Questions concerning the 2009 football team

[zephyr]

_ If we have one of those off years that you speak of...I hope a new coach will have the chance to handle it in 2010 but until our administration shows that they will make a move I will not hold my breath.

I think we have way more question marks than certainties. Our offensive line will be the best in the league but I am not sold on the defense or our skill guys on offense. I wish I could look on the bright side but I have done that to often with our teams and been disappointed way to many times. I hope I am wrong! _

While I'm not opposed to a new coach for next year, I'm also willing to wait to see how this team performs and overcomes its youth at crucial positions. I refuse to only look at the amount of wins we have to make that decision because every coach and every team has to replace great players with question marks at some point in time. I don't think that is a reason to fire a coach if it takes some time for those players to step up.

My criteria, however, will be based on how he restructures the offense to accomodate the different talents of the new players. If I see the zone read option run by McGuire or whomever is at QB the majority of the time and see our QB run for 15-20 times a game, I will go crazy. These QB's are not that type of player and I hope he takes that into consideration. I feel like he already has by running more from under center, using rollouts and varying his sets up a bit. Also, its about time our D-Line learned how to pass rush and get to the QB. This D-Line is critical to this year's success. They have to be able to keep the O-line from engaging our LB's and if they do, we will be much improved on D.

[Boomer]

MY thoughts are that the biggest drop-off will be the running game at QB----Des was as good as anybody around at the position in running----I don't think that Fenroy's leaving will be that much of an impact---I know that his numbers were unreal but there were some big holes opened that many could have done as well---His showing in the pre-season camp tells the truth---My thoughts but I could be big time wrong---hope I am not and that a better pitcher can get us in the zone more quickly!!!!

[Just1More]

_ J1M, I've pointed at the offensive line as our ace in the hole. If we had to replace Dez, Fen and Chery AND the returning o line was weak I'd feel a whole lot differently about our prospects. _

I know "you" have... but many others are fan purchasers of only the QB and RB jerseys. We have the key offensive weapon coming back in a matured and improved state this coming year... the offensive line.

The primary skill player nipple got pulled out of our fans' mouths at the close of last year... and the baby is wailing. Unfortunately, we have over 80 days to stick the new nipple in their mouths to shut them up.

[rhineaux]

_ I know "you" have... but many others are fan purchasers of only the QB and RB jerseys. We have the key offensive weapon coming back in a matured and improved state this coming year... the offensive line.

The primary skill player nipple got pulled out of our fans' mouths at the close of last year... and the baby is wailing. Unfortunately, we have over 80 days to stick the new nipple in their mouths to shut them up. _

I know that this is a very experienced OL coming back this season, but I don't think it's as much of a strength as some of you do. If this offense will, in fact, throw the ball more this year, then that will require the OL to pass block a whole lot more...and their pass blocking hasn't always looked so hot over the past couple seasons.

I'm just hoping that it's because their previous offensive style didn't require them to concentrate on PB schemes, blitz pickups, etc, and that it's not a size/strength/ability issue. If that's the case, then they should ultimately be an asset. If it's not the case, then it may be a long season.

Either way, I think it could be/should be considered as another question mark going into this season.

[Just1More]

_ I know that this is a very experienced OL coming back this season, but I don't think it's as much of a strength as some of you do. If this offense will, in fact, throw the ball more this year, then that will require the OL to pass block a whole lot more...and their pass blocking hasn't always looked so hot over the past couple seasons.

I'm just hoping that it's because their previous offensive style didn't require them to concentrate on PB schemes, blitz pickups, etc, and that it's not a size/strength/ability issue. If that's the case, then they should ultimately be an asset. If it's not the case, then it may be a long season.

Either way, I think it could be/should be considered as another question mark going into this season. _

Our OL were run-blockers from necessity, not because of a lack of pass blocking skills. The only time we dropped back was on third and long in the past 2 years and the defenses were prepared. Our QB was a terrible drop back and throw from the pocket passer. Terrible. It had absolutely nothing to do with our OL's pass blocking skills. Our QB never stayed in the pocket and never released the ball at the critical moment.

