Offensive coaching

[K_TIME]

Coen, Woodyard...and to be honest Marrow's unit have never been well coached...he's a recruiter.

1. Woodyard's unit has been a mess this year and last year was below expectations even with all the youth. Dane Key hasn't blocked once in 2 year but the kid can make those high point catches. Barion Brown...more of a special teams guy....the drops are something he needs to work on....but his route running is still terrible. Quits on routes still. Tayvion has been nails this year....but last year he quit on the team. Instead of doing body jump high fives and trying to be "one of the boys"....maybe he needs to coach a bit more.
2. Coen is the hard one. We need his talent and he's a talented OC. BUt in his 2 years at UK....we've been a TO machine. He has to get this cleaned up. It feels like we try to be a NFL team instead of just a good college offense. So many throws outside the numbers....just hard stuff and I'm not sure Leary would not be better served to hit the middle of field. And this offense is a penalty machine thru 4 games. Very undisciplined unit.

I can't believe I'm saying this...but Yenser's Olilne has been a ton improved. Not a great Oline but the group is solid. Good pockets for Leary and we are avg 5.6 yards a rush. I still believe t his O can be solid (not great) ....but we have to clearn up the drops and stupid stuff. Maybe get the ball otu quicker to avoid Leary negative plays.

 

[catben]

Coen needs to get the offense out of the huddle quicker AND Leary needs to read the defense better pre-snap. The route running was MUCH better today by Key and Brown, but Leary tries to force it to those 2 early in games and it cost us and him the INT throwing into double coverage, Leary needs to hit the checkdown more often. And I don't know what happened on the series where Leary just missed catching the snap when it hit him right chest high or when he TRIPPED over Cox's feet???

The drops have to stop!! So do the holding penalties and missed assignments by the O-line. Every lineman but Flax WHIFFED on at least one block today, that can't happen.

I was at the game today and the 2nd quarter and 3rd quarter was HORRIFIC for EVERYONE on offense, even Coen's play calling, especially on first down. Heck, we had to RUSH a play after a FREAKIN kickoff which resulted in a 6 yd loss( flare pass to Davis that was STUFFED).

 

[C8TS]

Not sure you can blame Coen. He has had some great plays - just dropped passes or offensive line getting eaten alive.

The line is terrible. They brought all these transfers in and they just sit on the bench. So basically same starters w/ exception of one from a line that was terrible last year.

Only way for them to block is to hold. Way too many holding plays that could have been big plays.

 

[TucsonCat]

Coen needs to get the offense out of the huddle quicker AND Leary needs to read the defense better pre-snap. The route running was MUCH better today by Key and Brown, but Leary tries to force it to those 2 early in games and it cost us and him the INT throwing into double coverage, Leary needs to hit the checkdown more often. And I don't know what happened on the series where Leary just missed catching the snap when it hit him right chest high or when he TRIPPED over Cox's feet???

Leary didn't throw into double coverage. Brown ran past both of them. Could've been ten players over there, it was the right decision since neither was over the top. Problem was littlee bobble and center got pushed back and made him under throw it.

Don't agree with op on Yenser.
Leary pocket gets pretty trashy.
And runs are more a function of Davis turning chicken shyt into chicken salad.
We had 3 big carries for 96 yards, one of those by qb escaping pressure.
The other 28 carries for 64 yards.
Lots and lots of holding penalties.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I love coen but he absolutely needs to stop forcing touches for guys. It derails our offense. I totally agree the coddling from he and woody needs to end. If we're going to force feed anyone, make it tayvion because he does everything and produces.

Our OL is playing well despite some fans' continued dislike for yenser. Of course Leary is a big part of that because his pocket presence is an exponential upgrade.

Coen also needs to run the ball more consistently and not always on first down (we're way too predictable there today). Davis is way too good to get so few touches. He's our best player on O imo.

Yes are good. Kattus was apparently out and dingle just can't or wont block. They just don't get enough opportunities because we're always forcing the ball to barion

 

[tf4fun]

I love coen but he absolutely needs to stop forcing touches for guys. It derails our offense. I totally agree the coddling from he and woody needs to end. If we're going to force feed anyone, make it tayvion because he does everything and produces.

Our OL is playing well despite some fans' continued dislike for yenser. Of course Leary is a big part of that because his pocket presence is an exponential upgrade.

