Kelly: Offense talented, but depth NONE!!

[jonesman]

It was nice to hear Kelly admit today what all of us can see when we take off our Irish Green sunglasses. This team lacks depth at the skill positions on OFFENSE!!

Kelly even said, that he would put Floyd, Riddick, Cierre and TJ up against anybody, but there is definitely a lack of skill behind those. This is what I believe jumps up and bites us in the A$$ during 2012.

Kelly stated that he made defense the priority during his first full recruiting cycle and now skill positions are at the forefront.

He did say that guys like Daniels, Atkinson and McDaniel can help, but we will need more.

I think we are loaded at TE with Eiffert, Koyack and Welch, so we can relax there.

At RB, we definitely need TWO studs in this coming class. Fortunately, Cam Roberson will be back in the mix next year. Kelly really liked him prior to the injury. He will actually get almost 18 months to recover until next fall. Keep rehabbing Roberson, we will need you.

At WR, Kelly and staff better keep on top of every guy we have committed and chase a couple more.

I hope that a guy like Daniel Smith can blossom a bit this year. I also believe Toma will give us some quality minutes.

As for Deion Walker, it appears that his ship has sailed into the sunset. There is absolutely ZERO mention of him this fall from anyone. SAD!! He seems like a nice kid, but never will achieve his potential.

In conclusion, I just want folks to be aware of the talented by thin ice we walk on with our offense. If Cierre and/or Floyd go down for extended time this season, we are going to have some major offensive struggles.

No matter, I will cheer on and have total confidence in our coaching staff. Go IRISH!!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I wouldn't say there's a lack of "skill" behind our starting WRs; just a big drop-off in explosiveness. Goodman and Toma are sure-handed upper-classmen who can move the chains; they just won't be taking it to house on a regular basis.

You're concerns for 2012 are legitimate, and I'm sure Kelly shares them. Let's hope Daniels, Smith, and GA III see lots of reps this year so they'll be ready for our murderous 2012 schedule.

I also wouldn't say that "we are going to have some major offensive struggles" if Floyd or Wood go down. They could easily be our two best offensive players next year, so losing either of them will really limit what our offense can do, but many made the same prediction about Crist last year. Rees took over in the Tulsa game and we didn't experience "major offensive struggles"; we just had to operate with a more limited playbook.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Offensively: the line and the tight end will be OK, as, weirdly, will be the QB, even if a random injury occurs here or there. Also, those guys will not be so poorly backed up that they will need oxygen. So Kelly's remarks have to do with the WRs and the RB position. OK, we all buy that.

What still will exist though is the Kelly offensive system and some QB to run it. That's not a bad situation to build upon. What will also exist will be the finest two-tight-end sets in the country. So, what might be a legitimate worst case scenario??

Last season we lost Rudolph, Allen, Riddick, and Crist for significant time --- about as bad as one would have imagined. Let's cross our fingers, toss salt over our left shoulders, and just for talking purposes imagine losing Cierre, Big Mike, and Theo at the same time. Well, no one could sustain that and still be AS good. But what would we have?? Our QB, our System, our world-beater tight ends, TJ, and some folks like Robbie Toma and John Goodman who can hold the fort in a 8-15 yard quick passing game. Jonas and GAIII and Cam will just have to pick up the blitzes [they will do that just fine], not fumble [hopefully they can manage that], catch a pass [they ought to be able to handle that], and break off some surprise runs --- I'm more optimistic that those folks can do that too than most.

Will we get tired?? The only place that I'd see this is at WR without Mike and Theo to take the Lions share of the snaps. But the "committee" of TJ, Robbie, John, Daniel, Davaris --- all of whom I believe will be ready to a passable degree --- should be able to take the reps. And Coach can always slow down a little as he did with Dayne and Tommy last year.

So, I'm not taking off the green sunglasses just yet. In fact, hearing BK say that he'd put his "22" up against anyone's, makes me want to "Wear My {Green} Sunglasses at Night" on September 10th even more.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Agree^

So, I'm not taking off the green sunglasses just yet. In fact, hearing BK say that he'd put his "22" up against anyone's, makes me want to "Wear My {Green} Sunglasses at Night" on September 10th even more.

Did OMM just quote a Corey Hart song?

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[Old Man Mike]

I haven't been completely in isolation wards these last few decades.

 

[alohagoirish]

I remember in 2005/2006---we had great frontline skill players and not much depth AT ALL! Shark/Walker/Stovall/ Fascano/Carlson/Quinn----except for the injury to Rheema the rest of the boys held up for almost two seasons----yes its true darius walker seemed to be able to take a baseball club to the mid section and still kept on tickin---but nonetheless---with some luck Floyd/ Theo/Eifert/ Welch/ (the CRIST-REES COMBO) / Wood / Jonas---could hold up all year , its far from unheard of--with some luck---the offense can keep its skill players in place most of the year. Fingers crossed on that!

 

[TDHeysus]

The offense maybe thin at spots, and it will be awhile before we have a shark-tooth offense; more depth would be nice, but its not like it was when Willingham left, the cupboard is not bare.

