So how do we fix this?

[ImperialOrange]

Easy answers like score more points/give up less points need not apply. Let's rack our collective board brain for specific ways to right the ship.

My thoughts:

Special Teams.

Kickoffs : We need to flip field position and not ask our offense to drive 90 yards. Our kickoff returns have been, in a word, dreadful. If they ball is kicked into the end zone we should simply take the touchback. Rarely do we even obtain the 25 yard line on attempted returns and, aside from Gulley, I'm not sure we have an option that can make guys miss or has requisite field vision to spot seems.

Punting/Punt returns : We shouldn't be punting on the opponents side of the field unless it's 4th and a mile. As such we shouldn't be calling plays with possible negative results (see bubble screens, toss sweeps, etc) from the 50-25. This helps eliminate our seemingly ill prepared punt block and coverage issues. When receiving punts we should be going for the block to dictate our opponents scheme. The possibility for a block or mis kick under pressure have greater rewards than the ~5 yard returns we get when we set up for them. Maryland blocked one of ours and we could've returned the favor if we were applying anything other than token pressure.

Screen passes : Simply use one's that emphasise our strengths, RB in space, vs our weakness in delayed throws to WR's that aren't making anyone miss. Eliminate the bubbles, go with the RB screens circa Ant Bailey era for effect. Gulley can be lethal in space but could also be a way to get the other 3 RB's not name AAM more touches in space. For me, the only backs carrying the ball out of the backfield should be Gulley, Hunt, and Moore (only between the tackles).

Defense : Nickel package. Too many LB's running 5 yards behind WR's on crossing routes. Use Desir, Morgan, etc in place of a third LB when teams are running 3 WR sets. If nothing else, our DB group isn't afraid to stick their noses in when needed on running plays and would offer better options in space/coverage.

If the DL/blitzing LB cannot get pressure on the QB in ample time they need to get their hands up to try and knock down the shallow routes as well. This is coachable but for long stretches our lineman seem to forget.

Anyone else have input on these, or any yet unmentioned ideas

 

[Millhouse]

Easy answers like score more points/give up less points need not apply. Let's rack our collective board brain for specific ways to right the ship.

My thoughts:

Special Teams.

Kickoffs : We need to flip field position and not ask our offense to drive 90 yards. Our kickoff returns have been, in a word, dreadful. If they ball is kicked into the end zone we should simply take the touchback. Rarely do we even obtain the 25 yard line on attempted returns and, aside from Gulley, I'm not sure we have an option that can make guys miss or has requisite field vision to spot seems.

Punting/Punt returns : We shouldn't be punting on the opponents side of the field unless it's 4th and a mile. As such we shouldn't be calling plays with possible negative results (see bubble screens, toss sweeps, etc) from the 50-25. This helps eliminate our seemingly ill prepared punt block and coverage issues. When receiving punts we should be going for the block to dictate our opponents scheme. The possibility for a block or mis kick under pressure have greater rewards than the ~5 yard returns we get when we set up for them. Maryland blocked one of ours and we could've returned the favor if we were applying anything other than token pressure.

Screen passes : Simply use one's that emphasise our strengths, RB in space, vs our weakness in delayed throws to WR's that aren't making anyone miss. Eliminate the bubbles, go with the RB screens circa Ant Bailey era for effect. Gulley can be lethal in space but could also be a way to get the other 3 RB's not name AAM more touches in space. For me, the only backs carrying the ball out of the backfield should be Gulley, Hunt, and Moore (only between the tackles).

Defense : Nickel package. Too many LB's running 5 yards behind WR's on crossing routes. Use Desir, Morgan, etc in place of a third LB when teams are running 3 WR sets. If nothing else, our DB group isn't afraid to stick their noses in when needed on running plays and would offer better options in space/coverage.

If the DL/blitzing LB cannot get pressure on the QB in ample time they need to get their hands up to try and knock down the shallow routes as well. This is coachable but for long stretches our lineman seem to forget.

Anyone else have input on these, or any yet unmentioned ideas

are we smart enough to avoid roughing the kicker.

at this point, i'd just let them kick it, not try to block it, fair catch everytime. if they want to give us the ball, just let them.

 

[raf4488]

I have no idea how to fix this defense. First game against a team with good players at skill positions and they got torched. Sure they only scored 3 in the second half, but I think Maryland was more than happy to sit on their lead and not make any mistakes that could swing momentum. If it was a one possession game throughout, I think they match or exceed the nearly 600 yards of total offense we accrued. We outgained them by 200+ because we were chasing the game for an entire half. I fear we just might have to accept that good QBs will pick us apart.

