Everett Golson

[Old Man Mike]

probably not worth throwing an objective comment into this emotion-***** discussion but I can't help it.

A). Everett is a work-in-progress with a very high potential side. His outstanding athleticism covers a set of problems that he still has, and creates patchwork performances. This inconsistency is understandable but one would be foolish to think/state that it did not exist.
B). Everett has the outward appearance of being "Tyrod-Taylor Skilled". Taylor became a great offensive threat for VT by his junior year, and nearly an unstoppable one by his senior year. He was inconsistent [very] before that. IF Coach sticks with Everett next year, he and we will have to accept more inconsistency until Everett gets the whole game spontaneously in his head. Coach doesn't like inconsistency and will have to make the choice as to whether to be patient.
C). This situation has an underlying issue which we fans don't see, I believe. Kelly prefers a pocket passer and has had to abandon core principles of his normal quick delivery geometrically-designed passing attack to allow Everett to roll out where he's more comfortable. But it is EVERETT who is more comfortable with this not Kelly.
D). This is why the query about whether Gunner has a shot to take the reins is legitimate. Gunner's height, and therefore potential for quick all-field surveillance and delivery, IS something which plays in this. And it MIGHT be true that Gunner throws a more accurate long ball [think CBreezy and the speed boys who are often out there but the ball is not].
E). Everett can get a better handle on the game's complexities, and get better at the long ball, but he cannot get taller, and therefore Coach will still have to alter his preferred playbook to roll him out.

So, the issue is: Do we [and Kelly] wait for Tyrod Taylor, basically running his own ad hoc offense?, or do we watch Kelly try to get back to what he really wants to do regarding fast strike in-pocket geometric intermediate passing?

I have no horse in the race. Coach will do, as he always does, what he sees [far more close up and personal than we] that will "give the team the best chance to succeed". We are talking about two different styles of offense here. Kelly was out of his comfort zone both offensively this year [forced upon him], and defensively [also forced upon him] and still won twelve games --- blows my mind actually.

What will he do in Spring and next year? An interesting road ahead......

 

[Emcee77]

Well put, OMM. Your Tyrod Taylor comparison is interesting.

Everett's inconsistency and his lack of precision on some touch passes is maddening, but he does a lot of great things. I don't think Kelly will try to make his players fit the system. This spring, he will assess what type of offense gives us the best chance to win, an assessment that will depend in part on how the defense looks, and go from there. This season has shown how flexible he is when it comes to his offense.

The bottom line is that Golson has a lot of potential, but wasn't always as efficient as we'd like passing the ball. CBK will have a tough decision to make this spring if Kiel is as good as advertised.

 

[bobbyok1]

Golson played well. He took care of the ball the entire game, and played smart. Sure there was some bad throws, but those bad throws he was trying to make a play when nothing was there. Remember Clausen...his frosh yr was bad but at the end you saw a glimpse of hey this kid is going to be damn good. Golson is ahead of that curve and has a lot more talent around him. Its time to watch him grow into a leadership role and make it his team.

I couldn't agree more. I think it is easy to forget that he was a red-shirt freshman and first year starter. He obviously is going to get better. This was not a offense running on all cylinders by any means, and a lot of that has to do with the simple reality that Golson is young. You can't force game time maturity as a player, its comes with experience. Even though this was a tough loss to digest, just think of the experience factor Golson picked up. IF we make it back to the BCS championship over the next three years, we will hopefully still have a BCS Championship Game experienced QB on our roster who will only be better than this year.

 

[pumpdog20]

If EG learns to throw the deep ball, he could very well be a Heisman contender next year. He'll have the targets to get it done (as long as the running game stays somewhat good).

His running is above average, and I thought he looked great on his out routes last night.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

EG has the deep ball....dont forget its a two way street on the deep ball. You have to have a WR make a play. Look at Quinn, Clausen, Crist, Rees...they had WRs that could make plays in the air, Shark-Stovall-Golden-Floyd-Rudy-Eifert. Golson has Eifert, but not a deep WR threat. Davaris is clearly the best option right now for that, he is still growing with consistency. I think they will get there, but this team didn't have a WR that makes plays like in the past 8 years. Sure Bama had outstanding coverage last night, Floyd/Golden would have made their share of the 50/50 balls. It just wasnt a strength of this years team, while the running game/defense wasnt a strength of those past teams.

I love you OMM but I completely disagree on Tyrod Taylor. The reads presnap/adjustments during the play/vision arent the problem. He has all of those down, and it showed last night where he was making the proper checks. Look at past QBs 12 games into their career or any qb outside of Cam Newton and Johnny Football. They take the lumps are bruises but the good ones grow/learn from games. Golson looks night and day compared to the start of the year and its for the better instead of the worse. Rees improved over his time as a starter, but then we all saw him reach his potential. He didn't continue to grow on the field. Golson is improving each and every game. I fully expect Gunner to take over the #2 spot next year, but at some point a program has to say hey...we need consistency at the QB position. It benefits the team in NO way to have a new starter each year much less each week. It Notre Dame, the backup QB always presents a new option. This is why we are a 12-1 football team, is this year Kelly stuck with his gut and developed a qb and never second guessed himself. It was a luxury that ND had a QB that was capable of coming in and getting ND out of jams early in the year vs some average teams.

