10-14-2012, 08:00 PM
I don't have a big problem with Shaw's stubbornness through the first 3-4 games. We've established an identity over the last 3 seasons of being a run-first, pound it between the tackles kind of team. With some new pieces on the offensive line, trying to re-establish that and impose our will on other teams is fine with me.
The problem is it is now painfully obvious that it is not working, even against inferior opponents like SJSU and Arizona. Stepfan Taylor has been great, but he has to scratch and claw for almost every yard. We line up 3 times against ND at the goal line and we can't punch it in. That offensive line is good (see the number of sacks allowed) but not great, not DeCastro kind of great. We are trying to say our identity is power running. Our O line is not quite good enough to pull it off, but worse yet we have few credible threats in the passing game. The shortcomings of Mr. Nunes have been discussed at length here, but a bigger problem is lack of production from wideouts. Toilolo and Ertz have been great but not too many other sure-handed receivers. As a result, teams don't respect the pass and pack the box, daring us to throw over them.
Where are the quick slants, toss sweeps, and bubble screens? If we don't have the athleticism to run over the other team, let's take what they are giving us. We supposedly have a big playbook - time to start using it.
The problem is it is now painfully obvious that it is not working, even against inferior opponents like SJSU and Arizona. Stepfan Taylor has been great, but he has to scratch and claw for almost every yard. We line up 3 times against ND at the goal line and we can't punch it in. That offensive line is good (see the number of sacks allowed) but not great, not DeCastro kind of great. We are trying to say our identity is power running. Our O line is not quite good enough to pull it off, but worse yet we have few credible threats in the passing game. The shortcomings of Mr. Nunes have been discussed at length here, but a bigger problem is lack of production from wideouts. Toilolo and Ertz have been great but not too many other sure-handed receivers. As a result, teams don't respect the pass and pack the box, daring us to throw over them.
Where are the quick slants, toss sweeps, and bubble screens? If we don't have the athleticism to run over the other team, let's take what they are giving us. We supposedly have a big playbook - time to start using it.