QB = McSorely good but VERY good when needed
RB = not bad
WR = pleased with Hamler, disappointed in JJ drops and Thompkins’ blocking
OL = very disappointing...inconsistent ... allowed too much pressure
Special Teams — PK looked good, punting fair, but that KO return for a TD was inexcusable
Defense = pretty bad...no consistent pass rush, shitty tackling, looked unprepared
I love my PSU...that ain’t changing...but I’m thinking this team was overhyped. We didn’t look like a top-10 team...maybe top 30. Hoping they’ll grow, but I’m going to try to temper my expectations. Hoping for 9-3, but 8-4/7-5 more likely.
Excellent summary. Team has to improve. Coaches knew how tough this game was going to be. I was in the group that overestimated PSU and underestimated AP. This season will really tell how good the coaching staff is. I am confident the team will improve but we will see.
Interesting read on NFL offense blocking schemes. https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-top-nfl-offenses-by-run-concep. Especially yards before contact and after.
I throw this out d/t the O'line and what seems to be an overall lack of progression with the O'line. Is it the scheme, coaching, player? I dunno. Additionally I just don't get running shotgun 100% and not dropping under center at least occasionally from a tactical point for quick hitting blast or dive plays. Not every play is designed for a touchdown but every play should be ran for a specific reason not just throw it out there and see what we can get; that to me is the essence of coaching/play calling.
I agree on the shotgun. Always good to keep the other guys guessing.
I agree with your assessment with the exception of season's record. You could end up being correct but one game (first game) is not a good indicator for the rest of the season.
Of interest I spoke with a coworker who had a very brief stint in the NFL who stated the difference between the great coaches and good coaches was preparation for their specific assignment; play calling, but more so how they graded themselves on their own performance. The example he provided was a coach who measured himself on error rate e.g. calling the right formation based on the situation and how the defensive side was presenting. Said it was amazing working with someone that focused. The outcome was, right play called put player into position to make play, if player didn't make play, bottom line; player problem. I guess the caveat is that if you don't have the player/s to run the perfect scheme that then comes back to coaching also; either develop the player/s or run the scheme that your players can execute. Sometimes you gets what you gets on both sides.
Hopefully this will let the team know maybe they aren't quite as good as some of the articles claim they would be. No problem getting the players up for practice this week with the Pitt game coming up.
