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(11-05-2022 03:08 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  

(11-05-2022 02:53 PM)bearcatfan Wrote:  Watching some games today just emphasizes how vanilla UCs offense is. It seems like UC runs 5 to 6 plays.

Is the limiting factor the coaches calling the plays or the abilities of the players executing them?

I believe the limiting factor is the difference in the type of abilities of the players... With BB as QB1 teams are blitzing far more than last year because a QB run or scramble doesn't have to be accounted for and those blitzes appear to be limiting sightlines down the seams and in the middle of the field where the TEs do their work.

Not debating whether BB or Des is "better". Just pointing out that the play calling, blocking schemes etc have not changed even though the foundations of the offense have. The excess blitzing dictates that either UC keeps the TEs in to block or BB has to make quick decisions to pass. Both negate the ability for the TEs to get into patterns or for BB to look for them. When the D brings one more than UC has blockers available the traditional passing lanes to the TEs get clogged or blocked because the D doesn't have to account for anything happening outside of the tackles. Again, that is not BBs "fault" but if UC is going to have a pure pocket passer, there has to be some way to keep the outside part of the D honest or like Navy did, the DE and CB will just crash and force BB to step up. Des' mobility prevented that particular defensive strategy from being consistently effective

That all said, BB does not seem to either pick up potential blitzes coming or doesn't feel comfortable audibling out of the play called... or maybe doesn't have the freedom, who knows. He needs some help and that's where play calling, formations and offensive strategy come in. My concern is that the remaining teams on our schedule have seen a formula that works and UC is going to see more of the same until the Bearcats show that they can change their philosophy enough to make teams pay who try to ignore the outer quarter of both sides of the field. The talent is definitely out there... BB included. UC needs to motion the TEs away from the formation or use a WR in motion to chip the outside defensive rusher or run more jet sweeps or WR screens. JMO