For the first time in forever I'm not the one breaking shit and leading the pitchfork parade.
Yes, it looked bad yesterday to get steamrolled by LSU. BUT. (Am I about to be the voice of reason?) I didn't think it was really all that bad. The score got away, but it really wasn't all that bad.
1) It was in their house. Winning on the road is difficult in the SEC.
2) The penalties were not due to a lack of effort or laziness, they were inadvertent and came because people were trying to make plays. 51 yards in penalties isn't abysmal anyway when you consider two made up 30 yards of that.
3) Despite what you might think, the defense played reasonably well. Yes it got torched twice on basically the same play. And yes, once things started to pile up the defense got tired. But didn't we reasonably expect that? Their offensive and defensive line is more mature and more experienced than ours. The hope was that if we could generate some offense and grab a turnover or two we could avoid the slow and steady strangulation of being pounded by the successive waves of linemen. We didn't generate offense. We didn't get turnovers. We gave them a short field at least once. It snowballed. That's going to happen to a young team.
4) Defense again... when your offense is standing in the corner trying to fuck a jelly doughnut, what do you expect them to do? Just a couple of series where we move the ball, change field position, get a first down... and the defense has a pretty good day. We gave them nothing and asked them to hold the fort against the huns. Wasn't going to happen.
There were some things that bothered me.
McCalebb provided a major offensive spark in the first quarter. His threat kept their defense from just bullrushing the fuck out of us. Why didn't he touch the fucking ball in the second or third quarter? He was moving the fucking chains so let's sit him over here because that chain rattling noise bothers us. What the fuck?
I'm getting seriously fucking annoyed with the way personnel is being managed offensively. We did that shit last year but were able to overcome it. Dyer would just vanish for long stretches. I understand the philosophy behind constant movement, but sometimes I wonder if we just don't completely outwizard ourselves in trying to be wizardly.
We really don't have a quarterback worth a diddling fuck. Not a single one. You could take all three and merge them together and still not have one who can win you games. Chris Todd? Daniel Cobb? I'm sorry for all the things I said about you. Miss you. Wish you were here.
We won't be the last team LSU chokes to death and then revives to choke again. This won't be the last team this Auburn squad gets ape raped by either. Ole Miss is no guarantee. We'll have to score to beat them and I'm not sure our offense has the confidence to get a first down, much less punch it in the end zone.
But still. The sun came up. Despite the ugliness of the beating I'm not discouraged (except by the offense).
Very well said.
I agree that this season's offensive gameplan has included too much thinking. Last year, we wised up to centering the offense around Cam Newton.
This year, we seem to try a player a few plays and then move on to the next. Sometimes you just have to choose an identity and make it work.
Is our offense centered around Dyer? McCalebb? The quarterback?
I'm not sure. I don't think we've really developed an identity on offense. That's probably due to the shabby offensive line play.
The offense? You can imagine something has gone wrong with Gus if you want, but the whole shit bag of offense centers around having no QB. ..............You can talk about "poor play calling". A. you don't know jack shit about the plays we have in, why or when they're called. B. If you can't execute due to a personnel issue, no great play call will over come that.................
Is Gus "outwizarding" himself? I think he's doing all he can to try and make something happen. He's actually trying to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
You didn't pay attention. Not one play call was discussed.
We don't have a QB worth a fizzling drizzling fuck. It's not that we have three, it's that we have none. Zero.
My problem is with the personnel decisions. If you don't think McCalebb disappearing for most of the game after providing the ONLY offensive fire in the first quarter isn't "outthinking" the situation or in the very least not being in tune with the flow of the game, well... hmmmmm.
It's been my only complaint about Gus and it's been one since the very beginning. We've seen Tate just vanish for long stretches when he was our best offensive weapon. We've seen Dyer hammer out some great runs and start to catch his stride -- and then poof. Doesn't touch the ball for the next quarter and a half. Yesterday it was McCalebb. The little guy has the quickness to burn the defense that's attacking up the field by hitting the outside. Makes some great plays on the first drive. And then Alex Russo hits him with one of her wacky Waverly Place spells and he turns into a spectator.
No other coach I've ever seen does that. Sometimes it works. But there are times it just flat out doesn't.
