View from the Cheap Seats-Cal

[TexCoyote]

Did anyone see any of the backups rotate in on the D-Line? I remember CFS saying he felt like we were in a position to rotate 7 or 8 guys and be in good shape. I don't see much rotation. Seems like as hot as it was we could keep running fresh guys at 'em.

 

[Chris Flanagan]

There is no playmakers on defense. However, the defensive line is getting a little better at breaking through the line. They just need to wrap up better. It's going to be bend don't break defense.

But all 3 teams that are next have good running games.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

another guy who didn't read all of the OP. You guys really should try and keep up.

I apologize for not being as smart and brilliant as you are 

 

[streettopeschel]

I apologize for not being as smart and brilliant as you are

it's a big club.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

it's a big club.

Gee, from reading your posts, I would guessed you were the only member of the club. 

 

[streettopeschel]

Gee, from reading your posts, I would guessed you were the only member of the club.

I was referring to the club NOT as brilliant as I am.
I'm gonna have to author a users guide I guess.

Sigh.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Gee, from reading your posts, I would guessed you were the only member of the club. 

Well, him and Mr Taylor Ducks. he he

 

[Utjb27]

What do y'all think of Jonathan Gray this year? I can't explain it or put my finger on it, but sometimes he just goes down so easily and looks so un-explosive (see kick return in which he only got it to our five yard line). 

Any thoughts? Idk if it is mental or physical problems, but when he is going down so easily it is better to put in a young gun than just continuing to strut J-Gray out there.

 

[PeteA422]

What do y'all think of Jonathan Gray this year? I can't explain it or put my finger on it, but sometimes he just goes down so easily and looks so un-explosive (see kick return in which he only got it to our five yard line). 

Any thoughts? Idk if it is mental or physical problems, but when he is going down so easily it is better to put in a young gun than just continuing to strut J-Gray out there.

I think Gray may be trying to do too much.  He may be overthinking things and instead of just hitting the hole hard, he is becoming indecisive and tentative.  He knows this is his last shot to try and prove he is NFL worthy, and instead of playing loose and without abandoned, he is trying too hard to make something happen.  Just my opinion, I could be way off.

 

[echeese]

I think Gray may be trying to do too much.  He may be overthinking things and instead of just hitting the hole hard, he is becoming indecisive and tentative.  He knows this is his last shot to try and prove he is NFL worthy, and instead of playing loose and without abandoned, he is trying too hard to make something happen.  Just my opinion, I could be way off.

Think you are onto something. . .

He's been money in the passing catching game but average in the run game and poor in pass pro. . . . 

 

[killrjoe]

What do y'all think of Jonathan Gray this year? I can't explain it or put my finger on it, but sometimes he just goes down so easily and looks so un-explosive (see kick return in which he only got it to our five yard line). 

Any thoughts? Idk if it is mental or physical problems, but when he is going down so easily it is better to put in a young gun than just continuing to strut J-Gray out there.

Do you think maybe he's still worried about popping that tendon again?

 

[TXHorns99]

Maybe he'll loosen up & play with instinct now that it's obvious that we don't need him to do everything. Maybe the pressure of trying to carry the offense was too much for him

 

[streettopeschel]

I think Gray may be trying to do too much. He may be overthinking things and instead of just hitting the hole hard, he is becoming indecisive and tentative. He knows this is his last shot to try and prove he is NFL worthy, and instead of playing loose and without abandoned, he is trying too hard to make something happen. Just my opinion, I could be way off.

as good an explanation as any. Hope he/they can fix it. Need someone other than JH to make plays.

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

What do y'all think of Jonathan Gray this year? I can't explain it or put my finger on it, but sometimes he just goes down so easily and looks so un-explosive (see kick return in which he only got it to our five yard line). 

Any thoughts? Idk if it is mental or physical problems, but when he is going down so easily it is better to put in a young gun than just continuing to strut J-Gray out there.

My observation is Gray always tries to bounce things outside rather than planting his foot and go. Sometimes 3 yards is a good run based on what the defense gives you. Beats the hell outta no gain or TFL

 

[LHornjack]

Nice writeup Cheese.

Agree that our D looks real bad....I won't compare to the Diaz fiasco, because hopefull that was a once in a lifetime occurance, like a 500 year hurricane.

But I do think it is valid to compare to the Reese years, based no missed tackles.

We also are as you said completely vulnerable to the the straight dive gash. Blows the mind, huge holes and no one in the secondary to make that stop....or they miss the tackle.

While Muschamp overall was a good DC, he too was susceptable to the gash as well.

I think to some degree these great SEC DC's are continuing to see that the old school ways don't work so well against these high octane O's. See Bama and Ole Miss, Bama has more talent on D than anything south of the NFL, and also proven coaching....but yet give up 43.....Anyone really believe Saban wants to slow down O's because of worry about the players?

Finally, we have 2 years of issues with handling halftime adjustments by the other coaches....as you say, this game shows that it is not all the D's tired from the O not moving the ball.

A D can get itself off the field anytime, if it executes.

Ultimately, in order to win today, big time, you better have a damn good playmaker at QB...this theory of only need someone to manage the O....strictly leads to mediocrity.

 

[tejasrulz]

My observation is Gray always tries to bounce things outside rather than planting his foot and go.

I said that at the Rice game, too much running east & west when he just needs to go south or north. Dam the torpedoes, full steam ahead!

 

[joeywa]

I really like Gray, but I think there is an issue there within his own head. The tendon fear may be exactly what you're talking about. In talking to a couple ofml orthopedists this week, that very thing was discussed-overcoming your brain and fear of reinjury when the surgical procedure has completely healed.