Stock up/stock down

[Irish Fam]

I thought Cierre looked great.
Kind of disappointed in Crist's performance (balls in the dirt 3 yards in front of a wide open receiver)
Loved Lynch and thought Toma played very well. Nix is going to be a force in the middle.

 

[Riddickulous]

I thought Cierre looked great.
Kind of disappointed in Crist's performance (balls in the dirt 3 yards in front of a wide open receiver)
Loved Lynch and thought Toma played very well. Nix is going to be a force in the middle.

This is the worst of it.

Being there in person, it's easy to see that Dayne Crist is easily the most impressive of the four QBs from a physical standpoint...and it's not close.

 

[NDinFL]

This is the worst of it.

Being there in person, it's easy to see that Dayne Crist is easily the most impressive of the four QBs from a physical standpoint...and it's not close.

I concur..

Hendrix Hendrix Hendrix.... He looked fantastic... (I caught bits and pieces whilst at work)

Seemed like he knew when to run, was pretty accurate, and has very good arm strength..

Someone mentioned it before that his first TD run was very "Tebow-esque" and I couldn't agree more!

I sincerely think that when the season starts we'll all see Hendrix trotting out there to start against USF.

(still plenty of room on the bandwagon fellas!)

 

[dshans]

Up: BGIF, NDinLA, tko

Down: JohnnyKillz, NDFANnSouthWest, Dshans

I briefly considered being insulted, but since (with thanks to John Lennon and The Beatles):

"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together ...
I am the eggman, they are the eggmen.
I am the walrus, goo goo g'joob."

I reconsidered.

My stock can't go any higher and it certainly didn't go down so....

With my apologies to The Doors:

"You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
'Camp, you couldn't get much higher
Come on ACamp, light my fire
Come on ACamp, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire."

 

[tadman95]

IMO Hendrix and Golson outplayed Crist and Rees which was disappointing. If today was any indication then the starter for USF is up in the air.

I don't buy into the "bad weather" excuses, players make plays and if today is what we can expect on a rainy Saturday next fall we're in trouble and I don't believe Kelly would ever accept that.

 

[Riddickulous]

IMO Hendrix and Golson outplayed Crist and Rees which was disappointing. If today was any indication then the starter for USF is up in the air.

I don't buy into the "bad weather" excuses, players make plays and if today is what we can expect on a rainy Saturday next fall we're in trouble and I don't believe Kelly would ever accept that.

This.

In 2009, I believe it rained during the Washington game. Jimmy Clausen threw for 422 yards. In 2006, it was pouring for a while against Michigan State and Brady Quinn threw for well over 300 yards and 5 TDs.

 

[NDinFL]

Couldn't agree more about the "bad weather excuse"

If a player would try and use that as an excuse then they'll always try to find an excuse.

Players make plays, end of story.

well put tadman

 

[woolybug25]

Things I Liked

• 
  South Bend weather, Football Weather
  Nix ripping helmets off
  Lynch coming out party.
  Walk on RB playing his butt off (Did someone say that they had a son that was a walk on RB?)
  GOLSON
  Multiple stud verbals
  Toma
  Brian Kelly - "You're not fast, you're not tall, and...your hair cut isn't very good either!"

Things I Didn't

• 
  Crist not just not playing loose. He needs to open up and play up to his talent
  No clear starter at QB, IMO
  Ishaq's lack of aggressiveness. Maybe Lynch's performance had me jaded?
  Hafis getting hurt
  Massa dropping TD's
  Hammond

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Things I Liked

• 
  South Bend weather, Football Weather
  Nix ripping helmets off
  Lynch coming out party.
  Walk on RB playing his butt off (Did someone say that they had a son that was a walk on RB?)
  GOLSON
  Multiple stud verbals
  Toma
  Brian Kelly - "You're not fast, you're not tall, and...your hair cut isn't very good either!"

Things I Didn't

• 
  Crist not just not playing loose. He needs to open up and play up to his talent
  No clear starter at QB, IMO
  Ishaq's lack of aggressiveness. Maybe Lynch's performance had me jaded?
  Hafis getting hurt
  Massa dropping TD's
  Hammond

Interesting what you said about Ishaq...he seemed dis-interested.

