(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

Multiple returners on the Oline too. Vet guys that have a lot of games under their belt.

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

Shouldn't be an issue

(03-21-2023 08:31 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

Multiple returners on the Oline too. Vet guys that have a lot of games under their belt.

Wasn't this the blind optimism we felt coming into last year? Riding the high and youth of our MAC championship roster.

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

Other than the entire defensive side of the ball I think we have a solid team. Offense should score. Hammock might make a few idiotic decisions and cost a game or 2.

The defense is a major concern for me. They didn’t “change” anything, they just put the first officer in charge of the titanic after it hit an iceberg…

Someone research our DC, he’s actually run a 4-2-5 before right?

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

I might be most concerned with Rocky because I'm not even sure what was wrong last year and I'm pretty convinced he was hurt before the season even started. He played differently from the jump last year compared to the prior year and the version we got in those first few games wasn't good enough. He was quite limited to mostly his arm and he needs his legs to be effective.

So, if he was hurt at the start of the season and we don't know why and it didn't get better and he then aggravated it on a fairly innocuous play and never was well enough to play the rest of the season...yeah, I have concerns about him this year until I see that there aren't any concerns.

He plays a physical brand of QB and if he's fragile or has to play cautiously, it'll be an issue.

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 07:36 PM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year

.. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

(03-22-2023 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 08:09 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  .. Thats how I feel. Our defense will be much better with the new DC and we upgraded at LB & CB with transfers. Feel our DLINE is solid and expect a break out year from a DE Roy Williams. We have guys who can play along the DLine. Expecting Rocky to be productive as he was in 21. The HUSKIES are a force to be reckoned with. No one, No one in MAC looks at their schedule ... oh thats NIU is cake walk.... THis ream and this program are still an entity to be FEARED in the MAC.

That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

Rocky wasn't fully healthy last year either. The knee brace was a pretty good indicator and he hardly ever ran. It was obvious but they just don't release that info. I kinda think we are going to get some version of Rocky between '21 and '22. We can only hope with Rudolph. He will have had a full year. Will they both be 100% physically AND mentally? I think as the season progresses so will they.

With a 100% Rocky and Rudolph NIU wins the west. Crap defense be damned.

(03-22-2023 10:33 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

Rocky wasn't fully healthy last year either. The knee brace was a pretty good indicator and he hardly ever ran. It was obvious but they just don't release that info. I kinda think we are going to get some version of Rocky between '21 and '22. We can only hope with Rudolph. He will have had a full year. Will they both be 100% physically AND mentally? I think as the season progresses so will they.

With a 100% Rocky and Rudolph NIU wins the west. Crap defense be damned.

Yes, that's the big concern. Will we see Rocky running and/or throwing more? If he is not healthy to continue, will be see the same crap offense as last year, with handoffs to the RB who ran into a stacked box? A system that is not set up to pass or with a very mobile QB is doomed to fail. All the opposition has to do is load everyone up to the line. I hope Hammock saw and learned that last year. Every time I think about last year's offense post-Rocky, I want to .

(03-22-2023 10:55 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 10:33 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

Rocky wasn't fully healthy last year either. The knee brace was a pretty good indicator and he hardly ever ran. It was obvious but they just don't release that info. I kinda think we are going to get some version of Rocky between '21 and '22. We can only hope with Rudolph. He will have had a full year. Will they both be 100% physically AND mentally? I think as the season progresses so will they.

With a 100% Rocky and Rudolph NIU wins the west. Crap defense be damned.

Yes, that's the big concern. Will we see Rocky running and/or throwing more? If he is not healthy to continue, will be see the same crap offense as last year, with handoffs to the RB who ran into a stacked box? A system that is not set up to pass or with a very mobile QB is doomed to fail. All the opposition has to do is load everyone up to the line. I hope Hammock saw and learned that last year. Every time I think about last year's offense post-Rocky, I want to .

The offense was doubly hamstrung last year as they limited some of the play calling for Hampton. I too like Hampton's arm but he played like an inexperienced QB. He locked onto his primary and had almost no pocket awareness. SO even if Rocky isn't very mobile he can run the passing offense at a much higher level than Hampton.

