Who is at fault for all of our offensive issues? Like most of you, my first reaction is that the Offensive Coordinator is the primary reason that an offense doesnt "go". But after Bartow's comment that jogged my memory, I'm starting to rethink the situation.
The gist of the comment, which was originally made in the offseason in Spring (i recall it from that time) and resurfaced this week, is that Billy Napier's preference is for a Pro-I style attack, while Swinney prefers more spread formations with multiple WRs.
If you look at the Maryland 1st and 2nd half reviews, you'll see that a majority of our plays are Gun 1B/Ace and Gun 2B sets with at least 3 WRs on the field, with the H-back Ace set coming in 3rd place for formation we run. If you recall, however, a large portion of our offense was run out of the I-formation for MTSU. It has steadily declined through the following 4 games. This much is fact.
What I am hearing from those I know, and yes it is technically heresay so you can make up your own mind, is that Coach Swinney is changing 1 or 2 plays a series from what is called in the booth by Napier. Also, some of the personnel groupings that are sent on the field are not what Napier intends, and don't match the plays called even when Swinney changes them, as well as the entirely wrong play being signaled in, which Swinney takes a part in.
I wanted to put their tendencies into context, given the Bartow comment. Napier was a QB at Furman, two-time All SoCon (2001-2002), and Furman played in the National Title game in 2001 and finishd 12-3. He was a finalist for the Payton award, the Heisman of 1-AA in 2002. Those Furman teams under Bobby Johnson/Bobby Lamb ran a pro-style I-formation attack.
Of course everyone knows Swinney played WR for Gene Stallings and won a national title in 1992. His position coach was Woody McCorvey. Stallings made him a graduate assistant and he stayed on with Mike Dubose in 1997 as a WR/TE coach until Dubose was fired in 2001. Stallings won his title with a pro-style I-formation attack, and Dubose continued it with Woody McCorvey as his OC his first year, but Woody was fired after an awful play call against Auburn in '97. Former Tide QB Tyler Watts comments on Dubose having pisspoor assistants during his tenure here. All of those teams ran a Pro-I formation attack. So both guys we have here come from a pro-style I-formation background, all could throw when needed, usually play-action, but were not pass-happy systems.
What else do we know? Its clear that Swinney believes the Spence system can work. If he didnt think that, he'd have let the entire offensive staff go and hired another outside guy to install a new one. The Spence system is neither entirely spread or I-form running. Its based on high-percentage/constraint passes and zone running games, not the I-formation. Swinney and Napier shared playcalling duties last year, and during the offseason Napier was officially named OC.
The playcalling at the end of last season was ok, and seemed to be coming together as we progressed. Thats my opinion of it, which I think most people shared. I was not enthusiastic about retaining Brad Scott or putting Jeff over receivers.
But now we're in a situation where theres the possibility that the OC and HC dont agree on calls. Now it is 100% within Dabo's power to change a call. I'm glad he will change a play that he thinks is bad. Tommy never changed Spence's stupid calls, even after he took liberties with O'Cain's. Maybe Dabo thinks he must interfere. But if Clemson has a game where we look like garbage on offense, ALL the fans look at the OC, not the head man. People think Swinney has no direct input and has poor people under him, so they want Napier and others fired to placate them. However, if the HC is changing the plays, and those plays make no sense, the fans won't ever know it.
Either way, if the offense fails to perform, Napier gets run out of town. It doesnt matter to the fans whether Dabo is changing the plays and he's the one that doesnt have a clue, they won't hear about it from anyone in the press, so they continue on thinking that Napier is the real culprit and all will be fixed if he's fired.
I'm not saying one or the other should be fired, yet. I do wonder which of them I should blame for playcalls that make little sense whatsoever. If it is Napier, then take his calls away. I dont want them given to Scott, but he's the only one with with OC experience we can use without firing someone. If its Swinney, then he needs to stay out of the playcalling. Three or four plays in a game are fine, but 20% is too much.
I think one of Clemson's beatwriters should step up and press Swinney on this question before we all scream for someone's head on this issue.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
"F"--That is the grade
I could not believe it. Saturday afternoon with Maryland, and Clemson got their ass beaten. After chatting with Dr. B (with both myself and the Dr. dropping about 20 WTF's), the only thing that is clear is that neither of us understand what any of our offensive coaches could be thinking. After wasting 3 hours of my life Saturday, everyone but CJ Spiller gets an F. From Swinney all the way down to the equipment managers, "F" is the grade.
There were not many bright spots, so I will go ahead and get the two I saw out of the way. Spiller is a fantastic athlete. He played to win. I just feel bad that he is wasting his talent with this clusterfuck of a program. Palmer also showed that he can catch the ball. Since our receivers can't catch a cold ass-naked in Alaska, I sincerely hope that Allen and Palmer get more chances throughout this year.
On to the rest of the story...Clemson did not play defense in the first half. On the two touchdowns, Clemson's defensive backs were out of position and UMd's receivers wanted the ball more. It did not help that Clemson could not pressure Maryland (specifically since MTSU and Rutgers whipped them up front). Clemson did get its act together defensively in the second half, but their play early on was unacceptable. Poor tackling and lackadaisical play ended up haunting the Tigers Saturday.
Offensively, I don't know what the hell went on Saturday. The WR play was crap. Clemson's WR's can't catch and sure as hell can't block. With this piss poor play, the play selection is even worse. If you cannot throw the ball, don't try to do it. PERIOD. Why Clemson doesn't just line up in the I and run the ball on first and second downs perplexes me. Clemson has a freshman QB, bad receivers, and a poor offensive line. The combination of these aspects indicates that CU does not nee to throw the ball 35 times a game.
Play calling looked like a video game. Did Napier just put all the plays he had in a bag and randomly draw plays out to run? After chatting with Dr. B, neither of us can figure out what kind of logic was used in this category. We do not utilize our speed with a vertical pass game. We do not stick to strong points when calling plays. Clemson goes from the I formation to a four wide receiver set. Clemson lined up and ran the ball pretty well early in the year only to abandon this since. CU must learn to get into third and short situations if the Tigers want to win any games this season.
In previous posts, I generated a simple checklist of attainable items that should be focused on. This list was apparently way too short and incomplete. There MUST be improvement this season. While we all knew this would be a learning event and would take some patience, I think the Maryland game was more trying than anyone expected all year, especially after the Bowden/Spence disaster over the past few years.
What Clemson must work on over the next two weeks.
QB play. While originally I wasn't too pissed at the play of our freshman QB, analysis of the game shows that he is clearly a freshman and is making too many mistakes. While part of this problem is the poor play up front and drops by his receivers, the coaches don't help him a bit with the poor play calling either. Parker is having difficulties anticipating where his receivers will be and focusing solely on one player. The sack at the end of the game was unacceptable, with the fumble only making this worse. Parker will need to make more plays either by becoming more precise with the football or by tucking the ball and getting up field for a few yards. After mulling over the idea of having two QB's, maybe it is a decent idea to give Korn more playing time. He looked really determined Saturday. I must admit that I shot this idea down earlier--and am still not sure that the timing was proper for the QB substitution--but now think that a shakeup under center would definitely be good for Korn and may allow KP to see the game from the outside and understand what he will need to do to be successful. At this point, I will try anything.
Receiver play. Please refer to the previous 4 weeks worth of posts on this position. This group is a definite weakness, with no one stepping up and making big catches. This, coupled with CU's inability to get the speedsters in more vertical routes, is really limiting this offense.
Offensive line. The right tackle position will be a weakness for this team all year. I am afraid that either Walker or Lambert will be a liability here. Both of these players have been beaten badly over the first 5 games, and many of these deriving from the lineman's inability to move his feet. The speed rush by CU's opponents has killed Clemson all year. Clemson must rely on more TE's and having the backs chip the ends. There is no way around helping whomever is in on the right side.
Running backs. I could care less if I see any more of Harper for a while. He does not run hard, and appears timid as he is trying to get to the line. Spiller and Ellington have both run well over the year, but Ellington has made a few mistakes leading to turnovers this season. I would still rather see Ellington spelling Spiller than Harper, and even have more confidence in Ellington getting a tough yard or two. It should be noted that the play calling coupled with some poor blocking makes these guys jobs a lot harder. Swinney/Napier could do these guys a favor with more power sets, running more iso and offtackle plays on FIRST AND SECOND DOWN (and on third down after success on the first two downs).
Defense. I really do not have to break down all positions on defense, but can give some general overviews. Clemson's defense (outside of 2nd quarter woes) played well enough for victory Saturday. Up front, Bowers had a nice game, recording a career high 2 sacks. McDaniel and the boys forced fumbles in critical portions of the football game. Clemson stopped Maryland in important 3rd and 4th down situations all day. Poor tackling really pissed me off halfway through the game. Fundamentals win football games, so you can never be too good of a tackling team.
Special teams. Obviously CJ Spiller kept CU in the game this past week with a fantastic kick return overcoming turf toe and losing a shoe while tossing some poor Maryland tacklers to the ground. This may be one of the last times this season someone takes the chance on kicking deep to Spiller. It should be noted that CJ is the national return man of the week after this performance. Otherwise, a miscue by the punt return team (Ellington unintentionally touching a punt after a clear "PETER" call) and a punt return given up for an (eventual) TD were not impressive. Since the defense played well after the fumble and CU only lost a little field position. The TD turned out to be the difference on the scoreboard. Richard Jackson, after drilling a long field goal of 50+, missed two critical attempts. This is the second week that Jackson has missed at critical portions in the contest. It should be noted that these field goals were fairly long, but I expected at least one of them to split the uprights.
