Imagine if Narduzzi played Hamlin more this season

[#99HUGHgreen]

Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year.

Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time as soon as he was healthy. Imagine how much better he would be by now.

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. Playing the younger guys more this year would not only allowed them to gain valuable game day experience but they might have even made some key plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.

What a missed opportunity.

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.

One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.

 

[SVPanther]

Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year.

Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time from the start. Imagine how much better he would be by now.

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. But Hamlin, no doubt will... and by playing him more this year, he would not only gain valuable game day experience but he might have even made a few plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.

What a missed opportunity.

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.

One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.

 

[SVPanther]

All good points, Hugh. Jury is still out on Hamlin. I'm sure if he was good to go (mentally and physically), coach would have played him earlier.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

So, are you disappointed by the injury he sustained during his SR year of HS? It is disappointing that he has not seen significant playing time this year, but that is not due to the coaches or Hamlin's results at practice. He physically wasn't ready to play after off-season surgery.

 

[Piranha]

So, are you disappointed by the injury he sustained during his SR year of HS? It is disappointing that he has not seen significant playing time this year, but that is not due to the coaches or Hamlin's results at practice. He physically wasn't ready to play after off-season surgery.

Bingo!

 

[CaptainMurphy]

I guess it comes down to which is better: an experienced but less talented cb vs a talented rookie cb. Its a tough position to play and I assume the coaching staff felt Hamlin wasn't fully recovered and/or ready enough to see time. Perhaps he has shown enough in practice recently to warrant the playing time.

Perhaps he doesn't feel the need to further critique the secondary as there isn't really much to say. I'd rather him say less than rip his own players beyond stating that there are areas of deficiency/room for improvement (as he has done).

 

[ThePanthers]

He was hurt for the beginning of the season.

 

[pittguy81]

All good points, Hugh. Jury is still out on Hamlin. I'm sure if he was good to go (mentally and physically), coach would have played him earlier.

Hamlin's played less than 1 quarter. Of course the jury's still out on him. My understanding is that he had a bad groin muscle strain and it really inhibited him to the point of being unable to go. HCPN certainly has shown he's not afraid to play Freshmen he thinks are ready to play

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

So, are you disappointed by the injury he sustained during his SR year of HS? It is disappointing that he has not seen significant playing time this year, but that is not due to the coaches or Hamlin's results at practice. He physically wasn't ready to play after off-season surgery.

Actually, I mentioned above that I was disappointed with the way Narduzzi has been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines. It would be fair to say that one of those "real issues" that frustrated me (and many others) is Narduzzi not doing anything to try to improve his pass defense. The fact remains, Pitt continues to give up more passing yards than any other team in college football and Coach Narduzzi continues to try to spin it as being a matter of playing against great passing offenses. That is a huge issue where he isn't being completely honest. Too that point, playing the same struggling DB's and continually refusing to give them any help is disappointing to see. Not allowing other young DB's (including Hamlin) a chance to show what they can do earlier in the season is disappointing.

You are correct in that Hamlin was not completely healthy to play early in the season, but I have heard from several sources that he was "good to go" for quite some time. He may not have been healthy enough yet to play in the OSU game, but had he played in the last two games (which I was told he was available (and even traveled wth the team), he would certainly have been a little less hesitant in the VT game.

 

[mehinpgh]

Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year.

Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time as soon as he was healthy. Imagine how much better he would be by now.

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. Playing the younger guys more this year would not only allowed them to gain valuable game day experience but they might have even made some key plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.

What a missed opportunity.

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.

One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.

Have you ever had a hernia surgery? Have you ever tried to sprint and backpedal and switch directions with your hips against world class kids trying to run past you after a hernia surgery? Didn't think so...Hamlin would have been in there earlier if he was physically able.

 

[ThePanthers]

I fully agree with HughGreen that Narduzzi needs to adjust, and he deserves every criticism for that. It is maddening.

But I wouldn't blame playing Hamlin as a factor. Narduzzi has been very open IMO of playing younger guys if they are good enough.