Coen also needs to run the ball more consistently and not always on first down (we're way too predictable there today). Davis is way too good to get so few touches. He's our best player on O imo.

Yes are good. Kattus was apparently out and dingle just can't or wont block. They just don't get enough opportunities because we're always forcing the ball to barion

I assumed that ceon targeted Brown and Key more due to vandy being weak in the secondary! They had 2 starting safety out if I understood right!

 

[SkyPrince1]

I assumed that ceon targeted Brown and Key more due to vandy being weak in the secondary! They had 2 starting safety out if I understood right!

I'm afraid Leary is going to get picked more often as the comp steps up.
He really doesn't have a great deep ball as it hangs in the air a little too long and is underthrown more often than not.
I'm sure Florida will be well aware of how much in love Leary/ Coen are with the deep shot to Barion.

 

[ukalumni00]

The TE room is nowhere near as good as the usual Vince hype.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I assumed that ceon targeted Brown and Key more due to vandy being weak in the secondary! They had 2 starting safety out if I understood right!

You are right about vandy being down safeties but coen did this all season. He even talks about the touch counter they keep and I heard tayvion talk about it too.

Imo if they want to get barion more touches, do it with screens and reverses. He doesn't run good routes so anything else is just completely forcing it to him (even the double move yesterday that worked was extremely weak). He doesn't beat his cover vs man and he's not good at sitting vs zone. Plus he also drops too many and doesn't like to block.

If he wants balls, he should learn to do the little things that gets these other guys open on their own. If you're open Leary will absolutely find you. He might overthrow you in occasion but he will find you.

 

[Beach_Cat]

OP…I agree to some degree. I’m not sure I’d give Oline as much credit as you do…but they are playing better than last year.

I’m worried what we will see from Leary when we play better Dline. I see signs of a QB that is hearing footsteps - I think Leary knows this Oline not very good and it causes him to rush throws. Some of his issues are probably due to being under center.

I like the idea of working in more jet sweeps etc from Brown, more intentional passes to Davis, and few other quick throw options.

100% agree TE and WR coaches are getting a pass on the on field position play and skill/fundamental development because they are good to great recruiters.

 

[2blue4u]

Woodard is Coen’s dude but he needs moved to QB coach, the position he played in college, and we need to go get a more technical, detailed WR coach. Some one whose played the position at a high level. Woody can recruit, but it’s a big ask for him to coach a position group to a SEC level having not played the position. JMO.

On to Coen. Apparently Wandale was a helluva WR. Lol. It seemed as though Coen schemed him open and effortlessly fed him the ball, Cooper Kupp style, a couple years ago. What the hell happened to that? I don’t think any of us would get mad with T. Robinson getting the same attention and offensive focus as W. Robinson, but 6 and 7 might. And hey, there’s a lot to be said for a more balanced attack in the passing game, but you can’t force it. Make teams adjust to something that’s working and get your balance off that….and if they can’t stop it, ala W. Robinson, well I’m not opposed to a T. Robinson show. 6 and 7 would only benefit from it, even though they might not understand or appreciate it.

Barion and Key have to step up and be more consistent. Period. Scheming your offense with a more Robinson focus may help with that. And It may hurt their feelings. But Coen has to figure out which is more important to him and this offense.

 

[Cefiro]

How much longer do we give Yesner? He’s been bad his 2 years here.

 

[JHB4UK]

The offensive game plan against Florida Saturday will be fascinating. They seem to be very tough in all facets. What's our best play? Who's our most reliable playmaker? Tavares Robinson? Davis? Have we been "saving" some plays that the team executes well in practice for this important game?

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Robinson should be a big time go to guy this season. Needs more touches. Not enough short passing and screens with the playmakers we have. The pass to Brown in the end zone after he made a big catch was stupid. Trying to get him a TD because he is from Nashville could have cost us the game if we don't score on that drive. Could have been intercepted. Where is Bates? Good pass catcher that is not being utilized much. Did Bowles get any reps at ORG? Like the rotation with Flax and Ford. Let's rotate one more guy on the OL. Leach thought the pass to Key toward the sideline was low but actually it was perfect and Key just missed catching it.

 

[bigbluedon]

We need to quit running the wide zone stuff. Two years ago he stopped running it and the offense started clicking. We shall see.

 

[Doodah859]

We need to quit running the wide zone stuff. Two years ago he stopped running it and the offense started clicking. We shall see.

