Suggestions for Charlie Weis

[EchoesMyEternity]

Let me preface this by saying that I was utterly annoyed/upset/baffled by the loss today. Quickly, my frustration turned from being totally pissed off to totally depressed to objective. Here are my things that I think Weis and the coaching staff should address in order of importance.

1. Offensive Line play. I don't care who you put in at quarterback - if they don't have the time to set their feet or look at receivers, they don't have time to do anything. Coach Weis and Coach Latina both need to look at this game and get their Offensive Line to play as good as they should. There were constant miss blocks and GT defenders were darting through the line untouched, not to mention the nearly dozen or so sacks on our quarterbacks. If this isn't fixed, our offense won't be able to score at all.

2. Quarterbacks. Obviously, Demetrius Jones wasn't the quarterback we all thought and hoped he would be. I don't know if it's his inability to play well, or the offensive line not providing protection. But, Weis and Coach Powlus need to analyze film and decide on a quarterback and improve his play. Whether it be Jones again, Sharpley, or Clausen, someone needs to step up and play to their potential.

3. Defensive Line. I think our defensive line was the worst part of our defense today. They were unable to stop the run and they were constantly being beaten on the corners of the line. This is the biggest concern of the defense.

4. Running Backs. Our running backs were disappointing today. Armando Allen showed signs of flash and potential today but he didn't get enough touches. Travis Thomas was abysmal and Aldridge only played so-so. Again, like the quarterbacks, I'm not sure if this is a running back problem or an offensive line problem.



But, there were some bright spots to the game today. Here are just a few.

1. Linebackers. I was very impressed with Anthony Vernaglia and John Ryan today. They had hands in some very big rushing stops. Conversely, people like Joe Brockington and Maurice Crum didn't step up like they should. If Brockington and Crum shake off the cobwebs and play the way we know they can, this could be a very good corps.

2. Wide Receivers. Robby Parris and Duval Kamara both looked very good today and George West showed some flashes of potential. I'm not quite sure why Weis didn't get them involved earlier in the game. They were reliable when called upon. Weis needs to abandon the "dumbed down" version of the offense for his new quarterbacks and let them throw a little.

3. Secondary. This is sort of like the linebackers. Zibby and Lambert didn't impress me much and Walls only played so-so. However, David Bruton was very good in the secondary and was his usual self on punt coverage. If Lambert and Zibby can play like we know they can and Walls can play like Weis says he can, then this aspect of our defense should be a strong point.



What do you guys think needs to be improved for the Penn State game?

-Jon

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Let me preface this by saying that I was utterly annoyed/upset/baffled by the loss today. Quickly, my frustration turned from being totally pissed off to totally depressed to objective. Here are my things that I think Weis and the coaching staff should address in order of importance.

1. Offensive Line play. I don't care who you put in at quarterback - if they don't have the time to set their feet or look at receivers, they don't have time to do anything. Coach Weis and Coach Latina both need to look at this game and get their Offensive Line to play as good as they should. There were constant miss blocks and GT defenders were darting through the line untouched, not to mention the nearly dozen or so sacks on our quarterbacks. If this isn't fixed, our offense won't be able to score at all.

2. Quarterbacks. Obviously, Demetrius Jones wasn't the quarterback we all thought and hoped he would be. I don't know if it's his inability to play well, or the offensive line not providing protection. But, Weis and Coach Powlus need to analyze film and decide on a quarterback and improve his play. Whether it be Jones again, Sharpley, or Clausen, someone needs to step up and play to their potential.

3. Defensive Line. I think our defensive line was the worst part of our defense today. They were unable to stop the run and they were constantly being beaten on the corners of the line. This is the biggest concern of the defense.

4. Running Backs. Our running backs were disappointing today. Armando Allen showed signs of flash and potential today but he didn't get enough touches. Travis Thomas was abysmal and Aldridge only played so-so. Again, like the quarterbacks, I'm not sure if this is a running back problem or an offensive line problem.



But, there were some bright spots to the game today. Here are just a few.

1. Linebackers. I was very impressed with Anthony Vernaglia and John Ryan today. They had hands in some very big rushing stops. Conversely, people like Joe Brockington and Maurice Crum didn't step up like they should. If Brockington and Crum shake off the cobwebs and play the way we know they can, this could be a very good corps.

