I'd like to propose a productive discussion on what we can expect against Charlotte, particularly from Drew Barker.
First, I was as disappointed with the Vandy loss as anyone else; coaching errors, organizational mistakes, horrendous play from our starting QB, WR's who look like they aren't trying....etc. Just awful across the board. However, it is now Tuesday and what's done is done and I am trying to move past the initial, highly emotional reaction and moving toward a focus on what (if anything) can be done to win the next two.
First, one good thing I saw on Saturday is that the team looked to play with fire and emotion (outside of a WR or two). It does NOT appear to me that CMS has "lost the team" or that they have "quit" by any stretch of the imagination. I realize that Vandy's offense is not good, but I thought our D played hard and pretty well all things considered and IMO seems to have improved this year despite losing our two best players to the NFL and absorbing HUGE loss when Melvin Lewis went down. Furthermore, I believe the D played hard and was effective in the first halves of the losses to MSU, UT and UGA......but in the end just got no help from the offense, was on the field too long and just wore down physically and emotionally.
Second, as I have stated on numerous threads there was no bigger advocate for Patrick Towles than me. I thought the kid had it all, and quite frankly he does physically. However, his anxiety in the pocket and lack of pocket presence and lack of quick/decisive decision making combined with what appears to be chronic inaccuracy has just done him in. I appreciate all of the effort PT put in but at this point am ready to move on and am hopeful that Barker takes firm hold of the reigns this Saturday and never looks back.
So........assuming that my theory is correct, that a better, more productive offense could "lift all tides" and allow the D some rest and emotional uplift thereby allowing them to play a full game effectively, my question is this:
For those of you who have knowledge of Drew Barker, whether having seen him in practice or high school what are your thoughts? Is he accurate, is he decisive, is he a leader, how about his pocket presence, athleticism? In essence, can he elevate the offense to a level THIS SEASON that will allow us to compete and possibly win the UL game.
All opinions from those with valid knowledge as re: Drew Barker are welcome.....good or bad.
Thanks,
First, I was as disappointed with the Vandy loss as anyone else; coaching errors, organizational mistakes, horrendous play from our starting QB, WR's who look like they aren't trying....etc. Just awful across the board. However, it is now Tuesday and what's done is done and I am trying to move past the initial, highly emotional reaction and moving toward a focus on what (if anything) can be done to win the next two.
First, one good thing I saw on Saturday is that the team looked to play with fire and emotion (outside of a WR or two). It does NOT appear to me that CMS has "lost the team" or that they have "quit" by any stretch of the imagination. I realize that Vandy's offense is not good, but I thought our D played hard and pretty well all things considered and IMO seems to have improved this year despite losing our two best players to the NFL and absorbing HUGE loss when Melvin Lewis went down. Furthermore, I believe the D played hard and was effective in the first halves of the losses to MSU, UT and UGA......but in the end just got no help from the offense, was on the field too long and just wore down physically and emotionally.
Second, as I have stated on numerous threads there was no bigger advocate for Patrick Towles than me. I thought the kid had it all, and quite frankly he does physically. However, his anxiety in the pocket and lack of pocket presence and lack of quick/decisive decision making combined with what appears to be chronic inaccuracy has just done him in. I appreciate all of the effort PT put in but at this point am ready to move on and am hopeful that Barker takes firm hold of the reigns this Saturday and never looks back.
So........assuming that my theory is correct, that a better, more productive offense could "lift all tides" and allow the D some rest and emotional uplift thereby allowing them to play a full game effectively, my question is this:
For those of you who have knowledge of Drew Barker, whether having seen him in practice or high school what are your thoughts? Is he accurate, is he decisive, is he a leader, how about his pocket presence, athleticism? In essence, can he elevate the offense to a level THIS SEASON that will allow us to compete and possibly win the UL game.
All opinions from those with valid knowledge as re: Drew Barker are welcome.....good or bad.
Thanks,
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