What’s surprising at this juncture is that multiple units have been out-coached, out-hustled and out-efforted in at least 4 of the 7 games played despite senior leadership and an experienced, seasoned staff.
Under performing units
Offensive Coordinator – I was ecstatic with the Cignetti hire after seeing him transform Bill Stull from an also-ran to a First Team, Big East QB, Dorin Dickerson into a First Team All-America Tight End, and Dion Lewis into the Big East Offensive player of the year and 2nd team All-America as the nation’s 3rd leading rusher. All this in his first year on the job.
Offensive Line – Injuries have plagued this unit, but you’d expect 6th year seniors to dominate even if only 3 of the 5 were available. Truth be told, they were handled quite thoroughly against WVU and Tennessee while Georgia Tech and Louisville made them look average.
In Cignetti’s first year of his previous stint at Pitt (2009), the offensive line featured future NFL players, Jason Pinkston, Lucas Nix and John Malecki along with Chris “Lumpy” Jacobson, Joe Thomas (multi-year starter) and Rob Houser at Center, I think. Future starters, Dan Matha, Jordan Gibbs, Juantez Hollins, Cory King and Ryan Turnley were also on the roster. What I remember about this group is they were run blockers first and foremost.
Duzz has and will always want to be a bully, run oriented team, but I don't think he has the bullies to pull it off. This group is accustomed to back pedaling to pass block after doing so for 3-years in a heavy pass oriented offense. The offensive line talent may not be suitable for dominant run blocking against teams stacked for the run even with one of the best and most explosive backs Pitt backs in the last decade or more. I don’t think the talent is there to be what it’s being forced to be.
Unfortunately, though Pitt has no choice as Pitt’s offensive line also appears just average as pass blockers, however it’s exacerbated by Slovis’ inability to run.
Quarterback – Slovis needs max protection and perfect blocking to be successful. Again, you’d think with 6th year seniors on the o-line, this max protection wouldnt be needed but the results say otherwise. He's getting hammered at the same rate that Tom Savage was (anther statue) years ago and it's hampered his poise. I think the staff is sacrifising a good pass catching (Barthalamew) tight end to help block, but of course that means only 3 receivers are running pattersn against 6-7 pass defenders.
Wide Receivers – They are under performing or were over-rated to begin with. Perhaps it’s a perfect combination of the two. Mostly however because not one of the newecomers have come close to meeting expectations, let alone exceeding them. Come to think of it, only one starter comes to mind of players having easily met or exeeding expectations, Izzy.
Defensive Line – No doubt injuries have stopped this unit becoming one of the conference and perhaps nations best, but they’re still somewhat of a disappointment. Maybe I’m being unfair here and expect them to be what they’ve been for the last 4 years. A case could be made however that they’d be one of the nations best if it weren’t for injuries. I can’t say anyone in particular is a disappointment.
No Issues - Tight End, Defensive Backfield, Running Backs, Linebackers -
I have no issues with the tight ends, defensive backfield, or running backs although I thought I'd see Dennis standing out more. Corners are corners. In Duzz's system they'll get beat because it’s nearly impossible to defend 1-on-1 in open field with little to no safety help.
I’m still surprised Pitt hasn’t landed more highly rated corners for this very reason. If you play the position that’s what you want. It’s the opposite of a team that throws a lot, you’d expect receivers to be heavily attracted to that school because of the high number of opportunities.
I’m perplexed quite frankly. I thought this year’s performance would take place next year.
And lastly and slight off topic – Izzy
Not only is Izzy a pro prospect, but he’s also possibly a pro star in the making. I think he’s starting to learn how to play the position and maximize short yard running and running in traffic. At 215, he’s powerful enough to run inside with a lean which will get 2-3 yards when 190and 200 pounders get nothing, but what separates him are his gears and he has a few of them when needed.
Against Vtech, his 80 yarder says it all. He was handed the ball at the Pitt 16-yard line. When he reached the 20-yard line (original line of scrimmage) both of Vtech’s corners were at the 25-yard line and shedding blocks to converge on Izzy.They were even with him at about the 30-yard line.
Forty yards later at Vtech’s 30-yard line both corners were 5 and 7 yards behind while running at full speed, but by this time Izzy was INCREASING the distance beween them. I don't recall ever seeing this happen with a running back. When he crossed the goal line neither player was in the camera frame that showed the 10-yard line to the goal.
In other words in the 80 yard sprint, Izzy increased separation between himself and the speediest defenders on the opposing team, cornerbacks. That’s not normal for a running back, much less one that goes 215 lbs.
Shady wasn’t known to have great straight-ahead speed but I don’t remember defensive backs catching him neither. But minus Shady I can’t think of another back aside from Dorsett who could outrun defensive backs for nearly the length of the field. Think about it. With perfect blocking he can go 99 yards at anytime without getting caught.