Coaching. This is where there is a definite split between the experienced portion of the staff and the rookies. The experience gradient is obvious (to the defense of the offense staff, the defense is much more talented than the O. The defense is also much more fundamentally sound with their coaches giving offenses fits so far this year). On defense, once the players started getting after it (i.e., not in the 2nd quarter) Clemson played pretty well on defense. I was impressed with the play of Bowers Saturday. He is a big guy who can really move and get up the field when he wants to. The defense surrendered under 300 yards on Saturday. We must do a better job tackling and taking angles to the ballcarrier. Otherwise, the defense had a poor 2nd quarter, but surrendered very little after half. These fundamental mistakes can be fixed.
Offensively, the coaching was atrocious. Play calling was pathetic. Fundamentally, Clemson dropped a lot of passes and really could not get too much going. The use of formations sucked. The run/pass combination (especially late in the game when CU needed a field goal) was terrible. Clemson showed some success in the I formation running the ball. However, just as quickly as this success came, it was pissed away with pass attempts out of the gun. Clemson had better learn how to sustain drives in conservative formations by running the ball. Please, give your freshman QB some help by getting some yards on the ground on 1st and 2nd down. Please throw the ball vertically and utilize your speed. Please utilize the TE's more (to neutralize the opposition's ends as well as catch the ball. I think Palmer may be the only dependable choice outside of Spiller/Ford). Napier/Swinney have to create some sort of fluidity and rhythm offensively. So far, this offense can be described as choppy at best. Clemson has not shown a true offensive identity. Clemson has not shown that it can line up and do anything consistently. When Clemson is successful at something, the play callers immediately move away from what gained the success. I don't know why our staff is scared of getting in the I formation and running the ball plays. This team is a frustrating group to watch, especially with CU's inability to take care of business against a bad Maryland team.
There were not many bright spots, so I will go ahead and get the two I saw out of the way. Spiller is a fantastic athlete. He played to win. I just feel bad that he is wasting his talent with this clusterfuck of a program. Palmer also showed that he can catch the ball. Since our receivers can't catch a cold ass-naked in Alaska, I sincerely hope that Allen and Palmer get more chances throughout this year.
On to the rest of the story...Clemson did not play defense in the first half. On the two touchdowns, Clemson's defensive backs were out of position and UMd's receivers wanted the ball more. It did not help that Clemson could not pressure Maryland (specifically since MTSU and Rutgers whipped them up front). Clemson did get its act together defensively in the second half, but their play early on was unacceptable. Poor tackling and lackadaisical play ended up haunting the Tigers Saturday.
Offensively, I don't know what the hell went on Saturday. The WR play was crap. Clemson's WR's can't catch and sure as hell can't block. With this piss poor play, the play selection is even worse. If you cannot throw the ball, don't try to do it. PERIOD. Why Clemson doesn't just line up in the I and run the ball on first and second downs perplexes me. Clemson has a freshman QB, bad receivers, and a poor offensive line. The combination of these aspects indicates that CU does not nee to throw the ball 35 times a game.
Play calling looked like a video game. Did Napier just put all the plays he had in a bag and randomly draw plays out to run? After chatting with Dr. B, neither of us can figure out what kind of logic was used in this category. We do not utilize our speed with a vertical pass game. We do not stick to strong points when calling plays. Clemson goes from the I formation to a four wide receiver set. Clemson lined up and ran the ball pretty well early in the year only to abandon this since. CU must learn to get into third and short situations if the Tigers want to win any games this season.
In previous posts, I generated a simple checklist of attainable items that should be focused on. This list was apparently way too short and incomplete. There MUST be improvement this season. While we all knew this would be a learning event and would take some patience, I think the Maryland game was more trying than anyone expected all year, especially after the Bowden/Spence disaster over the past few years.
What Clemson must work on over the next two weeks.
QB play. While originally I wasn't too pissed at the play of our freshman QB, analysis of the game shows that he is clearly a freshman and is making too many mistakes. While part of this problem is the poor play up front and drops by his receivers, the coaches don't help him a bit with the poor play calling either. Parker is having difficulties anticipating where his receivers will be and focusing solely on one player. The sack at the end of the game was unacceptable, with the fumble only making this worse. Parker will need to make more plays either by becoming more precise with the football or by tucking the ball and getting up field for a few yards. After mulling over the idea of having two QB's, maybe it is a decent idea to give Korn more playing time. He looked really determined Saturday. I must admit that I shot this idea down earlier--and am still not sure that the timing was proper for the QB substitution--but now think that a shakeup under center would definitely be good for Korn and may allow KP to see the game from the outside and understand what he will need to do to be successful. At this point, I will try anything.
Receiver play. Please refer to the previous 4 weeks worth of posts on this position. This group is a definite weakness, with no one stepping up and making big catches. This, coupled with CU's inability to get the speedsters in more vertical routes, is really limiting this offense.
Offensive line. The right tackle position will be a weakness for this team all year. I am afraid that either Walker or Lambert will be a liability here. Both of these players have been beaten badly over the first 5 games, and many of these deriving from the lineman's inability to move his feet. The speed rush by CU's opponents has killed Clemson all year. Clemson must rely on more TE's and having the backs chip the ends. There is no way around helping whomever is in on the right side.
Running backs. I could care less if I see any more of Harper for a while. He does not run hard, and appears timid as he is trying to get to the line. Spiller and Ellington have both run well over the year, but Ellington has made a few mistakes leading to turnovers this season. I would still rather see Ellington spelling Spiller than Harper, and even have more confidence in Ellington getting a tough yard or two. It should be noted that the play calling coupled with some poor blocking makes these guys jobs a lot harder. Swinney/Napier could do these guys a favor with more power sets, running more iso and offtackle plays on FIRST AND SECOND DOWN (and on third down after success on the first two downs).
Defense. I really do not have to break down all positions on defense, but can give some general overviews. Clemson's defense (outside of 2nd quarter woes) played well enough for victory Saturday. Up front, Bowers had a nice game, recording a career high 2 sacks. McDaniel and the boys forced fumbles in critical portions of the football game. Clemson stopped Maryland in important 3rd and 4th down situations all day. Poor tackling really pissed me off halfway through the game. Fundamentals win football games, so you can never be too good of a tackling team.
Special teams. Obviously CJ Spiller kept CU in the game this past week with a fantastic kick return overcoming turf toe and losing a shoe while tossing some poor Maryland tacklers to the ground. This may be one of the last times this season someone takes the chance on kicking deep to Spiller. It should be noted that CJ is the national return man of the week after this performance. Otherwise, a miscue by the punt return team (Ellington unintentionally touching a punt after a clear "PETER" call) and a punt return given up for an (eventual) TD were not impressive. Since the defense played well after the fumble and CU only lost a little field position. The TD turned out to be the difference on the scoreboard. Richard Jackson, after drilling a long field goal of 50+, missed two critical attempts. This is the second week that Jackson has missed at critical portions in the contest. It should be noted that these field goals were fairly long, but I expected at least one of them to split the uprights.
Coaching. This is where there is a definite split between the experienced portion of the staff and the rookies. The experience gradient is obvious (to the defense of the offense staff, the defense is much more talented than the O. The defense is also much more fundamentally sound with their coaches giving offenses fits so far this year). On defense, once the players started getting after it (i.e., not in the 2nd quarter) Clemson played pretty well on defense. I was impressed with the play of Bowers Saturday. He is a big guy who can really move and get up the field when he wants to. The defense surrendered under 300 yards on Saturday. We must do a better job tackling and taking angles to the ballcarrier. Otherwise, the defense had a poor 2nd quarter, but surrendered very little after half. These fundamental mistakes can be fixed.
Offensively, the coaching was atrocious. Play calling was pathetic. Fundamentally, Clemson dropped a lot of passes and really could not get too much going. The use of formations sucked. The run/pass combination (especially late in the game when CU needed a field goal) was terrible. Clemson showed some success in the I formation running the ball. However, just as quickly as this success came, it was pissed away with pass attempts out of the gun. Clemson had better learn how to sustain drives in conservative formations by running the ball. Please, give your freshman QB some help by getting some yards on the ground on 1st and 2nd down. Please throw the ball vertically and utilize your speed. Please utilize the TE's more (to neutralize the opposition's ends as well as catch the ball. I think Palmer may be the only dependable choice outside of Spiller/Ford). Napier/Swinney have to create some sort of fluidity and rhythm offensively. So far, this offense can be described as choppy at best. Clemson has not shown a true offensive identity. Clemson has not shown that it can line up and do anything consistently. When Clemson is successful at something, the play callers immediately move away from what gained the success. I don't know why our staff is scared of getting in the I formation and running the ball plays. This team is a frustrating group to watch, especially with CU's inability to take care of business against a bad Maryland team.
Clemson falls to Maryland 24-21, 2nd half drive summaries
Defense forced a punt on the first MD drive. Really started wratcheting up the pressure with the front 4 in the 2nd half, starting with this drive.
