FB: Duke 14, Georgia Tech 24

[sagegrouse]

The whole post is fantastic but I wanted to focus on this point. I feel this is the biggest issue for the offense right now. Maalik has a big arm and appears to want to show it off on every pass play. Unfortunately, his accuracy on long throws is not great, so Duke often faces 3rd and long. A completed throw to a check down and Duke is facing 3rd and something reasonable. I also think Maalik has a tendency for tunnel vision.

At least, he doesn't have "bubble vision."

 

[AustinDevil]

At least, he doesn't have "bubble vision."

Too soon.

 

[hustleplays]

I apologize. In my defense, that question can be taken in two completely different ways, and of course I chose the more offensive way. But it's not much of a defense, and for that I am sorry.

75Crazie, Thank you for your post. I appreciate it. I agree that my question can be taken in two different ways. I could have been clearer as to which way I viewed it.

One thing I am certain of: We think that our QB should run more. sigh.

Aside: We have so many opportunities to come together or go apart. Thank you for your graciousness in inviting us to come together.

Go Duke!

 

[hustleplays]

I would settle for a little more misdirection, and continuing to work with Maalik on decision making (which I am positive is an ongoing process).

We have seen some running plays involving Brown (#14) and I think Hagins. I think those plays have been moderately successful. I suspect that our coaches feel that the offensive line is better at straight ahead blocking than pulling or open field blocking and that may be why the straight ahead approach seems to be our coaches' preference.

Your astute conjecture may be true, but, omg, I hope it's not. If our O line is not proficient at pulling and open field blocking, plus we have an immobile pocket passer with low efficiency, our prospects are not good.

 

[hustleplays]

The whole post is fantastic but I wanted to focus on this point. I feel this is the biggest issue for the offense right now. Maalik has a big arm and appears to want to show it off on every pass play. Unfortunately, his accuracy on long throws is not great, so Duke often faces 3rd and long. A completed throw to a check down and Duke is facing 3rd and something reasonable. I also think Maalik has a tendency for tunnel vision.

azzefkram, I wholly agree with your assessment of Maalik's "big arm" and accuracy issues.

However, I am convinced that every one of Dr Maturin's points is significant. We desperately need more misdirection and creativity in our play calling. Murphy just MUST run some of the time. There should be a few designed plays. Our RPO option is fraudulent, since the R stands for run. Our coaches MUST insist [and of course coach him on this] that Murphy run when the opportunity presents itself...such as a sure 1st down, rather than a punt.

I disingenuously apologize for my ALL CAPS here. I am supremely frustrated that we have so many elements of success, but our QB won't move. I can only imagine the frustration of our players who know EXACTLY [darn, there I go again] what is going on. Almost all of our players give their all. They listen to their specialist coaches and make numerous adjustments, even though it may be difficult. Even though it may increase the likelihood that they suffer physical harm. Why can't their precious QB show the same commitment to doing whatever it takes to win. I'm fed up.

Manny, with the utmost respect, this is on you. Gracias, y ¡Vaya Duke!

 

[gep]

azzefkram, I wholly agree with your assessment of Maalik's "big arm" and accuracy issues.
However, I am convinced that every one of Dr Maturin's points is significant. We desperately need more misdirection and creativity in our play calling. Murphy just MUST run some of the time. There should be a few designed plays. Our RPO option is fraudulent, since the R stands for run. Our coaches MUST insist [and of course coach him on this] that Murphy run when the opportunity presents itself...such as a sure 1st down, rather than a punt.
I disingenuously apologize for my ALL CAPS here. I am supremely frustrated that we have so many elements of success, but our QB won't move. I can only imagine the frustration of our players who know EXACTLY [darn, there I go again] what is going on. Almost all of our players give their all. They listen to their specialist coaches and make numerous adjustments, even though it may be difficult. Even though it may increase the likelihood that they suffer physical harm. Why can't their precious QB show the same commitment to doing whatever it takes to win. I'm fed up.

Manny, with the utmost respect, this is on you. Gracias, y ¡Vaya Duke!

