The View From Section 241 -- Navy

[FastEddie]

Can't like this enough. Would like to add we need MAJOR improvement in both KO and punt returns - especially punts. While it may not be text book perfect, given the personnel we have and their demonstrated performance, perhaps we need to have 2 players back fielding punts. Seems to me that is preferable to not catching punts and having them roll for an extra 10 to 15 yards.

I'm starting to wonder if Lemelle has been instructed to either fair catch the punts or just get out of the way because I can't remember the last time a punt was returned. If he is not being coached to do this, then he is either not interested in or too uncomfortable to be back returning punts. I think this has cost the team quite a few yards this season so far.

 

[Tdaley]

I like someone to ask Diaco about his punt returning strategy. It appears that we are not even trying to return punts. Lemelle is sent out there just to catch the ball. There does not seem to any attempt by the rest of the punt return team to set up a return. Maybe Diaco doesn't think we have a legitimate punt returner on the roster so he is not taking any chances. Its very strange to watch it on the field.

 

[Nostical]

On 4th and 6 we had a guy wide open for a big gain and Bryant just missed him on an easy throw.

That wasn't on Shirreffs. DiLorenzo did not run the route expected. Coming off the field Shirreffs said to him "What were you doing"?
As for the kick on fourth down during first drive--completely disagree with the call. We were driving--it was our time to show Navy they couldn't stop us either. Those who feel we made progress but lost to a better team aren't being realistic. Navy was very good but our offense lost this winnable game for us.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

That wasn't on Shirreffs. DiLorenzo did not run the route expected. Coming off the field Shirreffs said to him "What were you doing"?
As for the kick on fourth down during first drive--completely disagree with the call. We were driving--it was our time to show Navy they couldn't stop us either. Those who feel we made progress but lost to a better team aren't being realistic. Navy was very good but our offense lost this winnable game for us.

Its why Navy was the better team.

 

[Excalibur]

That wasn't on Shirreffs. DiLorenzo did not run the route expected. Coming off the field Shirreffs said to him "What were you doing"?
As for the kick on fourth down during first drive--completely disagree with the call. We were driving--it was our time to show Navy they couldn't stop us either. Those who feel we made progress but lost to a better team aren't being realistic. Navy was very good but our offense lost this winnable game for us.

Even if we go for it and make it the first time and kick the field goal the second time, the result is not going be different unless you assume a touchdown, which, given our ability in the red zone this year, is not a particularly safe assumption.

I'm puzzled by the "winnable" comments. Yes, it was possible that, if everything that we did wrong didn't happen, that we win the game. But just looking at the margin of victory is foolish. Navy clearly altered their defensive and offensive approaches when they felt the game was in hand. My eyes tell me that, even if we played an A+ game, Navy wins 8 out of ten times.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Even if we go for it and make it the first time and kick the field goal the second time, the result is not going be different unless you assume a touchdown, which, given our ability in the red zone this year, is not a particularly safe assumption.

I'm puzzled by the "winnable" comments. Yes, it was possible that, if everything that we did wrong didn't happen, that we win the game. But just looking at the margin of victory is foolish. Navy clearly altered their defensive and offensive approaches when they felt the game was in hand. My eyes tell me that, even if we played an A+ game, Navy wins 8 out of ten times.

An A+ game of 200 level football, isn't going to win that game. What's got me stoked about things is that through 4 games this season, I have gained an understanding, my own perception, of the vision Diaco has for the program and how he's getting there.

The projected 400 level play of the game, if we get there, I would stack up as a winner more than a loser against anyone. He's got a recruiting plan that's working and you can see the payoff of the off field cleanup of issues and approach from social, academic, phydical fitness, etc.

It's clearly not an overnight process, and last season sucked baboon ass. This season is a great breath of fresh air so far, and I'm not going to let losses, or questionable coaching calls and poor player execution, to stink it up, while we've still got plenty to go in this season.

I expect everybody coaches and players to identify mistakes, get them corrected, and to give BYU a run, and come out with a win.