When nothing else is working what's wrong with dropping back to the things that were getting positives and taking advantage of them?
You didn't pay attention. Not one play call was discussed.
We don't have a QB worth a fizzling drizzling fuck. It's not that we have three, it's that we have none. Zero.
My problem is with the personnel decisions. If you don't think McCalebb disappearing for most of the game after providing the ONLY offensive fire in the first quarter isn't "outthinking" the situation or in the very least not being in tune with the flow of the game, well... hmmmmm.
It's been my only complaint about Gus and it's been one since the very beginning. We've seen Tate just vanish for long stretches when he was our best offensive weapon. We've seen Dyer hammer out some great runs and start to catch his stride -- and then poof. Doesn't touch the ball for the next quarter and a half. Yesterday it was McCalebb. The little guy has the quickness to burn the defense that's attacking up the field by hitting the outside. Makes some great plays on the first drive. And then Alex Russo hits him with one of her wacky Waverly Place spells and he turns into a spectator.
No other coach I've ever seen does that. Sometimes it works. But there are times it just flat out doesn't.
When nothing else is working what's wrong with dropping back to the things that were getting positives and taking advantage of them?
I can't answer why for sure. I don't know the answer. I'm sure at times Gus has outthough himself, or been stubborn in not seeing what was there. I don't know for sure.
BTW, though I quoted you, the particular paragraph of mine you quoted, was aimed at a number of folks, not you.
I have no problem with Gus' No Huddle, his play calling or his value as a recruiter.
I have no problem with Trooper Taylor as the Assistant Head Coach or his value as a recruiter.
But we have three very good high school quarterbacks and many highly recruited receivers.
And since Chris Todd and Darvin Adams, both of whom were already on campus, I see no evidence that we possess a QB coach or a receiver coach that can take a high school product and improve upon their ability at this level.
I do not count Cam Newton or Emory Blake among the candidates because these two came to Auburn virtually SEC ready.
It's hard to fuck-up Superman and Flash.
Other than Todd, Adams, Newton and Blake; someone please give me a clear example of a QB or receiver that actually improved his skill set since this staff was assembled.
And Kodi Burns went to both schools.
I'll hang up and listen.
So, now they can't coach? :facepalm:Didn't say they couldn't coach. I'm saying they both seem to be lacking as far as developing talent. There is a difference.
Bolded part borders on idiocy.
Didn't say they couldn't coach. I'm saying they both seem to be lacking as far as developing talent. There is a difference.
Hmmm...
Cam this is our offense and these are our plays.
Run it or throw it whatever you think's best.
What else is he going to teach Cam Newton?
Uh, oh yeah you need to get rid of the ball quicker in this league.
Right... he got out of the fucking way and stuck to play calling or series calling as you describe, because there aren't many that can do that better than Malzahn.
I have no fucking clue what that means.It means he let Cam do what Cam does.
It means he let Cam do what Cam does.
How fucking hard is that to understand?
Right, that's exactly what they did! You nailed it. Malzahn is a fraud. Cam was the real offensive whiz out there.NOPE. Counsellor you will not put words into my mouth. I never made such a statement. I maintain that Malzahn is a tremendous asset in every way to the football program of Auburn University...BUT, he might be lacking in the actual tutoring of quarterbacks. Now see if you can twist that statement aided by facepalms.:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
NOPE. Counsellor you will not put words into my mouth. I never made such a statement. I maintain that Malzahn is a tremendous asset in every way to the football program of Auburn University...BUT, he might be lacking in the actual tutoring of quarterbacks. Now see if you can twist that statement aided by facepalms.
This is his first QB failure at the college level. And you claim he may be lacking in the ability to coach them? And in support of your notion, you first refuse to give him any credit for Cam, because if you did, well, then your notion has no legs. What you're saying is the type stuff uttered by morons on Finebaum. If it's what you think, then oh well. If you believe that great QB coaches ALWAYS have at least a serviceable QB, then you're living in a different world from the one I live it.I'm saying for all the money Auburn pays Malzahn at least one of the three QBs in the fold should be serviceable.