What I witnessed in the past 6 years of happy-footed QBs is that they had no idea of how to throw a timed route pass. Our QBs in the past 6 years rolled out and the release point was never a timed route pass... our QBs either had to see a single designated receiver establish separation or they took off running. We have had to throw half the playbook out the window and just saddle up the on the gifted legs we've had. They carried us pretty far, but you talk about hand a defense a simplified assignment.

If our new group of QBs, who I can guarantee you did not succeed in highschool with their legs alone, can throw to a spot, we will see something we haven't seen in years. I am not concerned about our OL's pass blocking skills if the timed route passing finally inches up from dismal to adequate. That balance opens up everything.

[Boomer]

How about the end of the Ark. St, game???? great passes ---in fact really big time---I think that was the game with a sub qb!!!!

[rhineaux]

_ Our OL were run-blockers from necessity, not because of a lack of pass blocking skills.

I didn't say that we didn't pass because the OL couldn't Pass Block. But, you could make the argument that many of them were recruited to UL because their size and agility allowed them to thrive in this system, perhaps despite what flaws they may have had in their pass blocking abilities.

The only time we dropped back was on third and long in the past 2 years and the defenses were prepared.

So, defenses aren't going to be expecting a drop back/pass this year on 3rd and long? Regardless of whether they run or pass on 1st and 2nd downs, the D is still going to have the advantage on 3rd and long.

Our QB was a terrible drop back and throw from the pocket passer. Terrible. It had absolutely nothing to do with our OL's pass blocking skills. Our QB never stayed in the pocket and never released the ball at the critical moment.

I don't think anyone, including Des, would say that Des was a great pocket QB. And I also would go as far as saying that he was recruited here in spite of his QB'ing abilities, because of other attributes he brought to the table.

What I witnessed in the past 6 years of happy-footed QBs is that they had no idea of how to throw a timed route pass. Our QBs in the past 6 years rolled out and the release point was never a timed route pass... our QBs either had to see a single designated receiver establish separation or they took off running. We have had to throw half the playbook out the window and just saddle up the on the gifted legs we've had. They carried us pretty far, but you talk about hand a defense a simplified assignment.

If our new group of QBs, who I can guarantee you did not succeed in highschool with their legs alone, can throw to a spot, we will see something we haven't seen in years. I am not concerned about our OL's pass blocking skills if the timed route passing finally inches up from dismal to adequate. That balance opens up everything. _

I will give you that one of the factors I didn't consider was the QB's pocket presence, or lack of one. If the QB is moving all around instead of staying in one spot, and the OL doesn't know it, then it reduces what little advantage they have.

I'm certainly not trying to stereotype these guys as bad pass blockers. As I stated before, the skill and technique might be tremendous, but they still may be at a disadvantage because of their lack of size. The point I want to make is that it's another unknown going into next year. And unfortunately, all of these unknowns are related. If the new QB gets nervous and can't keep still in the pocket, then it's going to make the OL look like they can't block well because the defense is always in the backfield. If the OL can't block well, then it's going to make the QB look like he can't pass well because he's always going to be hurried. If the new RBs can't get to the holes and/or read the defense well, then its going to make the OL look like they can't block well because we'll only average a couple yards a rush.

[MetryCajun]

_ Our OL were run-blockers from necessity, not because of a lack of pass blocking skills. The only time we dropped back was on third and long in the past 2 years and the defenses were prepared. Our QB was a terrible drop back and throw from the pocket passer. Terrible. It had absolutely nothing to do with our OL's pass blocking skills. Our QB never stayed in the pocket and never released the ball at the critical moment.

