Well, this sounds encouraging

[RaleighPittFan]

Dare I say, it shows signs of growth as a coach?

"Narduzzi promised a different style of defense for Washington and Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph.

“I do feel better about that matchup this year than I did a year ago,” he said. “Are we going to leave that guy on an island all day like we did last year? No. We're going to have to do something different.”

http://triblive.com/sports/college/...n-states-james-franklin-went-low-with-comment

 

[pittdan77]

Just about everyone I talked to who was at the PSU game felt like Pitt's secondary did an excellent job shutting the PSU receivers down. Save a couple of costly, blown coverages, the gave PSU trouble all day.

 

[TD_istheman]

Our O is now the issue.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

I thought the defensive assignments against PSU were pretty good compared with last year as well. There were a few blown assignments by the LBs (Idowu looking inside rather than following the TE; Brightwell losing Barkley), but overall the secondary limited the impact of Hamilton, Thompkins, etc. in the passing game.

The key will be finding and sticking with James Washington, while also not allowing one of their very quick RBs easy runs for big gains. Basically, this game comes down to keeping everything in front of the defense, rather than allowing Mason Rudolph to throw it over the top like he did last year. If PITT can force them into 10+ play drives, they should be succesful on Saturday. All of their TDs last year took 2:33 or less off the clock, with 3 of their TDs taking 3 plays or less.

 

[Pitt_Boss]

Our pass defense was just fine against PSU, but PSU didn't have a QB or WR as skilled as OSU

 

[Sarge25]

He's gonna have Idowu and Zeise covering the wr's 1on1 on the island?

I was hoping to hear about a QB split this week.

 

[PittGuyYessir]

The defense played well holding PSU to only 33 points on Saturday. It benefited from long time chewing drives from our offense as well as some sloppy play from Mcsorley.

 

[Cap pitt]

Our O is now the issue.

Especially the O line is not doing the job

 

[OhioPanther99]

He's gonna have Idowu and Zeise covering the wr's 1on1 on the island?

I was hoping to hear about a QB split this week.

It cracks me up to hear the number of folks wanting a change at quarterback already. What from last year's bowl game and mop-up duty last Saturday makes you think he(DiNucci) is the quarterback to give us the best chance at success this year?

 

[Sarge25]

It cracks me up to hear the number of folks wanting a change at quarterback already. What from last year's bowl game and mop-up duty last Saturday makes you think he(DiNucci) is the quarterback to give us the best chance at success this year?

The fact that their primary choice has looked like garbage against YSU and PSU. I'm ready to try the next qb that was chosen by the coaching staff to be the next best qb on the roster. I believe DiNucci is more athletic and more shifty with the ball. I don't think Pitt will have a downfield passing attack this year, so I'm ready to move on.

What have you seen from Browne in 5 years to show you he deserves a 3rd uncontested start? I think game 3 should be a 50/50 split. Give both qb's a shot to out produce the other. Maybe Browne plays better with a fire under his ass. Maybe DiNucci has a better showing with more opportunity. I think it's a fair question to ask since 1 has not blown out the other.

 

[MajorMajors]

If Max is to play QB, why have plays that are supposed to look like option plays? Does anyone in the stadium think Max is going to keep the ball -- and even if he does on 1 out of 10 plays, what harm can he do?

So if Max stays in, get rid of the option plays - substitute some "max" protect plays and let him sling it downfield...

Go Pitt

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

If Max is to play QB, why have plays that are supposed to look like option plays? Does anyone in the stadium think Max is going to keep the ball -- and even if he does on 1 out of 10 plays, what harm can he do?

So if Max stays in, get rid of the option plays - substitute some "max" protect plays and let him sling it downfield...

Go Pitt

Yeah. That's the one playcall that egregiously stands out.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

It cracks me up to hear the number of folks wanting a change at quarterback already. What from last year's bowl game and mop-up duty last Saturday makes you think he(DiNucci) is the quarterback to give us the best chance at success this year?

It's more about Browne showing nothing

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

It's more about Browne showing nothing

Definitely needs to show something soon or the switch will made in favor DiNucci.

 

[TD_6082]

It's more about Browne showing nothing

I don't think that is accurate. And I don't think replacing him this soon with someone that has far less ability is the answer.

 

[Panther_in_Kentucky]

I don't think that is accurate. And I don't think replacing him this soon with someone that has far less ability is the answer.

Funny. The QB who has DEMONSTRATED more "Ability" is clearly DiNucci.