Clemson gets the ball on our 27
1&10-Ace Pro Wing strong/Twins-inside zone handoff to spiller for 2
2&8-Gun 2B motion to Trips Field-Pass thrown over Harper's head incomplete, penalty for illegal motion (Harper started out of the backfield too soon) declined.
3&8-Gun 1B Spread-MD calls a zone blitz, Dye catches a hitch for 6.
Punt.
Run, Pass-I, Pass.
Defense gives up one 1st, then 3&out. Punted for a touchback.
From CU 20
1&10-Ace Pro Wing Strong/twins-PA pass called, L. Walker beaten on a SS blitz up the B-gap. Loss of 13.
2&23-Gun 1B Spread-Hitch to Palmer incomplete, low snap.
3&23-Ace Pro Wing Twins/motion to strong-Toss Sweep to Spiller gets 3.
Punt.
PA pass/sack, Pass-I, Run.
I can see being conservative here after the sack, we were inside our 10. The goal after the sack is to get half the loss back, and they tried. I would rather they show a different formation besides Ace Pro Wing variations and Gun spreads. I'm not seeing a halftime adjustment.
Punt returned inside the 1 yard line. Defense stuffs inside runs. On the TD, a pitch out to the RB on a Toss Sweep, and McDaniel is cut out of position to make his tackle, then Meggett makes him miss.
Spiller returns the kickoff, courtesy ShoelessCU
2pt Conversion
Gun 1B Trips-a fade is interfered with, retry.
Gun 1B Trips-Good play call here, hits Palmer at the post behind the FS.
Defense gives up a 1st, then 3&out. Good plays by McDaniel and a sack by Bowers. Punt snap is dropped, then he gets it off anyway. Ball taps off Ellington's kneepad, turned over on the CU 32. Butler eats up a Double Pass play because his blocker never squared up on him. Bowers gets another sack, and they punt to our 8.
From the 8
1&10-I Right H weak-HB Power to Spiller for 4, after a cutback lane opens, and if he'd made him miss it would've been a TD. RUN IT AGAIN.
Start of 4th Qtr.
2&6-Double Wing set-False start by Allen
2&11-Gun 1B Spread-hits Ford on a drag/crossing route for 7 in the face of a blitz.
3&6-Gun 1B Spread-ALL DAY TO THROW the ball, and it falls incomplete to Ford on a hitch because it was thrown behind him.
Punt.
Run, Pass, Pass-I. 2nd play was probably a zone handoff or another damn "hit the TE in the flats" play, but the false start took a convertible down into 2&long. The goal on 2&11 is to get at least half the distance and we do, then when the line does manage to protect with 5 men, we cant make a throw. Someone isnt getting open.
D forces 3&out.
Again from the 8.
1&10-Gun 2B Twins-motioned to I-Far, handoff to strongside to Spiller for a 1st down.
1&10-Gun 2B Twins-motion-off-tackle run by Spiller for 2, face mask for 15.
1&10-Gun 2B Twins-motion-Ellington takes an inside Dive for 1.
2&9-Gun 1B Trips Field-Flanker screen to Ford for 7.
3&2-Gun 1B Trips Field-hitch to Dye for 10, great catch.
1&10-Ace Pro Wing strong/Twins-End-around to ford for 2.
2&8-Gun 1B Trips Field-Flanker screen to Ford-incomplete because he decided to run without the ball.
3&8-Gun 1B Trips Field-ALL DAY TO THROW the ball, and finally pressure comes and he throws it away.
Punt.
Run, Run, Run, Pass, Pass, Run, Pass-i, Pass-i
Where is the mixup in formations here? Why jump right into Gun when we have success in the I-formation with Spiller? Two flanker screens are used as run plays, but no need to run it twice. We need a score here and no thought of going downfield to put pressure on the defense. They show straight Cover 2 and Cover 1 and can drop men back because we're no run threat in Gun.
D forces Turnover on Downs, really a dumb call by Fridge if you ask me from your 38.
At least he coaches to win.
At the MD 38 with 6min to go.
1&10-I Right Wing weakside-HB Power to Spiller for 3.
2&7-Gun 1B Twins-Spiller misses a chip on a blitzer then falls down on his reception in the flat, loss of 5. A DRAW WOULD BE NICE.
3&11-Ace Pro Wing strong/Twins-HB Toss to the BOUNDARY? 1 yard. Walker did not get over to make his block.
Missed the FG.
Defense forces turnover on the very next play, McDaniel blows up the run on a blitz and forces the fumble.
From MD 31
1&10-I Near Twins-inside lead handoff to Spiller, gains nothing because McClain didnt block.
2&10-I Right motion to Twins-QB Rollout, again, TE covered in the flat falls incomplete.
3&10-Gun 1B Spread-they blitz right side, McClain didnt pick up anybody it appears, Parker throws it away.
Missed FG.
Run, Pass-I, Pass-I. I hate this stupid Rollout play, an End is almost always left unblocked (intentionally, counter trap blocking assignment probably) and Parker hurries. WHEN does he ever hit the WR crossing the field? He always looks to the TE and/or throws it away. Where is the HB Power we beat GT so badly with? This drive bothers me the most of all. I'd have run the ball on 2nd and 3rd down with Spiller and if stopped, kicked. Put the ball in the best player's hand with the game on the line. Don't even think of throwing on 3rd down when your offense hasn't done shit the entire half.
D forces 3&out AGAIN. Punt to CU 30 with 1:30 left.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-Palmer on an Out-7yds
2&3-Gun 1B Spread-Palmer curl/out to the 50.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-Palmer on an In to the 31.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-hit Ford on a stop route, short gain
2&6-Gun 1B Spread-Corner jumps a hitch to Marquan, when Parker had time to throw deeper.
3&6-Gun 1B Spread-Lambert missed a blitzer outside, and decided to double team the man on Austin. I dont see how Lambert did not see this guy coming. Spiller cuts the outside-most blitzer. Fumble, ballgame.
Well with 1:30 we have to throw, and I'm glad we run the TE over the middle, but WHY do we not attack with the WRs downfield when we reach MD territory? Take ONE shot in the endzone on a post to Palmer or Ford here, then set up the FG at midfield. We go hurry-up and it works OK, why not earlier? It worked against TCU.
So now I've looked at the whole game's calls. I dont see what the hell Dabo is thinking about.
The plays go through Dabo, he's signaling them in and is involved. What we showed against MTSU and GT, we aren't seeing more of. In those first few games we ran gap scheme run plays (like HB Power or Iso) and we ran more zone sprint run plays against BC because they slanted/stunted their linemen to attack the gap schemes we had run earlier. I didnt see much against TCU either. I don't see Parker step up and throw when a blitzer comes, he scrambles and throws it away. He doesnt scramble out of the pocket upfield anymore either. He must be being coached to stay in.
Adjusting to what your opponents show is one thing, but abandoning what had worked is another. If you are good at I-formation running, then you RUN IT ANYWAY. You dont change everything based on them, you run what youre good at. This is a weak defense, and even with Hairston out the 2nd half (that I noticed) we should be able to run the damn football. Clemson never tried to establish the run game.
Also, look at the formations we are running with. Gun helps pass protection but are we a dedicated passing team or not? Will you establish the run first so we can make them respect it from shotgun? We flood the Field side with multiple routes, and yet no one is open? Why do so many routes overlap? Attack the Cover 2 in levels! Cover 2 is designed to stop the underneath passing game with 5 defenders, yet you have to make those Backers move somewhere in the underneath 5 zones. We dont stretch them. When they show Man, we dont attack it vertically.
Clemson finds more ways NOT to utilize their speed advantage than any team I've ever seen. I see no imagination on offense. It is perfectly fine to run the same formations, IF you attack intelligently with them. I don't think any DC in the country worries about our scheme though, because we dont attack. I see basically 3 or 4 formations. Teaching someone a new place to stand is not a big deal, but it puts pressure on a defense in gameplanning and adjustments. As far as the attacking; Deep, Intermediate, short, Deep again...is something you dont see from us. Its all short/short/short/run/short/short/fuckingrollout/fuckingrollout with at least 3 balls thrown away. Notice how many pass plays gained more than 10 yards.
Dabo Swinney picked Napier as OC so HE could have a firm hand in this offense, but what is happening is atrocious. I don't see rhyme or reason to the plays in this game. We run sweeps to the boundary, dont attack vertically, and some of these plays just dont make sense with the overlapping routes. I know the Spence Clemson offense is based on quick timing patterns and flooding underneath zones with receivers, but we have to go vertical. We cannot execute 10-15 play drives that we have to to make the defense change their coverage. They do not respect us as a true run threat from spread formations either.
Clemson either has to script more plays for Wake, or we're going to have to give it to Brad....who I felt was the most predictable OC in the Universe. Thats the only chance I see this getting fixed before the end of the year.
According to Ryan Bartow: Swinney wants the spread 4-wide plays, Napier wants more I-formation (he ran that at Furman).
Clemson gets the ball on our 27
1&10-Ace Pro Wing strong/Twins-inside zone handoff to spiller for 2
2&8-Gun 2B motion to Trips Field-Pass thrown over Harper's head incomplete, penalty for illegal motion (Harper started out of the backfield too soon) declined.
3&8-Gun 1B Spread-MD calls a zone blitz, Dye catches a hitch for 6.
Punt.
Run, Pass-I, Pass.
