Regarding sacks and lack of consistency in run game (please don't kid yourselves on statistics, use your eyes). The main reasons were due to:
1. Sheer numbers in the box - we were often outnumbered and Cody didn't check into a pass play. I feel this was by design as to not show our audible tendencies. This caused many short gains on runs and problems blocking on longer pass routes.
2. One on Ones - we lost more than I would like and need to get better. Rust? maybe. Need to find tackles that can handle speed off the edge. (this has been stated here already quite a bit but its so important)
3. Use of formation - this is one area that I am concerned about with playcalling. We use too many bunch or tight formations (with the slot or wing close) which allows Safeties and OLB's to be in the box and allows for more varied blitz packages. Harder for the Oline to deal with. Again, game 1 so who knows what they are showing or not showing.
4. Cody held ball long - Rust? or longer developing patterns? I didn't see many RBs in the flat. Saw a few release valves in the middle that Cody didn't elect to use. He got better on the 8 passes in the second half. Max got rid of the ball pretty quickly and ASU was pretty tired. Jury still out on half time adjustments.
Lastly, did you find yourself feeling more comfortable on D when certain players were in the game? Some of the younger guys that I feel have impressive football instincts (angles and ball awareness) and others that are more explosive and stronger/fought off blocks better than others. Some Dlineman had much better athleticsim and lateral movement to close down running lanes, etc. I hope to see these guys be the starters by mid-season:
DE: Townsend or Pelon
NT: Woods or Daniel
DE: Bigelow or Green
OLB: Gustin or Ruffin
ILB: Smith or Dawson
ILB: Massina
OLB: Sua
CB: Adoree (Lockett as breather when on offense)
CB: Marshall
SS: Plattenburg
FS: CHawk
We have lots of very good depth to spell the above guys. I'm sure I missed someone.
1. Sheer numbers in the box - we were often outnumbered and Cody didn't check into a pass play. I feel this was by design as to not show our audible tendencies. This caused many short gains on runs and problems blocking on longer pass routes.
2. One on Ones - we lost more than I would like and need to get better. Rust? maybe. Need to find tackles that can handle speed off the edge. (this has been stated here already quite a bit but its so important)
3. Use of formation - this is one area that I am concerned about with playcalling. We use too many bunch or tight formations (with the slot or wing close) which allows Safeties and OLB's to be in the box and allows for more varied blitz packages. Harder for the Oline to deal with. Again, game 1 so who knows what they are showing or not showing.
4. Cody held ball long - Rust? or longer developing patterns? I didn't see many RBs in the flat. Saw a few release valves in the middle that Cody didn't elect to use. He got better on the 8 passes in the second half. Max got rid of the ball pretty quickly and ASU was pretty tired. Jury still out on half time adjustments.
Lastly, did you find yourself feeling more comfortable on D when certain players were in the game? Some of the younger guys that I feel have impressive football instincts (angles and ball awareness) and others that are more explosive and stronger/fought off blocks better than others. Some Dlineman had much better athleticsim and lateral movement to close down running lanes, etc. I hope to see these guys be the starters by mid-season:
DE: Townsend or Pelon
NT: Woods or Daniel
DE: Bigelow or Green
OLB: Gustin or Ruffin
ILB: Smith or Dawson
ILB: Massina
OLB: Sua
CB: Adoree (Lockett as breather when on offense)
CB: Marshall
SS: Plattenburg
FS: CHawk
We have lots of very good depth to spell the above guys. I'm sure I missed someone.
