[lex24]

Props to Lance Anderson.  The defense has improved significantly.  He seems to be attacking more, blitzing more etc.  He has what he has to work with.  Frankly, I think he’s done a darn good job.

On the other side of the ball, I cannot stand the “slow mesh”.  Stanford lined up in an I formation once in the first half.  Ran play action.  Had a receiver, (Tremayne or Yurosek) wide open for about a 15-20 yard gain.  Never went back to it

I can echo your sentiments, though we are praising him AFTER several weeks of thoroughly embarrassing defensive performances against USC, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State.  Anderson has shown an ability to make halftime adjustments that bear fruit.  Maybe the next trick is to make those adjustments even earlier.  But it's hard to complain about only giving up 4 TDs and 28 points in 120 minutes of play.  (Let's not talk about the last 121 minutes of play and that 5th TD the defense allowed....).  

As for the slow-mesh, I consider it a complete mismatch for McKee's abilities and the current state of our running attack (i.e., barely existent).  Ditch it as soon as possible.  8 FGs in the last 105 minutes of play should be proof that this offensive scheme is a dud.

Agree completely on your slow-garbage comment.  I’ll add that it’s Mickey Mouse to boot.  I hate it.  Did from the beginning.

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As for the slow-mesh, I consider it a complete mismatch for McKee's abilities and the current state of our running attack (i.e., barely existent).  Ditch it as soon as possible.  8 FGs in the last 105 minutes of play should be proof that this offensive scheme is a dud.

The slow mesh is a best a gimmick, just like any play action is. Both are designed to slow down the rush and give the receivers a bit more time to get open if you then throw the ball. The slow mesh (and a "regular" RPO) adds the option of running the ball if the defense creates a favorable situation. Both have their down sides. The "slow mesh" at Stanford had two options, running back run or QB pass. It is a better play if there are three options, adding a QB run. With our current QB, that isn't available. Right now, and probably going forward, we have no running backs. The defense isn't going to buy the run threat and will just ignore that option. So, even if you like the idea of the slow mesh (which I don't), we shouldn't see any of it going forward since it can't work.

Yes, I understand the concept.  Although you left out freezing the linebackers. But when you have a quarterback that can’t run, running backs that aren’t explosive, and receivers that don’t appear to be particularly good at running after the catch, you’re not suited to run it. If you wanna go play action then do what they did on one play. Line up in an I formation fake to the freaking tail back and rifle the ball 20 yards down field for the completion. McKee has a big time arm. It’s his biggest attribute.  Allow him to use it. Slow mesh doesn’t. It sucks.

[lex24]

Props to Lance Anderson.  The defense has improved significantly.  He seems to be attacking more, blitzing more etc.  He has what he has to work with.  Frankly, I think he’s done a darn good job.

On the other side of the ball, I cannot stand the “slow mesh”.  Stanford lined up in an I formation once in the first half.  Ran play action.  Had a receiver, (Tremayne or Yurosek) wide open for about a 15-20 yard gain.  Never went back to it

I can echo your sentiments, though we are praising him AFTER several weeks of thoroughly embarrassing defensive performances against USC, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State.  Anderson has shown an ability to make halftime adjustments that bear fruit.  Maybe the next trick is to make those adjustments even earlier.  But it's hard to complain about only giving up 4 TDs and 28 points in 120 minutes of play.  (Let's not talk about the last 121 minutes of play and that 5th TD the defense allowed....).  

As for the slow-mesh, I consider it a complete mismatch for McKee's abilities and the current state of our running attack (i.e., barely existent).  Ditch it as soon as possible.  8 FGs in the last 105 minutes of play should be proof that this offensive scheme is a dud.

Agree completely on your slow-garbage comment.  I’ll add that it’s Mickey Mouse to boot.  I hate it.  Did from the beginning.

---

As for the slow-mesh, I consider it a complete mismatch for McKee's abilities and the current state of our running attack (i.e., barely existent).  Ditch it as soon as possible.  8 FGs in the last 105 minutes of play should be proof that this offensive scheme is a dud.

The slow mesh is a best a gimmick, just like any play action is. Both are designed to slow down the rush and give the receivers a bit more time to get open if you then throw the ball. The slow mesh (and a "regular" RPO) adds the option of running the ball if the defense creates a favorable situation. Both have their down sides. The "slow mesh" at Stanford had two options, running back run or QB pass. It is a better play if there are three options, adding a QB run. With our current QB, that isn't available. Right now, and probably going forward, we have no running backs. The defense isn't going to buy the run threat and will just ignore that option. So, even if you like the idea of the slow mesh (which I don't), we shouldn't see any of it going forward since it can't work.

Yes, I understand the concept.  Although you left out freezing the linebackers. But when you have a quarterback that can’t run, running backs that aren’t explosive, and receivers that don’t appear to be particularly good at running after the catch, you’re not suited to run it. If you wanna go play action then do what they did on one play. Line up in an I formation fake to the freaking tail back and rifle the ball 20 yards down field for the completion. McKee has a big time arm. It’s his biggest attribute.  Allow him to use it. Slow mesh doesn’t. It sucks.