A Few More Observations

[cruzer]

Not a whole lot to add that hasn't been said by previous posters. Good to win an opener without having to bite your nails the entire 4th quarter.

A few positives:

1. Kenny Pickett was solid. He played a smart game (besides his leaping first down attempt). Didn't force the ball which resulted in a lot of short gains but positive nonetheless. One thing that was a bit troubling is that he had 2 balls batted at the LOS (one was intercepted). Kenny is not particularly tall, so he needs lanes to throw in. Gotta clean that up.

2. Welcome back Wirginis. Wirginis playing MLB reminded me of Scott McKillop. He was always in the hole, attacking the RB. HUGE improvement from Brightwell (who actually played OK on the outside).

3. Lots of depth a WR. No one really stood out (maybe A-Lopes and Mack) but most of the receivers made plays.

4. Oline was adequate considering that some starters were dinged up. The Oline wasn't great, maybe not even good considering this was Albany, but they did enough to win. It was good to get some of the backups some playing time. I suspect they will be needed. Next week will tell us a lot more.

5. Camp looked fantastic. Camp was in the backfield all game. His closing speed tracking down the QB was pretty impressive. He's going to have a big year IMO. Weaver was also pretty good.

A Few Areas That Need Work:

1. RB's. Ollison ran pretty well. Everyone else was just adequate. We produced a lot of yards against Albany, but none of our RB's looked like someone that other teams will have to game plan around. AJ Davis looks to have some moves, but he's very tentative finding holes. Too many plays where he gets stuffed for no gain.

2. Safeties. Just plain ugly. Briggs comes out and gets burned immediately (no surprise to me). How can this guy be the best safety option we have? Hamlin also got burned. I guess Campbell was hurt. We've got to find some guys who can cover back there. Sitting Paris Ford as the 3rd or 4th CB makes no sense when you watch our safety play. Switch the kid back and let him play. Hard to believe he wouldn't be an improvement.

3. Second Half Effort. I realize that we went pretty vanilla in the second half since we were up so many points, but honestly, to score zero points is disconcerting.

Should be an interesting game against PSU. We're going to have to score a ton of points to beat them.

Cruzer

 

[4upmc]

Agree it’s good to have Wirginis back. Will be the leader of the D and a difference maker.

Camp must have got in better shape because he seems to be much quicker than last year.

Yes seems to be nice WR depth.

Agree about the S play. Loooong way to go. Hopefully Campbell is back next week.

 

[PittSqueak]

1) I think AJ Davis will be much more effective catching passes in space where a single, quick move could really burn an opponent. He had 2 receptions, the only 2 by our RB's yesterday, so I think Watson is thinking this as well.

2) I thought Taysir Mack was definitely a stand-out at WR. He had at least 1 really nice catch, plus he was consistently blocking downfield (this is huge). Based on how he finished last season at Indiana (14 catches in last 3 games, 132 yards and 1 TD in final game) & what he did yesterday, I'm totally OK with him as our #1 guy this year. So far I'm good with Lopes as our #2 WR as well, but would feel better about it if at least 1 TE steps up as a true receiving threat (Sear? Carrigan?).

3) It has to be mentioned that Alex Kessman's kickoffs were great! All but 1 or 2 were un-returnable for the opponent.

4) It was great to see us blitzing a lot and getting pressure in Albany's backfield. I know some fans want to say "We're supposed to get 5 sacks against Albany", but think about the amount of times we started the year with a cupcake and still ended up with less than 2 sacks and not a ton of pressure.

 

[pittizit]

Bench Briggs

 

[President Stache]

Really good points



A few positives:

1. Kenny Pickett was solid. He played a smart game (besides his leaping first down attempt). Didn't force the ball which resulted in a lot of short gains but positive nonetheless. One thing that was a bit troubling is that he had 2 balls batted at the LOS (one was intercepted). Kenny is not particularly tall, so he needs lanes to throw in. Gotta clean that up.

I thought the same. Teams will see this tape and keep hands up.

2. Welcome back Wirginis. Wirginis playing MLB reminded me of Scott McKillop. He was always in the hole, attacking the RB. HUGE improvement from Brightwell (who actually played OK on the outside).

He played outstanding. He is a beast. He played amazing 2 years ago against the pedos, and we need another huge game from him this week.

3. Lots of depth a WR. No one really stood out (maybe A-Lopes and Mack) but most of the receivers made plays.

This board (the flamers) were really negative on this guy, but it is clear he is a very good receiver, and can make the tough catches.

4. Oline was adequate considering that some starters were dinged up. The Oline wasn't great, maybe not even good considering this was Albany, but they did enough to win. It was good to get some of the backups some playing time. I suspect they will be needed. Next week will tell us a lot more.

No Bookser, who is our best, but overall I saw very good push from our line. I was more impressed than I thought I would be. Of course... it is Albany

5. Camp looked fantastic. Camp was in the backfield all game. His closing speed tracking down the QB was pretty impressive. He's going to have a big year IMO. Weaver was also pretty good.

A Few Areas That Need Work:

1. RB's. Ollison ran pretty well. Everyone else was just adequate. We produced a lot of yards against Albany, but none of our RB's looked like someone that other teams will have to game plan around. AJ Davis looks to have some moves, but he's very tentative finding holes. Too many plays where he gets stuffed for no gain.

I thought AJ looks in great shape, and ran well. I honestly didnt see the vast talent in him last year, and was looking forward to Sibley and others, but he did look much quicker. I still think Hall and Ollison are the men.

2. Safeties. Just plain ugly. Briggs comes out and gets burned immediately (no surprise to me). How can this guy be the best safety option we have? Hamlin also got burned. I guess Campbell was hurt. We've got to find some guys who can cover back there. Sitting Paris Ford as the 3rd or 4th CB makes no sense when you watch our safety play. Switch the kid back and let him play. Hard to believe he wouldn't be an improvement.

Briggs is the run stopper. He hits hard and gives it his all. That is why he is starting. However, he is not good against the pass. This is scary.

3. Second Half Effort. I realize that we went pretty vanilla in the second half since we were up so many points, but honestly, to score zero points is disconcerting.

Second half had so many young players, it was exhibition time. This is Pitt football game one... I disagree with the strategy. I would much prefer letting some guys get some confidence, run a few go routes early, just give some expereince.

Should be an interesting game against PSU. We're going to have to score a ton of points to beat them.

Cruzer[/QUOTE]