2. Wide Receivers. Robby Parris and Duval Kamara both looked very good today and George West showed some flashes of potential. I'm not quite sure why Weis didn't get them involved earlier in the game. They were reliable when called upon. Weis needs to abandon the "dumbed down" version of the offense for his new quarterbacks and let them throw a little.

3. Secondary. This is sort of like the linebackers. Zibby and Lambert didn't impress me much and Walls only played so-so. However, David Bruton was very good in the secondary and was his usual self on punt coverage. If Lambert and Zibby can play like we know they can and Walls can play like Weis says he can, then this aspect of our defense should be a strong point.



What do you guys think needs to be improved for the Penn State game?

-Jon

Agree with the analysis. Well done. Now excuse my while I go vomit...again.

 

[KamaraPolice]

Good post. I would agree, the offensive line was horrible and I think they were confused. How many plays did you see the quarterback on the ground with 4 offensive lineman looking over him.

However, I think James Aldridge played well. He didn't get many opportunities, but he broke tackles and showed glimpses of that burst I've been hearing about. Also, I felt Lambert actually played well and shut down a damn good receiver.

The defense was disoriented and the offensive line was confused. I think once the team gets their feet under them, they will be fine.

Also, I was wondering, has Robby Parris really stepped it up or is he the go to guy because Sharpley was playing with him on the second team... just like Kamara was Clausens go to guy?

 

[Golden_Domer88]

I say we start Kamara, Hord, and West for the PSU game. Speedsters and a Big WR.

 

[KamaraPolice]

I dont. I say let the guys settle in and see what they can do before you start overhauling the team.

 

[EchoesMyEternity]

Yeah, I'm not sure what kind of overhauling needs to be done to the team. I'm really at a loss as to what to do for the offensive line or the defensive line. It's a little much to be shouting accusations to different players based on one game; however, I also don't think that there needs to be a major overhaul on the offense or defense. There were times on the defense when the scheme showed how well it could work if everyone was doing what they were supposed to be doing.

There were just two things I didn't get about this game while I was watching it:

1. Why did Charlie wait until the about 2:00 left in the second quarter to start slinging the ball down field? Last time I checked, DJ can throw also.

2. Why in the world, when Weis has said that they simulated and prepared for the constant blitzing GT defense in practice, was the offense baffled by the blitzing? Like KamaraPolice said, there were a lot of times when offensive line players were looking around because they had nobody to block, but there were multiple lineman and linebackers shooting through the lines.
Also, when Sharpley saw linebackers come through line from ten yards out, why didn't he get rid of the ball instead of taking the sack?

I hope this week of practice and press conferences shed a whole new light on the situation because there are a lot of Irish fans who are dazed and confused about this loss.

-Jon

 

[patman1868]

I would like to see some more quick slants, screens, and flair passes to take the pressure of the line so they do not have to wait for guys to get open down field. That way opposing defenses wont just be able to focus on the run also. I guess I would also like to see allen get the ball more, I think I saw somewhere that he got 8.4 yards per play when he got the ball on offense.

 

[Stalking_Eagle]

Yeah, I'm not sure what kind of overhauling needs to be done to the team. I'm really at a loss as to what to do for the offensive line or the defensive line. It's a little much to be shouting accusations to different players based on one game; however, I also don't think that there needs to be a major overhaul on the offense or defense. There were times on the defense when the scheme showed how well it could work if everyone was doing what they were supposed to be doing.

There were just two things I didn't get about this game while I was watching it:

1. Why did Charlie wait until the about 2:00 left in the second quarter to start slinging the ball down field? Last time I checked, DJ can throw also.

2. Why in the world, when Weis has said that they simulated and prepared for the constant blitzing GT defense in practice, was the offense baffled by the blitzing? Like KamaraPolice said, there were a lot of times when offensive line players were looking around because they had nobody to block, but there were multiple lineman and linebackers shooting through the lines.
Also, when Sharpley saw linebackers come through line from ten yards out, why didn't he get rid of the ball instead of taking the sack?

