Thorsen

[EvanstonCat]

E, your Exhibit 1 is a fabrication. I don't know if you are unaware of the facts or just ignoring them to defend your position. Bacher was on the bench for the first half of the 2006 season because he was hurt. It wasn't a "personnel decision." Bacher had a stress fracture and wasn't even medically cleared to play until the end of September, during Week 5 of the season. Then it took some time to get him back into shape. He made his first appearance against Purdue in Week 7 and then started against MSU in Week 8.

IMO, your Exhibit 2 is also disingenuous. "Playing a WR when your best QB (an NFL starter at that) sat on the bench." He wasn't languishing on the bench, holding a clipboard. He was Quarterback 1B, splitting time. The guy threw for 3,400+ yards in 2012 and 2013, when Colter was starting. I'd say that the arrangement worked out extremely well in 2012, not so much in 2013. But my larger point is that I don't think you are honestly assessing those offenses; you are more concerned with making your conclusion fit into your pre-conceived argument. Just because Trevor is a starter in the NFL doesn't automatically mean he was the better QB for that offense. Tom Brady split time in college, too.

Lou it's bull. There was an interview done with Bacher where he sat at least two games on the bench thinking he was ready to go and not understanding why he wasn't being given a chance and beginning to lose faith. A written test was the method Fitz used to determine who would start the game that Bacher ended up starting. The fact that he could play against Purdue already indicts Fitz, because if he was ready to make an appearance, then he was ready to start. How the hell could even a banged up Bacher not be playing ahead of Brewfka?

The fact that Colter had as many snaps against center as he did while Trevor was ON THE BENCH as QB1B is already a travesty. Trevor should have had 90% of the snaps. Not 30%. The arrangement would have worked out better had Trevor been playing QB almost full time (I allow for Colter getting snaps in Wildcat situations) and Colter playing WR where even the League determined he was a better fit.

Tom Brady split time in college too, and it was a mistake.

 

[lou v]

A very troubling fact is that Alviti looked better than Thorson and he couldn't even see the field for two seasons.

I don't know how you can call Alviti better based on what you saw. But regardless, I just wanted to pass along that Fitz said at his press conference today that Alviti played because Thorson had an issue with his contact lens.

 

[TheC]

E, your Exhibit 1 is a fabrication. I don't know if you are unaware of the facts or just ignoring them to defend your position. Bacher was on the bench for the first half of the 2006 season because he was hurt. It wasn't a "personnel decision." Bacher had a stress fracture and wasn't even medically cleared to play until the end of September, during Week 5 of the season. Then it took some time to get him back into shape. He made his first appearance against Purdue in Week 7 and then started against MSU in Week 8.

IMO, your Exhibit 2 is also disingenuous. "Playing a WR when your best QB (an NFL starter at that) sat on the bench." He wasn't languishing on the bench, holding a clipboard. He was Quarterback 1B, splitting time. The guy threw for 3,400+ yards in 2012 and 2013, when Colter was starting. I'd say that the arrangement worked out extremely well in 2012, not so much in 2013. But my larger point is that I don't think you are honestly assessing those offenses; you are more concerned with making your conclusion fit into your pre-conceived argument. Just because Trevor is a starter in the NFL doesn't automatically mean he was the better QB for that offense. Tom Brady split time in college, too.

Lou! You should hang out with us on the Rant Board!!

 

[willycat]

I don't know how you can call Alviti better based on what you saw. But regardless, I just wanted to pass along that Fitz said at his press conference today that Alviti played because Thorson had an issue with his contact lens.

Maybe but Alviti at least showed some enthusiasm in those three snaps. Maybe Thorson should have had more contact problems and Alviti inserted for those two 4th quarter NU possessions, were a 1st down would have clinched the win.

 

[ThePurpleKnight]

What QBs who have played for us in the last 10 years did you believe were good quarterbacks? Just curious.

Persa, Siemian and Kafka

 

[ThePurpleKnight]

Sometimes good coaches make moves to shake things up, send a message, or spark the team, but our staff would never think of that. We just stay with the same game plan and set of plays no matter if they work or not! I was at the game with an astute football man (not a NU regular) who asked in the 3rd quarter "do they ever run any other running plays ?" and "I've seen more creative offense in high school games". Embarrassed I invited him to the game.

 

[YesterdaysCat]

I agree with this. It is somewhat ironic that some of the same folks who criticized Fitz for playing Colter over Siemian for precisely this reason are now advocating doing the same thing with Alviti over Thorson.

