Levis On Third Downs

[UKnCincy]

Not sure if folks have noticed how good Will Levis has been on 3rd down this year. In particular, he’s been ridiculously good over the last 4 games he’s played.

In case anyone’s interested, here are his totals across the Youngstown State, NIU, Ole Miss and Miss State games (based on ESPN play-by-play data):

• Dropbacks: 41
• Passing: 31 of 33
• Completion %: 93.9%
• Sacks: 8
• 61% of dropbacks resulted in a 1st down conversion or a TD
  • NOTE: this includes two 3rd and long dropbacks that got us into 4th and short and resulted in us picking up the first down on the next play

Perhaps not surprising, but 3rd down is our worst down in terms of allowing sacks. So far this year, Levis has been sacked on ~7% of dropbacks on 1st and 2nd downs. On 3rd downs, Levis has been sacked on ~20% of dropbacks.

The good news is that the rate at which Levis gets sacked on 3rd downs has been trending the right direction. He was sacked on ~27% of 3rd down dropbacks over their first three games, but was sacked on only ~16% of 3rd down dropbacks over the last three games.

He’s been on the money on 3rd downs lately.

 

[UKnCincy]

I’d also add that Levis is not simply converting the 1st down by getting us just beyond the line to gain. A significant number of his big plays are coming on 3rd down.

Over the last 4 games he’s played, he’s averaged over 18 yards per attempt on 3rd down, which is a huge number in and of itself but is a ridiculous number when you consider how high his completion % has been on those passes.

The guy’s been unreal lately.

 

[TOMCATS1990]

If only last years OL was on this years team I truly think we are undefeated at this point in the season and averaging 35-42 points a game

 

[bigblueinsanity]

These injuries are a blessing in disguise for will. All this time he just depended on his physical toughness and ability to stand in, hold the ball and take hits; hoping to make a big play.

Last game he started valuing his body which really improved his play. He stepped up in the pocket. He threw the ball on time even making some anticipation throws. And he didn't hesitate to check down when he needed to.

Hopefully the bye helped him heal up but hopefully he maintains the same approach and internal clock of the MSU game.

 

[EliteBlue]

If only last years OL was on this years team I truly think we are undefeated at this point in the season and averaging 35-42 points a game

Last years OLine w Coen and we are undefeated. We wouldn’t had fumbled around with outside zone blocking and run scheme for half the year bc Liam already adjusted and learned that lesson. Also, Levis had more run freedom and RPO to maximize his threat as a weapon instead of forcing him to hang out in the pocket at all cost

 

[gobigbluebell]

Also, Levis had more run freedom and RPO to maximize his threat as a weapon instead of forcing him to hang out in the pocket at all cost

That’s my #1 pet peeve this year…

…aside from having no long snapper.

We got Superman at QB and he’s been instructed to stand in a collapsing pocket like a statue.

 

[SaltyCat22]

Levis says he can throw the ball 75-80 yards.

JLo could do that on one knee. Levis needs to get in the weight room with that warning track power.

 

[LordEggForgotHisPassword]

If we could go ahead and run the ball every time we think about throwing a screen pass that would be great.

 

[Tf2217]

We handcuff him so bad on 1st and 2nd most the time if it wasn’t for letting him sling it on 3rd in obvious passing downs and if he didn’t covert a high clip this would be way more of a disaster than it is and it’s pretty bad around here.

 

[SaltyCat22]

The man wears windbreaker pants and a hoodie on the sideline then dresses up to talk to the media. What is wrong with our OC?