 

[TDHeysus]

just finished watching on DVR...my quick points:

I was impressed with Dayne's leadership...his play, I was less concerned about, he will be better. I want to see if he still has the jitters in the pocket. (as opposed to Rees' dead-calm poise during last year). I think Dayne looks really good.

Aaron Lynch, sheesh...if you watched, you know without me having to say anything. I'll leave it at this, I think the Irish defense has a guy that can fill the Teo leadership role (when teo leaves or graduates). Lynch's play demands that other players elevate their game. (...and yes, i think that after seeing him play one time, thats how impressive he was)

Ishaq had a really really good game too....but Lynch just seem to hog all the defensive attention. But Ishaq made a definite impact on the game.

Danny Spond looked really good as well; another guy I kept hearing about and when I saw him on the field I had a 'thats-what-they-are-talking-about-moment.'

I think Hendrix looked really good. I had heard about his running/scrambling and finally saw what ppl have been saying. good strong arm, made some good decisions out there.

Golson looked raw to me, but sheesh, the guy was in high school 3months ago. I think his natural instincts showed thru and he is clearly a dangerous offensive threat, his future is bright.


the game only got me more excited for the upcoming season....it cant get here fast enough

 

[Junkhead]

Gray-i can see what the coaches are saying, he needs to run more physical and be Robert Hughes.

He needs to be like Robert Hughes was in his last few games. He was thought to dance too much most of his career also.

 

[woolybug25]

Interesting what you said about Ishaq...he seemed dis-interested.

My first thougth was, "disinterested" too. Then I remembered a comment Diaco made about him earlier in spring. He said that he was trying to get the young guys (Lynch, Ishaq) to focus on their technique, because their physical ablilities wont get them by at this level. I wonder if Ishaq is so concentrated on not making technique mistakes, that he wasn't able to just "let go" and play with aggression (Crist Syndrom). I think that once he gets more comfortable (he is 18 after all) he will start playing with more speed.

Or... I don't know what the hell I am talking about.

 

[IrishLax]

just finished watching on DVR...my quick points:

I was impressed with Dayne's leadership...his play, I was less concerned about, he will be better. I want to see if he still has the jitters in the pocket. (as opposed to Rees' dead-calm poise during last year). I think Dayne looks really good.

Aaron Lynch, sheesh...if you watched, you know without me having to say anything. I'll leave it at this, I think the Irish defense has a guy that can fill the Teo leadership role (when teo leaves or graduates). Lynch's play demands that other players elevate their game. (...and yes, i think that after seeing him play one time, thats how impressive he was)

Ishaq had a really really good game too....but Lynch just seem to hog all the defensive attention. But Ishaq made a definite impact on the game.

Danny Spond looked really good as well; another guy I kept hearing about and when I saw him on the field I had a 'thats-what-they-are-talking-about-moment.'

I think Hendrix looked really good. I had heard about his running/scrambling and finally saw what ppl have been saying. good strong arm, made some good decisions out there.

Golson looked raw to me, but sheesh, the guy was in high school 3months ago. I think his natural instincts showed thru and he is clearly a dangerous offensive threat, his future is bright.


the game only got me more excited for the upcoming season....it cant get here fast enough

Dude that is a REALLY good point. I hadn't even thought about that but you're 100% right... you can already tell that Aaron will end up being a "tone setter" kind of guy during his career. He just gave 120% on every play... what a motor.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Guys, it's like we're having the same argument w/ Crist vs. Rees now that we're having with Crist/Rees vs. Golson/Hendrix.

You do realize that Golson and Hendrix know and ran a VERY LIMITED part of the offense, right? You do realize that the Irish huddled up specifically for those 2 youngsters b/c Kelly said they can't run the offense at the pace he wants (and at the pace Rees and Crist can run it), right?You do realize they BOTH missed several reads and several wide open receivers, right?

I will bet my last dollar AND my mod status (priceless - and something I'm sure many of you would want me to relinquish LOL) if either Hendrix or Golson steps on the field as a starter vs. USF or any early season game for that matter. BK knows he's sitting on a possible BCS team (with a possible BCS defense), and he also knows that you don't win consistently with freshmen QBs.

Yeah, those freshmen can run, and that is HUGE for this offense, but they are still freshmen. I can't wait to see them when they have a couple years of this offense under their belts...it's going to be fun! But right now, I just don't want to see a rookie QB drive what could be Ferrari if things fall into place.

