Football, at its most fundamental level is a physical game that requires the ability to effectively block and tackle. Without that none of the rest matters. CAL has been a disaster blocking on offense (the O-Line is a fucking mess) and an equal disaster tackling on defense. No matter the personnel on the field for any play, every player at this level needs to be physical and know how to block and tackle. Wilcox needs to get the basics right before these guys can become more advanced. Without having solid fundamentals we won't win another game this year.
What's weird is that these things haven't been, by and large, problems during the first four years of Wilcox. I can't really believe that this is all due to the loss of tim deruyter. I know, as a teacher, that sometimes my students make me look better than I am, and sometimes worse. Is it just bad lack that too many that are now getting playing time are just not that good? Sometimes you get lucky and get an Evan Weaver, sometimes you don't.
Reluctantly, I re-watched the game. Both tackles were getting beat, routinely, by the defenders FIRST step. It was so shocking that I had to rewind and look again to be sure of what I was seeing. I'm not sure I've ever seen a game where both tackles were beat so consistently by just the first step. Just abysmal!! Daltoso is such a liability at this point that even a young player would be better so that they could gain game experience for next year and beyond.
If Cal comes out this week with the same OL expecting different results then insanity will prevail. I would prefer that Wilcox had not hired McClure.
Even live at the stadium it was obvious how badly our tackles (and ocassionally guards) were getting blown off of their assignments. It shouldn't look _that_ obvious to someone that's a) an amateur when it comes to FB analysis and b) is watching from nearly 100 yds away in a stadium)
Come to think of it, the makeshift OL that played against OSU last year when the starters where on COVID protocol played better in that game than any starting 5 this year. We should go back to that OL and if IIRC Driscoll was the starting center.
I agree. I am somewhat surprised by what we have seen on the field. I guess the question is why we are seeing this in year 5. Is it an issue of talent rugbear? If not a talent issue than I suppose it must be the coaching, or lack thereof.
Football, at its most fundamental level is a physical game that requires the ability to effectively block and tackle. Without that none of the rest matters. CAL has been a disaster blocking on offense (the O-Line is a fucking mess) and an equal disaster tackling on defense. No matter the personnel on the field for any play, every player at this level needs to be physical and know how to block and tackle. Wilcox needs to get the basics right before these guys can become more advanced. Without having solid fundamentals we won't win another game this year.
What's weird is that these things haven't been, by and large, problems during the first four years of Wilcox. I can't really believe that this is all due to the loss of tim deruyter. I know, as a teacher, that sometimes my students make me look better than I am, and sometimes worse. Is it just bad lack that too many that are now getting playing time are just not that good? Sometimes you get lucky and get an Evan Weaver, sometimes you don't.
We've had a lot of turnover with our assistant coaches....start there.
totally agree...success as an organizational leader depends on the people you bring in
Tackling has been good during the last four years. The OL blocking has been a bit more problematic during this time, especially pass protection.
Reluctantly, I re-watched the game. Both tackles were getting beat, routinely, by the defenders FIRST step. It was so shocking that I had to rewind and look again to be sure of what I was seeing. I'm not sure I've ever seen a game where both tackles were beat so consistently by just the first step. Just abysmal!! Daltoso is such a liability at this point that even a young player would be better so that they could gain game experience for next year and beyond.
If Cal comes out this week with the same OL expecting different results then insanity will prevail. I would prefer that Wilcox had not hired McClure.
Even live at the stadium it was obvious how badly our tackles (and ocassionally guards) were getting blown off of their assignments. It shouldn't look _that_ obvious to someone that's a) an amateur when it comes to FB analysis and b) is watching from nearly 100 yds away in a stadium)
Come to think of it, the makeshift OL that played against OSU last year when the starters where on COVID protocol played better in that game than any starting 5 this year. We should go back to that OL and if IIRC Driscoll was the starting center.
I agree. I am somewhat surprised by what we have seen on the field. I guess the question is why we are seeing this in year 5. Is it an issue of talent rugbear? If not a talent issue than I suppose it must be the coaching, or lack thereof.