Because somebody complained there wasn’t a thread, here’s one: here are my post game ups, downs, and flats. I see more ups in this one, but since we’re already in a bad spot the “flats” are bad. Agree with me? Disagree? Have your own thoughts?
Up:
The pass rush: NU’s pass rush overall was really a problem for Maryland today. Lots of guys got in on the action and it was a big difference maker. I credit some of the blitz schemes as part of this too, which definitely caused a lot of problems. More of this please.
Aidan Hubbard as a potential 3-4 rush backer: liked the tackle he made in space after having discussed this here the other day.
LBs running downhill on the first half: very aggressive in the first half via the run and it worked out (until it didn’t, later). At least they got the upside of this strategy some today.
The running game and scheme with Sullivan: NU did a way better job on the ground orchestrating various positions to get numbers and advantages in the running game with Sullivan at QB. Big help!
The ball going to Malik Washington: he’s pretty good
AJ Hampton: he’s caught shit around here but he was an impact returner today
The flat:
Generally bad/confused/lost LB play: enough said
Coverage in general: yup, still pretty bad with major breakdowns at times
Jake as OC: while I think Jake is less part of the problem than many others and today he did some improved things (the touchdown pass to Hull was truly a wonderful play), there were also some times when we took less advantage of number opportunities than were available to us. Ultimately, I’d still like to see NU switch to a coordinator who more specializes an RPO, spread out style compared to Jake and his more pro style background. I don’t think Jake is a bad OC, it’s just not what I’d like to see NU doing.
WRs who aren’t Malik Washington: they’re still bad.
The down
My hopes for Sullivan helping the passing game: while the running game was improved by Sully, the passing game was still pretty awful. He missed several downfield opportunities that were there and ultimately the horses aren’t really there outside, especially when Gordon is dinged. If I never see Navarro targeted downfield again I’ll be okay with that. So much for hopes there.
Run fits late: Ew.
The wildcat: you’ve got a perfectly good drive going predicated on numbers advantages and option looks and you go and grind things down with the stupid wildcat. Just gross.
Health
Up:
The pass rush: NU’s pass rush overall was really a problem for Maryland today. Lots of guys got in on the action and it was a big difference maker. I credit some of the blitz schemes as part of this too, which definitely caused a lot of problems. More of this please.
Aidan Hubbard as a potential 3-4 rush backer: liked the tackle he made in space after having discussed this here the other day.
LBs running downhill on the first half: very aggressive in the first half via the run and it worked out (until it didn’t, later). At least they got the upside of this strategy some today.
The running game and scheme with Sullivan: NU did a way better job on the ground orchestrating various positions to get numbers and advantages in the running game with Sullivan at QB. Big help!
The ball going to Malik Washington: he’s pretty good
AJ Hampton: he’s caught shit around here but he was an impact returner today
The flat:
Generally bad/confused/lost LB play: enough said
Coverage in general: yup, still pretty bad with major breakdowns at times
Jake as OC: while I think Jake is less part of the problem than many others and today he did some improved things (the touchdown pass to Hull was truly a wonderful play), there were also some times when we took less advantage of number opportunities than were available to us. Ultimately, I’d still like to see NU switch to a coordinator who more specializes an RPO, spread out style compared to Jake and his more pro style background. I don’t think Jake is a bad OC, it’s just not what I’d like to see NU doing.
WRs who aren’t Malik Washington: they’re still bad.
The down
My hopes for Sullivan helping the passing game: while the running game was improved by Sully, the passing game was still pretty awful. He missed several downfield opportunities that were there and ultimately the horses aren’t really there outside, especially when Gordon is dinged. If I never see Navarro targeted downfield again I’ll be okay with that. So much for hopes there.
Run fits late: Ew.
The wildcat: you’ve got a perfectly good drive going predicated on numbers advantages and option looks and you go and grind things down with the stupid wildcat. Just gross.
Health