I'm gonna say this...AGAIN...You can't make chicken salad out of chicken shit! We don't have a serviceable QB on campus. Frazier MAY be at some point, and I guess if he turns out to be as advertised, you'll say he just needed some time to get used to the speed of the game, Malzahn simply handed him a playbook and let him do the rest.
Dude, please stop...you're making a fool of yourself.
We don't have a QB worth a fizzling drizzling fuck. It's not that we have three, it's that we have none. Zero.
Disagree here..I think that Moseley is serviceable. I think we got beat in the trenches, their d-line manhandled (and by manhandled Im talking the way AWK likes it) or Offensive Line. Moseley didn't have time to throw the ball much less look off receivers. Besides you are talking about a kid in his first start against the number one team in the nation. They are far more talented than I gave them credit for. They made Oregons QB look like shit, if you remember.
Then again Moseley could turn out to be shit, all I'm saying is that I thought he looked better than Trotter, and I think he will win us some games.
Disagree here..I think that Moseley is serviceable. I think we got beat in the trenches, their d-line manhandled (and by manhandled Im talking the way AWK likes it) or Offensive Line. Moseley didn't have time to throw the ball much less look off receivers. Besides you are talking about a kid in his first start against the number one team in the nation. They are far more talented than I gave them credit for. They made Oregons QB look like shit, if you remember.
Then again Moseley could turn out to be shit, all I'm saying is that I thought he looked better than Trotter, and I think he will win us some games.
Why are we talking about QB's still? We got beat for 2 reasons: A) Their O-Line was much better than our D-Line and Linebackers. 2) Their D-Line was much better than our O-Line.
There is nothing you can do X's and O's wise or with your skill players to overcome that on a consistent basis. When your guys cannot make blocks or get off blocks you are going to lose unless the opposing QB throws 5 INT's or their running backs start putting the ball on the ground. We got beat by a team that was superior up front.
Why are we talking about QB's still? We got beat for 2 reasons: A) Their O-Line was much better than our D-Line and Linebackers. 2) Their D-Line was much better than our O-Line.
There is nothing you can do X's and O's wise or with your skill players to overcome that on a consistent basis. When your guys cannot make blocks or get off blocks you are going to lose unless the opposing QB throws 5 INT's or their running backs start putting the ball on the ground. We got beat by a team that was superior up front.
Have to sort of agree here. He will at least pull the trigger. LSU not the best game to try to judge him by in his first start. I want to see him this week, and with a full compliment of healthy, starting WRs
Why are we talking about QB's still? We got beat for 2 reasons: A) Their O-Line was much better than our D-Line and Linebackers. 2) Their D-Line was much better than our O-Line.
There is nothing you can do X's and O's wise or with your skill players to overcome that on a consistent basis. When your guys cannot make blocks or get off blocks you are going to lose unless the opposing QB throws 5 INT's or their running backs start putting the ball on the ground. We got beat by a team that was superior up front.
On Blake:
Apparently, he isn't as far as they hoped and will see if he is ready to go against Ole Miss. We may be missing Blake again this weekend.
Not questioning the size of Blake's ball bag here, but I thought about him while watching a H.S. game down here Friday night. One of the better games I've seen, BTW. Two local 2A private schools, Providence Christian and Houston Academy, duked it out right until the end and did something you rarely see in high school. HA was down one and had first and goal from the 2 yard line. PCS stopped them 3 straight times and HA kicked a field goal to go up by 2 with about 3 minutes left. Providence then drove the ball down field and with a few seconds left on the clock, kicked a long field goal for the win. The deep snapper was the key.
Anywho, back to Blake. The starting tailback/LB for Providence was ripping off 8-12 yards every time he touched the ball. Start of the second quarter, he turns the ankle. Comes out and they tape him up and he spends the rest of the half trying to walk. He's right in front of me and I'm thinking no way he's going back in. Can hardly walk, much less run. 3rd quarter the same. Still trying to get where he can play. 4th quarter, HA is driving for the winning score (where the goal line stand happens) The kid grabs his helmet and runs in, noticably hobbling. Winds up in on just about every tackle and even runs one 15 yards on a draw play on the winning drive.
I was thinking, man I hope Blake nuts up tomorrow and plays. Now, he's 50/50 for the Ole Miss game? Frick.