Here's a hint. If we're defending a last second play for the win - watch for the hail mary and knock it down.

 

[1999.2004.2011]

As long as Reynolds stays healthy the rest of the season, Navy could win 10 games and possibly the AAC. That is a senior laden, well coached team with a Heisman finalist type quarterback - no seriously.

I think our defense played well for the most part. I know everyone will point to the box score and say that we couldn't stop them on 3rd down or we gave up three touchdown drives to start the game, but that was absolutely on Navy's offensive execution. They didn't dig themselves in a hole with any sort of stupid penalties, and Reynolds really is special at the qb position in that option offense.

As for UConn, two or three years ago we lose that game 45-0. I know its a disappointment to lose this game (as with any game), but this team is headed in the right direction. Offensively we moved the ball down the field and were able to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers. Heading 2,000 miles west on a short week to face a talented team who just got smacked by Michigan isn't the most ideal situation, but this team has a fighting chance the rest of the way. There are no moral victories, but it seems like Diaco is starting to turn this thing around. Lets hope this keeps going and we can try to get bowl eligible this season

 

[Dooley]

Navy is such an efficient offense because of what they do on 1st down. Their gameplan was simple on the opening drive: batter down our DL front with FB runs right up the middle. Their big dude would get 4-8 yards on 1st down and that makes stopping their offense nearly impossible. Once they established the power run, they started mixing some QB keeps and pitch plays that would also net them at least 4-8 yards on every 1st down play. It wasn't until the 2nd half that we started getting some penetration and stopping their 1st downs to 0-1 yards and ultimately getting some stops. I don't know how much credit belongs to the halftime adjustments made or if Navy took their foot off the gas a bit, but Navy's 1st down plays were the story of the game.

I LOVED the effort and I LOVED the fight until the very end. After most of the stadium had emptied and the game was very well decided, our D got a stop on turnover on downs with a minute or two left in the game. The players left the field fired up an the coaching staff were all off the sideline to greet them as they came off the field. Learning to play 60 minutes. Learning to finish games. Learning to win. Give me a team that competes for 60 minutes in every game like they did on Saturday and I'll be a very happy man and very encouraged going into next season.

 

[UConn9604]

As long as Reynolds stays healthy the rest of the season, Navy could win 10 games and possibly the AAC. That is a senior laden, well coached team with a Heisman finalist type quarterback - no seriously.

The rest of their schedule, sans Notre Dame or maybe Air Force, is not very strong.

Would YOU want to be sitting on stage against a 10-2/11-1 (or even 11-2/12-1?) Keenan Reynolds in New York assuming he continues at this torrid pace? I think with a decent showing against Notre Dame, he becomes the front-runner.

 

[Excalibur]

The rest of their schedule, sans Notre Dame or maybe Air Force, is not very strong.

Air Force, UND, Memphis and Houston could potentially beat them, but I don't think all of them will do so . . .

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

That wasn't on Shirreffs. DiLorenzo did not run the route expected. Coming off the field Shirreffs said to him "What were you doing"?
As for the kick on fourth down during first drive--completely disagree with the call. We were driving--it was our time to show Navy they couldn't stop us either. Those who feel we made progress but lost to a better team aren't being realistic. Navy was very good but our offense lost this winnable game for us.

No offense Nostical you're a great fan, but after 4 games it might be time to admit that this team isn't as good as you proclaimed they'd be. Nothing wrong with that. They aren't as bad as I thought they'd be and are much further along in progress than I thought.

I'm starting to come around on Diaco because while he has still made some mistakes this year, it seems like he's learned a lot from last year.

The truth is always somewhere in between. We lost to a better team on Saturday, but we are still trending up.

 

[1999.2004.2011]

The rest of their schedule, sans Notre Dame or maybe Air Force, is not very strong.

Would YOU want to be sitting on stage against a 10-2/11-1 (or even 11-2/12-1?) Keenan Reynolds in New York assuming he continues at this torrid pace? I think with a decent showing against Notre Dame, he becomes the front-runner.

