The OLine and the three Ws

[Palatine]

I need a second opinion from the board on this. When he posts something like this, which goes on and on and on with no real contribution or relevance to the discussion, is he just playing with us? And I'm to curmudgonly to get that it's all a joke?

That must be what it is.

It is simply the quantity over quality ploy. If you can't blind them with your brilliance, baffle 'em with your bullshit. If Carl were writing this post, it would go on for five more paragraphs and contain equal parts of convention wisdom and condescension.

 

[businesslawyer]

No - before some nitwit takes this discussion and puts in major media.....the connect the dots thing is a frigging joke. The article is not - it was published last year in january.

I posted that article b/c Duncan's link, made me think of it, and I looked for it. I wonder how many people actually read that article and then went back and looked at the photo I put up. Anyway in response, to something that clearly looks like an exceprt from a Chip Kelly coaching clinic on the zone-read, I posted an article on said coach, that is related to UConn football, in that same coach - who's argueably THE guy responsible for the offensive system that dominates the football world right now, and was our bread and butter play for several years, was developed by a guy that coached offense in teh Yankee conference for 15 years, and stood on the same sidelines, at Memorial stadium, while at least a few people around here, were there.

Is it relevant to the topic? SInce when does that matter around here? This discussion started out as a discussion about the direction of our offensive line, and a bunch of questions about how and why lineman could possibly having trouble with their blocking assignments......and BL turned it into a personal testimony for Coach Foley and lament on the offensive line move in the coachign staff.

The concept that a guy like P, would run a football organization, that has a guy like Coach F involved, in the northeast US, in college football, and not treat him with complete and utter respect and value with what he's done and is capable of doing, is well frankly....as foolish as thinking that a division 1-A football player is going to intentionally waive themselves off the field on game day becuase they feel tired....or as ridiculous as a saying that a division 1-A football player doesn't like 'contact'......

It's somethign to read in the spring, while football is being practiced.

I don't understand why you get yourself agitated about things that no one (or, in some cases, almost no one) disagrees with you about. The stupid line about DeLorenzo was made by one person. No one is saying P treated Foley with disrespect, animosity or anything else. I do lament the change because I think Foley's track record on coaching OL is better than Deleone's and I think Foley can't help but see it as a demotion, but that has zippo to do with a lack of respect). And no one is saying that zone blocking schemes can't work.

 

[Carl Spackler]

For those that might think I'm talking ancient history and Model T cars parked around the old Dow field.....

In 1999 Chip Kelly's UNH offense put up 48 points on Randy Edsall's UConn team in Storrs right there across the street from Burton and the Shenk.

I want an offense that can put points on the board. The last thing I want, is Chip Kelly's zone-read though. I want a pro-set offense that keeps a defense on it's heels and makes them pay for getting unbalanced, and that offense, from everything I can gather, is getting trained right now against a pretty powerful defense that is willing to get unbalanced and go for knocking the QB into the dirt, and is not playing their heels. If our offense can force our defense to pay a little bit...things are going to be really good next year.

Looking forward to teh spring game.

The quality of player changes at different levels of football, and what you can do with those players changes - but football is still football at whatever level it's played.

Blocking and tackling.

Have a nice weekend everybody.

 

[Carl Spackler]

I don't understand why you get yourself agitated about things that no one (or, in some cases, almost no one) disagrees with you about. The stupid line about DeLorenzo was made by one person. No one is saying P treated Foley with disrespect, animosity or anything else. I do lament the change because I think Foley's track record on coaching OL is better than Deleone's and I think Foley can't help but see it as a demotion, but that has zippo to do with a lack of respect). And no one is saying that zone blocking schemes can't work.

I've come to realize in 2 years, that it takes one person to write something anywhere on the internet, and it can end up on national news.

It matters. UConn football matters to me. I take it personal.

 

[CTMike]

It wouldn't be The Boneyard any other way.

 

[businesslawyer]

I've come to realize in 2 years, that it takes one person to write something anywhere on the internet, and it can end up on national news.

It matters. UConn football matters to me. I take it personal.

You know what -- I will apologize for being annoyed that you feel the need to beat up on the old and out of date, but totally dumb, statement about DeLorenzo. I think your brief statement above makes sense.

However, the rest of what I stated stands.

 

[Johnbuoy]

Mainly for my own benefit, I thought it'd be a good idea to try and recap what's been "discussed" (and I use the word loosely) so far in this thread.