It cannot be said better than this. What an utter lack of self-awareness from ECat and friends.

 

[YesterdaysCat]

Sometimes good coaches make moves to shake things up, send a message, or spark the team, but our staff would never think of that. We just stay with the same game plan and set of plays no matter if they work or not! I was at the game with an astute football man (not a NU regular) who asked in the 3rd quarter "do they ever run any other running plays ?" and "I've seen more creative offense in high school games". Embarrassed I invited him to the game.

Are you also advocating a uniform change? Maybe switch out Gatorade for Powerade?

Gotta shake things up just for the sake of it without an educated understanding of what's going on, right?

 

[ricko6543211]

We are embarrassed but have not lost our dignity or hope. At least I have not. I still believe we have a chance to make something decent out of this season and create a building block for next season. If, as some are advocating, we panic and start throwing stuff on a wall to see what sticks, then I think things can get really ugly. Try starting and playing any of our other QBs and see what happens in a game. Think the Tennessee game except apply that to every game left on our schedule. How big of a setback would our program incur if we lost to Illinois by 4 TDs?

I'm with you that Thorson is not the primary problem on offense and that he's made some progress from last year. I think our OL is way worse and our WRs share nearly as much responsibility. We had some success with the underneath routes early, but they tightened up their coverage later and it still didn't seem like we have anyone that can consistently beat press man coverage, even against a 1AA team. There were not very many guys open.

But... 1) saying we would get embarrassed so much worse seems disingenuous as our offense only put up 7 pts, granted maybe TOP could be worse if we had a different QB but in order to lose by 28 our D still has to give up at least that many points.
2) while definitively stating Alviti looked good based on two qb runs is just absurd, definitively stating he is awful is just as absurd. We know very little about how he would have done, he does look to be healthier this year so it's entirely possible he has potential to play well, and does appear to be a more adept scrambler than 18.

So I think Thorson is likely better than Alviti, but stating so decisively and unequivocally that we would "lose by 4 TDs to Illinois" with Alviti seems like a drastic overreaction. Given how bad our offense is, I think it's reasonable to wonder if a quicker QB may possibly help. Thorson hasn't been awful but he hasn't been a world beater by any means. He looks much better on the short routes this year and he hasn't thrown the ball into bad traffic as much as he did last year, but he wasn't particularly accurate on deep balls, missed on a couple fade throws (curious play calling on those, incidentally), and still does not seem to be particularly quick and reacting to the blitzes that will be coming all year from anyone that watches any tape at all before playing us.

 

[corbi2961]

I'm with you that Thorson is not the primary problem on offense and that he's made some progress from last year. I think our OL is way worse and our WRs share nearly as much responsibility. We had some success with the underneath routes early, but they tightened up their coverage later and it still didn't seem like we have anyone that can consistently beat press man coverage, even against a 1AA team. There were not very many guys open.

But... 1) saying we would get embarrassed so much worse seems disingenuous as our offense only put up 7 pts, granted maybe TOP could be worse if we had a different QB but in order to lose by 28 our D still has to give up at least that many points.
2) while definitively stating Alviti looked good based on two qb runs is just absurd, definitively stating he is awful is just as absurd. We know very little about how he would have done, he does look to be healthier this year so it's entirely possible he has potential to play well, and does appear to be a more adept scrambler than 18.

So I think Thorson is likely better than Alviti, but stating so decisively and unequivocally that we would "lose by 4 TDs to Illinois" with Alviti seems like a drastic overreaction. Given how bad our offense is, I think it's reasonable to wonder if a quicker QB may possibly help. Thorson hasn't been awful but he hasn't been a world beater by any means. He looks much better on the short routes this year and he hasn't thrown the ball into bad traffic as much as he did last year, but he wasn't particularly accurate on deep balls, missed on a couple fade throws (curious play calling on those, incidentally), and still does not seem to be particularly quick and reacting to the blitzes that will be coming all year from anyone that watches any tape at all before playing us.

I understand your point of view but disagree. I know Alviti's strengths and weaknesses from watching him play in HS and from speaking to recruiting analysts who followed his HS career closely. He was very successful at Maine South but that offense was tailored to his strengths and to mask his weaknesses. I think he has not played much at NU because of health issues but also because those weaknesses that were masked in HS became very apparent at NU. He can contribute in a limited role but I would be very concerned about handing over the reigns to him for an entire game.