If Reynolds keeps this pace up, at most he will get an invite to NYC, but it would take a miracle for anyone to upend Fournette right now. I think the smart money goes on Fournette or Chubb, especially because these guys will have "Heisman" opportunities on national TV the rest of the year. Reynold's statement game would be against Notre Dame, but it doesn't help playing that in the middle of the year. Unfortunately, there is a ton of recency bias with the Heisman vote, as voters are going to key-in on the last couple of games.

 

[Palatine]

That wasn't on Shirreffs. DiLorenzo did not run the route expected. Coming off the field Shirreffs said to him "What were you doing"?
As for the kick on fourth down during first drive--completely disagree with the call. We were driving--it was our time to show Navy they couldn't stop us either. Those who feel we made progress but lost to a better team aren't being realistic. Navy was very good but our offense lost this winnable game for us.

He still missed an open receiver, bad route or not. That is when your QB has to step up and make a throw whether the receiver is where he wants or not. The pass wasn't even close, completely uncatchable.

 

[whaler11]

I personally love the supposition one decision in the first five minutes cost them the game.

As if it's a guarantee they get the first down, a guarantee they get the touchdown, a guarantee they get any points at all.

It also assumes if they get 7 there somehow Navy doesn't do what they want to do on offense all day.

If UConn gets 7 instead of 3 then the defense gets off the field. LOL.

 

[Excalibur]

He still missed an open receiver, bad route or not. That is when your QB has to step up and make a throw whether the receiver is where he wants or not. The pass wasn't even close, completely uncatchable.

So it's one guys fault even if it's the other guy's mistake?

Accountability without responsibility . . . sounds like a great arrangement.

 

[SubbaBub]

I personally love the supposition one decision in the first five minutes cost them the game.

As if it's a guarantee they get the first down, a guarantee they get the touchdown, a guarantee they get any points at all.

It also assumes if they get 7 there somehow Navy doesn't do what they want to do on offense all day.

If UConn gets 7 instead of 3 then the defense gets off the field. LOL.

It's the most obvious thing to point at but it isn't the only thing. I think the defensive scheme in the first half was terrible. Instead of forcing a decision by the QB and flying to the ball, we played one on one. It looked like scheme to me because everyone seemed to do it.

On Navy's last TD, half the defense is standing in the end zone as the ball carrier sweeps outside. I don't think every player blew it, so it has to be that they were told to string out the option instead of attacking the ball after the ball was committed. There are other examples.

You can get into player mistakes, but that doesn't get you anywhere as they will make them. My disgust comes from the preparation and in-game decisions by the staff. My fear is that Bob is just a great assistant coach and not a head guy. I'd like an answer on that question this season.

 

[whaler11]

It's the most obvious thing to point at but it isn't the only thing. I think the defensive scheme in the first half was terrible. Instead of forcing a decision by the QB and flying to the ball, we played one on one. It looked like scheme to me because everyone seemed to do it.

On Navy's last TD, half the defense is standing in the end zone as the ball carrier sweeps outside. I don't think every player blew it, so it has to be that they were told to string out the option instead of attacking the ball after the ball was committed. There are other examples.

You can get into player mistakes, but that doesn't get you anywhere as they will make them. My disgust comes from the preparation and in-game decisions by the staff. My fear is that Bob is just a great assistant coach and not a head guy. I'd like an answer on that question this season.

Um... Bob held Navy to 14 in 2011 and 10 in 2012 at Notre Dame... call me crazy but it may be that his defense doesn't have good enough players yet to beat a really good Navy team.

I guess that's too obvious for some people? Instead the result should have been different based on a hypothetical game they played in their heads - or UConn is better than Navy and only scheme held them
back. Navy is better. If they played tomorrow Navy would still be a solid favorite.

 

[Excalibur]

It's the most obvious thing to point at but it isn't the only thing. I think the defensive scheme in the first half was terrible. Instead of forcing a decision by the QB and flying to the ball, we played one on one. It looked like scheme to me because everyone seemed to do it.

ECU tried the "force the QB decision" strategy. That went well . . .