 

[PittHOFs]

Maybe Pitt should bring in Hugh Green to speak prior to a game like they did a few years ago. And have him on the sidelines.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

Hamlin's played less than 1 quarter. Of course the jury's still out on him. My understanding is that he had a bad groin muscle strain and it really inhibited him to the point of being unable to go. HCPN certainly has shown he's not afraid to play Freshmen he thinks are ready to play

It is possible the information I got was wrong, but it was my understanding that he was good to go for several games now and that the decision to hold back on playing him (or any other freshman DB) had to do with burning a year of eligibility. Narduzzi has mentioned not wanting to waste a year eligibility on players, not knowing if they would continue to play a lot more in future games. Also, Hamlin did dress and travel to the last game. Even Peak has made it sound like Hamlin has been healthy enough to play in the past few games.

Honestly, I am not trying to add fuel to the fire. I thought my information about Hamlin being physically able to play for several games was in fact the truth and not speculation. It would be disappointing if Narduzzi chose to hold back on Hamlin, if he was good to go for a few games now. If PN simply held back on playing Hamlin because he was still recovering from his injury, then my information was clearly just speculation and not fact...and I will be to have finally learned the truth.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

I guess it comes down to which is better: an experienced but less talented cb vs a talented rookie cb. Its a tough position to play and I assume the coaching staff felt Hamlin wasn't fully recovered and/or ready enough to see time. Perhaps he has shown enough in practice recently to warrant the playing time.

Perhaps he doesn't feel the need to further critique the secondary as there isn't really much to say. I'd rather him say less than rip his own players beyond stating that there are areas of deficiency/room for improvement (as he has done).

If Hamlin was in fact not healthy then I nave no issues. I have just been hearing that he was healthy for severals games. It is possible my information is wrong. But then why does did he dress and travel for previous games? it would suggest he was healthy.

I certainly don't want to see Narduzzi publicly ripping into his players either. But Pitt's passing defense is the worst in college football. Really... the worst. And it's been at the bottom all season. Not taking ownership of that fact as a coach (not just blaming the players) and not making changes means he is going to see more of the same. I really like Narduzzi. I have supported him since he was hired. I still think he was the right hire. I am just waiting for him to acknowledge that there is a bigger problem. It not simply that his players "just need to make plays." Either the coaches are not teaching technique properly or the starters just aren't good enough... in which case... next man up or give them a little more help.

He will figure it out. Just hope it's soon.

 

[Jpripper88]

I would give him a pass on the personnel, if he would adapt the scheme. He has essentially refused to do either. Also, it isn't just Hamlin or bust. He had two recruiting classes of DBs he signed off on/chose. Yeah, they are RS FR and FR, but they are his guys and if they aren't at least more physically capable than Ryan Lewis, we are in enormous trouble.

 

[President Stache]

Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year.

Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time as soon as he was healthy. Imagine how much better he would be by now.

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. Playing the younger guys more this year would not only allowed them to gain valuable game day experience but they might have even made some key plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.

What a missed opportunity.

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.

One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.

I think it would be highly unethical to play an injured player and take advantage of a true freshman to maybe destroy his future just cause our DB wasnt very good.

I dont know what some posters think, but you are really suggesting to play an injured player with zero experience, not even a practice. Thank god Narduzzi is our coach, and not you.

 

[ebonylover40]

If Hamlin was in fact not healthy then I nave no issues. I have just been hearing that he was healthy for severals games. It is possible my information is wrong. But then why does did he dress and travel for previous games? it would suggest he was healthy.

I certainly don't want to see Narduzzi publicly ripping into his players either. But Pitt's passing defense is the worst in college football. Really... the worst. And it's been at the bottom all season. Not taking ownership of that fact as a coach (not just blaming the players) and not making changes means he is going to see more of the same. I really like Narduzzi. I have supported him since he was hired. I still think he was the right hire. I am just waiting for him to acknowledge that there is a bigger problem. It not simply that his players "just need to make plays." Either the coaches are not teaching technique properly or the starters just aren't good enough... in which case... next man up or give them a little more help.