 

[Gladeskat]

I'm a big believer in trying someone else if the guy you have is obviously not getting the job done. At least with the new guy, you have some hope. Alviti was said to be much improved in the Spring. This idea that the coaches know best and are infallible is pure bull. Especially when it comes to QB personnel decisions. You know why? Exhibit 1: The Brewfka experiment while CJ Bacher sat on the bench. Fitz didn't even know who was going to start until the day before when CJ came in and completely transformed our offense. Exhibit 2: The Colter travesty. Playing a WR when your best QB (an NFL starter at that) sat on the bench. I'm sorry, but I simply don't trust this staff's judgment when it comes to QB personnel.

Playing TS reduced our running effectiveness (COMPARE MARK'S RUSHING YARDAGE WITH TS vs KC AT QB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; and TS couldn't run with a badly sprained ankle and badly bruised heel)

The fact that Thorson's biggest remaining supporters are the same people who still think Colter was the right QB for NU pretty much says it all. Don't sweat it - they said the same thing about not understanding football when they insisted Colter should start over an NFL starter. Somehow, they are the ones that understand football and the QB position and not John Elway or Gary Kubiak. Thorson may have "the tools" to one day be great, but he isn't there yet. And this notion that you keep him in there until he gets it to give him more reps isn't fair to the others on the team who want to win now. Try Alviti or someone else, and see what we have. Maybe nothing. Maybe something. If we don't, I'll tell you what we have - craptasticism. Thorson makes Colter look like a real QB. What do we have to lose?

If we cannot get our running game going and be balanced because of poor OL play, and our OL play has been horrid!, then we'll have to bring in Alviti because he can more effectively run the option, which is a better offense to run if you have a weak OL...JUST LIKE WE DID WITH COLTER!!!

People rarely look at OL play, understand how if affects running or passing, and how it influences which QB and offensive scheme to properly play.

"Why don't we call the 'Touchdown play'"?

 

[Gladeskat]

This board is full of people who think they know something about football and scoff at the rest of us from their high horses even though they know no more than the rest of us. You are the worst of the lot.

No, MrCat95 would be the "worst of the lot" because he has posted essentially the same thing in the past.

 

[Fitz51]

Maybe but Alviti at least showed some enthusiasm in those three snaps.

Oh, Jesus Christ.

 

[willycat]

Oh, Jesus Christ.

Just why are you adverse to giving Alviti some playing time? Do you think he could do worse then being shut out for 3 quarters by an average FCS team? Ok, you and some others say it isn't Thorson's fault, then who's fault is it? Fitz? McCall? O Line? Receivers? Jesus Christ? All of the above? Well who is responsible for all of the above?

 

[Gladeskat]

Just why are you adverse to giving Alviti some playing time? Do you think he could do worse then being shut out for 3 quarters by an average FCS team? Ok, you and some others say it isn't Thorson's fault, then who's fault is it? Fitz? McCall? O Line? Receivers? Jesus Christ? All of the above? Well who is responsible for all of the above?

I'd start with the OL. When you can't run with the likes of JJ (who has great vision) and your QB is being harassed all day...the OL is the main problem.

If the crappy OL play continues, then you should see more of Alviti running the option.

 

[willycat]

I understand your point of view but disagree. I know Alviti's strengths and weaknesses from watching him play in HS and from speaking to recruiting analysts who followed his HS career closely. He was very successful at Maine South but that offense was tailored to his strengths and to mask his weaknesses. I think he has not played much at NU because of health issues but also because those weaknesses that were masked in HS became very apparent at NU. He can contribute in a limited role but I would be very concerned about handing over the reigns to him for an entire game.

Haven't coaching staffs formulated their offensive schemes to highlight a QB's strengths and hide his weaknesses before? It's called adjusting your play calling to the strengths of players. Weren't those same recruiting analysts the same ones who tagged him a 4* and didn't he have numerous Power 5 offers ? Thorson has played essentially two full games, against two inferior teams and NU has 2 loses. Your answer to that seems like more of the same. I've looking for something different, maybe even a win.

 

[Gladeskat]

Haven't coaching staffs formulated their offensive schemes to highlight a QB's strengths and hide his weaknesses before? It's called adjusting your play calling to the strengths of players. Weren't those same recruiting analysts the same ones who tagged him a 4* and didn't he have numerous Power 5 offers ? Thorson has played essentially two full games, against two inferior teams and NU has 2 loses. Your answer to that seems like more of the same. I've looking for something different, maybe even a win.

How about looking for different OL?

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Maybe but Alviti at least showed some enthusiasm in those three snaps. Maybe Thorson should have had more contact problems and Alviti inserted for those two 4th quarter NU possessions, were a 1st down would have clinched the win.