I believe the defense is already on shark-tooth status; with the defensive vets we have returning, and guys like Irish Chcololate stepping into his own, add in the young bucks...our defense has shaped up nicely, quickly. Leaning on the defense more than usual might be a luxury that Irish fans havent had since....well, its been a long time. The depth on defense can only help that 'thinned' out offense.

Shark-Tooth status = when one tooth(player) falls or breaks off, another tooth(player) is already right behind it, ready to take its spot.

I dont want to keep beating a dead horse, but I really believe the Irish defense is going to take ND's opponents at first by suprise, then by storm. I think the defense is going to make a big impact this year. (similar to how special teams made huge impacts in Brady Quinn's last 2 years)

 

[Dizzyphil]

I too have to agree that depth behind the skills is lacking, especially behind the QB and out wide.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
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But here is where the proverbial 'Irish Sunglasses' come into play. Those sitting in the waits at RB/FB/WR need to take on a mental state of being ready when beckoned. Yes the skill levels and playing time lack to a certain degree and this is where Coaches Alford and Hinton earn their money and respect by getting those in waiting in a physical, but mostly mental state to play. I know that heart will get you respect and admiration but let’s not be ‘Rudy-fied’ into believing that heart will get you wins and starting positions. Coach Kelly hired and brought in Alford and Hinton for good reason and here is where we as Irish fans expect those coaches to get these players ready.


Diz

 

[Irish Man3]

It was nice to hear Kelly admit today what all of us can see when we take off our Irish Green sunglasses. This team lacks depth at the skill positions on OFFENSE!!

Kelly even said, that he would put Floyd, Riddick, Cierre and TJ up against anybody, but there is definitely a lack of skill behind those. This is what I believe jumps up and bites us in the A$$ during 2012.

Kelly stated that he made defense the priority during his first full recruiting cycle and now skill positions are at the forefront.

He did say that guys like Daniels, Atkinson and McDaniel can help, but we will need more.

I think we are loaded at TE with Eiffert, Koyack and Welch, so we can relax there.

At RB, we definitely need TWO studs in this coming class. Fortunately, Cam Roberson will be back in the mix next year. Kelly really liked him prior to the injury. He will actually get almost 18 months to recover until next fall. Keep rehabbing Roberson, we will need you.

At WR, Kelly and staff better keep on top of every guy we have committed and chase a couple more.

I hope that a guy like Daniel Smith can blossom a bit this year. I also believe Toma will give us some quality minutes.

As for Deion Walker, it appears that his ship has sailed into the sunset. There is absolutely ZERO mention of him this fall from anyone. SAD!! He seems like a nice kid, but never will achieve his potential.

In conclusion, I just want folks to be aware of the talented by thin ice we walk on with our offense. If Cierre and/or Floyd go down for extended time this season, we are going to have some major offensive struggles.

No matter, I will cheer on and have total confidence in our coaching staff. Go IRISH!!

Alford mentioned today at media day that Walker was pushing. Not trying to be that guy, just thought fans would appreciate the fact that D Walker has not given up.

 

[ARALOU]

I agree with the concerns brought up here. I do believe that the Irish are headed in the right direction. The improvement was evident in the last 4 games of last season. I wasn't sold on the BK hire but admit I like what I am seeing. Dominance starts with defense and that seems to be a strong element for the Irish going into this season. I am looking forward to this season. GO IRISH!
On another note, is anyone else enjoying the Miami saga as much as I am?

 

[Rocket89]

I remember in 2005/2006---we had great frontline skill players and not much depth AT ALL! Shark/Walker/Stovall/ Fascano/Carlson/Quinn----except for the injury to Rheema the rest of the boys held up for almost two seasons----yes its true darius walker seemed to be able to take a baseball club to the mid section and still kept on tickin---but nonetheless---with some luck Floyd/ Theo/Eifert/ Welch/ (the CRIST-REES COMBO) / Wood / Jonas---could hold up all year , its far from unheard of--with some luck---the offense can keep its skill players in place most of the year. Fingers crossed on that!

What's a baseball club?

 

[Rudy89]

Am I justified in not having a whole lot of faith right now in Dayne. Dont get me wrong he has some skill but really what has he done that would make a fan of another team go "wow watch out for the irish this year"

 

[RyCo1983]

Am I justified in not having a whole lot of faith right now in Dayne. Dont get me wrong he has some skill but really what has he done that would make a fan of another team go "wow watch out for the irish this year"

You are justified there...
as justified as I am to be terrified of Tommy Rees putting the offense in a hole by turning the ball over far too much..ala the USC game. Thank God for that defense.

 

[RyCo1983]

Critics of either have more than enough to stand on.
But I'm confident that the staff has them both playing light years beyond last year. In that way I feel that Dayne's mobility is the characteristic that makes me want him to start...since according to Kelly they are neck and neck.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Am I justified in not having a whole lot of faith right now in Dayne. Dont get me wrong he has some skill but really what has he done that would make a fan of another team go "wow watch out for the irish this year"

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[RyCo1983]

Thanks Whiskey...just completely doubled my support of Dayne. I expect he will win the starting job...and that Dayne will be playing at a lethal level along with the rest of the offense.

