The defense has really improved since the year when Hamlin was forced into action and was limping around as a true FR. I think that was the year that everyone felt that Narduzzi needed to scrap his defense because it didn’t work against modern offenses. Now it seems like he can virtually plug anyone in there and the backup plays as well as the starter. He has really shored up the defensive coaching staff and everyone is on the same page.
On offense the last 2 years they’ve been able to find their niche. Last year it was a 2 headed running game that led the way and this year the intermediate passing game seems to be their forte.
They are really spreading the ball around to their best receivers (Mack/Ffrench) and are doing a great job of finding situational playmakers like V Davis who runs hard inside late in games and seemingly bounces off first contact every time, utilizing Aaron Matthews varied skill set was on display last game, Tipton has been a reliable chain mover when healthy.
Even Griffin-Stewart has upped his game after some early struggles where he dropped something like the first 3 of the first 4 passes thrown his way and they were critical passes. I questioned if someone else should get a shot after his drop early in the Ohio game but I had also been noticing that he sat next to Pickett virtually every time the offense was on the bench so I figured the 2 of them had a good rapport. That relationship seems to have paid dividends.
The only guy who hasn’t broken out yet is V Carter. Maybe today is the day but I think his role has been too narrow and has allowed the defense to anticipate what the play call is when he is in the game. If they are going to use him at RB he has to show an ability to be effective running between the tackles or teams will just sit on the screen and swing pass game that he has been featured in so far. VC’s 2.4 yds/carry is a far cry from AJ Davis’ 4.4 and V Davis’ 4.2. In the pass game VC is only averaging 2.75 yds per reception. Whipple is either going get some new play designs to feature him or his usage is really going to drop off. Those numbers tell a pretty rough story.
In fairness none of the running backs have good numbers in the passing game (with the exception of AJ Davis’s PSU screen pass). However I’ve been very impressed with their ability to pass protect. Really doing a great job there.
If the D can remain healthy and the offense masters a new facet every week it should be an interesting 8 game stretch.
On offense the last 2 years they’ve been able to find their niche. Last year it was a 2 headed running game that led the way and this year the intermediate passing game seems to be their forte.
They are really spreading the ball around to their best receivers (Mack/Ffrench) and are doing a great job of finding situational playmakers like V Davis who runs hard inside late in games and seemingly bounces off first contact every time, utilizing Aaron Matthews varied skill set was on display last game, Tipton has been a reliable chain mover when healthy.
Even Griffin-Stewart has upped his game after some early struggles where he dropped something like the first 3 of the first 4 passes thrown his way and they were critical passes. I questioned if someone else should get a shot after his drop early in the Ohio game but I had also been noticing that he sat next to Pickett virtually every time the offense was on the bench so I figured the 2 of them had a good rapport. That relationship seems to have paid dividends.
The only guy who hasn’t broken out yet is V Carter. Maybe today is the day but I think his role has been too narrow and has allowed the defense to anticipate what the play call is when he is in the game. If they are going to use him at RB he has to show an ability to be effective running between the tackles or teams will just sit on the screen and swing pass game that he has been featured in so far. VC’s 2.4 yds/carry is a far cry from AJ Davis’ 4.4 and V Davis’ 4.2. In the pass game VC is only averaging 2.75 yds per reception. Whipple is either going get some new play designs to feature him or his usage is really going to drop off. Those numbers tell a pretty rough story.
In fairness none of the running backs have good numbers in the passing game (with the exception of AJ Davis’s PSU screen pass). However I’ve been very impressed with their ability to pass protect. Really doing a great job there.
If the D can remain healthy and the offense masters a new facet every week it should be an interesting 8 game stretch.