Defense gives up one 1st, then 3&out. Punted for a touchback.
From CU 20
1&10-Ace Pro Wing Strong/twins-PA pass called, L. Walker beaten on a SS blitz up the B-gap. Loss of 13.
2&23-Gun 1B Spread-Hitch to Palmer incomplete, low snap.
3&23-Ace Pro Wing Twins/motion to strong-Toss Sweep to Spiller gets 3.
Punt.
PA pass/sack, Pass-I, Run.
I can see being conservative here after the sack, we were inside our 10. The goal after the sack is to get half the loss back, and they tried. I would rather they show a different formation besides Ace Pro Wing variations and Gun spreads. I'm not seeing a halftime adjustment.
Punt returned inside the 1 yard line. Defense stuffs inside runs. On the TD, a pitch out to the RB on a Toss Sweep, and McDaniel is cut out of position to make his tackle, then Meggett makes him miss.
Spiller returns the kickoff, courtesy ShoelessCU
2pt Conversion
Gun 1B Trips-a fade is interfered with, retry.
Gun 1B Trips-Good play call here, hits Palmer at the post behind the FS.
Defense gives up a 1st, then 3&out. Good plays by McDaniel and a sack by Bowers. Punt snap is dropped, then he gets it off anyway. Ball taps off Ellington's kneepad, turned over on the CU 32. Butler eats up a Double Pass play because his blocker never squared up on him. Bowers gets another sack, and they punt to our 8.
From the 8
1&10-I Right H weak-HB Power to Spiller for 4, after a cutback lane opens, and if he'd made him miss it would've been a TD. RUN IT AGAIN.
Start of 4th Qtr.
2&6-Double Wing set-False start by Allen
2&11-Gun 1B Spread-hits Ford on a drag/crossing route for 7 in the face of a blitz.
3&6-Gun 1B Spread-ALL DAY TO THROW the ball, and it falls incomplete to Ford on a hitch because it was thrown behind him.
Punt.
Run, Pass, Pass-I. 2nd play was probably a zone handoff or another damn "hit the TE in the flats" play, but the false start took a convertible down into 2&long. The goal on 2&11 is to get at least half the distance and we do, then when the line does manage to protect with 5 men, we cant make a throw. Someone isnt getting open.
D forces 3&out.
Again from the 8.
1&10-Gun 2B Twins-motioned to I-Far, handoff to strongside to Spiller for a 1st down.
1&10-Gun 2B Twins-motion-off-tackle run by Spiller for 2, face mask for 15.
1&10-Gun 2B Twins-motion-Ellington takes an inside Dive for 1.
2&9-Gun 1B Trips Field-Flanker screen to Ford for 7.
3&2-Gun 1B Trips Field-hitch to Dye for 10, great catch.
1&10-Ace Pro Wing strong/Twins-End-around to ford for 2.
2&8-Gun 1B Trips Field-Flanker screen to Ford-incomplete because he decided to run without the ball.
3&8-Gun 1B Trips Field-ALL DAY TO THROW the ball, and finally pressure comes and he throws it away.
Punt.
Run, Run, Run, Pass, Pass, Run, Pass-i, Pass-i
Where is the mixup in formations here? Why jump right into Gun when we have success in the I-formation with Spiller? Two flanker screens are used as run plays, but no need to run it twice. We need a score here and no thought of going downfield to put pressure on the defense. They show straight Cover 2 and Cover 1 and can drop men back because we're no run threat in Gun.
D forces Turnover on Downs, really a dumb call by Fridge if you ask me from your 38.
At least he coaches to win.
At the MD 38 with 6min to go.
1&10-I Right Wing weakside-HB Power to Spiller for 3.
2&7-Gun 1B Twins-Spiller misses a chip on a blitzer then falls down on his reception in the flat, loss of 5. A DRAW WOULD BE NICE.
3&11-Ace Pro Wing strong/Twins-HB Toss to the BOUNDARY? 1 yard. Walker did not get over to make his block.
Missed the FG.
Defense forces turnover on the very next play, McDaniel blows up the run on a blitz and forces the fumble.
From MD 31
1&10-I Near Twins-inside lead handoff to Spiller, gains nothing because McClain didnt block.
2&10-I Right motion to Twins-QB Rollout, again, TE covered in the flat falls incomplete.
3&10-Gun 1B Spread-they blitz right side, McClain didnt pick up anybody it appears, Parker throws it away.
Missed FG.
Run, Pass-I, Pass-I. I hate this stupid Rollout play, an End is almost always left unblocked (intentionally, counter trap blocking assignment probably) and Parker hurries. WHEN does he ever hit the WR crossing the field? He always looks to the TE and/or throws it away. Where is the HB Power we beat GT so badly with? This drive bothers me the most of all. I'd have run the ball on 2nd and 3rd down with Spiller and if stopped, kicked. Put the ball in the best player's hand with the game on the line. Don't even think of throwing on 3rd down when your offense hasn't done shit the entire half.
D forces 3&out AGAIN. Punt to CU 30 with 1:30 left.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-Palmer on an Out-7yds
2&3-Gun 1B Spread-Palmer curl/out to the 50.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-Palmer on an In to the 31.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-hit Ford on a stop route, short gain
2&6-Gun 1B Spread-Corner jumps a hitch to Marquan, when Parker had time to throw deeper.
3&6-Gun 1B Spread-Lambert missed a blitzer outside, and decided to double team the man on Austin. I dont see how Lambert did not see this guy coming. Spiller cuts the outside-most blitzer. Fumble, ballgame.
Well with 1:30 we have to throw, and I'm glad we run the TE over the middle, but WHY do we not attack with the WRs downfield when we reach MD territory? Take ONE shot in the endzone on a post to Palmer or Ford here, then set up the FG at midfield. We go hurry-up and it works OK, why not earlier? It worked against TCU.
So now I've looked at the whole game's calls. I dont see what the hell Dabo is thinking about.
The plays go through Dabo, he's signaling them in and is involved. What we showed against MTSU and GT, we aren't seeing more of. In those first few games we ran gap scheme run plays (like HB Power or Iso) and we ran more zone sprint run plays against BC because they slanted/stunted their linemen to attack the gap schemes we had run earlier. I didnt see much against TCU either. I don't see Parker step up and throw when a blitzer comes, he scrambles and throws it away. He doesnt scramble out of the pocket upfield anymore either. He must be being coached to stay in.
Adjusting to what your opponents show is one thing, but abandoning what had worked is another. If you are good at I-formation running, then you RUN IT ANYWAY. You dont change everything based on them, you run what youre good at. This is a weak defense, and even with Hairston out the 2nd half (that I noticed) we should be able to run the damn football. Clemson never tried to establish the run game.
Also, look at the formations we are running with. Gun helps pass protection but are we a dedicated passing team or not? Will you establish the run first so we can make them respect it from shotgun? We flood the Field side with multiple routes, and yet no one is open? Why do so many routes overlap? Attack the Cover 2 in levels! Cover 2 is designed to stop the underneath passing game with 5 defenders, yet you have to make those Backers move somewhere in the underneath 5 zones. We dont stretch them. When they show Man, we dont attack it vertically.
Clemson finds more ways NOT to utilize their speed advantage than any team I've ever seen. I see no imagination on offense. It is perfectly fine to run the same formations, IF you attack intelligently with them. I don't think any DC in the country worries about our scheme though, because we dont attack. I see basically 3 or 4 formations. Teaching someone a new place to stand is not a big deal, but it puts pressure on a defense in gameplanning and adjustments. As far as the attacking; Deep, Intermediate, short, Deep again...is something you dont see from us. Its all short/short/short/run/short/short/fuckingrollout/fuckingrollout with at least 3 balls thrown away. Notice how many pass plays gained more than 10 yards.
Dabo Swinney picked Napier as OC so HE could have a firm hand in this offense, but what is happening is atrocious. I don't see rhyme or reason to the plays in this game. We run sweeps to the boundary, dont attack vertically, and some of these plays just dont make sense with the overlapping routes. I know the Spence Clemson offense is based on quick timing patterns and flooding underneath zones with receivers, but we have to go vertical. We cannot execute 10-15 play drives that we have to to make the defense change their coverage. They do not respect us as a true run threat from spread formations either.
Clemson either has to script more plays for Wake, or we're going to have to give it to Brad....who I felt was the most predictable OC in the Universe. Thats the only chance I see this getting fixed before the end of the year.
According to Ryan Bartow: Swinney wants the spread 4-wide plays, Napier wants more I-formation (he ran that at Furman).
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Clemson loses to Maryland 24-21, 1st half drive summaries
Since its mostly our offense that shit the bed this week, I decided to look at play-by-play for the game on offense. Its time consuming but enlightening, and since we have two weeks to stew over it, I might as well.
I'm taking liberties in describing the formation, because I cant give a primer on offensive football here. I am also not going into all the motion we use, just a quick description of what we're doing.
Some terminology I'm using:
Twins-2 WR to one side, 1 TE or 1 TE + 1 WR to the other.
Trips-3 WR to one side, 1 TE or 1 WR to the other usually.
Spread-2 WR to each side.
Ace Pro Wing-Ace=1-back, Pro Wing is a 1TE+1H-Back set, and usually the H is off the weak side and goes in motion to strong or weak.
Gun-Shotgun, with One back or twin backs.
