Week 3: Virginia Tech @ Pittsburgh (9/15/2012)

[HoHumHokie]

How come we don't run any bootlegs with LT? Don't you usually run these types of plays when the O-line is weak in the middle and when you have a QB who can run? Also, why no option or pitch outs?....surely MD can block well enough for JC to get some yards on the outside. And finally, where are the freaking screen passes?....I think we have the players to make screen passes or even dump passes over the middle to the RB's or TE's be more effective than running up the middle. Is this stuff too complicated for Stiney?

 

[awaz]

How come we don't run any bootlegs with LT? Don't you usually run these types of plays when the O-line is weak in the middle and when you have a QB who can run? Also, why no option or pitch outs?....surely MD can block well enough for JC to get some yards on the outside. And finally, where are the freaking screen passes?....I think we have the players to make screen passes or even dump passes over the middle to the RB's or TE's be more effective than running up the middle. Is this stuff too complicated for Stiney?

screens looked dreadful in the GT game, so the obvious answer in stiney land is to eliminate them completely

 

[hokiegrad]

Teams are just overloading the inside to stop LT on the sneak, its not a matter of 5 guys on 5 its more like 9 on 5. We arent getting beat because we are 'weak' we are getting beat because everyone knows what is coming in that situation. The only chance any of the RB's have got in short yardage was holmes on 4th and 1, I havnt had a chance to rewatch the game but it looked like the FB missed his block on that one.

Look im not at all saying the OL are a bunch of world beaters i just dont think their problems have to do with being physically weak. I feel like it is more of a mental prob and not having any rhythm as a unit.

Agreed. The coaches have to recognize this that Ds are selling out to stop the inside run on those 3rd/4th and 1 situations and call something to the outside, to keep defenses honest. It is hard to understand why that hasn't already happened. They can and should call the inside run more often than not in these situations, but they can't call that exclusively or the defense will just sell out and stop it. And we need to work on our FBs blocking...

 

[hokiegrad]

screens looked dreadful in the GT game, so the obvious answer in stiney land is to eliminate them completely

We tried a bunch of WR screens against GT, but I don't think that's what he was talking about. We need to throw a RB screen. If we did that against GT (or AP or Pitt), I don't remember it. I'm not sure that play is even in the playbook. I would like to see this called about once a game. Every year. This should be a staple of any offense.

 

[Sleepy T]

well, the good news...after these first 3 performances...i think LT will be back for his senior season

A year ago, I would definitely agree with you. Now I am not so sure. With the new CBA and limitations on guaranteed rookie contracts, NFL teams are much more likely to roll the dice on someone like LT just because there isn't nearly as much to lose now if he turns into the next Jamarcus Russell. Barring a major injury or royally stinking it up on the field for the rest of the year, LT will still probably be a 2nd round prospect (worse case scenario) just because of his size, athleticism, and the fact that he isn't anywhere close to his ceiling. At the end of the day, Thomas will probably have the option to leave and be a 1st or 2nd rounder. Whether he wants to stay and improve (with VTs coaches vs. the NFL coaches), have another shot at an ACCC/MNC, live the college experience, and not get paid, blah blah blah..will ultimately be up to him.

I was in your court a year ago, but the fact that Tannehill went in the top 10 and Weeden in the top 25 makes me think otherwise now. LT could be infinitely better than those guys.

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

One other issue from our guys (and it goes back to mental preparedness) was key third down drops by both of our tight ends.

 

[VTscores]

A year ago, I would definitely agree with you. Now I am not so sure. With the new CBA and limitations on guaranteed rookie contracts, NFL teams are much more likely to roll the dice on someone like LT just because there isn't nearly as much to lose now if he turns into the next Jamarcus Russell. Barring a major injury or royally stinking it up on the field for the rest of the year, LT will still probably be a 2nd round prospect (worse case scenario) just because of his size, athleticism, and the fact that he isn't anywhere close to his ceiling. At the end of the day, Thomas will probably have the option to leave and be a 1st or 2nd rounder. Whether he wants to stay and improve (with VTs coaches vs. the NFL coaches), have another shot at an ACCC/MNC, live the college experience, and not get paid, blah blah blah..will ultimately be up to him.

