You also need the different units improving and maturing at the same time. Next season we lose how many linemen?
Our WR have been open and not just on the obvious overthrows. They are young, too. No issues there. The QB, not much to say, needs to start with basic accuracy before we can evaluate the rest. RB will be an unknown as will a couple spots on the OL.
The DL doesn't seem much improved, though they at least get an occasional pressure even if they generally get pushed around. LB is still a work in progress especially side to side. DB's are more consistent but still get beat too easily.
The schemes and play calling outside a couple headscratcher (the one yard center screen, I assume it's a screen) is notable here. There is a passing game to be had and the move to a 4-2-5 is way better than the 3-3-5. Far easier to being a safety down for this group than having LB's doing more than they can handle.
Specials are much less of an adventure.
It may not show on the scoreboard but there are clear signs of improvement. Last weeks abomination aside. I discount the entire 4th quarter. Before that Navy was clearly targeting a few guys on the right side of the defense. Says we lack 11 to put on the field. The O, falls on the QB. Any other year, he gets yanked in the first half. This year, the choices are a grad student who is gone in 3 games or a 4th string freshman or a walk-on.
The biggest question about the program and RE to ask is are they developing the culture that was responsible for the success during RE 1.0. Can't answer that, but I don't see an Osunde, Fincher, or Orlovsky because we don't hear from the players.
