I see a lot of talent and effort on this team which is why it is so frustrating to watch them play awful.
They have a stud WR in Davis who often is given a big cushion... get him the ball quick and often! And use the speed that they have in Fox on a streak down the sideline or something. He won't catch them all, but it will be big when he does and it will stretch out the D. Do it on first down... stop waiting until 3rd & long.
The running backs are small but quick. So spread the D out with 3 or 4 wrs then hand off to them or run a dump, swing or screen pass. They need room... Running up the middle plays to their own weakness.
The O line obviously needs a ton of improvement. Help them out by spreading the D out on every play! Bringing in extra blockers and running up the middle is a waste of a play. Run a draw play to keep the D honest if they need to.
At QB, so sad to see Casey have to hang them up after finally getting the nod he deserved. Good for him to make that tough but smart decision.
I had been a downer on Whitmer for a long time, but the last 2 games he changed my opinion. He can throw a decent ball when given a chance. Like most he has a weakness, his weakness is presence under pressure... which is killer when combined with the struggling O line over his entire career. So any drop back pass is a waste of a play just like running up the middle!! They would be better off taking a knee on those plays. They should only be running quick 2 step drop (not the ball!) passes, screens, or maybe even try a roll out with Fox deep and Davis shallower.
The D has been playing well with the exception of some breakdowns. They are keeping the team in the game and I expect they will continue to improve.
Like most I have been very excited about the hiring of Diaco (almost as excited as my wife) to get this program back where it should be. But to me, the coaching really needs to focus on the teams strengths to give them the best chance to win.
I'm looking forward to next weeks tailgate! but not excited to be in the stadium for 4 quarters if it's going to look at all like last night did.
Is there a word limit on this???? Sorry I may have gone a little long with my rant!