You think you can see "enthusiasm" from the stands and/or on television? Please. Spare me.

 

[ricko6543211]

Just why are you adverse to giving Alviti some playing time? Do you think he could do worse then being shut out for 3 quarters by an average FCS team? Ok, you and some others say it isn't Thorson's fault, then who's fault is it? Fitz? McCall? O Line? Receivers? Jesus Christ? All of the above? Well who is responsible for all of the above?

I think what we are collectively saying is "most of the above".

And corbi (I know replying to a different part of the chain) yes Alviti has weaknesses, but I think so does Thorson. The ISU game was pretty close to a disaster. Also the point would be to tailor a system here that could hide some of those weaknesses. And hopefully he's developed some since HS... We can all agree that Trev last Thurs looked better than when he left a couple years ago, though most of us would prob also agree that Kubiak Peyton and co did more to help him out developmentally and schematically than Alviti may get here. In any event, if we can't make a workable offense w CT in the next game or two, just saying it could be worth trying to mix in Alviti to mix things up and create a spark, make defenses think a little bit more.

 

[ricko6543211]

I understand your point of view but disagree. I know Alviti's strengths and weaknesses from watching him play in HS and from speaking to recruiting analysts who followed his HS career closely. He was very successful at Maine South but that offense was tailored to his strengths and to mask his weaknesses. I think he has not played much at NU because of health issues but also because those weaknesses that were masked in HS became very apparent at NU. He can contribute in a limited role but I would be very concerned about handing over the reigns to him for an entire game.

PS thanks for respectful / thoughtful disagreement! Much better than taking shots at the other person which seems to happen more often...

 

[Gladeskat]

Would that be the book that told you that Colter was the right QB for the NU system and to keep an NFL Starting QB on the bench? Very telling.

Whatever that book is, seems like Fitz and McCall swear by it.

Not exactly. The Football for Dummies book starts out with the importance of having good offensive line. Have you ever offered up a remark about our OL and OL recruiting during the past five years?

Here are three guys the NU OL recruiting brain trust passed on...

Ted Karras - An NU legacy, was hoping for an offer from NU. Visited NU. Didn't receive an offer. Started for Illinois for 3-4 years, all-B1G recognition, 7th round NFL draft pick. Now the starting guard for the New England Patriots.

Dan Feeney - From same HS as Pat Fitzgerald, very interested in NU. NU didn't offer. Started as a true freshman at Indiana and made all-B1G freshman team; all-B1G, consensus pre-season All-American, considered by many as the best guard in the country. Slated to go in the early rounds of the NFL draft.

Zach Epping - from Kenosha, very interested in NU. No offer from NU. A 4-year starter for Minnesota. Fiery leader of the OL! Meaner than your fave, John Cerasani (see Meineke Bowl near end of 1st half...best back-to-back 15-yard penalties of the year for just going nuts on some TT DL). All-B1G 1st team (media), 2nd team (coaches).

If you want to find something to criticize, how about our OL recruiting. Who did we recruit at OL (in this case, OG) back then and how did they do? Brian Mulroe was good with NFL potential.

NU has had to move two players over to the OL to cover talent deficiencies there. Why don't you bang on that drum for awhile instead of wasting your energy arguing TS should have started, even if our running game and offensive balance would have suffered.

 

[NURoseBowl]

I'd start with the OL. When you can't run with the likes of JJ (who has great vision) and your QB is being harassed all day...the OL is the main problem.

If the crappy OL play continues, then you should see more of Alviti running the option.

Glades, are these guys mobile enough to get out there and block for that?

 

[NURoseBowl]

I understand your point of view but disagree. I know Alviti's strengths and weaknesses from watching him play in HS and from speaking to recruiting analysts who followed his HS career closely. He was very successful at Maine South but that offense was tailored to his strengths and to mask his weaknesses. I think he has not played much at NU because of health issues but also because those weaknesses that were masked in HS became very apparent at NU. He can contribute in a limited role but I would be very concerned about handing over the reigns to him for an entire game.

Corbi, is it safe to assume that these weaknesses are to do with arm strength?

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Corbi, is it safe to assume that these weaknesses are to do with arm strength?

Accuracy.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Not exactly. The Football for Dummies book starts out with the importance of having good offensive line. Have you ever offered up a remark about our OL and OL recruiting during the past five years?

Here are three guys the NU OL recruiting brain trust passed on...