The thread started with reference to the Courant article that says UConn's O line is the key to it's success this year, which also discussed is Foley's move to TE coach, and who is responsible for identifying the 'Mike' LB. (BTW Master's did use "we" when describing that responsibility.)

1. Was Foley's move to TE coach a demotion or not? Everyone seems to have an opinion, but I think 'pj' presented the most cogent discussion of why that isn't necessarily the case, and that he'll probably be back in charge of the O line next season. Carl S's also had much to say on this topic, but believes Foley's move to TE was probably considered by him (Foley) to be an exciting oppotunity. I think he may be somewhat right, because really, how many people really like doing the same job over, and over, and over, and over... Change is good.
2. Sacks were caused by a) immobile QB's or b) poor O line play.
3. A few opinions were given on who should make the O line this year.
4. On the third page of the thread, HuskyfanDan said he's done reading it. I thought that was kind of funny, but then again I haven't seen his name show up again. Do you think he really hasn't read any more of this thread? Do you think he may have another sign in name?
5. If you didn't know what a cut block was before, you should now.
6. I found the reference to Chip Kelly being at UNH and the Yankee Conference was very interesting.

Although the bulk of this thread has been occupied by Carl S, and those few who seem to really enjoy challenging his opinions, it's been a fun read. On a final note, how come I have seen Edsall's name mentioned yet...OOOPS!

 

[businesslawyer]

On a final note, how come I have seen Edsall's name mentioned yet...OOOPS!

Thank you for pointing out that we should all be thankful for small favors.

 

[Johnbuoy]

I meant to reference one other Courant article that might change people's perception that Foley's move to TE coach was a demotion. It doesn't sound like he sees it that way. Straight from the new coach: “I’m excited about it,” he said. “It’s a new challenge doing it and getting back involved with the pass game. Sometimes with the offensive line you get locked in a little bit. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good group of guys that works hard. I’m up for the challenge and if Coach P feels this is the best thing for the football team that’s fine with me because all I want to do is win and be the best we can be. If this is making our football team better? That’s what it’s all about. You know, we ask our players to be team players and it’s no different as coaches.”
http://courantblogs.com/uconn-football/uconn-football-news-and-notes-from-spring-practice-no-7/
Good luck Coach Foley! I for one look forward to your continued coaching success.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Instead of arguing over semantics, here is what I think happened.

DeLeone is installing his offense.
DeLeone feels more comfortable teaching the blocking schemes that is required for his offense.
DeLeone asks P to add OL to his duties in addition to OC.
DeLeone, being P's guy, is granted his wish.
Foley is moved to coach the TE's and will continue to work with the OT's.

Is that a demotion? Not sure. Doesn't matter.

But you cannot take Foley's quotes there and blindly assume that they are, at face value, true. What is he supposed to say there? I have no idea if Foley is happy with the move or not. None of us do. I just hope he's here next year, because I have my doubts.

 

[Johnbuoy]

Instead of arguing over semantics, here is what I think happened.

DeLeone is installing his offense.
DeLeone feels more comfortable teaching the blocking schemes that is required for his offense.
DeLeone asks P to add OL to his duties in addition to OC.
DeLeone, being P's guy, is granted his wish.
Foley is moved to coach the TE's and will continue to work with the OT's.

Is that a demotion? Not sure. Doesn't matter.

But you cannot take Foley's quotes there and blindly assume that they are, at face value, true. What is he supposed to say there? I have no idea if Foley is happy with the move or not. None of us do. I just hope he's here next year, because I have my doubts.

Your points are well taken. However, my source says Foley IS happy with his job, but yes he can always leave if he wants to. Is that good enough for you or should I still presume his quotes can't be taken at face value? If not, then I guess whatever I read in the Courant or elsewhere (with the exception of the Bible) for that matter is suspect. If so, I guess Edsall going to Maryland really wasn't his "dream job." OOOPS, there I go again mentioning Edsall.

 

[CTMike]

I think we all want him to be successful and stay a long time.

 

[businesslawyer]

I meant to reference one other Courant article that might change people's perception that Foley's move to TE coach was a demotion. It doesn't sound like he sees it that way. Straight from the new coach: “I’m excited about it,” he said. “It’s a new challenge doing it and getting back involved with the pass game. Sometimes with the offensive line you get locked in a little bit. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good group of guys that works hard. I’m up for the challenge and if Coach P feels this is the best thing for the football team that’s fine with me because all I want to do is win and be the best we can be. If this is making our football team better? That’s what it’s all about. You know, we ask our players to be team players and it’s no different as coaches.”
http://courantblogs.com/uconn-football/uconn-football-news-and-notes-from-spring-practice-no-7/
Good luck Coach Foley! I for one look forward to your continued coaching success.

