So glad you pointing out that we have not hit our ceiling. Yes.
I was about to start mumbling excuses for the defense, rationalizing that the tempo offense limited the TOP and gassed our own D, until I read the defense stats you brought up.
Wow. One must wonder if Sirmon should not be up in the box, but would that make a difference?
BTW- Crazy idea. If we repurpose SJV. He might be our Hunter, both receiver and DB, like Colorado has.
Mendoza has always talked with some swagger. And I'm not sure if he's been given the full playbook or a simplified one. But he made reads and was WAY more mobile than I'd expected. He threw some dangerous passes early in the 1st and had some issues in the 4th, but overall looked like a real QB, especially against a ranked opponent.
Our odds of stealing a game in our hellish streak of upcoming opponents is higher now, but our recent iffy defense still leads me to expect all losses.
We also seemed to cover much better doing those line drive kickoffs*. It's embarrassing that we have to work around such basic flaws but the strategy seemed to help. Guess we'll be doing that going forward. Long story short, it feels like we finally figured some things out during this game. Maybe we can start building something now.
our punts were fine. I think you must be referring to the line drive kickoffs. Our kickoff coverage is pathetic! Maybe put in some of the first D Lb's on the KO team might help,
Can’t be too hard on the coaches for joy playing Mendoza until now. He’s a redshirt Freshman. The others were perceived and built up to be seasoned veterans. Now that he’s in, let’s build up his experience for next year and the ACC.
As for the rest of the critique about the defense and not so special teams, it was spot on.
Fair point. Yet he was also propped up as the savior, kind of like Jeff Garcia, Jimmy Krappolo and Trey Lance were propped up to be the 2nd coming of Joe Montana or Steve Young
Jackson should've gotten Quarter 2 in Wash, then Mendoza should've gotten at least all of Q4 if things were still terrible. I hope Spav dials up some package stuff for Sam so his speed is still used on the field. Mendoza is the obvious starter for the next two years unless we get a 5 star out of the portal or HS. I remember when he first came to Cal he said he wanted to "get us back to the Aarron Rodgers days", I'm happy to be hopeful enough to think hes got the capabilities to maybe actually do that.
Great write-up, Avi.
So glad you pointing out that we have not hit our ceiling. Yes.
I was about to start mumbling excuses for the defense, rationalizing that the tempo offense limited the TOP and gassed our own D, until I read the defense stats you brought up.
Wow. One must wonder if Sirmon should not be up in the box, but would that make a difference?
BTW- Crazy idea. If we repurpose SJV. He might be our Hunter, both receiver and DB, like Colorado has.
Man. Justin Wilcox sounds pissed at the defense and special teams. As he should.
Those units are going to be reviewing film and getting a earful. I hope.
Perhaps Mendoza's performance will provide more opportunities for backups to step up and give it a go..
We found our Brock Purdy.
Mendoza has always talked with some swagger. And I'm not sure if he's been given the full playbook or a simplified one. But he made reads and was WAY more mobile than I'd expected. He threw some dangerous passes early in the 1st and had some issues in the 4th, but overall looked like a real QB, especially against a ranked opponent.
Our odds of stealing a game in our hellish streak of upcoming opponents is higher now, but our recent iffy defense still leads me to expect all losses.
We also seemed to cover much better doing those line drive kickoffs*. It's embarrassing that we have to work around such basic flaws but the strategy seemed to help. Guess we'll be doing that going forward. Long story short, it feels like we finally figured some things out during this game. Maybe we can start building something now.
*Edited
I hope it's a Purdy like situation. From Mr. irrelevant to super star
our punts were fine. I think you must be referring to the line drive kickoffs. Our kickoff coverage is pathetic! Maybe put in some of the first D Lb's on the KO team might help,
Yes, the kickoffs. Sorry, brain fart. Our punting has been the highlight of our special teams.
Yes.
Can’t be too hard on the coaches for joy playing Mendoza until now. He’s a redshirt Freshman. The others were perceived and built up to be seasoned veterans. Now that he’s in, let’s build up his experience for next year and the ACC.
As for the rest of the critique about the defense and not so special teams, it was spot on.
Also Nando was clearly worse in practice based on the reports. Some people just play better in game.
Mendoza improved as as the game progressed. He'll only get better as the season progresses. He should be a top QB next year with his rocket arm.
Yeah the first and second half stats were pretty darn different WRT completion % and YPA
Sam is a sophomore, but he only played a handful of snaps at TCU. He had only slightly more experience than Fernando.
Fair point. Yet he was also propped up as the savior, kind of like Jeff Garcia, Jimmy Krappolo and Trey Lance were propped up to be the 2nd coming of Joe Montana or Steve Young
Jackson should've gotten Quarter 2 in Wash, then Mendoza should've gotten at least all of Q4 if things were still terrible. I hope Spav dials up some package stuff for Sam so his speed is still used on the field. Mendoza is the obvious starter for the next two years unless we get a 5 star out of the portal or HS. I remember when he first came to Cal he said he wanted to "get us back to the Aarron Rodgers days", I'm happy to be hopeful enough to think hes got the capabilities to maybe actually do that.
I’ve interacted with him in person and he seems like a really charismatic and personable dude. Hopefully that moxie continues on the field!