What I witnessed in the past 6 years of happy-footed QBs is that they had no idea of how to throw a timed route pass. Our QBs in the past 6 years rolled out and the release point was never a timed route pass... our QBs either had to see a single designated receiver establish separation or they took off running. We have had to throw half the playbook out the window and just saddle up the on the gifted legs we've had. They carried us pretty far, but you talk about hand a defense a simplified assignment.

If our new group of QBs, who I can guarantee you did not succeed in highschool with their legs alone, can throw to a spot, we will see something we haven't seen in years. I am not concerned about our OL's pass blocking skills if the timed route passing finally inches up from dismal to adequate. That balance opens up everything. _

In the games I have seen over the past few years, I have noticed a big disparity in pass protection. Most of the teams we play have all day to sit in the pocket, while our QB's are usually running for their lives. I believe a couple of years back CajunNation? put a stopwatch to the pass protection. It showed our Qb's had on average 1 second less to pass than our competitors. That is huge! I would bet that held true for last year too. I am not saying our line stinks, but they have a lot of improving to do.

[Zeebart21]

..

[zephyr]

_ Our OL were run-blockers from necessity, not because of a lack of pass blocking skills. The only time we dropped back was on third and long in the past 2 years and the defenses were prepared. Our QB was a terrible drop back and throw from the pocket passer. Terrible. It had absolutely nothing to do with our OL's pass blocking skills. Our QB never stayed in the pocket and never released the ball at the critical moment.

What I witnessed in the past 6 years of happy-footed QBs is that they had no idea of how to throw a timed route pass. Our QBs in the past 6 years rolled out and the release point was never a timed route pass... our QBs either had to see a single designated receiver establish separation or they took off running. We have had to throw half the playbook out the window and just saddle up the on the gifted legs we've had. They carried us pretty far, but you talk about hand a defense a simplified assignment.

If our new group of QBs, who I can guarantee you did not succeed in highschool with their legs alone, can throw to a spot, we will see something we haven't seen in years. I am not concerned about our OL's pass blocking skills if the timed route passing finally inches up from dismal to adequate. That balance opens up everything. _

Your contention is duly noted. As a matter of fact, the OL is one of the reasons I was giving this team a chance at 7 wins months ago of course to be ridiculed by some as being the optimistic acceptor of mediocrity. However, the OL is not throwing the passes, running the ball and running routes. I think the concern at the other positions is very reasonable. Also, I'd bet that we will have a better offense next year with a good but younger line and more experience in the skill positions than this year with lack of experience at skill slots and an experienced OL. What do you think?

[RaginFan2]

_ .. _

Now why'd you have to go and bring that up again???

[HoustonCajun]

_ Not being an expert has never kept you from offering an opinion. Neither has it stopped me, so here's mine.

Our offense cubbard is not bare, nor is it even understocked. We have several really good looking players at the backfield positions affected by 2009 graduation. The thing that's really lacking in them is "game experience" which creates these question marks about their possible production.

The big advantage we have is a deep, big and seasoned offense line for the new guys to play behind. It's led by not less than 2 starters in Fisher and Bustle who are already touted for multiple all-star honors.

Like someone said elsewhere about the D - if we can just avoid the number of injuries we had last season on defense, we will be better by that fact alone. If we also add better play by the defensive line with the bodies we now have there, it could be really interesting. _

Fenroy was not a highly recruited player, nor did he start his freshman year. He came off the bench following injuries to other players and the rest is history. He also played with a rushing QB who also ran for over 1,000 yards a season. We will now have a more balanced team, an actual passing QB and a bevy of running backs that should, with the best OL in the SBC, provide us a solid offense. Hopefully, a single back will step us to replace Fenroy and a running back tradition will be started. Add to that good wide receivers that will hopefully include Ladarius Green (rather than at tight end) and our offense should be pretty formidable. With returning O Coordinator(s) for the first time in a while and a revised offensive attack based on our current personnel, I am optimistic that we will do pretty well offensively.