I have not talked to coaches, but I agree that the level play for the OL has been uneven. 71 has been a particular disappointment, including Saturday when we had to use him. Using tackles at guard is not an ideal solution, though we have some athletic tackles to try it. Injuries and moves have certainly hurt as well, as evidenced Saturday. I would also say that SDSU has a saavy and unique D, and SC was smart in the blitz patterns which gave us a little mental trouble as well.
If you are sensitive to play calling criticism, I suggest you stop reading here.
While injuries and mistkakes have played a role, in my view the biggest problem is running against numbers. Shaw/TP/Carberry (all are supposedly involved) insist on running against the strength of the D. It was more egregious in the fist half against SDSU, but we still did it repeatedly against SC and Davis. Davis stuffed quite a few, and that front should not be able to stand up against ours--unless they get to defend the box with extra players we can't block. For the third week in a row we have seen opposing safeties my stops at or behind the line when there is a big hole opened up front. How? Predictable play calls running into the heart of the D.
If you disagree, each play you can count the number of defenders in or near the box in position for run support. Shallow safeties count if they have no receivers to guard or they are close enough to read and get to the line. We must set a record for the frequency with which we run against 8-11 men in the box. That is very hard too do, even if you are better than your opponent. There is not enough space if you if make all your blocks, and it is very hard for the OL to account for the secondary coming up in run support.
I am unsure how often KJ is empowered to change the plat at the line. It appeared changed a few away from the heavy front on Saturday.
The problem is not running power, power toss or dives. The problem is running it in obvious situations and not taking advantage when the D fails to defend the whole field.
The first play that went for long gain on the slant to JJAW should be there day long if the box is stacked or the backers and DBs are cheating toward the box. Bravo. Now do that often to take what the D gives.
We have the plays and we sometimes use them correctly, but it appears that the dynamic of play calling throughout the game breaks down and reverts to very strong tendencies. That is the only way an inferior opponent can continually take away your strenght. They gamble that we will not break our tendency, and too often they are right.
If you are sensitive to play calling criticism, I suggest you stop reading here.
While injuries and mistkakes have played a role, in my view the biggest problem is running against numbers. Shaw/TP/Carberry (all are supposedly involved) insist on running against the strength of the D. It was more egregious in the fist half against SDSU, but we still did it repeatedly against SC and Davis. Davis stuffed quite a few, and that front should not be able to stand up against ours--unless they get to defend the box with extra players we can't block. For the third week in a row we have seen opposing safeties my stops at or behind the line when there is a big hole opened up front. How? Predictable play calls running into the heart of the D.
If you disagree, each play you can count the number of defenders in or near the box in position for run support. Shallow safeties count if they have no receivers to guard or they are close enough to read and get to the line. We must set a record for the frequency with which we run against 8-11 men in the box. That is very hard too do, even if you are better than your opponent. There is not enough space if you if make all your blocks, and it is very hard for the OL to account for the secondary coming up in run support.
I am unsure how often KJ is empowered to change the plat at the line. It appeared changed a few away from the heavy front on Saturday.
The problem is not running power, power toss or dives. The problem is running it in obvious situations and not taking advantage when the D fails to defend the whole field.
The first play that went for long gain on the slant to JJAW should be there day long if the box is stacked or the backers and DBs are cheating toward the box. Bravo. Now do that often to take what the D gives.
We have the plays and we sometimes use them correctly, but it appears that the dynamic of play calling throughout the game breaks down and reverts to very strong tendencies. That is the only way an inferior opponent can continually take away your strenght. They gamble that we will not break our tendency, and too often they are right.