We didn't stop running it. We leaned more on inside zone as the season went on , but wide zone gashed Tennessee, LSU , and others. Need to be able to run both

 

[rick64]

The TE room is nowhere near as good as the usual Vince hype.

Does UK target the TE in the passing game??

 

[rolaid]

33 runs of 2yrds or less so far this year
Leary is Houdini avoiding rush
Oline is god awful and anyone that cannot see that is blind - they are horrible

 

[bigbluedon]

Finished watching the Vandy game last night. Our o line just is not very good. Leary is pressured constantly. Looks like a talent upgrade and better coaching needed. We won’t beat Fla if o line plays like that.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

33 runs of 2yrds or less so far this year
Leary is Houdini avoiding rush
Oline is god awful and anyone that cannot see that is blind - they are horrible

How many of 20+? I'd wager rb already have more than all of last year.

Everyone needs to understand the run game just looks different this year. With no more inside zone, we aren't meant to blow people off the ball. Wide zone goes lateral and the back picks the hole. By design, there is no big OL push because they want PA to look exactly the same.

Our run game is fine. It's just different.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

How many of 20+? I'd wager rb already have more than all of last year.

Everyone needs to understand the run game just looks different this year. With no more inside zone, we aren't meant to blow people off the ball. Wide zone goes lateral and the back picks the hole. By design, there is no big OL push because they want PA to look exactly the same.

Our run game is fine. It's just different.

The other thing that would help is stop being so predictable with constant first down runs. Of course the flip side is we're setting up for that big first down PA shot. Still I prefer a constant mix to keep teams off balance rather than loading up everything for one shot

 

[K_TIME]

33 runs of 2yrds or less so far this year
Leary is Houdini avoiding rush
Oline is god awful and anyone that cannot see that is blind - they are horrible

I don't know if 33 runs are 2 yards or less....but we've run 96 rush attempts so a third are low rush yards. But it's hard to argue when you've got 5.6 yards per rush.

I don't think Leary is having less time than any other QB not in the top 5 offenses. HE has a pocket and time to get down field. There will always be times when the blitz gets home....but I just feel like our pass protection has been way improved and the run blocking has been a bit more hit/miss than I prefer.

I just feel like the Oline is solid but not great so far.....but much improved from really bad last year.

 

[JHB4UK]

We need to quit running the wide zone stuff. Two years ago he stopped running it and the offense started clicking. We shall see.

2 yrs ago Coen had Chris Rodriguez to pound up the middle.

Ray Davis & McClain are wide zone running backs 100%. it is what it is, very similar to LA Rams games i watch over the years. Running attempts are nothing, nothing, nothing, boom 50 yard gash.

 

[K_TIME]

2 yrs ago Coen had Chris Rodriguez to pound up the middle.

Ray Davis & McClain are wide zone running backs 100%. it is what it is, very similar to LA Rams games i watch over the years. Running attempts are nothing, nothing, nothing, boom 50 yard gash.

Cam Akers averaged 4.2 yard per rush last year.....and that was a bad LA Rams offensive season. But not terrible but not great either.

I do see your point though that this scheme probably will lead to more zero/negative rush plays than years past (especially with CRod gone )....but it does lend itself to way better play action chunk plays as it disguises the play better.

My main issue is most of our pass plays are outside the numbers to WR and I don't see us dissecting the middle of the field to Tayvion/TE enough and I hope that plays out as the season wears on. At the end of the day, we've been begging for Stoops to have a more dynamic passing offense......this just may be part of what we need to evolve to get there as an offense.

 

[mrschwump]

Does UK target the TE in the passing game??

UK targeted TEs 4 times with one completion vs Vandy. 4 TE targets is about average for UK's O.

 

[JHB4UK]

Disappointed Cummings hasn't been used. Was looking like a budding star at the end of 2021. I guess the 2022 Scan year of non development still dragging him down.

 

[Soupbean]

Coen needs to get the offense out of the huddle quicker AND Leary needs to read the defense better pre-snap. The route running was MUCH better today by Key and Brown, but Leary tries to force it to those 2 early in games and it cost us and him the INT throwing into double coverage, Leary needs to hit the checkdown more often. And I don't know what happened on the series where Leary just missed catching the snap when it hit him right chest high or when he TRIPPED over Cox's feet???

The drops have to stop!! So do the holding penalties and missed assignments by the O-line. Every lineman but Flax WHIFFED on at least one block today, that can't happen.