I fully agree that Murphy MUST run when the opportunity presents itself... even a couple of designed runs. This is critical to a winning team. Why have a RPO if the R is totally missing from that equation.

And the thought that other players make numerous adjustments throughout for the success of the team... and that the appearance that the QB... the defacto leader of the team... apparently cannot and/or will not make adjustments has got to be frustrating for the other players. I hope the other players continue to make the necessary adjustments as the coaches deem necessary, and that they continue to give their all. I just hope that the QB and his coaches can do the same.

 

[Skydog]

I think the last two posts are very accurate. I have been wondering how going for the home run pass equates to a 3 pointer in basketball. Is a 20% completion rate equivalent to 2 or 3 short completions? The big gainer is exciting and eats up yards but most of the time is a wasted down and shortens the time the offense is on the field (and the defense is resting). Using it occasionally does stretch the defense but not every 5 or 6 plays.

I can only imagine the conversations between coaches and player about this subject. So far there have been no repercussions in terms of playing time.

I’m not sure how those conversations go. During a sideline interview early in this game Manny explicitly said the goal was to make some big plays early to get us off to a roaring start. I don’t remember the exact wording but it was clear he was referring to the home run pass plays Maalik likes to throw.

 

[Phredd3]

I’m not sure how those conversations go. During a sideline interview early in this game Manny explicitly said the goal was to make some big plays early to get us off to a roaring start. I don’t remember the exact wording but it was clear he was referring to the home run pass plays Maalik likes to throw.

Other than MTSU, is there any game this season where we've gotten "off to a roaring start"? If it actually is broke, please fix it.

 

[hustleplays]

I write this with mixed feelings in that I have already critiqued our QB a lot. I strive to be respectful, objective and constructive. I am aware that we are talking about a young man, who has feelings and is likely trying his best, as he sees that, shaped by how he is coached.

AND, D1 sports is a fully grownup activity in which all program participants, including players, expect to be respected by having excellence expected of them.

So, what I wish to add, with great respect, and this comment pertains to all our QBs and any other effective QB: An essential element of the QB position is leadership. Yes, some QBs are quiet leaders, they don't say much, and lead by example. But their leadership needs to be conveyed through one or more channels. A QB can show great physical courage, diving into the line, without using words.

I wish that Murphy would find a way to exude team leadership from his QB position. Same for any of our other QBs.

There is a marvelous clip from the movie Invictus, in which President Nelson Mandela [played by Morgan Freedom] asks the captain of the S A Rugby team, Francois Pienaar [played by Matt Damon], "What is your philosophy on leadership?" Pienaar replies, "By example, sir, lead by example." Mandela agrees, but then says they need to get everyone to believe that they can be better than they currently believe. "Inspiration, perhaps?"

 

[hustleplays]

I write this with mixed feelings in that I have already critiqued our QB a lot. I strive to be respectful, objective and constructive. I am aware that we are talking about a young man, who has feelings and is likely trying his best, as he sees that, shaped by how he is coached.

AND, D1 sports is a fully grownup activity in which all program participants, including players, expect to be respected by having excellence expected of them.

So, what I wish to add, with great respect, and this comment pertains to all our QBs and any other effective QB: An essential element of the QB position is leadership. Yes, some QBs are quiet leaders, they don't say much, and lead by example. But their leadership needs to be conveyed through one or more channels. A QB can show great physical courage, diving into the line, without using words.

I wish that Murphy would find a way to exude team leadership from his QB position. Same for any of our other QBs.

There is a marvelous clip from the movie Invictus, in which President Nelson Mandela [played by Morgan Freedom] asks the captain of the S A Rugby team, Francois Pienaar [played by Matt Damon], "What is your philosophy on leadership?" Pienaar replies, "By example, sir, lead by example." Mandela agrees, but then says they need to get everyone to believe that they can be better than they currently believe. "Inspiration, perhaps?"

Sorry for my typo: Meant to write "Morgan Freeman." But "Freedom" ain't a bad typo.