that they have a better opportunity to win the starting job.  Based on Shaw's postgame comments, I think that no matter what, we will see Costello on the field a good portion of next week's game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.

This is just a total misreading of the situation, at least as far as my paradigm.  I don't think I've seen anyone call for different QBs the minute they make a mistake.  That's kind of hyperbole IMO. 

After seeing Burns and Chryst in 2016, it was clear to me they weren't championship QB caliber.  I really didn't feel good about either one.  After seeing Costello in Spring, I wanted him to be the QB to start this season because I felt he was the best QB among the three.  There was no "replace this guy if he screws up, then bring in a new guy if he does too."  If Costello came in and stunk up the joint against UCLA, I'd still be more inclined to play him because he has a higher upside than either of the other two QBs.  Of course, he played pretty well.  He was demonstrably better than Chryst or Burns.  Sure it's one game, but you can see Costello just has more talent and needs an opportunity to get the reps needed to develop into a clear #1 starting QB.

It's just a mischaracterization to claim fans want to change QBs like socks.  I want one.  And I want Costello in 2017, period.  That said, I want to see Mills and Costello battle it out in Spring and Summer next year, and I want whoever wins that competition to be the QB in 2018. 

[BostonCard]

You and I must have seen different spring games, or you must have a much better eye for talent than I do.  Nothing I saw in the spring game made me think we were going to be fine If Chryst’s Recovery was delayed.

I just checked, and I did not misremember the spring game...

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/4/15...-game.aspx

Freshman quarterback K.J. Costello handled the first three series but was unable to get the Cardinal on the board, finishing 5 of 13 through the air.

Burns connected on 10 of 15 attempts.

What I recall about the spring game was thinking our running backs looked good.

BC

[BostonCard]

You and I must have seen different spring games, or you must have a much better eye for talent than I do.  Nothing I saw in the spring game made me think we were going to be fine If Chryst’s Recovery was delayed.

I just checked, and I did not misremember the spring game...

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/4/15...-game.aspx

Freshman quarterback K.J. Costello handled the first three series but was unable to get the Cardinal on the board, finishing 5 of 13 through the air.

Burns connected on 10 of 15 attempts.

What I recall about the spring game was thinking our running backs looked good.

BC

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

[quote author=SF_Cardinal_Fan link=topic=17483.msg202522#msg202522 date=1506270871]

It was incredible to see a guy of his size display such agility, quickness, strength and speed.

Not so incredible if you've read the article below:

http://journalstar.com/sports/high-schoo...1e4aa.html
[/quote]

The link did not work for me. However I did see the headline of the story (about wrestling), and agree that non football athletic pursuits can absolutely help a football player's development more so than a football-only resume.
Jack Nicklaus credits his high school participation in football and basketball with helping his golf game more than if he had only played and practiced golf.
My son plays on his high school team and I believe the dozen years he has spent practicing  karate ( 2nd degree black belt)have been a tremendous benefit to his high school football play.
For high school sports, wrestling and basketball are Winter sports. Baseball and track and field are Spring sports. Many of the high school football players , especially the ball carriers and defensive backs, rather than pursue other sports,  elect to spend their winter and spring participating in 7 on 7 passing leagues and, or, football camps. But I think their physical and mental football skills might develop better if they took a break from that sport for the winter and spring months. Wrestling is a great one !

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

[quote author=SF_Cardinal_Fan link=topic=17483.msg202522#msg202522 date=1506270871]

It was incredible to see a guy of his size display such agility, quickness, strength and speed.

Not so incredible if you've read the article below:

http://journalstar.com/sports/high-schoo...1e4aa.html
[/quote]

The link did not work for me. However I did see the headline of the story (about wrestling), and agree that non football athletic pursuits can absolutely help a football player's development more so than a football-only resume.
Jack Nicklaus credits his high school participation in football and basketball with helping his golf game more than if he had only played and practiced golf.
My son plays on his high school team and I believe the dozen years he has spent practicing  karate ( 2nd degree black belt)have been a tremendous benefit to his high school football play.
For high school sports, wrestling and basketball are Winter sports. Baseball and track and field are Spring sports. Many of the high school football players , especially the ball carriers and defensive backs, rather than pursue other sports,  elect to spend their winter and spring participating in 7 on 7 passing leagues and, or, football camps. But I think their physical and mental football skills might develop better if they took a break from that sport for the winter and spring months. Wrestling is a great one !