Just pray that we go major injury free!

 

[JughedJones]

How the **** did we lose that Mich St game????

Good god, those highlights made it move a little.

 

[RyCo1983]

How the **** did we lose that Mich St game????

Good god, those highlights made it move a little.

Where is Terry Tate when we need him for the
half mast
or
6 to midnight
reference?

That was one awesome highlight clip...now imagine that offense with the defense that gave up under 10 points a game down the stretch....
boom

 

[Whiskeyjack]

In his first road start, Dayne threw for 369 yards and 4 TDs (with only 1 INT) against MSU's 33rd ranked pass defense.

 

[RyCo1983]

In his first road start, Dayne threw for 369 yards and 4 TDs (with only 1 INT) against MSU's 33rd ranked pass defense.

What a heartbreaking finish.
That's what we I want to be able to expect weekly when the offense starts humming at full speed.

 

[k1ssme1m1r1sh]

Can we just play ONE game in 2011 before we call out the pied piper of bad news and BS? Please!

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Can we just play ONE game in 2011 before we call out the pied piper of bad news and BS? Please!

The chick is right.... We'll wire the Governor for a new sheriff.

In all seriousness... I couldn't agree more. We've got some Debbie Downers around here that have done this for years and it's become more shtick than anything else. Not to worry though, the season will be here before you know it and we'll have visual proof that our boys are back.

 

[RyCo1983]

I'm pretty sure that Whiskey and I have been nothing but generally positive in our posts on this thread.

 

[Rocket89]

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2:39

I thought Dayne threw EVERY ball out of the end zone without any touch???

Herp a derp derp derp.

Also, :58....sneaky good throw.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Can we just play ONE game in 2011 before we call out the pied piper of bad news and BS? Please!

The chick is right.... We'll wire the Governor for a new sheriff.

In all seriousness... I couldn't agree more. We've got some Debbie Downers around here that have done this for years and it's become more shtick than anything else. Not to worry though, the season will be here before you know it and we'll have visual proof that our boys are back.

Rudy is ALWAYS negative about ND's chances (although he was right in '09) and has given up on being a Notre Dame fan plenty of times on this site. Don't take his Debbie Downer attitude as indicative of most on this site...

 

[BostonND]

It's worth mentioning that Kelly is equally happy with both starting candidates right now.... remember that the important thing is that they can run the offense, not that they have certain measurables.

Even if the starter gets hurt, the backup will be a lot better equipped to score us points than Rees was last season.

As for the other skill positions, let's not forget how well the "next man in" mentality worked last season.... see cierre wood, robert hughes, sean cwynar, etc.

 

[Rhode Irish]

Honestly, I believe that Kelly's statements about the QB battle being a dead heat are subterfuge. I don't see any way that you could keep a healthy Crist on the bench behind Rees. I think Kelly doesn't want to name Crist the starter because he doesn't want either guy to let up. He needs Crist to be focused as if he is fighting for his job, and he needs Rees to prepare like he is going to start in case anything happens to Crist.

 

[Rudy89]

Rudy is ALWAYS negative about ND's chances (although he was right in '09) and has given up on being a Notre Dame fan plenty of times on this site. Don't take his Debbie Downer attitude as indicative of most on this site...

Im not saying he cant step up his game but even you gotta admit we the three biggest games we won werent with him behind center. Sure it was more the D and #3 but there are people sayin Dayne might be a heisman candidate, Im not saying he's going to fail Im just saying I havent seen him perform at such a level where Im totally loving the guy going into the season like Quinn in 06 or Jimmy in 09. I know I prolly give you more negative fits than anyone else on this site, but cmon man you cant say Im totally off base with feeling a little weary.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Im not saying he cant step up his game but even you gotta admit we the three biggest games we won werent with him behind center. Sure it was more the D and #3 but there are people sayin Dayne might be a heisman candidate, Im not saying he's going to fail Im just saying I havent seen him perform at such a level where Im totally loving the guy going into the season like Quinn in 06 or Jimmy in 09. I know I prolly give you more negative fits than anyone else on this site, but cmon man you cant say Im totally off base with feeling a little weary.

Are you suggesting that we wouldn't have won the three biggest games with Crist at QB? Just trying to understand.

 

[Rudy89]

Are you suggesting that we wouldn't have won the three biggest games with Crist at QB? Just trying to understand.

No what im suggesting is that ive seen a lot of people really hyping dayne going so far as to say he will get heisman votes and me personally I just havent seen him perform well enough to have the same feelings toward him. Id be tickeled to death if he has an amazing year, hell I want him too. I want him and floyd to be the most feared connection in college football that come bowl season we have an SEC or Big 10 team shaking but I just wont be feeling that high on him until I see him win more big games this season. Am I saying he cant do that, hell no but maybe I just havent drank any kool-aid on him yet.