Field-Wide side
Boundary-short side
Zone plays-Inside runs where the line clearly performs zone blocking, which is normal for many ace-back formation run plays. They can be Draws, Sprints, etc.
I Far/Near-I formation with the FB set to the weak/strong side.
Down & distance, formation, play.
1st Qtr Drive breakdown
CU 32yd line
1st&10-Ace Pro Wing-Hit CJ in the flats for 10yd gain on boundary side.
1st&10-Ace Pro Wing Strong-Inside Zone handoff-5 yds
2&5-Gun 2-back Twins-Roll Playaction weakside after TE motion to twins, hit Jacoby falling out of bounds Incomplete.
3&5-Gun 1-back Spread-R. Taylor is open on a 10-15 yard crossing route, but slips and falls after Parker throws. Incomplete pass. Adequate protection.
Punt
Pass, Run, PA pass-I, Pass-I. Why not establish the running game here and now? This drive is scripted.
D forces 3&out. 1 missed tackle, and a great play by Maye on 3rd & 1.
2nd drive starts at CU 4
1st&10-Near I Twins weak-HB Power play to J.Harper for no gain
2&10-Gun 2B Twins TE motion-Off-tackle handoff to Spiller for 6 yds.
3&4-Gun 1B Trips Field-Jaron Brown has a pass hit him square on the numbers on a quick slant for a 1st down, but drops it.
Punt.
Run, Run, Pass-I. Had to run here in the hole, but why Harper when he doesnt ever go anywhere? I would've run a Power with Spiller again on 3rd down. Perhaps a Power PA Pass.
Maryland muffs the punt, CU ball at the CU 41.
3rd drive
1st&10-Ace Pro Wing/H-motion strongside-QB rollout weakside, hits RT in the flats for 3yds. This is a play we run too much, RT goes in motion then runs a little flare route to the sideline.
2&7-Gun 1B Trips Field-Flanker Screen to Jones for 7yds. Called back because of holding by Jaron Brown. Thank God one of them tried to block for once though.
2&12-Ace Jumbo (2TE) Twins H-motion-zone sprint w/ fake end-around to Ellington for 3 yds. Backside not properly sealed, but looks like McClain didnt hold his man.
3&9-Gun 1B Spread-Hit Jacoby for 1st down on a short post/slant. Parker never took his eyes off Ford. Totally telegraphed it.
1st&10 MD 41-Pro Wing Strong-Power toss with to Spiller for 4/5.
2nd&6-Gun 2B H-motion-Handoff to spiller offtackle for 9.
1&10-Gun 2B Spread, motion to trips boundary-handoff to Harper to R, 1 yd. Right side of OL got no push.
2&9-Gun 1B Trips Field-Parker overthrows Ford out-of-bounds on a Corner route/Smash combination. Incomplete. It was good coverage.
3&9-Gun 1B motion to Spread-pitch to Spiller for 1 yd. Walker unable to get outside and make a proper cut block, WRs didnt do "bad" on their blocks.
Jackson hits a 41 yd FG.
Pass, Pass (penalty), Run, Pass, Run, Run, Run, Pass-I, Run.
D forces 3&out, they dropped a 1st down pass on 3rd down.
4th drive begins on CU 20
1&10-Double Wing Flexbone-Off-R. tackle handoff to Spiller-8yds
2&2-Gun 2B twins L-Flanker Screen to Ford for 3. Wouldve had more if Austin had properly cut blocked.
1&10-Gun 1B spread-Flanker screen to Ford for 7, and Austin gets flagged on holding. I don't think that was right, I didnt see him hold anyone, he released from the DT and went out to cut a Cornerback.
1&14-I strong-pitch to Spiller to the boundary/strong side-2 yards.
2&12-Gun 1B Trips Field-Jacoby runs a post against Tampa 2 coverage, matched on a LB, and Parker underthrows it. Ball is behind Ford, but Pass Interference gets 15 and a 1st down.
1&10 at CU 40-Gun 2B Twins Field-PA pass to Palmer on a curl gets a 1st into MD territory.
1&10-Gun 2B Trips Field-Parker hits Ashe on a Fly route down the sideline to the MD 18.
1&10-Gun 1B H motion to twins-Parker locks on Ford and has him open on a post/in-route (can't tell), but pass is tipped at the LOS. Incomplete.
2&10-Ace Pro Wing motion strong-reverse-motion by Taylor on an end-around to Ford for 17 yard TD. Would've been nice if Lambert hustled down to block for Ford, but he made it in himself.
9 plays 79 yards in 3:05.
Run, Pass, Pass(penalty on us), R, P(PI penalty), P, P, P-Inc, Run for TD. Despite success running the ball with Spiller, never took advantage of it. Otherwise a good mix of run & pass.
Defense takes a few plays off when it comes to coverage on 3rd downs. Looks to be Man Press Cover 2 and regular Cover 2. They hit Smith on a corner route (it appears) for 27 when we zone blitz (cover 3) on a 3rd & 7. Butler misses an easy INT when he jumps an out route and they kick the FG. 10 plays 46 yards.
5th drive starts on CU 43. Korn comes in. I do not agree with this decision here. The offense has started some rhythm on two drives with Parker, and even though I believe Korn showed here that he can move the offense, I would've waited until Parker had gone a drive without scoring before putting Korn in.
1&10-Gun 1B Twins/motion-inside handoff to Ellington for 1. Lambert unable at LT to pin his End off the play.
2&9-Gun 2B Trips Field-HB Screen to Ellington on the boundary loses 2. Walker unable to get out and make a cut block on the guy who made the tackle.
3&11-Gun 2B Twins motion to 1B Trips Field-Korn has to scramble and gets a 1st down. I wish Kyle Parker would try that every once in a while.
1&10-Gun 1B H/Twins Field-Checked into Ace Pro Wing by Korn, inside zone handoff to Spiller for 3. Probably shouldve cut the ball back.
2&7-Gun 1B Spread-Korn throws high to Allen (looks like a curl/out) and he tips it up, but Jones is right behind him and catches it for the 1st.
Why would you have two routes that run right on top of one another? This happens too often in our pass patterns.
1&10-Ace Pro Wing-motion to strong-Korn on another rollout with Taylor in the flats, throws it away. Incomplete. Taylor is covered.
2&10-Gun 2B Trips Boundary-off tackle play to Spiller to the boundary for 3.
3&7-Gun 2B spread motion to Trips-Korn sacked on a OLB/SS blitz. They overload the right side and both Cloy and McClain were beaten. Korn has a receiver underneath as a safety valve and doesnt see him.
51 yard FG by jackson.
Now the drive where the Defense stayed on the sidelines. Maryland is using the outer WR to crackback the safeties, and on two plays we were late picking up backs/TE in the flat in man/man coverage. On the TD play to Smith, Chancellor gives up the inside, which you never do, and Chambers was late getting over in Cover 1.
CU gets the ball on the 20.
1&10-Ace Pro Wing strong-PA rollout hits Palmer in the flat on a drag for a 1st.
1&10-Gun 2B Trips Field-motion to empty set-hit Ellington in flat for 4. With 5 wide we can only hit Ellington for 4 yards? There was pressure from Lambert's side.
2&6-Ace Pro Wing Strong motion, Twins Field-FB motion-left side zone play to Ellington for 3
3&3-I Right motion to Twins-Counter pitch to Spiller for 5yds to the left side.
1&10-Pro Wing motion to Strong- PA pass to RT on a vertical route is thrown badly behind him....as if Parker didnt know he was running a vertical route. VERY lucky it wasnt picked off.
2&10-Gun 1B Spread-Flanker Screen incomplete to Brown, dropped.
3&10-Gun 1B Spread-T. Austin false start
3&15-Gun 1B Spread-C. Lambert false start
3&20-Gun 1B Trips Field-Parker overthrows Clear on a Deep Post route between the safeties. I like the play call. Incomplete.
Punt.
Pass, Pass, Run, Run, Pass-I, Pass-I, Pass-I.
Still don't ESTABLISH THE RUN.
Defense spends another series on the sidelines. 3 big missed tackles all lead to 1st downs. McDaniel runs himself out of plays and ends up at a bad angle or position to make a tackle. Turner is able to run and we get no pressure. Not enough blitzes called. They get 7 fucking yards on a QB Sneak in the red zone? On the TD play, we had a blitz called on the backside of a QB sprint option play, man coverage, and a quick out called complete on the field for the 6. The film must've been inconclusive to the referees, but it looked trapped to me.
CU gets it on our 40 with :35 left.
1&10-Gun 1B Trips Field-Hits Brown for 13 yard gain on a slant. The ball hit Brown square in the numbers, bounced off his pads, and he catches it. This guy does not extend his hands to catch the football.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-False start Walker
1&15-Gun 1B Spread-Ford runs a Fly route against cover 2 and the safety gets over to pick the pass off. End of Half.
What adjustments would you make after the 1st Half from this?
We're not a run threat in Gun. This has to change. They stack the box area when we go with an Ace Wing formation. If Spiller can run it off-tackle from the Gun, then run it more.
We ran alot of I-formation earlier this season, so where did it go? All I see here is Gun 1/2-back Twins/Trips and the Ace pro set really.
Enough of the QB Rollout to hit the TE in the flat on a flare or drag! Take a 3/5 step from shotgun max protect and try to hit somebody downfield.