[yvonne]

I was in the room when he said this, so I'll paraphrase what Shaw said re: QB situation...if Chryst isn't available, it will be some combination of Costello & Burns. If Chryst is available, "we'll see what happens."

And yes, Phillips' block turned the game around, and -- at this point -- maybe saved the season. (shameless plug alert: Harrison will be a guest on Monday's TreeCast podcast) Love may be Stanford's best player, but Phillips may be the most valuable (much like McCaffrey & Solomon Thomas last year).

Troy C

Thanks for the in-room perspective and quotes, Troy

[yvonne]

I was in the room when he said this, so I'll paraphrase what Shaw said re: QB situation...if Chryst isn't available, it will be some combination of Costello & Burns. If Chryst is available, "we'll see what happens."

And yes, Phillips' block turned the game around, and -- at this point -- maybe saved the season. (shameless plug alert: Harrison will be a guest on Monday's TreeCast podcast) Love may be Stanford's best player, but Phillips may be the most valuable (much like McCaffrey & Solomon Thomas last year).

Troy C

Thanks for the in-room perspective and quotes, Troy

[OutsiderFan]

You and I must have seen different spring games, or you must have a much better eye for talent than I do.  Nothing I saw in the spring game made me think we were going to be fine If Chryst’s Recovery was delayed.

I just checked, and I did not misremember the spring game...

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/4/15...-game.aspx

Freshman quarterback K.J. Costello handled the first three series but was unable to get the Cardinal on the board, finishing 5 of 13 through the air.

Burns connected on 10 of 15 attempts.

What I recall about the spring game was thinking our running backs looked good.

BC

It's not just about Costello's Spring stats.  It's how he looked as a QB.  It's the enthusiasm for the game.  He was way overthinking things in Spring, trying to be perfect.  I figured with another off season things would slow down for him.  Plus, Costello had a better completion percentage in high school than Burns or Chryst, against better competition.  Factor in how unimpressive Burns and Chryst were in 2016, and it just seemed to me Costello would be the better QB. 

[OutsiderFan]

You and I must have seen different spring games, or you must have a much better eye for talent than I do.  Nothing I saw in the spring game made me think we were going to be fine If Chryst’s Recovery was delayed.

I just checked, and I did not misremember the spring game...

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/4/15...-game.aspx

Freshman quarterback K.J. Costello handled the first three series but was unable to get the Cardinal on the board, finishing 5 of 13 through the air.

Burns connected on 10 of 15 attempts.

What I recall about the spring game was thinking our running backs looked good.

BC

It's not just about Costello's Spring stats.  It's how he looked as a QB.  It's the enthusiasm for the game.  He was way overthinking things in Spring, trying to be perfect.  I figured with another off season things would slow down for him.  Plus, Costello had a better completion percentage in high school than Burns or Chryst, against better competition.  Factor in how unimpressive Burns and Chryst were in 2016, and it just seemed to me Costello would be the better QB. 

[Goose]

It's not just about Costello's Spring stats.  It's how he looked as a QB.  It's the enthusiasm for the game.  He was way overthinking things in Spring, trying to be perfect.  I figured with another off season things would slow down for him.

Looks like you were, at least to some extent , correct. We will see if things have slowed down enough.

Plus, Costello had a better completion percentage in high school than Burns or Chryst, against better competition.

This is an important fact that can indicate future performance. But it also could just reflect a better team. I don't have the background to know, but you may.

[Goose]

It's not just about Costello's Spring stats.  It's how he looked as a QB.  It's the enthusiasm for the game.  He was way overthinking things in Spring, trying to be perfect.  I figured with another off season things would slow down for him.

Looks like you were, at least to some extent , correct. We will see if things have slowed down enough.