And what exactly would you have expected him to say if he thought it was a demotion? He is still working for P. Unless and until he elects to take a different job, he simply does what he is told.

 

[businesslawyer]

Your points are well taken. However, my source says Foley IS happy with his job, but yes he can always leave if he wants to. Is that good enough for you or should I still presume his quotes can't be taken at face value? If not, then I guess whatever I read in the Courant or elsewhere (with the exception of the Bible) for that matter is suspect. If so, I guess Edsall going to Maryland really wasn't his "dream job." OOOPS, there I go again mentioning Edsall.

Well, if you have a source say so and we can all decide how much credibility we put in your statement. But please recognize that saying it because you have a source is totally different than saying it because you elect to put weight in statements that can only be said one way.

 

[mattp]

realistically, before this year i imagine Foley was making a nice 6 figure salary, waiting for an OC position somewhere. now he's basically doing the same except instead of working with C, Gs and Ts, he's working with TEs and Ts. his pay probably hasn't been cut and a lot of people use that to judge promotion/demotion, which is reasonable. technically i'd say there's less responsibility but i don't know that he's much further from his presumable ultimate goal of OC or HC.

 

[noeynox]

It is simply the quantity over quality ploy. If you can't blind them with your brilliance, baffle 'em with your bull****. If Carl were writing this post, it would go on for five more paragraphs and contain equal parts of convention wisdom and condescension.

I like reading them because it seems like every paragraph begins with " I think" or "I believe", and then goes on to explain exactly what happened in a meeting between P and Foley, if such a meeting ever happened.

In all honesty, I like Carl's passion for UConn and the Big East. I share it myself, and why I read the forum everyday. The smartest guy in the room shtick gets old however.

As for Foley, ill be shocked if he isn't an oline coach somewhere at an east coast BCS school this time next year. UMD or RU seem like natural destinations to me.

 

[businesslawyer]

I like reading them because it seems like every paragraph begins with " I think" or "I believe", and then goes on to explain exactly what happened in a meeting between P and Foley, if such a meeting ever happened.

In all honesty, I like Carl's passion for UConn and the Big East. I share it myself, and why I read the forum everyday. The smartest guy in the room shtick gets old however.

As for Foley, ill be shocked if he isn't an oline coach somewhere at an east coast BCS school this time next year. UMD or RU seem like natural destinations to me.

Ugh. I threw up in my mouth at the thought of him coaching at Rutgers. But, as I've said, it is what it is and I fully support P having a chance to do it his way.

 

[CTMike]

I like reading them because it seems like every paragraph begins with " I think" or "I believe", and then goes on to explain exactly what happened in a meeting between P and Foley, if such a meeting ever happened.

In all honesty, I like Carl's passion for UConn and the Big East. I share it myself, and why I read the forum everyday. The smartest guy in the room shtick gets old however.

As for Foley, ill be shocked if he isn't an oline coach somewhere at an east coast BCS school this time next year. UMD or RU seem like natural destinations to me.

My hunch (aka wild guess) is that if he leaves it will be for a promotion, not a lateral.

 

[Johnbuoy]

Well, if you have a source say so and we can all decide how much credibility we put in your statement. But please recognize that saying it because you have a source is totally different than saying it because you elect to put weight in statements that can only be said one way.

If you want to believe what I've said fine. If not, that's fine too. My source shall remain anonymous. Enough said.

 

[TouchdownHusky]

UConn's offense going nowhere until they can effectively throw the ball - and throw it downfield. Got to require opposing defenses to be responsible for the entire field. Got to make them fearful of the "big play" that covers in on-rather than 10 or 12 and results in 6 points (not just three).

The day that UConn can match the passing of the Dan O era with the running of the Donald Brown,Andre Dixon and JT, will be the day that the offense can help the Huskies win big games (not talking the Buffalos & UMasses of the college world).

 

[businesslawyer]

If you want to believe what I've said fine. If not, that's fine too. My source shall remain anonymous. Enough said.

I think you misinterpreted my comment, so let me try to be more clear. I was not doubting your source, nor was I telling you you needed to disclose it. I believe you heard what you said you heard. I was merely pointing out that you made a statement that Foley was o.k. with it without attributing it to a source, so a reader would assume that it was an opinion without a source and would not likely believe it. That was all.