I was at the game today and the 2nd quarter and 3rd quarter was HORRIFIC for EVERYONE on offense, even Coen's play calling, especially on first down. Heck, we had to RUSH a play after a FREAKIN kickoff which resulted in a 6 yd loss( flare pass to Davis that was STUFFED).

Agree with several points you made. Getting to the line quicker ALWAYS helps, leaves more time for checks if needed but I'd rather see them stop over reading and just snap the ball earlier once the Oline goes down. You want to see the Oline look better on run plays? . . Snap the ball on 1 and see how much better every body looks.

Also agree Leary seems to get stuck looking down field too much. All we heard about off season was how we were going to use our backs more in the passing game and getting it to them on swing passes, wheel routes, slip throughs or checkdowns is a really good idea and could help our first down problems as well. If you arent running it well enough use the pass as a run.

But to help the run game I think we need to get to the edges more with quick pitches and use misdirection motions to set that up. Just cant line up and try to hand off out of the shotgun straight up, gives too much time for the DLine to get penetration and blow them up.

We do very little misdirection or deception in our offense it seems. It always kills us on defense when teams run misdirection stuff, bootlegs, motion fakes etc.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Disappointed Cummings hasn't been used. Was looking like a budding star at the end of 2021. I guess the 2022 Scan year of non development still dragging him down.

They forced the ball to him at least twice this season I can think of that were called plays just for him. Both were tough catches but he should've had both.

Would much rather see us take shots to him or key though instead of brown. Barion doesn't go up for the ball at all. The other two will at least contest.

 

[Dddjdd]

Disappointed Cummings hasn't been used. Was looking like a budding star at the end of 2021. I guess the 2022 Scan year of non development still dragging him down.

Same. Kyle Pitts Jr is what some were saying. Still think he can contribute but would’ve liked him farther along by now.

 

[WizardWCN]

Not sure you can blame Coen. He has had some great plays - just dropped passes or offensive line getting eaten alive.

The line is terrible. They brought all these transfers in and they just sit on the bench. So basically same starters w/ exception of one from a line that was terrible last year.

Only way for them to block is to hold. Way too many holding plays that could have been big plays.

LT Cox is a transfer, LG Ray is a transfer, backup RG/C Blwles is a transfer, part time starter RT Ford is a transfer. I think the only other Oline transfer is out for the season with an injury. Ray is a bonus since he is a walk on. Our problems last year was LT, LG, and RT. Only RT has the same players in those spots, and he is spliting reps.

 

[MTsandfly]

The offense just doesn’t seem settled. Plus, I just don’t think our Oline can blow SEC defensive linemen off the ball and aren’t quick enough to execute inside stretch zone runs. Our running game will rely on Davis’ talent. Thinking quick passes to backs and TEs would help.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

The offense just doesn’t seem settled. Plus, I just don’t think our Oline can blow SEC defensive linemen off the ball and aren’t quick enough to execute inside stretch zone runs. Our running game will rely on Davis’ talent. Thinking quick passes to backs and TEs would help.

We don't blow people off the ball by design. We are running wide zone. OL only goes laterally. I know I post this regularly but this is still a big misconception in our fan base

We do occasionally run gap scheme and actually block it very well. Even last year we blocked gap scheme/pin and pull very well.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Coen, Woodyard...and to be honest Marrow's unit have never been well coached...he's a recruiter.

1. Woodyard's unit has been a mess this year and last year was below expectations even with all the youth. Dane Key hasn't blocked once in 2 year but the kid can make those high point catches. Barion Brown...more of a special teams guy....the drops are something he needs to work on....but his route running is still terrible. Quits on routes still. Tayvion has been nails this year....but last year he quit on the team. Instead of doing body jump high fives and trying to be "one of the boys"....maybe he needs to coach a bit more.
2. Coen is the hard one. We need his talent and he's a talented OC. BUt in his 2 years at UK....we've been a TO machine. He has to get this cleaned up. It feels like we try to be a NFL team instead of just a good college offense. So many throws outside the numbers....just hard stuff and I'm not sure Leary would not be better served to hit the middle of field. And this offense is a penalty machine thru 4 games. Very undisciplined unit.

I can't believe I'm saying this...but Yenser's Olilne has been a ton improved. Not a great Oline but the group is solid. Good pockets for Leary and we are avg 5.6 yards a rush. I still believe t his O can be solid (not great) ....but we have to clearn up the drops and stupid stuff. Maybe get the ball otu quicker to avoid Leary negative plays.

