The Team takes a step back today...

[mc3022]

Hey guys...thoughts from today's scrimmage won't be as detailed as I did not attend, and only can go from word out mouth

Very disappointed in how the team scrimmaged today. It sounded like they took a step back, at least on the offensive side of the ball.

Defense however, was excellent...especially the front seven. Nobody has been able to block Chris Jones all spring - NOBODY! This kid is going to do some special things this year, and it sounds like he has the talent on the defensive line around him to be able to be dominate.

Now for the upsetting news. The offense defiantly took a step back today - especially in the offensive line. Couldn't get any holes open for the RB's and the pass protection was spotty at best. The WR's also continued to drop balls and Schilz did not look as sharp as he did a week ago (prbly because he was bothered on the majority of his throws)

This could go one of two ways depending on how you look at it.- I know our offense has the talent to put up some major points this year, so our defense could end up being very, very good.

At the same time, concern now has to be drawn (again) on the offensive line. It sounds like the only group of O-lineman who didn't get dominated was when the 3's were in.

If the offensive line can come together as a group, and open up some holes for Samuel and give Schilz the time he needs to throw, we could be looking at team poised to make a MAC Title run - If not, I'm afraid we may be looking at another disappointing year.

Did anybody go to the scrimmage? I'd be interested to hear what you saw

MC

[factman]

I was at the first hour and half of the scrimmage this morning, and from what I saw, that is a pretty accurate assesment. Either our defense is pretty good, or our offense is BAD. It was all pretty boring, with some penalities but no turnovers that I remember while I was there.
The worst part was that we "clanked" the first two field goals from 25-35 yards, which completely made me want to PUKE. I do not understand the problems we have with our kicking game. I left after the second missed on so have no idea how it went later.

[MarkL]

Early on I said WR was the key position this year. It seems that WR should be okay, but for the third straight year it looks like O line could be problematic.

Now .... deep breath .... it's not even the spring game yet. The biggest factor to a successful O line is O line chemistry. Getting the five guys to be constantly thinking on the same page should be top priority. There was some shuffling going into this season, so it shouldn't be surprising that they're a little on the raw side right now. Give those guys time to develop at their new positions and time for the line to gel and ... this could be an entirely different story come September.

And thanks as always MC for the report, even if its second hand knowledge this time!

[BGSU33]

The worst part was that we "clanked" the first two field goals from 25-35 yards, which completely made me want to PUKE. I do not understand the problems we have with our kicking game. I left after the second missed on so have no idea how it went later.

I have wondered why we haven't recruited a Juco kicker (someone who has proven they can kick) over the last few years because this has been a major weakness since our last decent kicker, who was a Juco, used up his eligibility. Clawson himself has called out our kicking game saying it was unacceptable. It has cost us in some games and will continue to if we don't either have someone on the team step up and split the uprights, or get someone here who can. With all the close losses we suffer, having a poor kicking game certainly doesn't help. I just don't understand how we can't fix the problem or find someone who can kick for us. I remember when kicking used to be arguably our strongest position for years. Now, we find ourselves holding our breath on extra points and short field goal attempts.

[IMAFALCONFAN]

I'm not panicked about the kicking game. Did you notice Steven Stein wasn't on the field today...he's been looking strong in spring practices and stepped up last season. Heard a rumor that he's out for a few weeks (minor injury?).

[factman]

He a a fracture of his foot, but did you see him kick last week?

[Falcon137]

That's discouraging about our offense. But it will get better with a full summer of Shilz working with the wide receivers and getting all of the running backs healthy.

Plus, I think the defense has a chance to be excellent, especially the d line.

[falconfan1]

I watched every snap and special situations etc at the scrimmage. Around 160 "snaps". Couple of thoughts I would add are that four of our new WRs seemed like they could definitely contribute- Stokes, Jackson, Coby, Greene. TEs looked good- Bayer appears to be faster and stronger- which is saying something. In the absence of Samuel, I thought both Pettigrew and Martin had some good efforts. They didn't break stuff but they ran very very hard especially Pettigrew.

Essentially, all "good" plays by the offense occurred in the second half of the scrimmage. As several above stated- most importantly Coach Clawson- the defense just outright dominated for several entire series.

Defensively, we were keyed up. Partly off of a relatively poor practice on Thursday. We got some seriously excellent play from the DL- Jones (obviously), Ouellet, Colvin, Campbell all made big plays and were in a high motor mode. LB's were solid- Swan, Lynch, Martin, Woods etc. DB's were really attacking- and tackling pretty darn well. Truss, Hunter, Gates, McCoy and others.

Based on the post scrimmage running for OL, I am sure they will be motivated.

I thought we executed pretty well on offense at the end of the scrimmage in the special situation portion- simulate OT etc etc. The offense did decently there; best moments included a couple of very well blocked running plays resulting in five yard or so scores. I mean where the OL won. But that was rare. But defense was stronger on Saturday and very good overall- and that includes the entire two deep in my opinion.

Our punter looked good. Our place kicking relied on RS FR Tate (who is just returning to the field after missing the entire fall/winter to injury) and some others. One thing to remember here is that Farinella out of Chicago is rated very highly as an incoming freshman. So an optimist would see a four year starter there with kick offs into the end zone. A pessimist might see more WR from 35. I'll go with the former

Go Falcons!

[daspollak]

Take a deep breath, "It's a SCRIMMAGE!!!". I will worry about the offense if they can't do anything against Rhode Island or Toledo.

[Falconfreak90]

Take a deep breath, "It's a SCRIMMAGE!!!". I will worry about the offense if they can't do anything against Rhode Island or Toledo.

Yep...

[Redwingtom]

No kidding...relax people. It's a practice...and ONE practice at that! And it's only spring practice to boot. We don't even have next year's recruits in the fold yet.

[FortWayneFalcon]

And yet I still renewed my season tix today............?

[Flipper]

The DL should be a strength this year...we can rotate four DT's...one of them an all MAC quality player and the DE's have shown some flashes as well.

Agree with BGSU33...kicking game has been a concern since Sinisio left...maybe a JUCO would be a good idea...