It's always easiest to blame the QB. Besides, Gus can't tutor them.Haven't blamed any QB for our problems. If we are able to run the ball we can get by with just over 50% comp. rate just by completing some key throws to keep a drive alive. Six sacks and a number of altered throws were just a small part of the loss. I don't even count the pick-6. Game was already over.
I watched the 2010 AU-UGA game again this morning when I could not sleep.Not with the OL we are sporting out there.
You are wrong. It IS the quarterback.
Newton zipped passes to receivers on out routes. He read the field, anticipated and uncorked lasers.
Defenses had to respect his arm. That opened up the run. Nobody respects the pass now. We can't hit wide open receivers. When was the last time you saw a hook or out pick up 10-15 yards?
One thing I also noticed that is a significant problem? Adams and Burns were relentless blockers. Now We are getting nothing out of the receivers on sweeps and reverses. Their blocks are shed with ease.
Watching that made me hurt. Bad. I saw one face in the starting offense that I see today. And only one on defense.
And even with all that turnover we are essentially the same team. The defense might actually be a touch better. It's no worse. I dont see a tremendous difference in the OL. But we are definitely missing a QB with vision, an arm and the ability to make a decision and execute. We are also missing receivers who put their heart into blocking.
And for the record? Cam deserves his statue. I can't believe we were blessed enough to have him wear an Auburn jersey for 14 games. Had he returned we would be 8-0, first or second in the BCS and nobody would give a shit about Nov. 5.
I am not sure any QB can make up for that lack of protection.
One guy begs to differ.
(http://www.sportsnola.com/imagesnov/sports/nfl/aaron-rodgers.jpg)
Rodgers hasn't had good pass protection yet and all he's done is carve up the NFL like a video game on retard setting.
Kaos is right - QB that the defense fears matters.
A QB can make up for some lack of protection or even poor protection, but Moseley was getting NONE Saturday. Slade was getting his ass pushed back INTO the QB within seconds. And a lot of these situations they were only rushing 4. Chavis is THAT good.
I watched the 2010 AU-UGA game again this morning when I could not sleep.
You are wrong. It IS the quarterback.
Newton zipped passes to receivers on out routes. He read the field, anticipated and uncorked lasers.
Defenses had to respect his arm. That opened up the run. Nobody respects the pass now. We can't hit wide open receivers. When was the last time you saw a hook or out pick up 10-15 yards?
One thing I also noticed that is a significant problem? Adams and Burns were relentless blockers. Now We are getting nothing out of the receivers on sweeps and reverses. Their blocks are shed with ease.
Watching that made me hurt. Bad. I saw one face in the starting offense that I see today. And only one on defense.
And even with all that turnover we are essentially the same team. The defense might actually be a touch better. It's no worse. I dont see a tremendous difference in the OL. But we are definitely missing a QB with vision, an arm and the ability to make a decision and execute. We are also missing receivers who put their heart into blocking.
And for the record? Cam deserves his statue. I can't believe we were blessed enough to have him wear an Auburn jersey for 14 games. Had he returned we would be 8-0, first or second in the BCS and nobody would give a shitake about Nov. 5.
You're kidding right?
Plus this is college, you can win a NC with a mediocre QB. Just ask this guy.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRMCBu9_XzTDqqv-zHDHkKTFycU8j8L2fs4Bbnetl4tWI93s09BpQ)
Blasphemer.
He's heady.
That's true, his head is very large. His brain is so big it has sucked all the pigment from his face and hair.
I think he just illegally hit Aaron Murray, too.
Go back and watch for yourself. When they tried to pour it on with the blitz or the line was getting mauled it was one step, two step, third step rifle the ball for a ten yard completion on the sideline route.
Drift back and duck is not the same.
You CAN win with a mediocre quarterback. Wish AU had one. Mediocre would be a drastic improvement.
Of course anybody looks mediocre compared to Cam, but still.
Agree with this generally, but if you truly see no difference in the OL between 2010 and 2011, then you are being willfully blind.
It's not an earth-rending difference. It's definitely not difference enough to drop production from 40 points per game to 10.
It's not an earth-rending difference.