The scheme was correct, but guys need to win their individual blocking battles, particularly when the offensive execution is as precise as Navy's.

As for the last touchdown, I think you're making it up as you go at this point. I froze the screen and there is not a single defensive player in the end zone. Stewart moved to set the edge and got kicked out, and nobody stepped in to plug the hole. If anything, we had too many guys on the line of scrimmage.

 

[businesslawyer]

Um... Bob held Navy to 14 in 2011 and 10 in 2012 at Notre Dame... call me crazy but it may be that his defense doesn't have good enough players yet to beat a really good Navy team.

I guess that's too obvious for some people? Instead the result should have been different based on a hypothetical game they played in their heads - or UConn is better than Navy and only scheme held them
back. Navy is better. If they played tomorrow Navy would still be a solid favorite.

THIS. They execute the option as well as anyone we've seen in a generation. You can not stop them by "scheming" properly. No matter how many times you repeat it. The only way you can stop it is by individual defenders beating their blockers and making superior plays with talent. I had hoped Campennis and Myers and Fatukasi could have done that somewhat in the middle, but they couldn't.

Actually, my bad. The staff probably forgot to tell them it would be helpful if they flat out beat their blocker (like the Navy DE did when he stuffed the 3rd and 2 option leading to us going for it on 4th) and stuffed plays. We are so blessed that Subba got to hear that omission and share it with us.

 

[Tdaley]

We didn't stop the belly play to the fullbacks which made the job of our linebackers very tough. If we consistently stop the fullback run up the gut then are linebackers can key on the quarterback. Watch how many times our linebacker reads inside run and their quarterback still has the ball going wide. It wasn't game planning that was the problem it was execution by our players. The strength of our defense is the line but I don't think they played a great game.

 

[Carl Spackler]

It will be interesting to see how far Navy can get this season. Reynolds is legitimate. They put leverage down on the field with the triple option that is precise, and stopping the fullback isn't as easy as it sounds, when they can effectively block and run the fullback in the triple option through multiple gaps. They're primed for a big time season. The fact remains unchanged, that the easiest way to stop the offense, is to keep it off the field. Against a formidable offensive team, that can jump up to a significant lead on Navy, and has the ability to grind out clock with a lead, they're in trouble. We're not that kind of offensive team - yet. Hope to be.

I'm done with Navy now though. It was a great day at the stadium, as much as a loss can ever be a great day. We're 2-2, 0-1 and we've got a road trip to make out of conference, so it's not going to affect the 0-1 part, but it will affect the 2-2 part, which matters down the road, and its a rematch of last season's opener and a shot at redemption. We're not going to see option football again anytime soon, so it's time to cleanse the system of it, and move on.

 

[Nostical]

No offense Nostical ...but this team isn't as good as you proclaimed. We lost to a better team on Saturday

We knew all too well that stopping Navy was never going to be easy--so we had to out-score them. That's why the field goal set the wrong tone. Our bigger tight ends should have been targeted all day over the middle. A few key connections on big plays (Thomas says he should have had the flea flicker--DiLorenzo ran to the wrong spot) and we beat the Middies. Let's not make excuses for our "improving" team. This team is good enough to win now. We should have beaten Mizzou. I said we could compete with them and we'd beat them--before we played. No one believed that. I said we'd beat Navy with our offense. That offense is good enough to have done that. Navy played great. And as a famous coach once bellowed " They were who we thought they were". But that was the Navy offense not their defense. Our offense needed to beat Navy's undersized defense. We have the talent to do just that, but we didn't. Our offense lost the Navy game.

 

[businesslawyer]

We knew all too well that stopping Navy was never going to be easy--so we had to out-score them. That's why the field goal set the wrong tone. Our bigger tight ends should have been targeted all day over the middle. A few key connections on big plays (Thomas says he should have had the flea flicker--DiLorenzo ran to the wrong spot) and we beat the Middies. Let's not make excuses for our "improving" team. This team is good enough to win now. We should have beaten Mizzou. I said we could compete with them and we'd beat them--before we played. No one believed that. I said we'd beat Navy with our offense. That offense is good enough to have done that. Navy played great. And as a famous coach once bellowed " They were who we thought they were". But that was the Navy offense not their defense. Our offense needed to beat Navy's undersized defense. We have the talent to do just that, but we didn't. Our offense lost the Navy game.