I was in your court a year ago, but the fact that Tannehill went in the top 10 and Weeden in the top 25 makes me think otherwise now. LT could be infinitely better than those guys.

1st or 2nd rounder? I don't know where you're getting that. A 1st rounder would have to be ready to start games in the NFL, and LT is nowhere close to that. He'd better pick up his game really quickly to have a chance at any of that.

He would be doing himself a disservice to go before he's ready. A few mistakes in real games and you are relegated to backup for your career.

 

[NickVT10]

I just dont know what to say. There is too much to say on why we got smoked in that game. Just going to look forward to the next one especially because ill be in the burg for it this weekend!

 

[hokiegrad]

1st or 2nd rounder? I don't know where you're getting that. A 1st rounder would have to be ready to start games in the NFL, and LT is nowhere close to that. He'd better pick up his game really quickly to have a chance at any of that.

He would be doing himself a disservice to go before he's ready. A few mistakes in real games and you are relegated to backup for your career.

LT is not, at this moment, in a position to go in the 1st or 2nd round. But if he finishes out the year strong he could be talked about there once again. We'll have to wait and see.

 

[sparko]

Serious question though .. Considering our linebacker play (getting burned on coverage time and time again), why the hell isn't this guy on the field MORE???

I have a feeling that we're going to be seeing A LOT more of RVD in the near future. I think that a little shake-up is in order for a few players personally.

 

[Sleepy T]

OK. I said as long as he didn't stink it up for the rest of the year that is where he would end up (1st or 2nd). With that being said, he doesn't need to look like Andrew Luck or RG3 last year either to be a 1st rounder. Ryan Tannehill was good for A&M, but far from spectacular. He was/is VERY raw and only played QB for a couple years. He WAS a TOP 10 pick based on potential talent rather what he did on the field. If Thomas pulls it together enough and plays better, and they have a decent year (8 or 9 wins), he will be highly sought after. McShay and Kiper already have big boners and have him listed as the #2 QB behind Barkley, what makes anyone think Thomas will fall that far (out of the top 5-6 QB coming out=1st or second round)???

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

JGW was back to his old self against Pitt so I would have liked to see RVD get some playing time (why not).

Also, whenever we went into nickel (which was a lot), we got smoked. Without Fuller, and an injured Bonner, nickel was a terrible idea.

Ugh, I still think this game was at least 50% mental, when it came to the loss. We just did not come to play.

 

[757Hokie83]

Serious question though .. Considering our linebacker play (getting burned on coverage time and time again), why the hell isn't this guy on the field MORE???

I have a feeling that we're going to be seeing A LOT more of RVD in the near future. I think that a little shake-up is in order for a few players personally.

one of the very few things that had me excited and cheering on saturday. Great block

 

[Jhalf]

Serious question though .. Considering our linebacker play (getting burned on coverage time and time again), why the hell isn't this guy on the field MORE???

I have a feeling that we're going to be seeing A LOT more of RVD in the near future. I think that a little shake-up is in order for a few players personally.

agreed, I would personally like to see Edwards back, exum back to safety, Manning start at corner, and RVD playing whip. I don't remember which corner Manning is supposed to be, but with him and fuller I'm sure they can figure out the boundary/field issue. Surely manning would be better than Exum at this point. It would also give the reshuffled secondary two games to get ready for ACC play.

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

Here is the thing about the linebackers:

Bruce Taylor is a monster at Mike. He is huge thick and good. Jack Tyler is good at Mike and serviceable. He is smaller and not as good on the blitz but a sure tackler and hitter.

HOWEVER, Taylor is NOT a backer and Tyler doesn't have the skill set to play there. Tariq Edwards was one hell of an under-appreciated piece last year because he was great in coverage.

The dropoff from Taylor to Tyler at Mike is marginal, and manageable. The dropoff from Edwards to Taylor at Backer, however, is huge and hard to watch. I played both spots in a similar defense and Taylor is not equipped to run with guys like Shell and Graham in the flat.

