IMO the Ark St game should be considered in the same context as Sark : the 1st of 2 pre-season games. The mass substitutions, while called "platooning" and undoubtedly beneficial, are unlikely to persist when the meat of the schedule is reached. The 1st game clearly showed that some players were more effective than others and that was reflected in the opponent's successes or failures. Playing time in the Idaho game will be adjusted to reflect that effectiveness and honed further for Stanford, when a measured judgement of this year's team may be made. Therefore, criticisms of individual athletes or coaches at this time should be muted. An example in point, is the number of negative comments about
Zack Banner. I have just watched every game from last season and found his
play to be good to very good. Certainly an improvement over that of his predecessor at RT. I have rewatched the Ark St game and none of the sacks were in any way his responsibility. Further, nearly every successful running play in that game went to the right side of the line where Banner eliminated the opposing edge player each time. On Jone's TD, Banner seemed intent on giving the Ark St player a tour of the Shrine Auditorium.
Based on the viewing of last year's team I would suggest that the following areas need significant improvement if more games are to be won in 2015:
1.Penalties
2.Field position
3.Defensive Penetration
4.Pass Protection
5.Center exchanges
After the 1st game I am encouraged by the performances in No.s 1,3 and 5.
Zack Banner. I have just watched every game from last season and found his
play to be good to very good. Certainly an improvement over that of his predecessor at RT. I have rewatched the Ark St game and none of the sacks were in any way his responsibility. Further, nearly every successful running play in that game went to the right side of the line where Banner eliminated the opposing edge player each time. On Jone's TD, Banner seemed intent on giving the Ark St player a tour of the Shrine Auditorium.
Based on the viewing of last year's team I would suggest that the following areas need significant improvement if more games are to be won in 2015:
1.Penalties
2.Field position
3.Defensive Penetration
4.Pass Protection
5.Center exchanges
After the 1st game I am encouraged by the performances in No.s 1,3 and 5.
