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Posted by Guthrie on October 19, 2003 at 17:13:54:
By far the most disappointing game of the season, due in large part to a mediocre EFFORT (as opposed to a mediocre performance). For the first time since Coach Shula has been here, I began to wonder whether he's losing this team. Players are far too vocal in the papers, and some comments seem to smack of disregard for the chain of command. For instance, the offensive linemen need to quit bitching and start blocking. Likewise, the receivers need to stop praising their so-called speed and start making plays.
Some specifics:
1. HORRIBLE tackling. Poorest tackling since Dubose, I think, though we weren't great in Torbush's first year, either. Probably CMD hangover, though. Pursuit angles were bad, and we weren't wrapping up. Disappointing.
2. NOTHING from the defensive line, esp. the tackles. When you're getting nothing from the interior of the defensive line, EVERYTHING gets easier for the offense. Notice where people are running on us: mid-line primarily. #95 and #97 are getting handled by one man each, and the fullback and/or pulling guard is getting out on the linebackers. That's why we're seeing safeties making so many tackles.
3. We're letting offenses situation and formation #8 off the field too much. With an injured Pope, Roach is our only physical, run-stuffing linebacker--as evidenced by his goal line play. He needs to be on the field, and we need to be out of the damned nickel and dime packages which are totally ineffective.
4. We're short a cornerback or two. #9 and #17 are routinely easy to beat, and #26 turned in a poor performance yesterday, too.
5. I've been patient with Kines, but the first quarter yesterday featured an unmotivated, lethargic, poorly prepared defensive unit that got TORCHED on the ground and through the air. Depth and fatigue had nothing to do with that. By the way, IF it comes to having to make a change at that spot, I'm not sure coach Shula will feel he can do that given his reliance on our defensive coordinator.
6. Anyone not believing how average our receivers are need look no further than how little cushion the worst secondary in the league gave them yesterday. We're unable to create separation because NO ONE respects us deep and won't until we get a legitimate threat outside.
7. We continue to run hot and cold in the kicking game, and like Shula, I was disheartened by our opening kickoff which conceded fifteen yards of field position. Of course, as badly as we were covering kicks, the kick out of bounds may have been wise. Kudos to Bo Freeland, though. He's really turning into a weapon.
8. For the love of GOD, could we get Prothro back on kickoffs? And for that matter, let's see more of him period. Three catches and always looking for yardage after the catch. He's gonna be an awfully good one. Let's start getting him the ball now.
9. Let's see a youth movement on the defensive front. If veterans are going to get a highway paved over them by Ole Piss, we might as well see what Lee, Tatum, Clark, and Harris can do. Hell, it can't be worse than yesterday.
10. Just as success builds confidence and becomes contagious, losing saps the same while also being contagious. We need something good to happen and reverse the downward spiral we're in. We're about to see Coach Shula try and earn his money because reversing this and finishing well will take a great deal of charisma and salesmanship--rather than technical knowledge of Xs and Os. Let's hope our boy's got it in him.
Finally, everyone who reads me knows I'm a run the ball guy, but we need to turn #12 loose earlier in the game, esp. on first down. Until we convince people we can and will throw, running will continue to be tough sledding, esp. with the average play of the offensive line.
Keep the faith and let's support this bunch, but I can see why everyone is disappointed after Saturday. Not much positive in that one.
Guth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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