Plus, Costello had a better completion percentage in high school than Burns or Chryst, against better competition.

This is an important fact that can indicate future performance. But it also could just reflect a better team. I don't have the background to know, but you may.

[OutsiderFan]

Costello played for Santa Margarita in high school, a member of the Pac-5 that includes all the CIF Southern Section powerhouse programs, like:

St. John Bosco
Long Beach Poly
Mater Dei
Centennial
Serra
Oaks Christian
Servite
St. Bonaventure
Crespi

Just to name a few.  It's arguably the most competitive collection of football playing schools in the country.

[OutsiderFan]

Costello played for Santa Margarita in high school, a member of the Pac-5 that includes all the CIF Southern Section powerhouse programs, like:

St. John Bosco
Long Beach Poly
Mater Dei
Centennial
Serra
Oaks Christian
Servite
St. Bonaventure
Crespi

Just to name a few.  It's arguably the most competitive collection of football playing schools in the country.

[CTcard]

I just checked, and I did not misremember the spring game...

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/4/15...-game.aspx

Freshman quarterback K.J. Costello handled the first three series but was unable to get the Cardinal on the board, finishing 5 of 13 through the air.

Burns connected on 10 of 15 attempts.

I found the next line of that article somewhat telling about what we saw vs UCLA.

"It was great to a see a fifth-year senior come in and settle down the offense, call the plays and get the guys pepped up again," said Shaw of Burns, ..."[he] had a calming presence."

So, Shaw brings in Burns when Chryst gets injured on the first play of the second drive when presumably the team might need some calming. But, then it's Costello.
Then, when Stanford gets pinned back inside its own 10, it's back to Burns for one series. Presumably the vet less likely to freak out and create a turnover.
That was it for Burns other than the first play on our first drive of the second half starting inside our own 10 again. Though this time it was unclear if it was the no-turnover caution or (more likely) a single play from the Burns-package that they wanted to run.

[CTcard]

I just checked, and I did not misremember the spring game...

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/4/15...-game.aspx

Freshman quarterback K.J. Costello handled the first three series but was unable to get the Cardinal on the board, finishing 5 of 13 through the air.

Burns connected on 10 of 15 attempts.

I found the next line of that article somewhat telling about what we saw vs UCLA.

"It was great to a see a fifth-year senior come in and settle down the offense, call the plays and get the guys pepped up again," said Shaw of Burns, ..."[he] had a calming presence."

So, Shaw brings in Burns when Chryst gets injured on the first play of the second drive when presumably the team might need some calming. But, then it's Costello.
Then, when Stanford gets pinned back inside its own 10, it's back to Burns for one series. Presumably the vet less likely to freak out and create a turnover.
That was it for Burns other than the first play on our first drive of the second half starting inside our own 10 again. Though this time it was unclear if it was the no-turnover caution or (more likely) a single play from the Burns-package that they wanted to run.

[stupac2]

So, Shaw brings in Burns when Chryst gets injured on the first play of the second drive when presumably the team might need some calming. But, then it's Costello.
Then, when Stanford gets pinned back inside its own 10, it's back to Burns for one series. Presumably the vet less likely to freak out and create a turnover.
That was it for Burns other than the first play on our first drive of the second half starting inside our own 10 again. Though this time it was unclear if it was the no-turnover caution or (more likely) a single play from the Burns-package that they wanted to run.

Well, at least that's some sort of rationale. I'm not sure it's a good one, but at least it is one...

[stupac2]

So, Shaw brings in Burns when Chryst gets injured on the first play of the second drive when presumably the team might need some calming. But, then it's Costello.
Then, when Stanford gets pinned back inside its own 10, it's back to Burns for one series. Presumably the vet less likely to freak out and create a turnover.
That was it for Burns other than the first play on our first drive of the second half starting inside our own 10 again. Though this time it was unclear if it was the no-turnover caution or (more likely) a single play from the Burns-package that they wanted to run.

Well, at least that's some sort of rationale. I'm not sure it's a good one, but at least it is one...