Post
by BobcatLionFan » Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:23 am
I was just reading some of the feedback from the scrimage this weekend and thought I would throw in my two cents (having just returned home from the game).
Offense had it's way over the defense for the most part without their top QB playing, not a good sign for the Defense. Both QBs looked good. Coppack had his first pass dropped by Murray on a long 3rd down play in the first series that should have been caught. With that Coppack would have had great numbers, as it was, his competion percentage was still much higher than Carpenter. Coppack throws a better long ball. With Murray's speed, would be a major problem for the defense. Carpenter made plays (the short shovel pass and the long run both were great and made his numbers). But I felt Coppack passed better and ran solid. What's funny is probably both throw as well or better than Travis (not that Travis doesn't throw well. Travis just has that ability to run and make plays that is special.
Murray had 6 catches but dropped some balls that he should have caught. He does cause problems for the Defense with his speed but needs to catch the ball consistently. That first long pass was in his hands! The Defense was just not there.
The 3-4 doesn't look good, especially without the dominate nose. The OL had an easy day. The QBs were rushed about twice but no sacks that I can remember. The LBs are good, but during a real game they will be taking a lot of direct blocks on running plays because the front 3 do not tie up the OL. Since the LBs are smaller and fast, this will wear them down over a game. They are just not protected from the big guys. Also, the Nose will get hit from one guard or the other on runs from the side. With all three (Rodgers, Matakis, and Big Lu) having knee issues, that is not a good omen.
Big Lu was big, but no pass rush. Just stood there on a pass. I was impressed Chris Kolone, much bigger and stronger than I thought a Freshman would be. He played out of position (middle when Matakis and Lu went down). He will be a stud starter for four years. He is just a big guy that moves well.
The Defensive backs were not dominating. There was only one interception, but that was on a penalty and should not have counted (holding). The refs threw the flag, they just reset the ball without the yards.
The strength of the defense was the LBs, but most plays were still for a gain. There were not a lot of 3 and outs by the defense or turnovers. There were no fumbles that I remember.
Gathing looked really good for being totally out last year. Groves was very good. JD will have valid backups this year.
The TEs were non existant. One should have had a TD (wide open, ball in their hands and the following hit knocked it loose). It should have been a catch.
The OL was solid as was to be expected. People moved around a lot and started different groups. This should be the most solid group (with the top six - Bolton, Fig, Jensen, Birkland, Wolf, and Hirst - being studs). Birkland and Wolf were out with knees that should heal. Hirst is getting better from the knee and Jensen is getting better for having a broken leg and for barely being able to run a week before spring started. Fig was OK, even with his high ankle sprain not allowing him to practice the several days before the scrimage. Only Bolton was turely healthy and they were still better than the DL. Next Fall they should all be healthy and good.
In summary, O looked improved even with the drops. The D has some room for improvement.
Injuries happen, its not the strength coaches fault, its not the turfs fault, its not due to cut blocks, its plain and simple just BAD FRICKIN LUCK
Finally some levity 
I'd rather go run or watch combines like any good track fan anyway 
What did Kramer say Hollenbeck benches and squats when he was in Glasgow?
