*One question yet to be answered is if gaining Plummer's passing will fully offset losing Garber's running.
*The key to the season will be the O-Line. Hopefully they can develop and stay healthy in the process. QBs could do with more time and RBs with some holes.
*I was happier stumbling out of the blocks then getting together than I would have been with a fourth quarter pratfall.
* Also consistent these last few seasons has been Nick's insightful post game thoughts.
I think this game analysis was too harsh. The first quarter showed what inexperience the Cal offense has, and then made adjustments to provide a more than adequate performance. Pass protection will need to improve, but Plummer was more than effective standing in the pocket. With time, and the emergence of what seems like strong receivers, he will hit downfield passes. Let's see how he does this coming Saturday. The special teams were very effective, especially the punting and coverage. On defense, we will need more pressure on the opponents pocket, and the defensive backs will need to close more effectively on downfield receivers, but all in all, a good performance.
WR screens seems like a problem as in our receivers couldn't block DBs to get the screen play going. Thoughts on if that's fixable or simply not in our receivers (ex-#14) capabilities.
I thought Sheahan 's punts were more exciting than boring - maybe not quite Nick Harris level, but I think he can be a weapon. "Punting is winning!" etc etc
I'm still trying to stay optimistic for this year and not look ahead to next, when I think there's a very real chance we'll compete for the North. This year feels very much like another .500 year given our vulnerability at the line (on both sides).
Ott's patience and vision are exceptional for a freshman. Can he catch passes out of the backfield? If so, he reminds me of a shorter Marcus Allen.
We're clearly losing a lot without a mobile QB, especially considering the offensive line doesn't appear very effective.
Speaking of lines, there was no evidence our defensive rush will be threat it was last year. Unless it had more to do with the coaches calling fewer blitzes.
Jason S. appears to be a linebacker in the tradition of Cal's greats. He's inevitably around the ball.
Still, you simply can't be successful if your offensive and defensive lines aren't effective. That's the biggest concern that I have watching our Bears last Saturday.
Formation/personnel question. Do the W4C team have thoughts on the personnel selection? There were 5+ plays where #3 was lined up as a tight end. I counted 2+ plays with #34 running routes.
Does this occur to keep the same 11 on the field and eliminate substituting between plays? Or some other reason? Neither of the above are great options (though #3 blocked fairly well).
As we know, teams change dramatically between Week 1 and Week 6 as teams answer their question marks, everyone has tape to prepare and the general unknowns get removed, resulting in just player improvement and injuries as variables.
My Question: Which units typically improve the most the first few weeks of the season?
I thought overall we looked pretty good but I just wonder if we shouldn’t be taking more of a wild swing at the upper tier and playing Millner since he is younger and mobile and could pair with Ott as they mature together. Plummer seems fine but he is like the epitome of the Toyota Tercel metaphor. I am excited about Ott but just don’t see us really breaking through with Plummer especially with the apparent O line issues. Even if it risked a higher chance of like a 2 win season I would be ok just going for it and playing the guy with greater natural abilities (Millner)
solid, grounded report, thanks
*One question yet to be answered is if gaining Plummer's passing will fully offset losing Garber's running.
*The key to the season will be the O-Line. Hopefully they can develop and stay healthy in the process. QBs could do with more time and RBs with some holes.
*I was happier stumbling out of the blocks then getting together than I would have been with a fourth quarter pratfall.
* Also consistent these last few seasons has been Nick's insightful post game thoughts.
I thought Oladejo looked like a budding star.
I think this game analysis was too harsh. The first quarter showed what inexperience the Cal offense has, and then made adjustments to provide a more than adequate performance. Pass protection will need to improve, but Plummer was more than effective standing in the pocket. With time, and the emergence of what seems like strong receivers, he will hit downfield passes. Let's see how he does this coming Saturday. The special teams were very effective, especially the punting and coverage. On defense, we will need more pressure on the opponents pocket, and the defensive backs will need to close more effectively on downfield receivers, but all in all, a good performance.
WR screens seems like a problem as in our receivers couldn't block DBs to get the screen play going. Thoughts on if that's fixable or simply not in our receivers (ex-#14) capabilities.
I thought Sheahan 's punts were more exciting than boring - maybe not quite Nick Harris level, but I think he can be a weapon. "Punting is winning!" etc etc
I'm still trying to stay optimistic for this year and not look ahead to next, when I think there's a very real chance we'll compete for the North. This year feels very much like another .500 year given our vulnerability at the line (on both sides).
Ott's patience and vision are exceptional for a freshman. Can he catch passes out of the backfield? If so, he reminds me of a shorter Marcus Allen.
We're clearly losing a lot without a mobile QB, especially considering the offensive line doesn't appear very effective.
Speaking of lines, there was no evidence our defensive rush will be threat it was last year. Unless it had more to do with the coaches calling fewer blitzes.
Jason S. appears to be a linebacker in the tradition of Cal's greats. He's inevitably around the ball.
Still, you simply can't be successful if your offensive and defensive lines aren't effective. That's the biggest concern that I have watching our Bears last Saturday.
Formation/personnel question. Do the W4C team have thoughts on the personnel selection? There were 5+ plays where #3 was lined up as a tight end. I counted 2+ plays with #34 running routes.
Does this occur to keep the same 11 on the field and eliminate substituting between plays? Or some other reason? Neither of the above are great options (though #3 blocked fairly well).
General Question:
As we know, teams change dramatically between Week 1 and Week 6 as teams answer their question marks, everyone has tape to prepare and the general unknowns get removed, resulting in just player improvement and injuries as variables.
My Question: Which units typically improve the most the first few weeks of the season?
The Aggies didn't come out nervous. Why did the O Line allow 2 blitzes from the right (?) side? They came darn close to recording a few more sacks.
I thought overall we looked pretty good but I just wonder if we shouldn’t be taking more of a wild swing at the upper tier and playing Millner since he is younger and mobile and could pair with Ott as they mature together. Plummer seems fine but he is like the epitome of the Toyota Tercel metaphor. I am excited about Ott but just don’t see us really breaking through with Plummer especially with the apparent O line issues. Even if it risked a higher chance of like a 2 win season I would be ok just going for it and playing the guy with greater natural abilities (Millner)
Perhaps I am blessed to not have been able to watch this game.
Very excited for Ott, and I feel like Plummer will get better with playing time. Hopefully.