If we all calm down, you have to admit that it is hard in mid season to make significant changes and not immediately make the situation worse. Some people have the instinct to “assign blame” and publicly make an example out of a coach or coaches, some players, etc. However, if you “fire so and so” or “play all of the young guys”, that probably will cause enough chaos that it will actually make the situation worse.
My tactical suggestions are as follows:
Defense - we are too predictable, and players are losing confidence
- Tucker takes over play-calling and game planning for the defense
- Hire Dantonio as a “consultant” to help with DB’s to replace Tucker in that role
- Hazelton just coaches LB’s for the rest of the season
- Mix in young DB’s and DL’s to inject energy - Zion Young, for example
- Don’t wait to blitz - try to disrupt teams early
Offense - We have talent, especially at WR and TE. We need to use it and switch things up, especially early. We have to change from last year’s mentality of pounding the run game (with K9) and then exploiting play-action. That isn’t working
- Open the game with pass plays on most of the first 10 plays
- Incorporate the WR’s into the run game with jet sweeps, WR screens, reverses
- Use tempo more, even consider opening with a few scripted plays and go full speed ahead
- When mixing in the run, use pitches and draws to avoid just trying to pound the middle
- Highlight the TE’s early, and use RB’s in the pass game proactively
Basically, I’m saying that we need to show some new looks, or we will continue to be sitting ducks. Let’s shake it up, now.
My tactical suggestions are as follows:
Defense - we are too predictable, and players are losing confidence
- Tucker takes over play-calling and game planning for the defense
- Hire Dantonio as a “consultant” to help with DB’s to replace Tucker in that role
- Hazelton just coaches LB’s for the rest of the season
- Mix in young DB’s and DL’s to inject energy - Zion Young, for example
- Don’t wait to blitz - try to disrupt teams early
Offense - We have talent, especially at WR and TE. We need to use it and switch things up, especially early. We have to change from last year’s mentality of pounding the run game (with K9) and then exploiting play-action. That isn’t working
- Open the game with pass plays on most of the first 10 plays
- Incorporate the WR’s into the run game with jet sweeps, WR screens, reverses
- Use tempo more, even consider opening with a few scripted plays and go full speed ahead
- When mixing in the run, use pitches and draws to avoid just trying to pound the middle
- Highlight the TE’s early, and use RB’s in the pass game proactively
Basically, I’m saying that we need to show some new looks, or we will continue to be sitting ducks. Let’s shake it up, now.