As for Crist and Rees...they barely played, and yes, they didn't play well. But I've read where several coaches say the practice they evaluate the LEAST is the Spring Game. They look at what was done over the entire spring, and the entire spring, Crist has been the best player. Now, he's going to have to play better with the lights on bright, no doubt. If he does, he'll be the starter throughout the year. If not, then it'll be Rees, b/c he's won games and he's not as much of a risk.

And then look to see either Rees or Hendrix come in and change the pass, kinda like a Wildcat look with a better passer. But no, they won't start...

 

[GoIrish41]

Kelly's press conference is up on UND. He says he thinks Rees was the most accurate of all four QBs. He also said (when prodded) that it was nice to see the young guys able to move the ball with their legs as well as their arms.

 

[woolybug25]

Guys, it's like we're having the same argument w/ Crist vs. Rees now that we're having with Crist/Rees vs. Golson/Hendrix.

You do realize that Golson and Hendrix know and ran a VERY LIMITED part of the offense, right? You do realize that the Irish huddled up specifically for those 2 youngsters b/c Kelly said they can't run the offense at the pace he wants (and at the pace Rees and Crist can run it), right?You do realize they BOTH missed several reads and several wide open receivers, right?

I will bet my last dollar AND my mod status (priceless - and something I'm sure many of you would want me to relinquish LOL) if either Hendrix or Golson steps on the field as a starter vs. USF or any early season game for that matter. BK knows he's sitting on a possible BCS team (with a possible BCS defense), and he also knows that you don't win consistently with freshmen QBs.

Yeah, those freshmen can run, and that is HUGE for this offense, but they are still freshmen. I can't wait to see them when they have a couple years of this offense under their belts...it's going to be fun! But right now, I just don't want to see a rookie QB drive what could be Ferrari if things fall into place.

As for Crist and Rees...they barely played, and yes, they didn't play well. But I've read where several coaches say the practice they evaluate the LEAST is the Spring Game. They look at what was done over the entire spring, and the entire spring, Crist has been the best player. Now, he's going to have to play better with the lights on bright, no doubt. If he does, he'll be the starter throughout the year. If not, then it'll be Rees, b/c he's won games and he's not as much of a risk.

And then look to see either Rees or Hendrix come in and change the pass, kinda like a Wildcat look with a better passer. But no, they won't start...

Good points, but one nit. I wouldn't say that Hendrix/Golson had limited part of the offense. Their package was completely different not only in play calls, but in style. It was a simpler offense than Crist/Rees were asked to run, but it was a different offense, not an easier version of the same offense.

Also, I am not big on making too much out of a spring game either... but what is up with Crist, seriously? The guy obviously has loads of leadership skills, and a stupid amount of physical abilities, but it just doesn't seem to be coming together. I feel like he is afraid to just play free and overthinks everything. He has been limited with game-like experiences over the last year, so I want to give him a break.... but I am losing patience. I hope we see an improved Dayne Crist by fall.

 

[anarin]

Things I Liked

• 
  South Bend weather, Football Weather
  Nix ripping helmets off
  Lynch coming out party.
  Walk on RB playing his butt off (Did someone say that they had a son that was a walk on RB?)
  GOLSON
  Multiple stud verbals
  Toma
  Brian Kelly - "You're not fast, you're not tall, and...your hair cut isn't very good either!"

Things I Didn't

• 
  Crist not just not playing loose. He needs to open up and play up to his talent
  No clear starter at QB, IMO
  Ishaq's lack of aggressiveness. Maybe Lynch's performance had me jaded?
  Hafis getting hurt
  Massa dropping TD's
  Hammond

collinsworth deflected one of those...

 

[woolybug25]

collinsworth deflected one of those...

and the rain was in his eyes... he still should have caught it.

 

[Jo Jo the Dog Faced Boy]

My thoughts....Kendall Moore was really good. Shembo struggled in coverage, tough adjustment. Nix is going to be really good for this defense if he can stay on the field.

I don't see anybody running on this defense, if we can avoid all of the 3 and outs we had on offense last year, this will be a very good year.