There is a reason Clint Helton started to play Sam Darnold ( a more mobile, savy QB ) over the statue Max Browne at USC. Ironic that it occurred after game 3 last season because it most likely will occur after game 3 this season at Pitt.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

Funny. The QB who has DEMONSTRATED more "Ability" is clearly DiNucci.

There is a reason Clint Helton started to play Sam Darnold ( a more mobile, savy QB ) over the statue Max Browne at USC. Ironic that it occurred after game 3 last season because it most likely will occur after game 3 this season at Pitt.

Who the hell is this Clint Helton you speak of?

I'm not going to knock Dinucci, but clearly his stats do not "DEMONSTRATE" more ability. What part of the following shows Dinucci to be the far better pick at this point?

NAME CMP ATT YDS CMP% YDS/A TD INT RAT
Max Browne 36 56 278 64.3 4.96 1 2 104.7
Ben Dinucci 5 9 49 55.6 5.44 0 0 101.3

If you want to argue that Dinucci should be used in the red zone during parts of the game, then I'll agree that a change may be a solution to some of the struggles PITT has had in the red zone.

 

[PITTLAW]

Who the hell is this Clint Helton you speak of?

I'm not going to knock Dinucci, but clearly his stats do not "DEMONSTRATE" more ability. What part of the following shows Dinucci to be the far better pick at this point?

NAME CMP ATT YDS CMP% YDS/A TD INT RAT
Max Browne 36 56 278 64.3 4.96 1 2 104.7
Ben Dinucci 5 9 49 55.6 5.44 0 0 101.3

If you want to argue that Dinucci should be used in the red zone during parts of the game, then I'll agree that a change may be a solution to some of the struggles PITT has had in the red zone.

I am not advocating a change, just yet. However, looking at just stats is foolish. I was at the game last week...there was clearly a spark when Ben came in...and obviously resulted in the only TD of the day. Ben looks like he may have "it" as opposed to the physical numbers on paper. I say start Max, but the coaches should have a short leash if the offense fails to score TD's. Hail to Pitt!

 

[pittdan77]

Browne made three terrible passes against PSU and barely moved. He was put into obvious passing situations and faced big blitz's. He made some bad mistakes and it cost Pitt the game.

THIS IS WHY YOU DON'T SCREW AROUND AND HIDE YOUR OFFENSE AGAINST YOUNGSTOWN STATE!

 

[Sarge25]

You have to make this a 2 QB situation now and let their play decide who starts the rest of the year. Browne has not been able to separate himself in 2 games. Narduzzi has said MULTIPLE times that the qb competition in the spring and fall was very close, so he doesn't see much of a difference either.

 

[Saboteur]

Yeah. That's the one playcall that egregiously stands out.

Isn't that redundant?

 

[Chaos]

Funny. The QB who has DEMONSTRATED more "Ability" is clearly DiNucci.

There is a reason Clint Helton started to play Sam Darnold ( a more mobile, savy QB ) over the statue Max Browne at USC. Ironic that it occurred after game 3 last season because it most likely will occur after game 3 this season at Pitt.

Darnold > is better than Browne and Dinucci combined. If Dinucci were as good as Darnold, he would be starting.

 

[Jpripper88]

Dare I say, it shows signs of growth as a coach?

"Narduzzi promised a different style of defense for Washington and Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph.

“I do feel better about that matchup this year than I did a year ago,” he said. “Are we going to leave that guy on an island all day like we did last year? No. We're going to have to do something different.”

http://triblive.com/sports/college/...n-states-james-franklin-went-low-with-comment

Very, very encouraging. We shall see.

 

[revampedpanthers]

The defense played well holding PSU to only 33 points on Saturday. It benefited from long time chewing drives from our offense as well as some sloppy play from Mcsorley.

Actually the D really only gave up 24. The first TD started at the 9 yard line and the safety isn't on the D. Agree Mcsorley wasn't great and Rudolph is a better QB. I expected this to be our toughest game of the year as far as quality of the opponent and the matchup.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

there was clearly a spark when Ben came in...and obviously resulted in the only TD of the day.

He came in with the ball on the three yard line. He had nothing at all to do with that drive, other than the last play.

He looked OK on his one actual series that he played. You know, the one that came after the game was already decided and the opponent had mostly backups on the field. Yeah, that one.

 

[TD_6082]

DiNucci clearly doesn't have the ability to stretch the field or make many of the throws Browne can make. I don't have a problem with it if the staff has a package for DiNucci and they get him a couple of series here and there. But to replace Browne at this point would be batshit crazy and reek of amateur hour on the part of our staff.

