09-01-2012, 07:17 AM
There's not really a lot I can disagree with in your post, NYCCardfan, but I have just a couple of observations:
One reason the CBs might have played so far off the receivers could be defensive coaching philosophy. A decision to simply not let the receivers get behind you, give them a cushion and hope the QB will make a mistake, a near-fatal bend-but-don't-break philosophy would lead the coaches to tell the receivers to back off. That might fit a generally conservative mindset that others have felt (and I feel) that directs Shaw.Â
I do also think that we might make strides this season, but those strides will need to happen soon. Shaw and the coaches need to make a decision on the LT position and allow the line to develop some continuity by working together, with each guy in his regular position. It took a few weeks for the line to gel last year, but at least the personnel did not change from week to week. Moving Yankey from OG to OT then maybe back again, and shuttling people in and out, is no way to create a cohesive unit.
And frankly, I'm discouraged by Shaw's comment at the presser that Nunes played great. I'm sure he doesn't want to throw his QB under the bus, and realizes that this was Nunes's first game, but somehow he has to get the QB to throw the ball downfield, even if it is unsuccessful, just to force the defense to back the safeties up. Here is where, if the QB competition was really close, in terms of the mental part of the game, Shaw should have gone with the guy with greater physical talent. QBs need time to develop, and games in which you can win while you learn are invaluable. I hope Nunes develops into an excellent Pac-12 QB and makes me eat my words. But if he doesn't really possess the arm strength to zip the ball downfield and force the safeties to stay back to protect against the deep pass, then I'm afraid he won't be successful. And we will have missed an opportunity for Nottingham to learn on the field, under fire, until maybe a change is made mid-season. By that time, we may be looking toward next year.
One reason the CBs might have played so far off the receivers could be defensive coaching philosophy. A decision to simply not let the receivers get behind you, give them a cushion and hope the QB will make a mistake, a near-fatal bend-but-don't-break philosophy would lead the coaches to tell the receivers to back off. That might fit a generally conservative mindset that others have felt (and I feel) that directs Shaw.Â
I do also think that we might make strides this season, but those strides will need to happen soon. Shaw and the coaches need to make a decision on the LT position and allow the line to develop some continuity by working together, with each guy in his regular position. It took a few weeks for the line to gel last year, but at least the personnel did not change from week to week. Moving Yankey from OG to OT then maybe back again, and shuttling people in and out, is no way to create a cohesive unit.
And frankly, I'm discouraged by Shaw's comment at the presser that Nunes played great. I'm sure he doesn't want to throw his QB under the bus, and realizes that this was Nunes's first game, but somehow he has to get the QB to throw the ball downfield, even if it is unsuccessful, just to force the defense to back the safeties up. Here is where, if the QB competition was really close, in terms of the mental part of the game, Shaw should have gone with the guy with greater physical talent. QBs need time to develop, and games in which you can win while you learn are invaluable. I hope Nunes develops into an excellent Pac-12 QB and makes me eat my words. But if he doesn't really possess the arm strength to zip the ball downfield and force the safeties to stay back to protect against the deep pass, then I'm afraid he won't be successful. And we will have missed an opportunity for Nottingham to learn on the field, under fire, until maybe a change is made mid-season. By that time, we may be looking toward next year.