We need to recognize that Eli is a freshman QB. A couple of miraculous comebacks in his first four games set the hype bar far too high. He has great potential, but he still has a lot to learn while on the way to harnessing it.
The offensive line didn't help much. Eli almost always had someone in his face by 3 seconds after the snap. They need to tighten up.
Our running game needs help. I question why Dan Carter hasn't received more carries. Maybe the coach doesn't like his blocking or receiving. I don't know. However, he is averaging 11.4 yards per carry. That looks good to me.
I thought the punting game had improved immensely this year. Not so for this game. Hoping that was a one off.
Defense needs to go back to the drawing board for tackling, and perhaps taking the correct angles. We whiffed on far too many and failed to execute take-downs after making contact.
All in all though, the team is 7-1, better than initial expectations. This was one game, and while it was a stinker, it still only counts as one loss.
The team needs to shake this one off, gets their heads together, and practice. The season is far from over.
If Eli has another rough 1st quarter, I wouldn't mind seeing Yarnell for a quarter just to shake things up. We can go from there once we see what happens.
Anyway, lets' move on to the next game. Go Pitt.