Your feeling's of regurgitation are just a core memory to the Graham/Childers offense days. run, run, 5 yard out....fake punt.

(03-22-2023 11:08 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 10:55 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 10:33 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

Rocky wasn't fully healthy last year either. The knee brace was a pretty good indicator and he hardly ever ran. It was obvious but they just don't release that info. I kinda think we are going to get some version of Rocky between '21 and '22. We can only hope with Rudolph. He will have had a full year. Will they both be 100% physically AND mentally? I think as the season progresses so will they.

With a 100% Rocky and Rudolph NIU wins the west. Crap defense be damned.

Yes, that's the big concern. Will we see Rocky running and/or throwing more? If he is not healthy to continue, will be see the same crap offense as last year, with handoffs to the RB who ran into a stacked box? A system that is not set up to pass or with a very mobile QB is doomed to fail. All the opposition has to do is load everyone up to the line. I hope Hammock saw and learned that last year. Every time I think about last year's offense post-Rocky, I want to .

The offense was doubly hamstrung last year as they limited some of the play calling for Hampton. I too like Hampton's arm but he played like an inexperienced QB. He locked onto his primary and had almost no pocket awareness. SO even if Rocky isn't very mobile he can run the passing offense at a much higher level than Hampton.

Your feeling's of regurgitation are just a core memory to the Graham/Childers offense days. run, run, 5 yard out....fake punt.

.....fake punt on your own 2 yard line.

Right now we just have hope. Last year had high expectations but Rocky gets hurt then all Downhill. Even so Hammock has only had 1 good year. Covid 0-6. Come on we had Ross Bowers at QB and can’t get 1 or 2 wins. But I digress. I had low expectations for MBB this year and they turned out sort of decent. This year football hoping for healthy Rocky to lead way again. I am cautiously optimistic. Makes it sort of exciting.

(03-22-2023 10:33 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

Rocky wasn't fully healthy last year either. The knee brace was a pretty good indicator and he hardly ever ran. It was obvious but they just don't release that info. I kinda think we are going to get some version of Rocky between '21 and '22. We can only hope with Rudolph. He will have had a full year. Will they both be 100% physically AND mentally? I think as the season progresses so will they.

With a 100% Rocky and Rudolph NIU wins the west. Crap defense be damned.

The defense should be improved right? New full time DC. Some transfers for speed. And Hammock is giving the majority of snaps to…the backups? That’s surely the best way to learn a new defense and get used to your teammates…by watching the backups get snaps.

Hammock is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers…

(03-22-2023 10:33 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:31 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  That's a lot of assuming. Assuming all based on optimism, which is fine, but not always accurate. I recall last year when the LB crew was going to improve when Pugh returned. The D was gonna get better with Lafayette returning and all the experience young players gained in 21. Fabian Mccray was going to finally reach his potential. Crawford was going to be the man at TE. Waylee and Brown would lead the MAC in rushing.

We can do the "we should be better at every position" thing almost each spring. Is Rudolph going to be 100%? Is Rocky? Do we just assume every transfer is an immediate improvement to last years starter? Suddenly Dolphin is a great MLB? In 2023 the secondary magically can cover?

There's potential in a lot of places. There's almost always potential. Valid reasons for optimism in the O side. Yes. Any thoughts that the D is going to be very good or even just good is blind optimism.

My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

Rocky wasn't fully healthy last year either. The knee brace was a pretty good indicator and he hardly ever ran. It was obvious but they just don't release that info. I kinda think we are going to get some version of Rocky between '21 and '22. We can only hope with Rudolph. He will have had a full year. Will they both be 100% physically AND mentally? I think as the season progresses so will they.

With a 100% Rocky and Rudolph NIU wins the west. Crap defense be damned.

A healthy Rocky & Rudolph working on all cylinders definitely could lead us to the MACC. Not talked about too much, but I am pumped about the RB room, these guys are beasts. With a balanced attack our offense can be really stellar. Just need some semblance of a D and we will be tough to beat. A better offense will help our D, but this past season was the worst D I have seen at NIU, it has to get better, right? It is a long season, but to me the Boston College opener will set the tone for the season. A winnable P5 game win would give the team and fan base some confidence and momentum for rest of season. Our two losses to BC have been close, we owe them a butt whipping.

