The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(09-30-2019 11:21 AM)bench jockey Wrote:  

(09-30-2019 10:42 AM)Monarchblue Wrote:  

(09-30-2019 10:17 AM)Gilesfan Wrote:  My question is why are we saying the improvement in the defense is at the expense pd the offense? I dont think its that at all. I think we have a fairly crappy offense and are lucky to have a good defense. I dont think the defense is taking anything from the offense.

We also need Lala and Kumah to have anything remotely close to a competent offense.

I say it is at the expense of the offense because I believe that the change to this new ball control offense is, at least in part, in place to help the defense. I think the risk averse nature of the offense is also helping the defense. I also believe after discussing the qb situation with someone close to the team that the choice to go with Smartt was made in conjunction with the decision to run a ball control, run heavy offense. I was told that their are absolutely QBs that can throw the ball a lot better than Smartt, but they can't run.

I don't think there is any doubt that TOP and risk aversion on the offensive side of the ball is yielding better results on the defensive side of the ball. I also think that to some extent, fewer possessions in the game are making the opposing offense's stats look less impressive. I don't, however, think fewer possessions accounts for all or even most of the defensive "improvement"

So I think there are three things at play:

1. The defense is much improved

2. The defense is benefiting from not being on the field for the vast majority of the game like they have been prior to this season, which is linked to the change in offensive scheme, which I think hurts the offensive production.

3. Opposing offensive stats are diminished due to fewer possessions/plays. Also due to the change in offensive scheme which I believe hurts offensive production.

I don't know what game you were watching Saturday, but a less mobile, elusive QB than Smartt would have been sacked a dozen times. As it was, he went down 5. So it doesn't matter whether there are guys who are better throwers; until they get the OL fixed, you've got to go with Smartt. And, frankly, we don't know how much ability he has overall as a passer because the protection isn't there and the WRs have been inadequate.

I would argue that scheme, lack of pre-snap reads and slow progression lead to Smartt being pressured more than a more proficient passing QB in a more balanced or pass heavy scheme. The unwillingness to throw the ball more than 10 yards downfield, and the demonstrated lack of commitment to a passing game also allow the defense to pin its ears back on nearly every play. They aren't scared of the deep ball at all, so why not come after him?

We have seen this movie before. Last year everyone said we had to stick with SW because Larussa would get killed with our "terrible pass protection". As it turned out, Larussa was fine.