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Message: [QUOTE="OttosShoes, post: 5525882, member: 10231"] For our friend. [B]The Upside[/B] I thought it huge that HCFB took issue with ERob's play calls in the presser. It's not just that we're getting some vindication for all of our concerns about defense, either. Fran so far has been something of a "blame vortex"; always saying how he has to do better, taking personal responsibility. Reality is, it's a huge organization with a lot of moving parts. Some problems just aren't going to be his fault, and he doesn't need to carry that weight nor let it cloud his judgement. I realize the [I]opposite[/I] problem--not taking fault--is more common, but that's not him, so I see this as personal growth. And ERob is now on blast, which is win-win. There were a few defensive standouts. We were worried about LBs going into the season, but David Omopariola made an incredible play for a safety. Jamie Tremble is cementing himself as a two-way player and made a huge sack. And we did have a few good stands and did effect some real pressure. Rickie had a few moments. A solid TD pass, an absolute dime of a long ball. Better running than most of us expected; once he commits to the scramble it's like his awareness skyrockets. I hope they can channel that same instinct in the pocket. I want to see Carney get some snaps as much as everybody else but it's important to remember those flashes of brilliance; he's not some guy off the street. [B]The Downside[/B] This game cemented how undeniably huge of a loss Steve is. I struggle to think of an injury that has been more impactful. The season isn't over, but it's a completely different one now and it hurts. That missed TD throw to Yasin was facepalmingly bad. Many open receivers were left empty-handed throughout the game. Team morale is visibly hit. And yet, Rickie's playing status seems anvil-solid to the point it defies logic. Is Fran that stubborn? Is Carney--the guy who came in for one snap with zero warning and ran in a TD--that bad? I'm not saying he needs to be pushed down the lineup. Sitting even for a possession or two is an important motivational tool; a special kind of wake up call. It's accountable to the rest of the team and the fans as a message that "this isn't acceptable." I mean, everybody runs after the UConn game to let the fans know they can expect better. This situation seems worse and...he just needs time? I don't know. It feels like there's something we don't know about the situation. JRS' injury. Our WR room is deep but these injuries are accumulating. And personally I really hate seeing anybody come out of the locker room with a boot on. [B]The Side[/B] Johntay Cook's Uncle. I don't really consider that a downside. It's way too bizarre to be taken seriously. It could make a serviceable meme though. Somebody says something wild? "Did you check with Johntay Cook's Uncle on that?" I think SMU fits in the ACC just fine. Just from TV I was able to pick up on the vibe. Classy, maybe a little snobby. Time zone isn't that far off. It's weird watching Duke @ Cal until 1:30a. When FSU leaves it will be weird watching games at Tulane or East Carolina or whatever. This wasn't weird. Fran Brown Jr's utility role. I'm not sure what to think here. Jr's a good kid and I love that the "family" style coaching appears on a big stage. But unless you've got a Doug McDermott situation, when a coach plays his son there's going to be people crying nepotism even if it's fairly earned. And with Fran Jr showing up in niche roles that don't really tell a cohesive story (Longsnapper, Fullback, Punt Returner) it makes an odd narrative. [/QUOTE]

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