I just want to make sure I understand this. You predicted we'd win the last two games, we lost the last two games and you're now bragging about how good your predictions were?

Is it possible that everyone who doesn't think we are as good as you do, based upon our back to back losses, may not see those loses as validating your predictions?

 

[huskymedic]

Best way for more targets... more first downs and more offensive plays overall?

http://coachingsearch.com/article?a...-jump-out-through-4-weeks-of-college-football

 

[RedStickHusky]

Well, if this is just a theoretical discussion on how to stop going forward and not a critique of Saturday's game; I think it's clear that challenging Navy to falter on 12-15 play drives is not a winning strategy. They execute too well with Reynolds and those big fullbacks and stay ahead of the chains all day. They make it look far easier than it is. If it was me, I'd figure you have to hope you can disrupt one or two drives a half with big plays and play a high risk, pinch & crash, force a pitch strategy. Doing that though, you're going to give up some big plays and if your offense can't score with them, instead of both team grinding to a 28-18 outcome, you're more likely to end up at 50-18. Given what we have, I think playing to contain and force long drives, essentially shortening the game, probably gave UConn their best chance. It was a punchers chance, at best, but reverse that (potentially) 14 point swing at the end of the first half and our chances go way up.

 

[businesslawyer]

http://coachingsearch.com/article?a...-jump-out-through-4-weeks-of-college-football

Two factors reduce your plays per game. One is losing the time of possession battle. That is not why we're so low we've possessed the ball roughly half the time for four games. The other is playing "slow," which I think we are doing. And while we all want to see our weapons touch the ball more, I think the coaches are saying that our talent level isn't such yet where stretching out the games will produce us more wins.

I have no reason to doubt their analysis on this. We could just as easily say the more offensive plays we run the more mistakes our OL will make.

 

[RedStickHusky]

We could just as easily say the more offensive plays we run the more mistakes our OL will make.

Spot on. I think risk aversion has been a pretty dominant characteristic of our game planning so far. I don't know if this is hangover from last year or reflects a philosophical leaning and I don't think we will know until we get the o-line fixed. It comes across as a lack of confidence in critical situations though. When forced to open up this year, we've shown flashes of play making but it hasn't taken teams long to figure out how to shut us down with pressure.

Assuming this program is trending up though, it's a difficult transition to go from playing like an underdog -- "we want to give ourselves a chance to win it in the 4th" to playing like a front runner -- "we want to get them down early and step on their throats". Hopefully, that is next years' problem.

 

[RedStickHusky]

On the question of distributing touches and targets, BS in a taped interview for pre-game said, he knows he's running too much. Since every word he spoke sounded like it was written by the coaches my sense is that they are tracking that he's taking away targets from others. It's another issue that traces back to the OL though.

 

[huskymedic]

On the question of distributing touches and targets, BS in a taped interview for pre-game said, he knows he's running too much. Since every word he spoke sounded like it was written by the coaches my sense is that they are tracking that he's taking away targets from others. It's another issue that traces back to the OL though.

From Weekly Noon Press Conference"

Tim_Fontenault12:13pm via TweetDeck
Diaco: “If (Bryant Shirreffs) runs and gets a first down, I’m happy. If he runs and there’s an open guy downfield, I’m not."

desmondconner12:13pm via TweetDeck
Diaco: Shirreffs will be the first to tell he dropped his eyes too soon, give another heartbeat then outside guy may have come open."

 

[Nostical]

We lost the last two games and you're now bragging about how good your predictions were?

It's not about predictions. I could care less about that. What I care about is your thinking this UConn team wasn't able just yet to beat Navy. We lost that game. We should have won it. That's not Pollyanna thinking. That's a fact.