Browne has his limitations in terms of mobility and there are many things he needs to work on. However, the way to approach it is to give him confidence, and keep working to see if he can progress and become more fundamentally sound and more productive. This needs to be about getting Browne better, not creating a QB controversy or going with a youth movement for the future. Browne is our QB and the future Pitt needs to be preparing for is the upcoming ACC schedule. Winning the Coastal should be the goal, and Browne gives Pitt the best chance. Obviously, this was the staff's thinking when they recruited Browne & obviously that was their feeling after fall camp.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

DiNucci clearly doesn't have the ability to stretch the field or make many of the throws Browne can make. I don't have a problem with it if the staff has a package for DiNucci and they get him a couple of series here and there. But to replace Browne at this point would be batshit crazy and reek of amateur hour on the part of our staff.

Browne has his limitations in terms of mobility and there are many things he needs to work on. However, the way to approach it is to give him confidence, and keep working to see if he can progress and become more fundamentally sound and more productive. This needs to be about getting Browne better, not creating a QB controversy or going with a youth movement for the future. Browne is our QB and the future Pitt needs to be preparing for is the upcoming ACC schedule. Winning the Coastal should be the goal, and Browne gives Pitt the best chance. Obviously, this was the staff's thinking when they recruited Browne & obviously that was their feeling after fall camp.

Browne also hasn't stretched the field or made throws anything other than basic ones.
Which is the problem

 

[vegasgreed]

Yeah, Watson isn't even attempting to go down field. I watched that video from him yesterday on PSN. He talked for over 10 minutes and didn't say anything.

 

[BBrown]

Dare I say, it shows signs of growth as a coach?

"Narduzzi promised a different style of defense for Washington and Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph.

“I do feel better about that matchup this year than I did a year ago,” he said. “Are we going to leave that guy on an island all day like we did last year? No. We're going to have to do something different.”

http://triblive.com/sports/college/...n-states-james-franklin-went-low-with-comment

From what I saw and heard he changed his normal Man to Man coverage schemes to more of a zone type with safety help.

 

[BBrown]

Just about everyone I talked to who was at the PSU game felt like Pitt's secondary did an excellent job shutting the PSU receivers down. Save a couple of costly, blown coverages, the gave PSU trouble all day.

Wellll not exactly true. The PSU WR's were still pretty open the problem was the normally accurate Trace M. wasn't.
From my view in the cheap seats, it really wasn't the pitt DB's that had issues it was your LB'rs.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

I am not advocating a change, just yet. However, looking at just stats is foolish. I was at the game last week...there was clearly a spark when Ben came in...and obviously resulted in the only TD of the day. Ben looks like he may have "it" as opposed to the physical numbers on paper. I say start Max, but the coaches should have a short leash if the offense fails to score TD's. Hail to Pitt!

I won't argue that one bit.

Maybe the change will somehow spark Browne to show a some progression through his receivers, run for the first down on 3rd and 2, etc.

Ben definitely provided a spark with both his feet and his arm. He showed good poise in the pocket when provided time to survey the field and find the open receiver. He also showed great awareness and an ability to run and pick up the first down.

Many people were pointing to the PSU defense suddenly playing soft when Ben stepped on the field in place of Browne. My counter to that is PSU understood Ben's ability to scramble for a first down if provided with the opportunity, rather than Browne's inability to sidestep one defender.

Hell, you talked me into it.

Ben should be seeing chunks of playing time if Browne is unsuccessful the first couple of drives this weekend. I also would like to se Ben used on the red zone, where this team has been been extremely ineffective. That ineffectiveness in the red zone (settling for 6 points rather than 14 points, dropped TD passes, etc) is what separates this team from a solid victory against YSU and a very close loss/possible win against PSU.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Wellll not exactly true. The PSU WR's were still pretty open the problem was the normally accurate Trace M. wasn't.
From my view in the cheap seats, it really wasn't the pitt DB's that had issues it was your LB'rs.

Yup. Idowu's okay and improving on the outside. Zeise is a new starter on the outside. And, Brightwell played in a few games last season but never in the middle. The hope is the LBs will improve with experience. Positive note being Maddox and Jackson look pretty good at CB. Garner seems like a keeper at S. And, Briggs, while nothing special, will be a nice option to backup Whitehead and Garner when Whitehead returns next week @ GT.

Pitt also has 8 players that are either new to starting, new to the team or playing a new position on offense. Oh, yeah, missing their stellar FB Aston as well for another week or two as well.

If you're an optimist, gotta believe the team improves as the season progresses. The one big question is QB. Best case is Browne finds his footing and truly looks the starter. The second best case is that he doesn't but DiNucci proves a gamer and leads them to a decent record. Worst case is Browne is only replaced by DiNucci because Browne's not getting it done at all. And, well, DiNucci, while an upgrade, limits what Pitt's capable of calling on offense.