Yeah, it is. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this.
It's not an earth-rending difference. It's definitely not difference enough to drop production from 40 points per game to 10.
When somebody says that, all I hear is them conceding they were wrong.
You are both right and you are both wrong. It's not just the OL and it's not just the QB. It's both...or a combination thereof that is causing the offensive woes.
It's not an earth-rending difference. It's definitely not difference enough to drop production from 40 points per game to 10.
I've conceded as much...but the OL is the genesis of all the other problems.
Here ya' go
http://youtu.be/SlHtFNmYP5o
I disagree with your disagreement. The OL isn't the best in the league, but it is adequately average for the most part. The signal calling is pretty abysmal. With few exceptions, the QB leaves the pocket when he should step up. And steps up when he should break out. Very little awareness. Trotter was scared to pull the trigger.
Only twice did he play like he's capable. We were behind and needed something to happen against Utah State and we were behind and needed a TD to win at SC. We were in a bind and needed to make something happen. Trotter stepped up and actually played[/b] QB instead of thinking about playing it.
Given the right motivation (at least in those two instances), Trotter actually did pretty well. The rest of the time, though, when he was given the opportunity to think rather than react, he failed to make plays.
I think that's what the coaches saw in him from the start. I imagine he looks like that in practice because he knows there he's not going to lose a game if he makes a mistake. In games he played (at least to me) like he was afraid to make one a mistake -- and that never wins.
In retrospect I'm not sure I would have pulled him now. Moseley isn't any better. Might be worse. Through the first half of the Clemson game, Trotter looked like he was going to at least be adequate and/or average. I wish I knew what happened to him after the 21st point against the Paws.
If we have a QB who can make quick throws, who can take a step or two in the right direction to give himself a lane (like Trotter did in the last drive at SC and the last two drives against USU) nobody would be discussing the OL play. It would take care of itself.
tl;dw
I say let's see what happens this weekend and then have the same discussion. Ole Mrs. is a team we should...should beat, regardless of who is back there. Not saying we hang 50 on them or even win by 3 or more scores.. But, all things being equal, we should be able to handle this bunch by games end. Prediction wise....10-14 point win. They won't be facing anything close to LSU or even Sakerlina's D for that matter. This weekend should tell us if our line has the ability to give the QB some time. And if they do...does Moseley look solid or does he still go full on tard?
I think we'll have a much different take on Mosley after Old Piss. Not saying he's going to light up the scoreboard, but, I think he shows signs of being able to make a decision, and the OL should be able to protect better this Sat.
Agreed. If he gets some tutoring this week....
In retrospect I'm not sure I would have pulled him now. Moseley isn't any better. Might be worse. Through the first half of the Clemson game, Trotter looked like he was going to at least be adequate and/or average. I wish I knew what happened to him after the 21st point against the Paws.
Just watched the whole entire thing all over again.
The sprawling criticism of the offensive line is over the top. it's not completely warranted. The OL didn't lose that game.
Just watched the whole entire thing all over again.
The sprawling criticism of the offensive line is over the top. it's not completely warranted. The OL didn't lose that game.
It's just like the QB position. It's a problem, not the sole problem.
Starters include at Tackles 1 Sr. JC Transfer that was an OK starter last year, 1 Sr. That was nearly a bust for his first three seasons at Auburn, and was out from game three on last year. At Guards 1 Jr. that was a 3 star recruit that's battled his weight, and 1 Fr. Center, a Fr. Compare that to 4 Srs last season that came in with over a 100 combined starts, and the OK JC transfer.
Now factor the mediocre to poor play at QB.
Agreed on Frazier. Just being an average thrower would make this offense better simply because of the very real threat of his ability to run. And he do have better escapability than Moseley or Trahta.
I saw Clint crumple like a paper tent several times when a rushing defender was still a good three yards away. Cover the ball and drop into the fetal position. He played scared IMO.
I wish I could say I like the kid, but I don't.
Just watched the whole entire thing all over again.
The sprawling criticism of the offensive line is over the top. it's not completely warranted. The OL didn't lose that game.
I saw Clint crumple like a paper tent several times when a rushing defender was still a good three yards away. Cover the ball and drop into the fetal position. He played scared IMO.
