2 for 13 third down conversions is really bad but most of that problem comes from pathetic execution on first down. We are forever in 2nd and 9 to 15 as a result of a flop on first down. Then our OC calls the predictable one yard gain up the middle on second down and we get in the usual third and long. We need to get much better and consistent gains on first down and do something better on second and long. This O is really hard to watch as only about one out of five plays are a "success". Throwing does not seem to be in our DNA with these players.
I like a lot of what the coaches are doing to transition the program on all days but game day. It seems they are still very much in the learning mode on game day. Examples: 2 penalties for 12 men on the field, TE lined up as a wide receiver time and time again on third and long (passing down) and they are too slow to get any separation from a wide out position., second and goal from the 4 yard line and we throw on second down (and waste a down) and then run Johnson (our worst choice) on third down. If we run on third down for 4 yards why not run on second down and give ourselves an extra down to get in? (we could Oliver the ball in from the 4 with 3 chances 19 times out of 20!), coaches are still confused about who our place kicker should be. In spite of the terrible blocking and execution overall and a QB having a really bad day we had a chance but the coaches failed us IMO when there was an opportunity.
Graham seems fixated on throwing to Brown way too much. Brown is great on the bombs but too easy to tackle and too small to find on the short throws short of the first down sticks. Carter, Oliver, and Sanders need more touches.
Not a single option pitch outside today or screen pass or reverse, but I am happy doing without the swinging gate. This O is hard to watch.
Congrats to the players for their hard play and no quit. Better coaching would have gotten us at 17 all and a 20-17 lead with a good very makeable field goal earlier.
I really miss success on most downs and great stats in the red zone for scoring when we got close. I do believe this O scheme/OC play caller can only get us there if we get an elete QB and I am not holding my breath.
The O improvement I see is with the center snaps in the gun. I had hoped and expected more. We do not always get the best players on the field on crucial plays and do not get the ball in their hands enough. I see this as a game day coaching learning/failure. The Brown/Graham game is beginning to look too much like the Johnson QB/BB game.
I believe our problems on D are lack of pass rush, D line size and ability, and below par LB play and can be fixed with recruiting and a little more game day coaching experience.
I see a long time to get this O fixed and I will stick it out at BDS, but it is really hard to watch this O knowing we can do better..