The offense seems easier to fix. There's promise on this side of the ball, just stick with what works. Run with PTG and AAM until they stack the box, and only then call some screens to take advantage of the numbers advantage on the outside. This is nothing that many on this board hasn't said already. If GMD continues to call drive killing plays, we better start raking in that 4 star offensive talent ASAP.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I've got one. We need to throw more passes where the receiver can bring it down right in the end zone.

I think all season we've thrown like 4 passes that have broken the plane of the goal line. Part of our red zone/FG problem stems from that.

Part of the reason why we have problems getting TDs through the air is because for the most part we're relying on our receivers to catch it and then make a move to get to the goal line. Screw that, let's have them run a pattern past the goal line, and then just have to make the catch.

 

[Rocco]

The fact there are 3 LB's on the field during the Okie is ridiculous. I was looking up at Chuck like "are you serious???"... Our LBs in coverage can be summed up by one key word: ungood.

We have the DB depth so why isn't Williams in during Okie coverage? The kid is a gamer and has great ball skills.

 

[TheCusian]

Easy answers like score more points/give up less points need not apply. Let's rack our collective board brain for specific ways to right the ship. My thoughts: Special Teams. Kickoffs : We need to flip field position and not ask our offense to drive 90 yards. Our kickoff returns have been, in a word, dreadful. If they ball is kicked into the end zone we should simply take the touchback. Rarely do we even obtain the 25 yard line on attempted returns and, aside from Gulley, I'm not sure we have an option that can make guys miss or has requisite field vision to spot seems. Punting/Punt returns : We shouldn't be punting on the opponents side of the field unless it's 4th and a mile. As such we shouldn't be calling plays with possible negative results (see bubble screens, toss sweeps, etc) from the 50-25. This helps eliminate our seemingly ill prepared punt block and coverage issues. When receiving punts we should be going for the block to dictate our opponents scheme. The possibility for a block or mis kick under pressure have greater rewards than the ~5 yard returns we get when we set up for them. Maryland blocked one of ours and we could've returned the favor if we were applying anything other than token pressure. Screen passes : Simply use one's that emphasise our strengths, RB in space, vs our weakness in delayed throws to WR's that aren't making anyone miss. Eliminate the bubbles, go with the RB screens circa Ant Bailey era for effect. Gulley can be lethal in space but could also be a way to get the other 3 RB's not name AAM more touches in space. For me, the only backs carrying the ball out of the backfield should be Gulley, Hunt, and Moore (only between the tackles). Defense : Nickel package. Too many LB's running 5 yards behind WR's on crossing routes. Use Desir, Morgan, etc in place of a third LB when teams are running 3 WR sets. If nothing else, our DB group isn't afraid to stick their noses in when needed on running plays and would offer better options in space/coverage. If the DL/blitzing LB cannot get pressure on the QB in ample time they need to get their hands up to try and knock down the shallow routes as well. This is coachable but for long stretches our lineman seem to forget. Anyone else have input on these, or any yet unmentioned ideas

When I charted the screens thrown in the CMU game about half were to RB's...

 

[jgeorge322]

are we smart enough to avoid roughing the kicker.

at this point, i'd just let them kick it, not try to block it, fair catch everytime. if they want to give us the ball, just let them.

That was doug marrone's strategy

 

[Millhouse]

That was doug marrone's strategy

i wish he were consistent about it. if you're happy to just passively take the ball when the other team wants to punt it to you, you should be more wary of punting it to them.

 

[JackBauer44]

Easy answers like score more points/give up less points need not apply. Let's rack our collective board brain for specific ways to right the ship.

My thoughts:

Special Teams.

Kickoffs : We need to flip field position and not ask our offense to drive 90 yards. Our kickoff returns have been, in a word, dreadful. If they ball is kicked into the end zone we should simply take the touchback. Rarely do we even obtain the 25 yard line on attempted returns and, aside from Gulley, I'm not sure we have an option that can make guys miss or has requisite field vision to spot seems.

Punting/Punt returns : We shouldn't be punting on the opponents side of the field unless it's 4th and a mile. As such we shouldn't be calling plays with possible negative results (see bubble screens, toss sweeps, etc) from the 50-25. This helps eliminate our seemingly ill prepared punt block and coverage issues. When receiving punts we should be going for the block to dictate our opponents scheme. The possibility for a block or mis kick under pressure have greater rewards than the ~5 yard returns we get when we set up for them. Maryland blocked one of ours and we could've returned the favor if we were applying anything other than token pressure.

Screen passes : Simply use one's that emphasise our strengths, RB in space, vs our weakness in delayed throws to WR's that aren't making anyone miss. Eliminate the bubbles, go with the RB screens circa Ant Bailey era for effect. Gulley can be lethal in space but could also be a way to get the other 3 RB's not name AAM more touches in space. For me, the only backs carrying the ball out of the backfield should be Gulley, Hunt, and Moore (only between the tackles).

