This is who we are...
Was at Nipp at Night Friday, listened to CLFs post game a couple of times and have read the board here a bit since the game. Here are questions and takes:
**If, as CLF said, this is just who this team is and whether we like it or not, this is what we are going to get and we need to accept that then are the team's struggles more of a coaching philosophy stubbornness thing than a talent thing? 10 games into the season and the game plan is the same each week.
**CLF wants to be a power running team to set up the pass, I get it and that would make holding leads and resting the D guys easier... BUT in his own words, that's not who THIS team is. Maybe THIS team has to pass the ball to run it but the play calling has to change to allow that
**The BB vs EP thing has been dead for 9 weeks. Say that... and say that the coaches haven't felt that the timing was right to introduce the EP package - for whatever reason, momentum, BBs ego, EPs lack of grasping the O, it doesn't matter. Again, like CLF said, we have the package - we just haven't felt comfortable using it. Again, is that stubbornness or smart coaching?
**Same thing on the D side. For almost all of the Fickell regime, UC has been an aggressive - bring constant pressure - make the opposition make the correct right now decision defense. IMO, we've spent more time this year in base 3 or 4 man fronts with no pressure and it has exposed our young defensive backfield and along with the offensive ineffectiveness, led to the D spending an inordinate amount of time on the field. Bring back the pressure, it should lead to more TOs and rest for the D which leads to a fresher defensive group in the 4th Q
**Not asking for a QB1 change at this point, it would probably be too disruptive to the offense, but is BB that classic "looks great in practice" guy that is not as effective when the bright lights are on? He's been productive in spurts this year but he's also been his own worst enemy IMO. The safety on Friday was BB for the year wrapped up in one play. A P5 (or even P6) 5th year dude has to know I'm in my own end zone. I have one fast read, maybe two and then I have to throw it 5 rows deep in the stands and come back for another play. Period. Now, I'll also agree that the long developing route tree didn't help there but the play calling is a rant deserving of it's own post
I realize as a fan I'm spoiled now... but even I can see that if THIS is who this Bearcat team is, then the game day, game time philosophy and decisions has to shift to their actual real time strengths not what the coaches want to do or be.
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