(03-25-2023 07:15 AM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 10:33 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-22-2023 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:58 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:23 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  My typical optimism has been drained from last year. Yeah, I may be living in the past. But at this point I need to be proved otherwise.

Everyone freaked out after the EIU game. Which ended up serving as a precursor to a severely underperforming year. And that was with all of the pieces for success in place...

I know Hammock can coach a mean offense. But I need to see the defensive staff gel with each other. The last few years of Huskie Defense have been abysmal. Nothing like the defenses we were treated to with Knowles and Kane.

Last year didn't ruin my optimism, it altered my assumptions. I used to only see the positive outcomes of most unsure scenarios - "it's his second year so he's naturally going to improve". "he put on/took off 10 lbs...hes going to play better". "he's switching position to where he can really shine". etc etc.

Every situation I only evaluated positive possibility. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. Im optimistic about this season, but there are way too many unknowns that need to have very positive outcomes for me to make any assumptions about this team being very good. As the spring and fall progresses I think a few of those unknowns will be answered.

It's too early to know exactly what the rest of the division will really look like but last year's mediocrity in the West should at least provide some kind of optimism that we don't have to be great to tread water and potentially win the West. This may be a season where it takes some time to get things right and, if healthy, the division should lend that type of leniency.

Last year, we were 2-6 and were only 3 games behind the leaders. Catch a lucky break here or there and you're a game back and not even all that good. Based on last year (which is a bit of a clouded vision obviously...but), the division is winnable even with an average squad.

Rocky wasn't fully healthy last year either. The knee brace was a pretty good indicator and he hardly ever ran. It was obvious but they just don't release that info. I kinda think we are going to get some version of Rocky between '21 and '22. We can only hope with Rudolph. He will have had a full year. Will they both be 100% physically AND mentally? I think as the season progresses so will they.

With a 100% Rocky and Rudolph NIU wins the west. Crap defense be damned.

The defense should be improved right? New full time DC. Some transfers for speed. And Hammock is giving the majority of snaps to…the backups? That’s surely the best way to learn a new defense and get used to your teammates…by watching the backups get snaps.

Hammock is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers…

You have to pick and choose that argument...Rocky, tewes, Potter & Z don't need snaps. Ester, Omalley and Thomas don't need a ton of snaps. There aren't a bunch in the "A" group on D with Pugh and Rattin gone. The entire secondary save for Brown could all be "B" group players who need the reps and get them. I think this ABC thing is more about a unity concept. It's just a rah-rah call bc last season was so disappointing and Ham is redirecting their attention. Guys who need reps are gonna get them.

Do I think the D will be much better? Not really. Not much. My biggest hope is the LB core emerges. Dolphin or Jackson solidify the middle. Alvarado excels outside and a fully recovered Lafayette plays great Huskie. But the offense can overcome the defense. No Mac team blew NIU out in 22 and that was the offense at maybe 60%.

Being that team speed is a major issue, especially in the secondary, this might be a bit of positive info. I didn't realize this but safety Muhammed Jammeh was a 10.90 100m runner in HS. With Waylee gone that would probably make him the fastest player on the team as far as track #'s go. He saw decent action in his first season at S (converted wr). So if he becomes your starter there is a nice boost.

(03-25-2023 09:56 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Being that team speed is a major issue, especially in the secondary, this might be a bit of positive info. I didn't realize this but safety Muhammed Jammeh was a 10.90 100m runner in HS. With Waylee gone that would probably make him the fastest player on the team as far as track #'s go. He saw decent action in his first season at S (converted wr). So if he becomes your starter there is a nice boost.

They really want Jammeh to be adequate at safety. He was the only guy who could run. He was just kind of all over the place last season as far as knowing what he was supposed to do. I have hopes for him. I also have hopes for some of the freshman (true and RS) at safety. I just hate that this is so far in the Hammock regime and we are hoping a transfer or a true freshman shows up. The home grow pieces from his earlier classes didn’t pan out.