He will figure it out. Just hope it's soon.

You are wrong. Pitt does not have the worst passing defense. There are 3 others below Pitt. And guess what. One of those teams iz none other than the Oklahoma Sooners whose defense got torched for about 600 yds 2 weeks ago.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

I think it would be highly unethical to play an injured player and take advantage of a true freshman to maybe destroy his future just cause our DB wasnt very good.

I dont know what some posters think, but you are really suggesting to play an injured player with zero experience, not even a practice. Thank god Narduzzi is our coach, and not you.

Don't twist my words Stache. No, I am certainly not suggesting to play an injured player. You will not find that notion in any of my post, unless it was a typo. My sources have told me that Hamlin was healthy and ready to go for the past couple of games. If that is indeed the case, then yes, I want to see Hamlin (the top rated recruit) playing and not being held out for fear of burning a year of eligibility (which was what one source told me was the case). The more time a healthy Hamlin gets to play, the better he will get.

Now, if Hamlin has not been physically healthy enough to play up until the VT game (which would mean my information was speculation rather than fact) then no, he shouldn't have been thrown into an earlier game. In such a scenario, the coaches still must try a new approach. Staying the course is giving in to the high probability of more of the same.

I think most of us (if not all) would agree that this Pitt team would likely be undefeated with a little better play by the DBs against the pass. While no one can say with certainty how much Hamlin can help the pass defense situation this year, there is simply no reason to hold back on playing a healthy, highly rated Hamlin with the such poor play by the corners.

If you or someone on this board knows the facts about when Hamlin was truly good to go, I'd love to know– the complete truth- not just speculation served up as truth. If Hamlin was not playing in previous games because he truly was not physically healthy enough to play, then I'd gladly change this thread to "Imagine if Narduzzi 'had a healthy Hamlin available to play more this season."

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

You are wrong. Pitt does not have the worst passing defense. There are 3 others below Pitt. And guess what. One of those teams iz none other than the Oklahoma Sooners whose defense got torched for about 600 yds 2 weeks ago.

Actually you are wrong too... there are 2 other below Pitt. Maybe we should celebrate the fact that there are only 125 teams doing a better job instead of all 127 of them.

https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/stat/opponent-passing-yards-per-game

Not sure what the point is with Oklahoma, I guess they need to make some changes too. As for Pitt, Narduzzi was touted as being a defensive genius. He's got some work to do. He is a good coach. He'll be an even better coach when he realizes again the importance of embracing necessary change. Look how nicely it worked out for him with his new OC.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"#99HUGHgreen, post: 1643893, member: 4804"]Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year. Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time as soon as he was healthy. Imagine how much better he would be by now.
Excellent point, but notice that Coach Pat & Staff always put the health of their Players ahead of all else. Hamlin was not ready and could not start. OKSU Loss had miscommunication problems and wide open misses on TDs. Still you are correct on UNC & VT Losses might have been wins?

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. Playing the younger guys more this year would not only allowed them to gain valuable game day experience but they might have even made some key plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.
What a missed opportunity.
Another good point but Injuries played a role to be fair too. Yet, Coaches did have Players in position just missed many knock away's, downs, and tackles. Instead of 8-0, 7-1, 6-2, must live with 5-3 right now?

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.
One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.
I differ here a tad and also defer to other views as posted too. I saw Pitt DBs in position in UNC & VT but just missed tackles that ended up getting the other Teams 1st Downs just by inches like last week.

Yet, other times wide open and again missed tackles and might be fewer in UNC & VT, but were big reason for the loss in Stillwater, Oklahoma! Also, the dearth in Turnovers Interceptions and Fumbles little to none.

Talent will be there bigger, stronger, quicker for next year, but this year is a mixed bag of 7, 3, and 1 points losses with a Top Offense in the ACC & CFB? I am still happy with Coach Pat & Staff but disappointed at being so close but 5-3 instead of at least 7-1 or 8-0?