IMO, Deon Clarke has already burned his redshirt and we need to start playing him in anticipation of Edwards being out all year. I didn't see him on the sideline at the game but assume he travelled with the team. Either he, DVD or Edmunds need to get out there on the field now and let Tyler and Taylor platoon at Mike.

 

[HoHumHokie]

JGW was back to his old self against Pitt so I would have liked to see RVD get some playing time (why not).

Also, whenever we went into nickel (which was a lot), we got smoked. Without Fuller, and an injured Bonner, nickel was a terrible idea.

Ugh, I still think this game was at least 50% mental, when it came to the loss. We just did not come to play.

I haven't seen much difference between an injured Bonner and a healthy Bonner FWIW.

 

[VTscores]

Serious question though .. Considering our linebacker play (getting burned on coverage time and time again), why the hell isn't this guy on the field MORE???

I have a feeling that we're going to be seeing A LOT more of RVD in the near future. I think that a little shake-up is in order for a few players personally.

That was one hell of a block. Two birds with one stone as it were. Even the mathematics of the angles are something to marvel at.

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

agreed, I would personally like to see Edwards back, exum back to safety, Manning start at corner, and RVD playing whip. I don't remember which corner Manning is supposed to be, but with him and fuller I'm sure they can figure out the boundary/field issue. Surely manning would be better than Exum at this point. It would also give the reshuffled secondary two games to get ready for ACC play.

He would be the field corner.

If Fuller comes back, i would like to see Manning at FC, Fuller at BC, and Jarrett and Exum at FS and Rover respectively. DJ Parker was calling out Jarrett on twitter after the game, basically saying he was the only guy out there with emotion and playing hard and it was his time to take over and lead the defense. I agree with him.

If Fuller is still banged up, move Jarrett to BC and play Bonner and Jarrett at safety.

TG said int he offsenason that he wanted flexibility by making the position change. Well now he needs it. Put Exum where he can excel and use Jarrett (the best player on the team right now) at a place where you can get the most out of him.

 

[awaz]

We tried a bunch of WR screens against GT, but I don't think that's what he was talking about. We need to throw a RB screen. If we did that against GT (or AP or Pitt), I don't remember it. I'm not sure that play is even in the playbook. I would like to see this called about once a game. Every year. This should be a staple of any offense.

mm. i only remember 1 in the GT game.. and it was on like 3rd and 11 or something and it didnt work at all

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

Here is the thing about the linebackers:

Bruce Taylor is a monster at Mike. He is huge thick and good. Jack Tyler is good at Mike and serviceable. He is smaller and not as good on the blitz but a sure tackler and hitter.

HOWEVER, Taylor is NOT a backer and Tyler doesn't have the skill set to play there. Tariq Edwards was one hell of an under-appreciated piece last year because he was great in coverage.

The dropoff from Taylor to Tyler at Mike is marginal, and manageable. The dropoff from Edwards to Taylor at Backer, however, is huge and hard to watch. I played both spots in a similar defense and Taylor is not equipped to run with guys like Shell and Graham in the flat.

IMO, Deon Clarke has already burned his redshirt and we need to start playing him in anticipation of Edwards being out all year. I didn't see him on the sideline at the game but assume he travelled with the team. Either he, DVD or Edmunds need to get out there on the field now and let Tyler and Taylor platoon at Mike.

He would be the field corner.

If Fuller comes back, i would like to see Manning at FC, Fuller at BC, and Jarrett and Exum at FS and Rover respectively. DJ Parker was calling out Jarrett on twitter after the game, basically saying he was the only guy out there with emotion and playing hard and it was his time to take over and lead the defense. I agree with him.

If Fuller is still banged up, move Jarrett to BC and play Bonner and Jarrett at safety.

TG said int he offsenason that he wanted flexibility by making the position change. Well now he needs it. Put Exum where he can excel and use Jarrett (the best player on the team right now) at a place where you can get the most out of him.

I either talk to much or need a chalk talk thread for D.

Is this shit useful and interesting to anyone, ha ha.