Ted Karras - An NU legacy, was hoping for an offer from NU. Visited NU. Didn't receive an offer. Started for Illinois for 3-4 years, all-B1G recognition, 7th round NFL draft pick. Now the starting guard for the New England Patriots.

Dan Feeney - From same HS as Pat Fitzgerald, very interested in NU. NU didn't offer. Started as a true freshman at Indiana and made all-B1G freshman team; all-B1G, consensus pre-season All-American, considered by many as the best guard in the country. Slated to go in the early rounds of the NFL draft.

Zach Epping - from Kenosha, very interested in NU. No offer from NU. A 4-year starter for Minnesota. Fiery leader of the OL! Meaner than your fave, John Cerasani (see Meineke Bowl near end of 1st half...best back-to-back 15-yard penalties of the year for just going nuts on some TT DL). All-B1G 1st team (media), 2nd team (coaches).

If you want to find something to criticize, how about our OL recruiting. Who did we recruit at OL (in this case, OG) back then and how did they do? Brian Mulroe was good with NFL potential.

NU has had to move two players over to the OL to cover talent deficiencies there. Why don't you bang on that drum for awhile instead of wasting your energy arguing TS should have started, even if our running game and offensive balance would have suffered.

Yes, those are big misses, but to me what is telling is the regression of our guys in the late stages of their career. Look at the last few classes. I chalked up a lot of this to injuries, but there are just too many examples of guys being better as Sophomores than Seniors. It started with Konopka and continues this year.

 

[iskaboo]

I am puzzled by those who are saying that Alviti should replace Thorson. I would understand it if they were saying to make a change just to shake things up (I was almost ready to hope to see Alviti during the ISU game). However, I do not understand how any fan can say that Alviti would succeed when Thorson would not because no one has seen Alviti play more than a handful of downs in actual competition for a long, long time.

I think it is fine to discuss what type of player Alviti was during high school, but that was three years ago and three years is a long time.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

I'm sure Thorsen is a nice kid and he certainly "looks" the part, but he is an aweful QB. He has proven to be terribly inaccurate and is a poor decision making. He also looks bigger and slower this season. Any other staff would have sat the kid and given others a chance. For gods sake, what do they have to lose by giving another kid a chance? These are scholarship athletes who I assume we're recruited because they could play, so let's see if they can play.

Our o line and running game are non existent! Thorson is a top rated QB in BT,if he is on Ohio State.

 

[mpfeiler]

The QB is not the problem. In "Power Five" football, the OL and DL are the deciding factors. To win in the Big Ten, you must have "Roadgrader" OL and DL that can get some push. Wisky and Iowa win games with less talent that MI, MSU and O$U because of their lines. NU's lines are not good enough to beat anybody right now. I question the strength and conditioning program at NU. They seem to recruit good 3-star linemen. But they never get better? Wisky and Iowa take 220 lbs kids and develop them into NFL players 290-310 lbs. NU needs to change the direction of the program now!

 

[corbi2961]

Corbi, is it safe to assume that these weaknesses are to do with arm strength?

No, that's not the issue.

 

[DaCat]

I am puzzled by those who are saying that Alviti should replace Thorson. I would understand it if they were saying to make a change just to shake things up (I was almost ready to hope to see Alviti during the ISU game). However, I do not understand how any fan can say that Alviti would succeed when Thorson would not because no one has seen Alviti play more than a handful of downs in actual competition for a long, long time.

I think it is fine to discuss what type of player Alviti was during high school, but that was three years ago and three years is a long time.

Look who it is that is pushing for Alviti. That ought to disqualify that notion immediately.

 

[EvanstonCat]

Not exactly. The Football for Dummies book starts out with the importance of having good offensive line. Have you ever offered up a remark about our OL and OL recruiting during the past five years?

Here are three guys the NU OL recruiting brain trust passed on...

Ted Karras - An NU legacy, was hoping for an offer from NU. Visited NU. Didn't receive an offer. Started for Illinois for 3-4 years, all-B1G recognition, 7th round NFL draft pick. Now the starting guard for the New England Patriots.

Dan Feeney - From same HS as Pat Fitzgerald, very interested in NU. NU didn't offer. Started as a true freshman at Indiana and made all-B1G freshman team; all-B1G, consensus pre-season All-American, considered by many as the best guard in the country. Slated to go in the early rounds of the NFL draft.

Zach Epping - from Kenosha, very interested in NU. No offer from NU. A 4-year starter for Minnesota. Fiery leader of the OL! Meaner than your fave, John Cerasani (see Meineke Bowl near end of 1st half...best back-to-back 15-yard penalties of the year for just going nuts on some TT DL). All-B1G 1st team (media), 2nd team (coaches).

