Is the lack of WR production a function of the defenses we've played, our scheme, or our WR talent?
It certainly does not appear to be offensive line play or QB talent. So what's your take as to why our TEs are getting open/catches but our WRs are not?
Replies to: Is the lack of WR production a function of the defenses we've played, our scheme, or our WR talent?
Part of it is until this year Evans was replacing Mayer and had not proven himself, so I'm sure they
cheated on the wide receivers knowing Hartman loved to go there from his past. The wide receiver production is still much better than last year and will continue to improve.
Lack of healthy talent, plus that was a great defense
We were missing three of our better receivers (Thomas, Greathouse, Colzie), Rico Flores is still adjusting to the speed and strength of the college game, and Braylon James wasn't ready yet (we all knew he was a great talent, but a work in progress).
Also, that was a quality defense that Duke fielded. They actually got the better of us both on the front seven, as well as the secondary. Pass coverage was very good all night long, and I wouldn't be surprised to see all four of those starters in the secondary playing on Sundays.
The front seven were controlling the line of scrimmage, and generating plenty of pressure, to the point where even Joe Alt had a subpar day.
Finally, they had excellent anticipation on the snap count, and were all but getting a whole step's jump before our guys even moved on many occasions.
All you can do is tip your cap to Mike Elko, who has certainly proven himself as a defensive coordinator throughout the years, and now as a head coach.
On another note, we are very fortunate to have Sam Hartman here. He saw that the only weak spot in the Duke's defense was the pass coverage from the inside linebacker(s), and Mitchell Evans was able to get open. Part of it was that they were running a very aggressive attacking defense, but the other part was the fact that Mitchell Evans is better than advertised, and has really stepped up his game.
He took what little the defense gave us, and turned it into 3 touchdowns.
Nd stopped OSU's WR's in large part. Like ND, I think Duke just has a good D.
On the other hand, I dont think it's talent anymore.
Maybe just inexperience.
Maybe they didnt know the plays and ran what they could?
And the Duke pass rush was no joke.
While our pass rush on the other hand was pretty putrid as far as finishing.
We need to figure out ways to stop teams putting so many men in the box.
It wasnt an issue when we took some shots early against Duke. Then we could move the ball. When we stopped making them accountable for the deep ball is when they started getting traction.
At the same time the RB’s only averaged 3.1 yds per carry.
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According to Freeman, Thomas, Greathouse and Raridon will be back this week. That will help a lot.
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