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Message: [QUOTE="ImperialOrange, post: 1139503, member: 362"] 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 [/QUOTE]

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