If you want to find something to criticize, how about our OL recruiting. Who did we recruit at OL (in this case, OG) back then and how did they do? Brian Mulroe was good with NFL potential.

NU has had to move two players over to the OL to cover talent deficiencies there. Why don't you bang on that drum for awhile instead of wasting your energy arguing TS should have started, even if our running game and offensive balance would have suffered.

You're totally spot on regarding the OL. I've been screaming for a firing at the OL (and WR) positions for a couple years now. Since it didn't happen, I'm ready to toss the OC along with them.

That doesn't change the fact that we put an NFL starter on the bench for a WR.

 

[mikewebb68]

You're totally spot on regarding the OL. I've been screaming for a firing at the OL (and WR) positions for a couple years now. Since it didn't happen, I'm ready to toss the OC along with them.

That doesn't change the fact that we put an NFL starter on the bench for a WR.

So I take it you are saying the years that Trevor was here would have more successful if he started at QB every game that Colter did and Colter just played wide receiver? If so, why?

 

[xxxbobxxx]

I don't see how you can blame the quarterback when he has no time to throw and no go-to wide receivers, especially when he is forced to pass most every down because the run game can't get anything going.

I'm not saying Thorson is perfect but blaming him for a lack of the passing game is like blaming Justin Jackson for the lack of the running game.

Odd thing, despite no OL, JJTBC still creates a running game... Kinda like many of our previous QBs created a passing or option game while missing the same component. Btw, has anyone seen our OL, I think we lost them a few years ago and would really like them back. Reward offered.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

We are embarrassed but have not lost our dignity or hope. At least I have not. I still believe we have a chance to make something decent out of this season and create a building block for next season. If, as some are advocating, we panic and start throwing stuff on a wall to see what sticks, then I think things can get really ugly. Try starting and playing any of our other QBs and see what happens in a game. Think the Tennessee game except apply that to every game left on our schedule. How big of a setback would our program incur if we lost to Illinois by 4 TDs?

I need some of that Koolaid, or whatever it is. But really, Corbi is usually pretty right on. Here, I think not. This is a lost season, period. Use the live game action to begin to prepare for next year. That might mean CT, but maybe not. With so much time, run a few guys out and get some real time evaluation. There are plenty of two star studs and undrafted NFL stars to prove you never know.

Not suggesting burning a shirt, but let JJTBC heal. Let's see moten and AA. Run some OL options out there. And let's see a little of what green and Yates have to offer. Alviti isn't going to get you bowling, but some young guys might be undiscovered gold.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Sometimes good coaches make moves to shake things up, send a message, or spark the team, but our staff would never think of that. We just stay with the same game plan and set of plays no matter if they work or not! I was at the game with an astute football man (not a NU regular) who asked in the 3rd quarter "do they ever run any other running plays ?" and "I've seen more creative offense in high school games". Embarrassed I invited him to the game.

That has been explained by those that have strapped one on. The mental psyche of our annointed starters would be crippled with such a move...

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Oh, Jesus Christ.

Did you call?

 

[Gladeskat]

If they can't execute their bread-and-butter plays, why would you think they're going to execute better running plays from the back of the playbook?

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Just why are you adverse to giving Alviti some playing time? Do you think he could do worse then being shut out for 3 quarters by an average FCS team? Ok, you and some others say it isn't Thorson's fault, then who's fault is it? Fitz? McCall? O Line? Receivers? Jesus Christ? All of the above? Well who is responsible for all of the above?

Did you ring?

 

[xxxbobxxx]

You think you can see "enthusiasm" from the stands and/or on television? Please. Spare me.

Did somebody mention something about posters that know more than all the rest...

 

[Gladeskat]

You're totally spot on regarding the OL. I've been screaming for a firing at the OL (and WR) positions for a couple years now. Since it didn't happen, I'm ready to toss the OC along with them.

That doesn't change the fact that we put an NFL starter on the bench for a WR.

But it greatly changes what an offense can run successfully. If the OL can't block effectively, then you cannot have a balanced attack just handing off to Mark (see Mark's rushing stats with TS at QB vs KC!!!!). You have to use something like the read and sprint option which is easier to block and adds another man that the defense has to account for. If we'd had a better OL that could open holes for VM, then TS should have properly received more playing time. Colter was excellent at running the option and accurate with short passes. However, he was never as good as Persa at looking downfield for WR's while scrambling.