Good Post!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

So, are you disappointed by the injury he sustained during his SR year of HS? It is disappointing that he has not seen significant playing time this year, but that is not due to the coaches or Hamlin's results at practice. He physically wasn't ready to play after off-season surgery.

I might be wrong but in the Big 33 Game Hamlin came down hard and bit lame is what some saw after he grabbed a Interception? I am wrong, because that might have aggravated the situation on his health Issues?

Also, losing Hendrix, Cappy, and Zeise early also cut down the DLs & LBs coverage's and caused DBs to tackle more than just cover????

Injuries play a role when New coaches take over and slim to none young talent still not there or ready and if it is, has to grow and learn?

 

[Pitt4Life34]

Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year.

Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time as soon as he was healthy. Imagine how much better he would be by now.

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. Playing the younger guys more this year would not only allowed them to gain valuable game day experience but they might have even made some key plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.

What a missed opportunity.

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.

One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.

You realize the kid was hurt right?

 

[President Stache]

Don't twist my words Stache. No, I am certainly not suggesting to play an injured player. You will not find that notion in any of my post, unless it was a typo. My sources have told me that Hamlin was healthy and ready to go for the past couple of games. If that is indeed the case, then yes, I want to see Hamlin (the top rated recruit) playing and not being held out for fear of burning a year of eligibility (which was what one source told me was the case). The more time a healthy Hamlin gets to play, the better he will get.

Now, if Hamlin has not been physically healthy enough to play up until the VT game (which would mean my information was speculation rather than fact) then no, he shouldn't have been thrown into an earlier game. In such a scenario, the coaches still must try a new approach. Staying the course is giving in to the high probability of more of the same.

I think most of us (if not all) would agree that this Pitt team would likely be undefeated with a little better play by the DBs against the pass. While no one can say with certainty how much Hamlin can help the pass defense situation this year, there is simply no reason to hold back on playing a healthy, highly rated Hamlin with the such poor play by the corners.

If you or someone on this board knows the facts about when Hamlin was truly good to go, I'd love to know– the complete truth- not just speculation served up as truth. If Hamlin was not playing in previous games because he truly was not physically healthy enough to play, then I'd gladly change this thread to "Imagine if Narduzzi 'had a healthy Hamlin available to play more this season."

OK, I apologize, thought you were saying we should have played him all year. For the record, I agree with what you said here. I do not mind burning a redshirt year of a supposedly sure-fire star DB, since... if he is a sure fire star... wont be here 4 years anyways. And, of course, we are having massive issues, and injuries to our CBs. I wonder how Miller, Garner and Coleman look in practice also.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

I might be wrong but in the Big 33 Game Hamlin came down hard and bit lame is what some saw after he grabbed a Interception? I am wrong, because that might have aggravated the situation on his health Issues?

Also, losing Hendrix, Cappy, and Zeise early also cut down the DLs & LBs coverage's and caused DBs to tackle more than just cover????

Injuries play a role when New coaches take over and slim to none young talent still not there or ready and if it is, has to grow and learn?

For sure Cap! I'm not sure exactly when Hamlin originally injured himself, but know that he has not been fully ready to go outside of the past game or two. Now that the redshirt has come off, and Hamlin was all for making that decision with the coach (you have to admire that the two met and discussed the situation in the player's best interest), Hamlin deserves to take over to provide some hope for stability at one of the CB spots. If Maddox is back, pull Hamlin to the other side.

The losses of Hendrix, Caprara, Zeise, Maddox, and Bradley (last game) has certainly hurt on defense. Zeise was athletic enough to track down and make tackles against the TEs coming over the middle. As much as I appreciate the effort of Idowu, he simply doesn't appear to have the ability to take away the underneath routes (especially true against UNC).

 

[wbrpanther]

Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year.

Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time as soon as he was healthy. Imagine how much better he would be by now.