Throw the ball vertically, attack the middle of the field, not the boundaries.
Less Flanker Screens.
Notice some 1st half trends? I may edit as needed to clarify things.
(2nd half will be up tomorrow with more analysis)
I'm taking liberties in describing the formation, because I cant give a primer on offensive football here. I am also not going into all the motion we use, just a quick description of what we're doing.
Some terminology I'm using:
Twins-2 WR to one side, 1 TE or 1 TE + 1 WR to the other.
Trips-3 WR to one side, 1 TE or 1 WR to the other usually.
Spread-2 WR to each side.
Ace Pro Wing-Ace=1-back, Pro Wing is a 1TE+1H-Back set, and usually the H is off the weak side and goes in motion to strong or weak.
Gun-Shotgun, with One back or twin backs.
Field-Wide side
Boundary-short side
Zone plays-Inside runs where the line clearly performs zone blocking, which is normal for many ace-back formation run plays. They can be Draws, Sprints, etc.
I Far/Near-I formation with the FB set to the weak/strong side.
Down & distance, formation, play.
1st Qtr Drive breakdown
CU 32yd line
1st&10-Ace Pro Wing-Hit CJ in the flats for 10yd gain on boundary side.
1st&10-Ace Pro Wing Strong-Inside Zone handoff-5 yds
2&5-Gun 2-back Twins-Roll Playaction weakside after TE motion to twins, hit Jacoby falling out of bounds Incomplete.
3&5-Gun 1-back Spread-R. Taylor is open on a 10-15 yard crossing route, but slips and falls after Parker throws. Incomplete pass. Adequate protection.
Punt
Pass, Run, PA pass-I, Pass-I. Why not establish the running game here and now? This drive is scripted.
D forces 3&out. 1 missed tackle, and a great play by Maye on 3rd & 1.
2nd drive starts at CU 4
1st&10-Near I Twins weak-HB Power play to J.Harper for no gain
2&10-Gun 2B Twins TE motion-Off-tackle handoff to Spiller for 6 yds.
3&4-Gun 1B Trips Field-Jaron Brown has a pass hit him square on the numbers on a quick slant for a 1st down, but drops it.
Punt.
Run, Run, Pass-I. Had to run here in the hole, but why Harper when he doesnt ever go anywhere? I would've run a Power with Spiller again on 3rd down. Perhaps a Power PA Pass.
Maryland muffs the punt, CU ball at the CU 41.
3rd drive
1st&10-Ace Pro Wing/H-motion strongside-QB rollout weakside, hits RT in the flats for 3yds. This is a play we run too much, RT goes in motion then runs a little flare route to the sideline.
2&7-Gun 1B Trips Field-Flanker Screen to Jones for 7yds. Called back because of holding by Jaron Brown. Thank God one of them tried to block for once though.
2&12-Ace Jumbo (2TE) Twins H-motion-zone sprint w/ fake end-around to Ellington for 3 yds. Backside not properly sealed, but looks like McClain didnt hold his man.
3&9-Gun 1B Spread-Hit Jacoby for 1st down on a short post/slant. Parker never took his eyes off Ford. Totally telegraphed it.
1st&10 MD 41-Pro Wing Strong-Power toss with to Spiller for 4/5.
2nd&6-Gun 2B H-motion-Handoff to spiller offtackle for 9.
1&10-Gun 2B Spread, motion to trips boundary-handoff to Harper to R, 1 yd. Right side of OL got no push.
2&9-Gun 1B Trips Field-Parker overthrows Ford out-of-bounds on a Corner route/Smash combination. Incomplete. It was good coverage.
3&9-Gun 1B motion to Spread-pitch to Spiller for 1 yd. Walker unable to get outside and make a proper cut block, WRs didnt do "bad" on their blocks.
Jackson hits a 41 yd FG.
Pass, Pass (penalty), Run, Pass, Run, Run, Run, Pass-I, Run.
D forces 3&out, they dropped a 1st down pass on 3rd down.
4th drive begins on CU 20
1&10-Double Wing Flexbone-Off-R. tackle handoff to Spiller-8yds
2&2-Gun 2B twins L-Flanker Screen to Ford for 3. Wouldve had more if Austin had properly cut blocked.
1&10-Gun 1B spread-Flanker screen to Ford for 7, and Austin gets flagged on holding. I don't think that was right, I didnt see him hold anyone, he released from the DT and went out to cut a Cornerback.
1&14-I strong-pitch to Spiller to the boundary/strong side-2 yards.
2&12-Gun 1B Trips Field-Jacoby runs a post against Tampa 2 coverage, matched on a LB, and Parker underthrows it. Ball is behind Ford, but Pass Interference gets 15 and a 1st down.
1&10 at CU 40-Gun 2B Twins Field-PA pass to Palmer on a curl gets a 1st into MD territory.
1&10-Gun 2B Trips Field-Parker hits Ashe on a Fly route down the sideline to the MD 18.
1&10-Gun 1B H motion to twins-Parker locks on Ford and has him open on a post/in-route (can't tell), but pass is tipped at the LOS. Incomplete.
2&10-Ace Pro Wing motion strong-reverse-motion by Taylor on an end-around to Ford for 17 yard TD. Would've been nice if Lambert hustled down to block for Ford, but he made it in himself.
9 plays 79 yards in 3:05.
Run, Pass, Pass(penalty on us), R, P(PI penalty), P, P, P-Inc, Run for TD. Despite success running the ball with Spiller, never took advantage of it. Otherwise a good mix of run & pass.
Defense takes a few plays off when it comes to coverage on 3rd downs. Looks to be Man Press Cover 2 and regular Cover 2. They hit Smith on a corner route (it appears) for 27 when we zone blitz (cover 3) on a 3rd & 7. Butler misses an easy INT when he jumps an out route and they kick the FG. 10 plays 46 yards.
5th drive starts on CU 43. Korn comes in. I do not agree with this decision here. The offense has started some rhythm on two drives with Parker, and even though I believe Korn showed here that he can move the offense, I would've waited until Parker had gone a drive without scoring before putting Korn in.
1&10-Gun 1B Twins/motion-inside handoff to Ellington for 1. Lambert unable at LT to pin his End off the play.
2&9-Gun 2B Trips Field-HB Screen to Ellington on the boundary loses 2. Walker unable to get out and make a cut block on the guy who made the tackle.
3&11-Gun 2B Twins motion to 1B Trips Field-Korn has to scramble and gets a 1st down. I wish Kyle Parker would try that every once in a while.
1&10-Gun 1B H/Twins Field-Checked into Ace Pro Wing by Korn, inside zone handoff to Spiller for 3. Probably shouldve cut the ball back.
2&7-Gun 1B Spread-Korn throws high to Allen (looks like a curl/out) and he tips it up, but Jones is right behind him and catches it for the 1st.
Why would you have two routes that run right on top of one another? This happens too often in our pass patterns.
1&10-Ace Pro Wing-motion to strong-Korn on another rollout with Taylor in the flats, throws it away. Incomplete. Taylor is covered.
2&10-Gun 2B Trips Boundary-off tackle play to Spiller to the boundary for 3.
3&7-Gun 2B spread motion to Trips-Korn sacked on a OLB/SS blitz. They overload the right side and both Cloy and McClain were beaten. Korn has a receiver underneath as a safety valve and doesnt see him.
51 yard FG by jackson.
Now the drive where the Defense stayed on the sidelines. Maryland is using the outer WR to crackback the safeties, and on two plays we were late picking up backs/TE in the flat in man/man coverage. On the TD play to Smith, Chancellor gives up the inside, which you never do, and Chambers was late getting over in Cover 1.
CU gets the ball on the 20.
1&10-Ace Pro Wing strong-PA rollout hits Palmer in the flat on a drag for a 1st.
1&10-Gun 2B Trips Field-motion to empty set-hit Ellington in flat for 4. With 5 wide we can only hit Ellington for 4 yards? There was pressure from Lambert's side.
2&6-Ace Pro Wing Strong motion, Twins Field-FB motion-left side zone play to Ellington for 3
3&3-I Right motion to Twins-Counter pitch to Spiller for 5yds to the left side.
1&10-Pro Wing motion to Strong- PA pass to RT on a vertical route is thrown badly behind him....as if Parker didnt know he was running a vertical route. VERY lucky it wasnt picked off.
2&10-Gun 1B Spread-Flanker Screen incomplete to Brown, dropped.
3&10-Gun 1B Spread-T. Austin false start
3&15-Gun 1B Spread-C. Lambert false start
3&20-Gun 1B Trips Field-Parker overthrows Clear on a Deep Post route between the safeties. I like the play call. Incomplete.
Punt.
Pass, Pass, Run, Run, Pass-I, Pass-I, Pass-I.
Still don't ESTABLISH THE RUN.
Defense spends another series on the sidelines. 3 big missed tackles all lead to 1st downs. McDaniel runs himself out of plays and ends up at a bad angle or position to make a tackle. Turner is able to run and we get no pressure. Not enough blitzes called. They get 7 fucking yards on a QB Sneak in the red zone? On the TD play, we had a blitz called on the backside of a QB sprint option play, man coverage, and a quick out called complete on the field for the 6. The film must've been inconclusive to the referees, but it looked trapped to me.
CU gets it on our 40 with :35 left.
