Posted by Big Ron on November 25, 21 at 08:12:55:
In Reply to: The Chicken or the Egg? posted by PT XLII on November 25, 21 at 06:23:03:
The WRs do not have the speed to stretch the field. As you stated, there is no Aiyuk or Frank Darby. OSU was playing with all 11 defenders within 10 yards of the line. Defenses can use man coverage on the WRs and still load the box. Hill reverted to sending White deep because he is the only one that has the speed to create any separation in a foot race. But ASU can’t do that on every play. Porter was a burner, but after only 1 catch for 47 yards he headed for the transfer portal. He will get playing time somewhere else.
Also, Haller noted that these new receivers do not seem to have much of a catch radius which makes Daniels’ accuracy even more critical. Watch Daniels mechanics. They have really gone to Hell. On his interception, it appeared that both feet were off the ground. He can’t get velocity nor accuracy throwing like that. The kid needs better coaching.
Which of these players are going to stretch the field? If the WR can’t run themselves open, Hill schemes need to confuse the defense into coverage mistakes and that is not happening. All Hill’s pre-snap movement seems to confuse our players more than the defense.
Bunkley- Shelton 4.66 40 sec 40 time.
Johnny Wilson 4.59 - Out most of the season
Elijhah Badger 4.68
Curtis Hodges 4.9
Pearsall 4.51
Finally, I remember Dirk Koetter’s WR coach saying that WRs play like they practice. If they coast through their routes at practice they will unconsciously do it in games, especially if they are not the prime receiver. Under Koetter, Derek Hagan learned how to play like a pro. His termination from the staff now looks like a big mistake. These young receivers may miss his coaching. TV coverage seldom shows enough of the route running to confirm this to be a factor, but watch to see if these WRs are running at practice speed.