I hope this week of practice and press conferences shed a whole new light on the situation because there are a lot of Irish fans who are dazed and confused about this loss.

-Jon

My favorite (sarcasm) is when DJ was boxed in by 4 defensive players and had to just drop to the ground. The OLine was just up looking to block but they didn't notice that 4 players already got by them. :jawdrop:

 

[username]

Echoes: "Obviously, Demetrius Jones wasn't the quarterback we all thought and hoped he would be. I don't know if it's his inability to play well, or the offensive line not providing protection. But, Weis and Coach Powlus need to analyze film and decide on a quarterback and improve his play."

Demetrius is an amazing athlete. Offensive line is the problem. Coaches need to improve his play by teaching him how to hold on to the ball when 11 athletes are attacking you as soon as you get the snap.

Echo: "3. Defensive Line. I think our defensive line was the worst part of our defense today. They were unable to stop the run and they were constantly being beaten on the corners of the line."

This is a LB problem, not a DL problem.

Echoes: "4. Running Backs. Our running backs were disappointing today. Armando Allen showed signs of flash and potential today but he didn't get enough touches. Travis Thomas was abysmal and Aldridge only played so-so. Again, like the quarterbacks, I'm not sure if this is a running back problem or an offensive line problem."

This is a blatant O-Line COACHING problem, as well as subpar athlete problem. Backs were the highlight of the game for me and restored my hope in Weis and ND future. Travis is a super athlete that was given no chance. Keep Travis on the field - anywhere and all the time if possible. Fire the O-line coach. Backs charge forward fearlessly, as opposed to last year's guy.

 

[goirish#1]

I aggre with everything, but one thing more

GIVE IT TO #89

 

[irishfan_88]

i agree with goirish#1.... give the ball to the all-american candidate.. but as i have said before something has to be done about the offensive line..

 

[NDOM]

I suggest during practice that the defense blitzes every player against the offense so maybe they can get used to it. The offensive line was just terrible. I have seen better High School football lines. John Latina better figure something out really fast because this bad offensive line play has dated back to last year.

 

[Shark Attack]

John Carlson also proved very reliable late in the 2nd on the drive to the field goal. It proved that yes, a two dimensional offense is better than just running all. the. time.

The Defense is a bit of a concern to me, though. They did well in the redzone, but until they got to the 20, they couldn't stop anything. I actually went to the game (first time, and it was awesome, despite the loss), and I don't know if you guys saw this, but more than once were totally lost and confused at the line, trying to find who they're supposed to block and looking to lambert for where they were supposed to be. Hopefully, this, too, should be improved upon. I sure do hope that DJ isn't going to start PSU. I envisioned him as more of a situational QB anyway. But man, that first half, it was like the 1920s and we had to re-invent the forward pass.

 

[patman1868]

I think that I would like to see Mcneil get the start over lambert. It seemed to me whenever GT got a big pass play they got it off of lambert. When McNeil was in the game he looked good maybe he should have a chance to start or atleast get some more p.t. at CB.

 

[CLEARWALL]

1. Mix up the play calling. I have never seen a Charlie Weis game look so stupid. What was it, like 30 runs to 1 pass play by halftime? Not only is that bad game management, it's just downright STUPID.

2. Freaking put your fat ass in FRONT of one of those DL-men!!! Do anything, tell him a story, jiggle his German Soldier, just slow him down for 1/2 a second!

3. Start Jimmy Clausen. DJ forces Charlie into bad game management, our OL isnt fast enough to block for him when he runs to the outside, and the rest of the team cant react to his improvisation. Sharpley looks like a backup...very lost and confused but has the ability to play decent. Jimmy actually took command and played very well for the position he was in.

 

[Timugen]

1. Mix up the play calling. I have never seen a Charlie Weis game look so stupid. What was it, like 30 runs to 1 pass play by halftime? Not only is that bad game management, it's just downright STUPID.

Very good point. How many times last year did we hear CW in pressers emphasizing the importance of BALANCE, and how his goal is to basically have a roughly 50/50 pass/run balance every game.

2. Freaking put your fat ass in FRONT of one of those DL-men!!! Do anything, tell him a story, jiggle his German Soldier, just slow him down for 1/2 a second!