1&10-Gun 1B Trips Field-Hits Brown for 13 yard gain on a slant. The ball hit Brown square in the numbers, bounced off his pads, and he catches it. This guy does not extend his hands to catch the football.
1&10-Gun 1B Spread-False start Walker
1&15-Gun 1B Spread-Ford runs a Fly route against cover 2 and the safety gets over to pick the pass off. End of Half.
What adjustments would you make after the 1st Half from this?
We're not a run threat in Gun. This has to change. They stack the box area when we go with an Ace Wing formation. If Spiller can run it off-tackle from the Gun, then run it more.
We ran alot of I-formation earlier this season, so where did it go? All I see here is Gun 1/2-back Twins/Trips and the Ace pro set really.
Enough of the QB Rollout to hit the TE in the flat on a flare or drag! Take a 3/5 step from shotgun max protect and try to hit somebody downfield.
Throw the ball vertically, attack the middle of the field, not the boundaries.
Less Flanker Screens.
Notice some 1st half trends? I may edit as needed to clarify things.
(2nd half will be up tomorrow with more analysis)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
More of the same shit
I dont have anything good or constructive to say today.
Damn I thought we fired Spence and Tammy's bitchasses last year? What I saw today was a loss in true Bowden fashion. Complete ineptitude, lost in all 3 phases. Totally unprepared to play. Defense came out a little flat and played one half of football, offense was inept at basically everything, ST cost us a punt then 2 FGs. I'm surprised this team knows how to wipe their own ass at times. Spiller is the only man on the field who has a clue.
I'm "all out" with Billy Napier after today; I've given him a free pass as best as I can, but he's 12 games into it now. No identity. What kind of offense are we? Power I or Gun spread? This was a weak defense (last in the ACC) and a team that lost to Rutgers and MTSU, and nearly lost to a I-AA team. They gave this offense every possible gift we could get, and we pissed it away. Whether you have a weak OL or QB, or young WRs, there are ways to get them into the game flow and establish rhythm, and its not being done. We're totally inept and if not for CJ Spiller being an NFL 1st rd pick, we'd not be able to do anything.
Playcalling-Shitty, I can't wrap my head around whatever the fuck Napier is trying to do. Its not rocket science to call plays that make sense. If Walker cant handle his man, dont call pass plays that require a 5-step or 7-step drop. If we get no push to the right, run left. WTF are Hairston and Austin rated so highly for? If you run only 3 or 4 formations over and over, you better be able to execute from them. If your QB doesnt play worth a damn and your WRs cant catch, line up in the I and run the goddamn football to the FIELD, not the damn BOUNDARY. Put CJ in space, not the short side of the field idiot. I'm charting the plays this week, this game was atrocious.
Offensive line-shitty, no fucking excuse for today, this is a weak defensive line. No push. Three false starts, two of which were critical from a down & distance standpoint. Too much pressure on Parker, even when in max protection.
QB and WR play-shitty, WRs still can't catch when theyre open. J. Brown dropped TWO passes when BOTH hit him in the NUMBERS. Parker throws behind them when they get open too often, his shoulder is still flying open. I wish he would run it himself a few times instead of hitting a man in the flats and having the throw cause him to fall down because Parker cant hit 'em in stride.
And we get two first downs inside their 40 at the end, and cant get anywhere close to a 1st down? Particularly the 2nd? RUN THE DAMN FOOTBALL and spot the ball at the middle of the field and then kick it, its obvious you havent done shit all day so dont expect a TD. At least tie the game when you get a gift 2nd chance when you fucked up the first.
Defese-bad for one half. Inability to tackle for one half. At least Steele can make adjustments at halftime. D. McDaniel runs himself out of plays for the 2nd week in a row, and has to tackle with his fingers. No consistent pressure against a line that gives up tons of sacks already. They did better in the 2nd but were nowhere to be seen earlier. Blitzes seemed to get no pressure at all. Ricky Sapp a total non-factor.
Clemson is a 5-7 team right now. I don't think it can be fixed to end up any better than that before the end of the year. 8-4 is out the window, 7-5 would be a blessing. We cannot expect to do any better than being an average team. There is no reason to bitch about us not being respected by ESPN or the rest of the media, because even though we have the 'talent', we dont have the team to get that respect back.
Damn I thought we fired Spence and Tammy's bitchasses last year? What I saw today was a loss in true Bowden fashion. Complete ineptitude, lost in all 3 phases. Totally unprepared to play. Defense came out a little flat and played one half of football, offense was inept at basically everything, ST cost us a punt then 2 FGs. I'm surprised this team knows how to wipe their own ass at times. Spiller is the only man on the field who has a clue.
I'm "all out" with Billy Napier after today; I've given him a free pass as best as I can, but he's 12 games into it now. No identity. What kind of offense are we? Power I or Gun spread? This was a weak defense (last in the ACC) and a team that lost to Rutgers and MTSU, and nearly lost to a I-AA team. They gave this offense every possible gift we could get, and we pissed it away. Whether you have a weak OL or QB, or young WRs, there are ways to get them into the game flow and establish rhythm, and its not being done. We're totally inept and if not for CJ Spiller being an NFL 1st rd pick, we'd not be able to do anything.
Playcalling-Shitty, I can't wrap my head around whatever the fuck Napier is trying to do. Its not rocket science to call plays that make sense. If Walker cant handle his man, dont call pass plays that require a 5-step or 7-step drop. If we get no push to the right, run left. WTF are Hairston and Austin rated so highly for? If you run only 3 or 4 formations over and over, you better be able to execute from them. If your QB doesnt play worth a damn and your WRs cant catch, line up in the I and run the goddamn football to the FIELD, not the damn BOUNDARY. Put CJ in space, not the short side of the field idiot. I'm charting the plays this week, this game was atrocious.
Offensive line-shitty, no fucking excuse for today, this is a weak defensive line. No push. Three false starts, two of which were critical from a down & distance standpoint. Too much pressure on Parker, even when in max protection.
QB and WR play-shitty, WRs still can't catch when theyre open. J. Brown dropped TWO passes when BOTH hit him in the NUMBERS. Parker throws behind them when they get open too often, his shoulder is still flying open. I wish he would run it himself a few times instead of hitting a man in the flats and having the throw cause him to fall down because Parker cant hit 'em in stride.
And we get two first downs inside their 40 at the end, and cant get anywhere close to a 1st down? Particularly the 2nd? RUN THE DAMN FOOTBALL and spot the ball at the middle of the field and then kick it, its obvious you havent done shit all day so dont expect a TD. At least tie the game when you get a gift 2nd chance when you fucked up the first.
Defese-bad for one half. Inability to tackle for one half. At least Steele can make adjustments at halftime. D. McDaniel runs himself out of plays for the 2nd week in a row, and has to tackle with his fingers. No consistent pressure against a line that gives up tons of sacks already. They did better in the 2nd but were nowhere to be seen earlier. Blitzes seemed to get no pressure at all. Ricky Sapp a total non-factor.
Clemson is a 5-7 team right now. I don't think it can be fixed to end up any better than that before the end of the year. 8-4 is out the window, 7-5 would be a blessing. We cannot expect to do any better than being an average team. There is no reason to bitch about us not being respected by ESPN or the rest of the media, because even though we have the 'talent', we dont have the team to get that respect back.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Maryland Preview
Ralph's Dream Stadium
Clemson @ Maryland (1-3)
Lost to Cal 52-13
Beat James Madison 38-35 in OT.
Lost to MTSU 32-31
Lost to Rutgers 34-13
HC: Friedgen, at least til the end of this year.
ESPNU/360-12PM
As FF mentioned below, Fridge started 31-8 at MD and has since gone 34-31. Maryland fans, of course, don't go to the games anymore to help support the team, so I suspect this will be the last time we go to Maryland with the Doughboy as HC.
Maryland is good at...nothing. They can't stop anyone on defense and turn the ball over at the 4th worst rate in the country on offense. So, basically, if we dont obliterate this team, I'm gonna go screaming in the streets and begin my killin' spree sooner than I planned.
Offense-
Fridge has always run a very pro-style offense. He picks about 10 plays and runs them from 50 formations, and it has always given Clemson fits. His OC, James Franklin, is the HC-in-waiting...until they lose about 5 more games in which case they both might get tossed. Franklin now calls the plays and the offense's flavor has changed to a more West-Coast style of play, but for the most part has been very vanilla.
West Coast offenses have emphasis on balanced football from traditional pro-sets (2 WR-1TE-2RB usually). In general, passing in the 1st half for quick scores sets up the run in the 2nd to protect an early lead, but the run game is still important. Overall it's a very detail-oriented approach to the game that emphasizes technique, execution, planning, and strategy over raw talent. Instead of "take what the defense gives you," the overriding philosophy is closer to "make the defense give you what you want by outsmarting and outplaying them." Its a difficult and verbose offense to teach unless its very distilled down and simplified, which is why it doesnt always succeed in college.
According to Bill Walsh, the quick passing of the WCO was only a suppliment to the running game and 5-7 step drop passing game. It didn't "replace" the running game nor was it the base of the offense. It was there to take advantage of bad defensive adjustments and work as a "constraint" to spread the field horizontally, like how spread teams do a variety of things (like bubble screens) to make you respect their spread out WRs.