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. Playing the younger guys more this year would not only allowed them to gain valuable game day experience but they might have even made some key plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.

What a missed opportunity.

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.

One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.

Hamlin probably wasn't ready all year and probably still isn't. And rest be sured Narduzzi knows exactly what he has at DB. He will get it fixed and will do it without our help.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

For sure Cap! I'm not sure exactly when Hamlin originally injured himself, but know that he has not been fully ready to go outside of the past game or two. Now that the redshirt has come off, and Hamlin was all for making that decision with the coach (you have to admire that the two met and discussed the situation in the player's best interest), Hamlin deserves to take over to provide some hope for stability at one of the CB spots. If Maddox is back, pull Hamlin to the other side.

The losses of Hendrix, Caprara, Zeise, Maddox, and Bradley (last game) has certainly hurt on defense. Zeise was athletic enough to track down and make tackles against the TEs coming over the middle. As much as I appreciate the effort of Idowu, he simply doesn't appear to have the ability to take away the underneath routes (especially true against UNC).

This is how saw it last year, and this year. The one place Pitt is very vulnerable is key injuries of important Players, most avoided on offense so far, but on Defense where Pitt needed them most, these key injuries hurt and could be the difference in close losses? Others can disagree but I agree with you!

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

You realize the kid was hurt right?

Yes, I realize he was hurt. Again, there seems to be a lot of speculation about when he was truly healthy and ready to go. My understanding was that he was physically good to go a lot earlier than the VT game, but was kept out for another reason (wanting to redshirt him). My information may or may not have been accurate. No reporter or fan seems to be able to confirm with 100% certainty when exactly Hamlin was healthy to play. Maybe no on knows aside form the coaches and Hamlin. My point with this thread was that IF Hamlin was healthy for several games now and was given some more playing time in the GT and Virginia games, maybe he plays with tremendous confidence in the VT game and makes some plays which helps Pitt win. But then again, maybe my information was not accurate.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

OK, I apologize, thought you were saying we should have played him all year. For the record, I agree with what you said here. I do not mind burning a redshirt year of a supposedly sure-fire star DB, since... if he is a sure fire star... wont be here 4 years anyways. And, of course, we are having massive issues, and injuries to our CBs. I wonder how Miller, Garner and Coleman look in practice also.

No worries Stache. We're good.

You may recall Narduzzi and staff have talked these DBs up a bit at one point or another during the season. I remember them bragging about some of the things Garner did in one practice. Thought they might give him some playing time this year so he has game day experience going into next year.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

No worries Stache. We're good.

You may recall Narduzzi and staff have talked these DBs up a bit at one point or another during the season. I remember them bragging about some of the things Garner did in one practice. Thought they might give him some playing time this year so he has game day experience going into next year.

It was an Excellent Post Topic and followed by even better Discussions by some of the better Posters that love to share Football Posts. This is why Panther-Lair is the best place to share and learn.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

Hamlin probably wasn't ready all year and probably still isn't. And rest be sured Narduzzi knows exactly what he has at DB. He will get it fixed and will do it without our help.

You may be right, but it's still just more speculation. My understanding is that he's been healthy for awhile. But then maybe my info was wrong.

I agree that Narduzzi will get it fixed. He's a good coach who happened to squandered some great opportunities. He's also a competitor who gets his guys believing they can beat anyone. Yet, in order to do that, he's got to be willing to make changes to those things that are keeping his team from winning.

But, yeah, he'll get it figured out.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

"#99HUGHgreen, post: 1643893, member: 4804"]Hamlin, in his limited performance, looked a bit nervous and hesitant out there in the VT game. Chris Peak mentioned it and he's right. But I can't help but think (as probably many others including Chris might think) how much less nervous Hamlin would have looked or how much better he might have looked had he been given more playing time this year. Pitt lost 3 games... by a total of 11 points. Every one of those loses could have been a win, had Pitt's corners broken up just one of the big pass plays. Imagine if Hamlin–the most coveted recruit in the class–had been given playing time as soon as he was healthy. Imagine how much better he would be by now.
Excellent point, but notice that Coach Pat & Staff always put the health of their Players ahead of all else. Hamlin was not ready and could not start. OKSU Loss had miscommunication problems and wide open misses on TDs. Still you are correct on UNC & VT Losses might have been wins?