As for the qb's, I don't think you can read too much into what we saw today, just overhyped practice. Crist probably starts in September. I think Hendrix has the most upside of any of the qb's, sadly, I just don't think he's going to get on the field here. Golson can be good, but he better put on about 30 pounds or he's gonna get killed. He also needs to stop pulling it down and looking to run so fast--feeling pressure that's not there yet.

 

[TDHeysus]

Nix is going to be really good for this defense if he can stay on the field.

Nix plays an important role, keeping lineman off Teo so he can roam free. Nix is like Jupiter protecting the Earth from asteroids by way of its immense gravity.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Nix plays an important role, keeping lineman off Teo so he can roam free. Nix is like Jupiter protecting the Earth from asteroids by way of its immense gravity.

Genius..... nix is like a bullet proof vest.

 

[IrishLax]

Watching the replay now on Versus. Dayne looks a lot better than I thought on the first viewing. He's going to be the starter and I feel confident in our offense putting up great numbers as long as Michael Floyd is back.

Not only is Floyd huge plus for the passing game... but his blocking is going to spring Cierre for a number of big runs. If there is one thing Theo and TJ lack it is the size and physicality to really knock a DB on his ***. That lack of physicality can be seen in the first quarter where TJ gets jammed on a fade from the 5 yard line by a walk on... whereas Floyd would have blown him up and caught a TD.

 

[Riddickulous]

Nix plays an important role, keeping lineman off Teo so he can roam free. Nix is like Jupiter protecting the Earth from asteroids by way of its immense gravity.

Nix is a space eater, and a big reason (pun) why Denard Robinson won't be able to scamper through the middle very often on September 10th.

 

[tadman95]

We keep having these discussions about quarterbacks because no one has stepped up and taken the position. I was hoping we would see clear improvement in execution by someone and I just didn't leave with a sense of assurance that we have that.

I said earlier that I don't buy the "bad weather" excuse and I don't buy the "different packages" or the "just a spring game" rhetoric either. Missing open receivers doesn't have anything to do with the packages they ran or the importance of the moment. I would expect above average performance in a practice game, not less.

All four of these guys have significant shortcomings to overcome. It will continue to be an active conversation until someone steps up. I was just hoping we would leave the spring with a better sense of direction.

 

[tko]

Watching the replay now on Versus. Dayne looks a lot better than I thought on the first viewing. He's going to be the starter and I feel confident in our offense putting up great numbers as long as Michael Floyd is back.

Not only is Floyd huge plus for the passing game... but his blocking is going to spring Cierre for a number of big runs. If there is one thing Theo and TJ lack it is the size and physicality to really knock a DB on his ***. That lack of physicality can be seen in the first quarter where TJ gets jammed on a fade from the 5 yard line by a walk on... whereas Floyd would have blown him up and caught a TD.

i probably need to go back and watch Crist more closely b/c what i saw was horrible initially. i don't question his leadership skills one bit, but Tommy has a savvy about him that Crist doesn't have. Tommy slides around the pocket and understands exactly where to go with the ball. I feel like Dayne is still in his own dome and now the fkn knee injury will plagued his psyche. i'll try and watch it over with a closer eye on DC.

 

[Fbolt]

I didn't spend any time worrying about Crist or Rees as I was watching Hendrix/Golson. A very nice mix and I was pleased that Hendrix made some nice plays! Kudos!!

Highlights for me: Nix popping helmets, Nix crushing Wood (ouch!), Lo's INT, Lynch all over the field, Kelly's conversation with Toma (speed, size, hair).

It was nice to watch the game from the couch rather than the "buffering computer".

Great commits too with a CB/ATH, S, and LS! How did they pull that off on such a cruddy day?

Go Irish!!

 

[TerryTate]

Thought Kendall Moore, Lo Wood, Danny Spond, Nix, Lynch, Jackson, Hendrix, and Golson were all really impressive yesterday.

 

[jmurphy75]

Great to see some of these guys in action, Lynch, Nix and Spond were very impressive. I can't wait to see them next season.....dam it's gonna be a long summer.

 

[GainesvilleIrish]

I think yesterday's game should have shut up veryone saying that we don't need Floyd to be a great team. We lack that go-to wide out, and really missed MF in the worst way.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

I do agree we need Floyd, however yesturdays game was about evaluation, postional situations, and live contact. There is alot of behind the scenes work that the staff is doing...its not a good example for the fans to judge/