Maryland returns leading rusher Dorell Scott (209 car, 1,113 yards, 8 TDs) for what seems like his 15th year, WR Torrey Smith can put up big numbers, along the Chia Pet at QB. The biggest problem for Turner and Scott is the OL: they are bad bad (like worse than us). They lost 3 starters off last year's team and Turner has been sacked 14 times already. Ricky Sapp and Bowers will have a field day.
The offense has turned the ball over 13 times, and Clemson should force at least a couple, but if they can run the zone read or a QB Keep and control the clock, they have a shot.
Defense-Maryland has just changed defensive philosophy this year, and it has contributed to their inability to stop anybody so far. They've allowed on average 465 yards per and only forced 2 turnovers. With Chris Cosh (former DC at SC before Nix) they were an even-front 4-3 stack that ran 80% zone coverage, now under Don Brown (former HC at UMASS, best D in 1-AA the last few years) they are a more-attacking style like Clemson's that plays more of a 4-3 Under front with 80% man/man coverage and blitzes quite often.
Alot of their problems have been due to injuries and graduation. They lost 35 seniors last year. Their best Corner fell to a broken tibia, and best Safety only returned for a few plays against Rutgers. Two LBs are playing in the NFL, and 3 DL left for the pros, and their other best CB was drafted by the Redskins.
Clemson should push this defensive front around on the rush and put up good yardage in the air.
The only thing that worries me is Fridge's proven ability to give us fits, but this game should be a blowout and should not come into question at halftime like the shit we saw last year nor be anywhere near as close as in years past.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
All is not lost...yet
Heading to College Park this weekend, Clemson has a chance to get back on track with a win over UMd on the road. I guess you could say Ralph Friedgen and the boys from UMd are hungry, well, because Ralph is always hungry (in all fairness dude has trimmed up since the last time we saw him, he must be rolling with Boomer or Dan Marino and needs to be in a promo for the commercial).
But first, a few comments on Swinney's presser. I will not break down the Dabo press conference from earlier in the week (see Dr. B's blog below for this analysis) but will chime in on some of the high points.
Since James Franklin (offensive coordinator) rejoined the staff, he has implemented a west-coast offense. SR QB Chris Turner will be leading this offense, with JR Da'Rel Scott leading the rushing attack. Scott is a pretty good back, averaging around 5.7 ypc and three rushing scores on the season. See team an individual stats here.
I look for Clemson to have big numbers on defense Saturday. Maryland has allowed 3.5 sacks per game this season and boasts a negative 10 turnover margin to this point in the season, with the other lines looking just as bad
(stats Courtesy of the ncaa.org). Clemson's defensive front should have a nice day against a fairly inexperienced offensive line.
As shown in the stats above, UMd's defense has been pathetic. They are giving up an average of 38.25 ppg...against Cal, James Madison, MTSU, and Rutgers. If Clemson is going to have a monster game on the offensive side, this date should have a star beside it.
Additionally, there are a few folks in the DC area who are not exactly excited about where the program is going. This is an interesting read about RF's future with the Terps and when James Franklin will take over this squad. As you can read, UMd opened the Friedgen era 31-8 and have since gone 34-31. This jolly giant seems to have lost his luster over the years.
What Clemson will need to do this week is simple. We want to see productivity on first and second downs. No Clemson fan wants KP to be in 3rd and 8 situations throwing to an unproductive group of receivers. The suggestion from this group is run the freaking ball on consecutive downs to get a manageable 3rd down attempt. We should expect improvement up front. Last week's offensive line play was pleasantly surprising. With the addition of Hairston, we should be able to get some movement against Maryland. I personally would love to see us run the ball up and down the field and incorporate Ellington into the flow of the game. Parker needs to show more accuracy slinging the ball, especially with the poor performances put in by the receivers (it would be specifically nice to get the TE up the field and catch some balls. I think Allen and Palmer have the potential to be some nice targets for KP this season). Defensively, keep on trucking. Force UMd to make mistakes and play good fundamental defense.
Here is what I am looking for this weekend (Please note Tracy Johnson almost decapitating someone on the reverse to Cooper).
But first, a few comments on Swinney's presser. I will not break down the Dabo press conference from earlier in the week (see Dr. B's blog below for this analysis) but will chime in on some of the high points.
- Three plays or thirty plays, Clemson lost the football game. Yes, I agree that had Parker been able to complete a late pass, game over. If we don't miss a field goal early in the fourth quarter, the late-game trip to the red-zone requires only a chip shot field goal. And if your aunt had a unit, she would be your uncle. I get it, Clemson is close, but close doesn't matter. Let's shore up the core issues with this football team as discussed earlier (WR play, play selection, snapping the football).
- Team Goals. This is the part that I would usually go ape-shit about. After UGa/Bammer/whoever else would beat our ass, Bowden would play the old "We Still Have a Shot at Achieving Goals" card. I guess the difference between Swinney's statement and Bowden's is that Swinney accepts responsibility for a loss and really believes that Clemson can play at a sustained level for the rest of the year. With our defense, Clemson will be in every game played this season. Clemson has to punch the ball in when placed in such a situation.
- Will Korn. Obviously the staff feels that Parker is a better QB than Korn. Thus, the staff doesn't owe Willy Korn any playing time. I do believe that Korn will receive playing time if Swinney and Napier believe he will positively contribute when in the game (which is something that has not happened for Korn this season).
- Tough Schedule. Swinney thinks that this test will help the Tigers over the long haul. TCU is a well coached football team. After losing to Tech, Clemson wasn't in the national championship chase. On that note, I think that playing a quality opponent was beneficial for the Tigers and gives this team more aspects to be critical about than a 36-3 win over Furman would have done.
Point #2 just shows the attitude of the program and fan base. It is particularly disappointing that this program has been stuck in neutral for so long that no one seems to care that the possibility of greatness has already been lost. At this point, any sort of championship would be cherished. We haven't won shit in 18 years! Losing sucks...wins and championships are the metrics that programs should be evaluated upon. A conference championship would at least give the program something to build upon and a feather for the cap.
Item 3 states the obvious. Clemson is not in a position to screw around with players and playing time. The 11 that give us the best chance of winning should be on the field. If the coaches believe that playing Korn will help us win, then by all means go ahead. This aint intermurals, it's division one football.
Additionally, T. Boyd will be in the mix next season. Unless something out of the ordinary happens to Parker (including a huge offer following the MLB draft), Korn will be in a dogfight to try to gain playing time with both KP and Boyd both being great athletes. He is talented enough to start at a lot of places and will leave before riding the pine his entire college career.
Tough out of conference opponents are great to play if they don't beat up on you too bad. Since Clemson as a whole (coaches included) lost in Atlanta, this game was really all upside for the Tigers (assuming they didn't get embarrassed, which did not happen) as it was out of conference and against a ranked opponent. The close loss gave the Tigers a good test against a well coached squad. It also exposed several areas of this team that will have to improve in order to complete item #2. Once again, losing sucks and a well coached TCU team came to Clemson and simply outplayed Swinney's group.
On to Maryland. This is a BAD Maryland team. After getting trashed by Cal, the Terps squeaked one out against James Madison, lost to MTSU, and got rolled up by Rutgers. Maryland has turned the ball over 13 times in these games, 5 int's and 8 fumbles. Anything less than a royal beat down by the Tigers would be considered a failure in my book against this young Terp team.
Since James Franklin (offensive coordinator) rejoined the staff, he has implemented a west-coast offense. SR QB Chris Turner will be leading this offense, with JR Da'Rel Scott leading the rushing attack. Scott is a pretty good back, averaging around 5.7 ypc and three rushing scores on the season. See team an individual stats here.
I look for Clemson to have big numbers on defense Saturday. Maryland has allowed 3.5 sacks per game this season and boasts a negative 10 turnover margin to this point in the season, with the other lines looking just as bad
(stats Courtesy of the ncaa.org). Clemson's defensive front should have a nice day against a fairly inexperienced offensive line.
As shown in the stats above, UMd's defense has been pathetic. They are giving up an average of 38.25 ppg...against Cal, James Madison, MTSU, and Rutgers. If Clemson is going to have a monster game on the offensive side, this date should have a star beside it.
Additionally, there are a few folks in the DC area who are not exactly excited about where the program is going. This is an interesting read about RF's future with the Terps and when James Franklin will take over this squad. As you can read, UMd opened the Friedgen era 31-8 and have since gone 34-31. This jolly giant seems to have lost his luster over the years.
What Clemson will need to do this week is simple. We want to see productivity on first and second downs. No Clemson fan wants KP to be in 3rd and 8 situations throwing to an unproductive group of receivers. The suggestion from this group is run the freaking ball on consecutive downs to get a manageable 3rd down attempt. We should expect improvement up front. Last week's offensive line play was pleasantly surprising. With the addition of Hairston, we should be able to get some movement against Maryland. I personally would love to see us run the ball up and down the field and incorporate Ellington into the flow of the game. Parker needs to show more accuracy slinging the ball, especially with the poor performances put in by the receivers (it would be specifically nice to get the TE up the field and catch some balls. I think Allen and Palmer have the potential to be some nice targets for KP this season). Defensively, keep on trucking. Force UMd to make mistakes and play good fundamental defense.
Here is what I am looking for this weekend (Please note Tracy Johnson almost decapitating someone on the reverse to Cooper).
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