The veteran DBs have been atrocious all season. Narduzzi refused to replace them saying they were the best available. I've hated this decision as there has been zero evidence on game day that the starting DBs were ever going to get better. Heck, Maddox struggled all of last year. Playing the younger guys more this year would not only allowed them to gain valuable game day experience but they might have even made some key plays that might have given Pitt one, or two or even three more wins.
What a missed opportunity.
Another good point but Injuries played a role to be fair too. Yet, Coaches did have Players in position just missed many knock away's, downs, and tackles. Instead of 8-0, 7-1, 6-2, must live with 5-3 right now?

What makes the situation worse is that Pat continues to try to convince everyone that the DB play is really not all that bad. He continues to point to how good each opponent's pass offense is, instead of being completely honest that his DBs continually giving up more passing yards to their opponents than any other team's their opponent plays. I like coach Narduzzi quite a bit, yet I am bit disappointed with the way he's been handling some real issues and with the way he acted on the sidelines Thursday night.
One has to be completely honest about a problem before they can expect to fix it. Admitting the situation is really "that bad" and then starting Hamlin for the rest of the season (or at least playing him quite bit) would be a good start back on the right track for coach.
I differ here a tad and also defer to other views as posted too. I saw Pitt DBs in position in UNC & VT but just missed tackles that ended up getting the other Teams 1st Downs just by inches like last week.

Yet, other times wide open and again missed tackles and might be fewer in UNC & VT, but were big reason for the loss in Stillwater, Oklahoma! Also, the dearth in Turnovers Interceptions and Fumbles little to none.

Talent will be there bigger, stronger, quicker for next year, but this year is a mixed bag of 7, 3, and 1 points losses with a Top Offense in the ACC & CFB? I am still happy with Coach Pat & Staff but disappointed at being so close but 5-3 instead of at least 7-1 or 8-0?

Good Post!

I appreciate your responses Captain.

We agree on many points. Though, I tend to feel the coaching staff needs to take a little more ownership for things like LBs and DBS who are continually out of position or DBs who don't even attempt to break up passes when they do have good coverage. After all, the coaches are getting paid to have their players ready and playing with proper technique, right? It was somewhat encouraging to see a few plays where Pitt DBs fought for the ball during the VT game. Your last line says it best... I am still happy with Coach Pat & Staff but disappointed at being so close but 5-3 instead of at least 7-1 or 8-0?

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

I would give him a pass on the personnel, if he would adapt the scheme. He has essentially refused to do either. Also, it isn't just Hamlin or bust. He had two recruiting classes of DBs he signed off on/chose. Yeah, they are RS FR and FR, but they are his guys and if they aren't at least more physically capable than Ryan Lewis, we are in enormous trouble.

Agreed.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I appreciate your responses Captain.

We agree on many points. Though, I tend to feel the coaching staff needs to take a little more ownership for things like LBs and DBS who are continually out of position or DBs who don't even attempt to break up passes when they do have good coverage. After all, the coaches are getting paid to have their players ready and playing with proper technique, right? It was somewhat encouraging to see a few plays where Pitt DBs fought for the ball during the VT game. Your last line says it best... I am still happy with Coach Pat & Staff but disappointed at being so close but 5-3 instead of at least 7-1 or 8-0?

5 Wins & Against One Current #20-#23 Top 25 Ranked Team by 3!


3 Losses Against Three Current #17, #21, #22 Top 25 Ranked Teams By 7, 3, 1!

With a Top #3 Team remaining agrees with you, but Pitt is doing just fine for Coach Pat's 2nd year and 22nd game as a Head Coach rebuilding Pitt Programs in the ACC Power Conference Pitt Team in its 4th Year?

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