Defense : Nickel package. Too many LB's running 5 yards behind WR's on crossing routes. Use Desir, Morgan, etc in place of a third LB when teams are running 3 WR sets. If nothing else, our DB group isn't afraid to stick their noses in when needed on running plays and would offer better options in space/coverage.

If the DL/blitzing LB cannot get pressure on the QB in ample time they need to get their hands up to try and knock down the shallow routes as well. This is coachable but for long stretches our lineman seem to forget.

Anyone else have input on these, or any yet unmentioned ideas

FWIW - I have it on very good authority that there are several ACC coaches who think Gulley in space is a recipe for disaster (for opposing defenses). I think screens would be great for him.

 

[ImperialOrange]

When I charted the screens thrown in the CMU game about half were to RB's...

Right but I'm talking classic RB screens as they slip through the line before recieving the pass vs bubble screens.

Edit- Like this one that Rggie Bush dropped

 

[TheCusian]

Right but I'm talking classic RB screens as they slip through the line before recieving the pass vs bubble screens.

Ahh... gotcha.

 

[orangepassion]

FWIW - I have it on very good authority that there are several ACC coaches who think Gulley in space is a recipe for disaster (for opposing defenses). I think screens would be great for him.

I love PTG in space-He's very elusive, and along with a healthy Estime, our best playmaker

 

[orangepassion]

Punting/Punt returns : We shouldn't be punting on the opponents side of the field unless it's 4th and a mile.

I've been talking about this since the CMU game-well, really since Marrone was here. If I'm the Defense and you have 4th and 2 at my 40 yard line, I'm thrilled if you let me off the hook and punt. Half the time, the punt goes in the end zone, anyway

 

[Pyle]

Should we slow down the offense until everyone is more comfortable? This push for X plays per game causes things to be rushed. Hunt completely missed the playcall when he threw the pick 6. Sometimes it seems we are more confused before the snap than the defense is. Kind of negates the whole concept.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Should we slow down the offense until everyone is more comfortable? This push for X plays per game causes things to be rushed. Hunt completely missed the playcall when he threw the pick 6. Sometimes it seems we are more confused before the snap than the defense is. Kind of negates the whole concept.

Perhaps. We eithern need to get the plays in and run them quickly or have an option for audible. Defense's know our offensive sets/plays better than our players do it appears.

 

[Crusty]

Should we slow down the offense until everyone is more comfortable? This push for X plays per game causes things to be rushed. Hunt completely missed the playcall when he threw the pick 6. Sometimes it seems we are more confused before the snap than the defense is. Kind of negates the whole concept.

1 mistake in over 200 plays? I don't think that is an issue. We just need to keep plowing ahead - we'll get there.

 

[Orangepace]

Right but I'm talking classic RB screens as they slip through the line before recieving the pass vs bubble screens.

Edit- Like this one that Rggie Bush dropped

Like the idea, but with our QB running as much as he does, teams are more likely to cast a Spy LB. Spy LBs can really ruin these types of screens.

 

[SmilinBob]

I assume the LB's are in the Okie due to various types of blitzes. CB probably likes his LB's going after the qb over his DB's.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Like the idea, but with our QB running as much as he does, teams are more likely to cast a Spy LB. Spy LBs can really ruin these types of screens.

I actually like this play vs a spy. Hunt reads the mlb, If he goes with the rb out of the backfield then he knows there is a hole in the middle to run or pass to.

 

[ImperialOrange]

I assume the LB's are in the Okie due to various types of blitzes. CB probably likes his LB's going after the qb over his DB's.

I'd mix up the blitzes a bit more. Occassionally send a db of the corner and drop a DE Into the flat that our db vacated. Simmons speed could really be utilized here and end up delivering crushing hits

 

[SmilinBob]

I'd mix up the blitzes a bit more. Occassionally send a db of the corner and drop a DE Into the flat that our db vacated. Simmons speed could really be utilized here and end up delivering crushing hits

Did they have a corner blitz on the 90 yard Maryland TD? I can't remember who came in. How many snaps has Simmons had? I agree, changing the blitzes keeps the Offense on their toes no doubt. I assume DCCB has certain blitzes vs certain packages or offenses in the game plan.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Did they have a corner blitz on the 90 yard Maryland TD? I can't remember who came in. How many snaps has Simmons had? I agree, changing the blitzes keeps the Offense on their toes no doubt. I assume DCCB has certain blitzes vs certain packages or offenses in the game plan.

Admittedly, I missed the 90 yard TD. Change of possession, I got up for a fresh bevvy, and came back and Maryland was celbrating in the end zone.