Woodyard was a LB during Rich Brooks' tenure here.

Coen is a coach. He does not commit turnovers. If coaches could stop turnovers, they would. In 2021 we were middle of the pack in the SEC in interceptions lost. For sure, we lost too many fumbles, but you can't blame that on the OC. At the time, the RB coach was John Settle, who was subsequently fired. In 2023, we are in the top half of the SEC in turnover margin.

Yes, Yenser's OL is improved. It isn't difficult to see. And, yes, there have been too many drops. But we are 4-0 with an excellent opportunity to advance to 5-0 this week. Sometimes you just have to learn to be happy with improvement. Our team is far from perfect, but the entire league has struggled so far.

 

[K_TIME]

Woodyard was a LB during Rich Brooks' tenure here.

Coen is a coach. He does not commit turnovers. If coaches could stop turnovers, they would. In 2021 we were middle of the pack in the SEC in interceptions lost. For sure, we lost too many fumbles, but you can't blame that on the OC. At the time, the RB coach was John Settle, who was subsequently fired. In 2023, we are in the top half of the SEC in turnover margin.

Yes, Yenser's OL is improved. It isn't difficult to see. And, yes, there have been too many drops. But we are 4-0 with an excellent opportunity to advance to 5-0 this week. Sometimes you just have to learn to be happy with improvement. Our team is far from perfect, but the entire league has struggled so far.

Do you ever answer a post without being an arrogant and your typical can't find a negative thing to say about any coach/player at UK? I know you have a lot of insight.....but you also have alot of silly bulljive that doesn't do much for a discussion.

Woodyard as opposed to Woodard.....was that really that big a mistake? The point is Woodard doing a good job or not with his WR room? I see him at practices and he is good ole Coach Woody.....but his young WR need to mature and they have not to date.....sort of disappointing to me.

If a Coach isn't going to have some responsibility for turnovers and ball security....so you're at the mercy of the TO fairy? Are you saying Levis 2021 wasn't a poor Int year with 13 of them? Levis and Coen did a good offensive job in 2021....but we had TO issues and that is part of the job.

We are doing good in TO margin in 2023 as the defense has been amazing at taking it away....not that our offense is good at not giving it away. So it's all Brad White unit...not Coen's unit to answer for our TO margin.

 

[JimmyBlue1972]

Stoops has been here a decade and y’all are still blaming OCs for slow pace.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Interesting to see coen in his press conference admitting to forcing shots. Just in case anyone doubted my posts about that in explanation for Leary's "poor decisions".

 

[mrschwump]

Interesting to see coen in his press conference admitting to forcing shots. Just in case anyone doubted my posts about that in explanation for Leary's "poor decisions".

Wonder if/when Coen returns to the sidelines?

 

[SosaUK1987]

Wonder if/when Coen returns to the sidelines?

I would assume he will be on the field for UF. Hope so. I’ve always liked coordinators on the field. Have absolutely nothing to back that up with.

 

[SosaUK1987]

Interesting to see coen in his press conference admitting to forcing shots. Just in case anyone doubted my posts about that in explanation for Leary's "poor decisions".

I think it’s obvious they are trying to force things with BB and DK, trying to get them out of the funk or whatever they are in. I think that’s why Robinson has played his tail off, he wants respect.

 

[EdgeHD]

Do you ever answer a post without being an arrogant and your typical can't find a negative thing to say about any coach/player at UK? I know you have a lot of insight.....but you also have alot of silly bulljive that doesn't do much for a discussion.

Woodyard as opposed to Woodard.....was that really that big a mistake? The point is Woodard doing a good job or not with his WR room? I see him at practices and he is good ole Coach Woody.....but his young WR need to mature and they have not to date.....sort of disappointing to me.

If a Coach isn't going to have some responsibility for turnovers and ball security....so you're at the mercy of the TO fairy? Are you saying Levis 2021 wasn't a poor Int year with 13 of them? Levis and Coen did a good offensive job in 2021....but we had TO issues and that is part of the job.

We are doing good in TO margin in 2023 as the defense has been amazing at taking it away....not that our offense is good at not giving it away. So it's all Brad White unit...not Coen's unit to answer for our TO margin.

You are consistently one of the most negative condescending know it all posters. Take your own advice.