Not many teams - Any? - playing back to back non league games versus Top 10 and legit playoff contenders. I guess the closest thing I can think of is Clemson playing v. #13 Auburn last weekend and traveling @ #14 Louisville this weekend. Though, Cards are an ACC tilt. Anyway, hopefully, the early still competition serves Pitt well in ACC play.

 

[BBrown]

Yup. Idowu's okay and improving on the outside. Zeise is a new starter on the outside. And, Brightwell played in a few games last season but never in the middle. The hope is the LBs will improve with experience. Positive note being Maddox and Jackson look pretty good at CB. Garner seems like a keeper at S. And, Briggs, while nothing special, will be a nice option to backup Whitehead and Garner when Whitehead returns next week @ GT.

Pitt also has 8 players that are either new to starting, new to the team or playing a new position on offense. Oh, yeah, missing their stellar FB Aston as well for another week or two as well.

If you're an optimist, gotta believe the team improves as the season progresses. The one big question is QB. Best case is Browne finds his footing and truly looks the starter. The second best case is that he doesn't but DiNucci proves a gamer and leads them to a decent record. Worst case is Browne is only replaced by DiNucci because Browne's not getting it done at all. And, well, DiNucci, while an upgrade, limits what Pitt's capable of calling on offense.

Not many teams - Any? - playing back to back non league games versus Top 10 and legit playoff contenders. I guess the closest thing I can think of is Clemson playing v. #13 Auburn last weekend and traveling @ #14 Louisville this weekend. Though, Cards are an ACC tilt. Anyway, hopefully, the early still competition serves Pitt well in ACC play.

Nice post. Getting Whitehead back will help a lot.
I really liked your RB. Thought he was tough and ran hard.
Watching your game I really didn't think defense was your biggest issue.
I just didn't like the way your OC used your QB. The option with Browne was just idiotic.
Your OL is good I'd adopt a "Raiders" approach and at least have more than 1 deep shot per game.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Nice post. Getting Whitehead back will help a lot.
I really liked your RB. Thought he was tough and ran hard.
Watching your game I really didn't think defense was your biggest issue.
I just didn't like the way your OC used your QB. The option with Browne was just idiotic.
Your OL is good I'd adopt a "Raiders" approach and at least have more than 1 deep shot per game.

I get what he's thinking, but yes. That's either a no gain and puts the QB at risk. Or, a no gain with the RB as no one fears Browne's ability to run whatsoever.

 

[WillTD8]

I'd really recommend NOT to bracket James or double cover him, Ateman, Lacy, McClesky, and Johnson would be a top 25 WR group without Washington.

 

[PITTLAW]

He came in with the ball on the three yard line. He had nothing at all to do with that drive, other than the last play.

He looked OK on his one actual series that he played. You know, the one that came after the game was already decided and the opponent had mostly backups on the field. Yeah, that one.

Regardless, there was clearly a spark on offense when he was playing. Be certain, the Nits were going full force on defense, as numb-nuts badly wanted to score again [remember the time out called?]. I'm not arguing that Ben is better than Max, only that the team sparked and that he obviously brings wheels that Max simply does not have. Against certain defenses, ability to tuck and run may be crucial. We shall see what develops on Saturday. Hail to Pitt!

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Regardless, there was clearly a spark on offense when he was playing. Be certain, the Nits were going full force on defense, as numb-nuts badly wanted to score again [remember the time out called?]. I'm not arguing that Ben is better than Max, only that the team sparked and that he obviously brings wheels that Max simply does not have. Against certain defenses, ability to tuck and run may be crucial. We shall see what develops on Saturday. Hail to Pitt!

Even if Browne improves, PItt should definitely install packages for DiNucci. It's good way to go about it. As we've seen, regardless of ability, both seem very capable of getting the team in and out of huddle, etc. I doubt the line, backfield and receivers skip much of a beat regardless of when DiNucci's package is inserted/executed.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

He put the ball in the endzone on 3rd and goal which is something that Browne failed at twice earlier in the game. On the last drive he had a TD dropped by Clark.

I know it's hard for some to believe that a 5* top rated QB may be worse than a guy whose only other offer was Penn. We'll find out soon enough.

 

[RHS14]

On the pass to Chris Clarke -- they didn't show a replay on that?

Was that pass deflected by the defender covering him, or was it right there to catch and he didn't secure it?

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

Looked to me like it ricocheted off his chest. Then he smacks himself on the side of the helmet like c'mon.