I wish I could say I like the kid, but I don't.
The whole middle paragraph is meaningless. I'm not talking about expectations or stars or on paper or experience. I'm talking performance. From what I read here I expected them to all either leap backward or fall prone on every snap.
It was not that bad. It was at least adequate. Mosley was awful. Played like a chickenshit too often. Duck and cover. Frazier -- if he could throw AT ALL -- would give us the best chance to move the ball.
That's easy for you to say from the recliner. You didn't have LSU's front 7 in your grill all night. If he had tried to make something happen and fumbled/thrown a pick 6, you would be bitching about how he should have taken the sack. Everything is woulda coulda, backseat driving for fans. And don't forget the kid was making his first start against the #1 team in the country in Baton Rouge. What exactly were you expecting of him? Me thinks some people got spoiled by Mr. Newton.
I'd like to see Frazier progress and get more and more reps as the season winds down
The second request is definitely happening, Mr. Oblivious.
Me thinks some people got spoiled by Mr. Newton.Cam took over games which is why I say Gus got out of the way and let him play. Six new QBs in 6 years for Gus. He's never used a 2 QB system but he has admitted that his handling of the QBs this season has disrupted their rythym.
I would like to see the shuffling more to a series rather than downs. Throw Frazier in for a series or two.Same here. We only have so many possessions. Forget the extra sprinting on and off the field. Give them the reins and let's have some continuity. It can only improve the overall play of the offense.
Cam took over games which is why I say Gus got out of the way and let him play.
And you won't ever hear me say somebody should take a sack,
I don't know what Gus did or didn't do in regards to "tutoring" Cam, but this makes sense to me. Look at the guy when he was actually put in at Florida for several plays. Look at his play at Blinn College.Dude, it's also the rookie O-Line...young WR Corp...and a shitty QB to boot.
It seems absurd to me that some people (you know who you are, sunnamuhbeetches) want to give Gus the majority of the credit for "tutoring" Cam as a QB when, in reality, he came in as an awesome QB. The system was adapted to revolve around Cam.
Malzahn is a fucking offensive genius in my opinion, but I don't think that anyone needs to bow down to him or any other offensive coaches at Auburn and respect what they did for Cam Newton, because most of Cam's abilities, talent, and playing style were already there.
Without a QB who doubles as a rushing threat, Malzahn's offense is struggling. Of course, that's not the only problem. If there was a QB who could pass, then I think Malzahn could and would adapt; it's not as if he's a one trick pony that requires a rushing QB. If there was an offensive line which allowed a young, passing QB to progress, then Malzahn could make some improvements. Nonetheless, it's clear that he doesn't have the level of QB talent to afford him the ability to succeed this season in regard to offensive schemes.
I don't know what Gus did or didn't do in regards to "tutoring" Cam, but this makes sense to me. Look at the guy when he was actually put in at Florida for several plays. Look at his play at Blinn College.
It seems absurd to me that some people (you know who you are, sunnamuhbeetches) want to give Gus the majority of the credit for "tutoring" Cam as a QB when, in reality, he came in as an awesome QB. The system was adapted to revolve around Cam.
Malzahn is a fucking offensive genius in my opinion, but I don't think that anyone needs to bow down to him or any other offensive coaches at Auburn and respect what they did for Cam Newton, because most of Cam's abilities, talent, and playing style were already there.
Without a QB who doubles as a rushing threat, Malzahn's offense is struggling. Of course, that's not the only problem. If there was a QB who could pass, then I think Malzahn could and would adapt; it's not as if he's a one trick pony that requires a rushing QB. If there was an offensive line which allowed a young, passing QB to progress, then Malzahn could make some improvements. Nonetheless, it's clear that he doesn't have the level of QB talent to afford him the ability to succeed this season in regard to offensive schemes.
Without a QB who doubles as a rushing threat, Malzahn's offense is struggling.
Chris "Iron Boots" Todd doubled over with laughter.Remember that one QB sneak on 3rd & 8? There wasn't a defender within 20 yards of Todd as he took everyone by surprise while he speed down the field for a gain of 9 yards. I started calling him the "white Vince Young".