 

[jgrnd07]

I agree it was not a DL problem it was a LB problem when it comes to containment in a 3-4 defense. I think that is where our lack of speed showed up more then anywhere was at LB...there lack to recover and be in the right place at the right time really showed me we have A LOT of recruting to do at LB!!!!

Our OL looked horrible...when you come into a game knowing you are goint to run block 90% of the time you should do a much better job! Very simple game plan and they looked like crap!!!! No push and no aggresiveness....

OK Walker would not of been able to get any yards either but man did we miss him in pass protection...

First time in 8 years I did not watch the whole game...made me SICK was worse planned game I have ever seen and it will be a VERY long year!!!! I hate when Mark May is right :-(

 

[Irish Legend]

1. Mix up the play calling. I have never seen a Charlie Weis game look so stupid. What was it, like 30 runs to 1 pass play by halftime? Not only is that bad game management, it's just downright STUPID.

2. Freaking put your fat ass in FRONT of one of those DL-men!!! Do anything, tell him a story, jiggle his German Soldier, just slow him down for 1/2 a second!

3. Start Jimmy Clausen. DJ forces Charlie into bad game management, our OL isnt fast enough to block for him when he runs to the outside, and the rest of the team cant react to his improvisation. Sharpley looks like a backup...very lost and confused but has the ability to play decent. Jimmy actually took command and played very well for the position he was in.

Amen. Great analysis.

 

[johnnd05]

I thought this Observer article pretty much hit the nail on the head. Money quote:

Charlie, it's time to make up your mind.

Weis appears to be trying to minimize his losses. He said he picked Jones because, Weis believed, Jones' offensive package gave Notre Dame the best chance to win. He said he would use that same logic when picking a starter for Penn State.

But now he's talking about picking a quarterback and then determining the offense based on the quarterback. The circular logic is maddening, and it seems all designed to minimize his risks.

Weis wants to have the best quarterback on the field, but he also wants to have the best offensive package.

At some point, Weis must realize that trying to fit those varying pieces into the same hole is the reason why the offense was pathetic. At some point, Weis must make a decision to stick with an offense or stick with a quarterback and do what his team does best.

Trying to do both leads to doing neither, and Weis' former self knew that.

The Charlie Weis who stuck with his bread-and-butter against vaunted USC in 2005 made his players play to a level they haven't reached since.

The Charlie Weis who pulled out gadget plays against the Trojans in 2006 and reckless fake punts against LSU in the Sugar Bowl this January has seen his team blown out three times in a row.

The old Charlie Weis needs badly to come back if Notre Dame wants to be successful.

And he needs to come back now.

This gimmicky junk needs to stop. It's time to play some tough, confident, swaggering, NASTY football.

 

[onenybrother]

1. Mix up the play calling. I have never seen a Charlie Weis game look so stupid. What was it, like 30 runs to 1 pass play by halftime? Not only is that bad game management, it's just downright STUPID.

2. Freaking put your fat ass in FRONT of one of those DL-men!!! Do anything, tell him a story, jiggle his German Soldier, just slow him down for 1/2 a second!

3. Start Jimmy Clausen. DJ forces Charlie into bad game management, our OL isnt fast enough to block for him when he runs to the outside, and the rest of the team cant react to his improvisation. Sharpley looks like a backup...very lost and confused but has the ability to play decent. Jimmy actually took command and played very well for the position he was in.

Stupid is a harsh word. Jimmy shouldn't be starting until the offensive line is taking care of.

 

[CLEARWALL]

Stupid is a harsh word. Jimmy shouldn't be starting until the offensive line is taking care of.

30 run plays to 1 pass, what do YOU call that?

Furthermore, I think because the OL is so awful, not in spite of the fact, JC should start. With DJ, you maximize the potential for O-line failure. With him running around behind them, they have no idea where he's at so protection suffers. With Evan, every mistake will be magnified even more because a)he doesnt look off the rush at ALL, and b) he gets major tunnel vision and cant feel pressure bearing down on him. A few of those sacks, he didnt see the guy coming right in front of him. JC has a great pocket presence and the arm at his disposal to get him out of a few jams.