Some running backs have small area quickness. Some have 10-40 yard speed. Izzy has 100 yard speed. That’s big-time stuff. NFL stuff.
Under performing units
Offensive Coordinator – I was ecstatic with the Cignetti hire after seeing him transform Bill Stull from an also-ran to a First Team, Big East QB, Dorin Dickerson into a First Team All-America Tight End, and Dion Lewis into the Big East Offensive player of the year and 2nd team All-America as the nation’s 3rd leading rusher. All this in his first year on the job.
Offensive Line – Injuries have plagued this unit, but you’d expect 6th year seniors to dominate even if only 3 of the 5 were available. Truth be told, they were handled quite thoroughly against WVU and Tennessee while Georgia Tech and Louisville made them look average.
In Cignetti’s first year of his previous stint at Pitt (2009), the offensive line featured future NFL players, Jason Pinkston, Lucas Nix and John Malecki along with Chris “Lumpy” Jacobson, Joe Thomas (multi-year starter) and Rob Houser at Center, I think. Future starters, Dan Matha, Jordan Gibbs, Juantez Hollins, Cory King and Ryan Turnley were also on the roster. What I remember about this group is they were run blockers first and foremost.
Duzz has and will always want to be a bully, run oriented team, but I don't think he has the bullies to pull it off. This group is accustomed to back pedaling to pass block after doing so for 3-years in a heavy pass oriented offense. The offensive line talent may not be suitable for dominant run blocking against teams stacked for the run even with one of the best and most explosive backs Pitt backs in the last decade or more. I don’t think the talent is there to be what it’s being forced to be.
Unfortunately, though Pitt has no choice as Pitt’s offensive line also appears just average as pass blockers, however it’s exacerbated by Slovis’ inability to run.
Quarterback – Slovis needs max protection and perfect blocking to be successful. Again, you’d think with 6th year seniors on the o-line, this max protection wouldnt be needed but the results say otherwise. He's getting hammered at the same rate that Tom Savage was (anther statue) years ago and it's hampered his poise. I think the staff is sacrifising a good pass catching (Barthalamew) tight end to help block, but of course that means only 3 receivers are running pattersn against 6-7 pass defenders.
Wide Receivers – They are under performing or were over-rated to begin with. Perhaps it’s a perfect combination of the two. Mostly however because not one of the newecomers have come close to meeting expectations, let alone exceeding them. Come to think of it, only one starter comes to mind of players having easily met or exeeding expectations, Izzy.
Defensive Line – No doubt injuries have stopped this unit becoming one of the conference and perhaps nations best, but they’re still somewhat of a disappointment. Maybe I’m being unfair here and expect them to be what they’ve been for the last 4 years. A case could be made however that they’d be one of the nations best if it weren’t for injuries. I can’t say anyone in particular is a disappointment.
No Issues - Tight End, Defensive Backfield, Running Backs, Linebackers -
I have no issues with the tight ends, defensive backfield, or running backs although I thought I'd see Dennis standing out more. Corners are corners. In Duzz's system they'll get beat because it’s nearly impossible to defend 1-on-1 in open field with little to no safety help.
I’m still surprised Pitt hasn’t landed more highly rated corners for this very reason. If you play the position that’s what you want. It’s the opposite of a team that throws a lot, you’d expect receivers to be heavily attracted to that school because of the high number of opportunities.
I’m perplexed quite frankly. I thought this year’s performance would take place next year.
And lastly and slight off topic – Izzy
Not only is Izzy a pro prospect, but he’s also possibly a pro star in the making. I think he’s starting to learn how to play the position and maximize short yard running and running in traffic. At 215, he’s powerful enough to run inside with a lean which will get 2-3 yards when 190and 200 pounders get nothing, but what separates him are his gears and he has a few of them when needed.
Against Vtech, his 80 yarder says it all. He was handed the ball at the Pitt 16-yard line. When he reached the 20-yard line (original line of scrimmage) both of Vtech’s corners were at the 25-yard line and shedding blocks to converge on Izzy.They were even with him at about the 30-yard line.
Forty yards later at Vtech’s 30-yard line both corners were 5 and 7 yards behind while running at full speed, but by this time Izzy was INCREASING the distance beween them. I don't recall ever seeing this happen with a running back. When he crossed the goal line neither player was in the camera frame that showed the 10-yard line to the goal.
In other words in the 80 yard sprint, Izzy increased separation between himself and the speediest defenders on the opposing team, cornerbacks. That’s not normal for a running back, much less one that goes 215 lbs.
Shady wasn’t known to have great straight-ahead speed but I don’t remember defensive backs catching him neither. But minus Shady I can’t think of another back aside from Dorsett who could outrun defensive backs for nearly the length of the field. Think about it. With perfect blocking he can go 99 yards at anytime without getting caught.
Some running backs have small area quickness. Some have 10-40 yard speed. Izzy has 100 yard speed. That’s big-time stuff. NFL stuff.