Kelly wants a qb with everetts skills set, and not a pocket passer. If he wanted a pocket passer he wouldnt have recruited Golson, Kiel, Zaire. All 3 have accuracy, and ability to gain 5 yards on 3rd and 3. Max Browne/Shane Morris would have been recruited if he wanted a pocket passer. BK wants an accurate passer that has mobility to make a play when all else fails, but not a run first guy. Golson, Kiel, Zaire are mobile QBs, but they arent in the mold of Braxston Miller, Johnny Football, Denard, and they arent Barkley, McCaron, Landry either.

Yesterday was frustrating to watch, but think in reality. BK is still building a dynasty, still getting kids Bama/SEC want, and there is a LOT of talent on this team that is going to grow up over the next 2-3 years. For as experienced as ND was, there was a ton of young talent at key positions that started/played for the first time. 12-1 sucks, but it just shows you how good of a job coaching this staff did this year. We are in good hands.

 

[Luckylucci]

I am as frustrated as anybody with the way we played last night but wanted to post this here for some perspective. A co-worker of mine who by admission hates ND football and always has obviously took the opportunity to let me hear about it this morning. When he was done with that garbage he went on to say that he thinks Everett Golson could be a Heisman candidate by the time he's done. He said he has a lot of growing to do from a mental perspective but was glowing about how good this kid could be. Lastly he stated that he thinks he has better physical attributes than Johnny Football just not quite the mental edge yet. These are not my words but I thought you would find it interesting what an outsider would see in Golson.

 

[irisheyes]

I really like EG. I dont think he has reached his full potential by any means though. I was a little disappointed that kelly didnt call the fight when he knew it was over and put in tommy. Golson looked nervous before the game started so perhaps it would of been good to get eg out and calm him down. But what can you expect from a freshman quarter back when the o line is getting man handled and nobody is able to get away from the secondary?

 

[drayer54]

Very impressed with Everett last night. I thought he protected the ball well and put it on the money enough. I didn't blame them for not running the option. They had so many blitzes and so much speed coming off the edge that I think it may not have gone well. I wanted to see him open it up and go deep. I thought they could of pegged Eiffert more though.

Spring game is going to be interesting, but I have a hard time believing that anyone but Everett is going to be leading this team in the next few years.

 

[JoeyGetherall]

probably not worth throwing an objective comment into this emotion-***** discussion but I can't help it.

A). Everett is a work-in-progress with a very high potential side. His outstanding athleticism covers a set of problems that he still has, and creates patchwork performances. This inconsistency is understandable but one would be foolish to think/state that it did not exist.
B). Everett has the outward appearance of being "Tyrod-Taylor Skilled". Taylor became a great offensive threat for VT by his junior year, and nearly an unstoppable one by his senior year. He was inconsistent [very] before that. IF Coach sticks with Everett next year, he and we will have to accept more inconsistency until Everett gets the whole game spontaneously in his head. Coach doesn't like inconsistency and will have to make the choice as to whether to be patient.
C). This situation has an underlying issue which we fans don't see, I believe. Kelly prefers a pocket passer and has had to abandon core principles of his normal quick delivery geometrically-designed passing attack to allow Everett to roll out where he's more comfortable. But it is EVERETT who is more comfortable with this not Kelly.
D). This is why the query about whether Gunner has a shot to take the reins is legitimate. Gunner's height, and therefore potential for quick all-field surveillance and delivery, IS something which plays in this. And it MIGHT be true that Gunner throws a more accurate long ball [think CBreezy and the speed boys who are often out there but the ball is not].
E). Everett can get a better handle on the game's complexities, and get better at the long ball, but he cannot get taller, and therefore Coach will still have to alter his preferred playbook to roll him out.

So, the issue is: Do we [and Kelly] wait for Tyrod Taylor, basically running his own ad hoc offense?, or do we watch Kelly try to get back to what he really wants to do regarding fast strike in-pocket geometric intermediate passing?

I have no horse in the race. Coach will do, as he always does, what he sees [far more close up and personal than we] that will "give the team the best chance to succeed". We are talking about two different styles of offense here. Kelly was out of his comfort zone both offensively this year [forced upon him], and defensively [also forced upon him] and still won twelve games --- blows my mind actually.

What will he do in Spring and next year? An interesting road ahead......

Yes Tyrod is the guy who I've compared him to as well. Tyrod and Troy Smith.

 

[JoeyGetherall]

I really like EG. I dont think he has reached his full potential by any means though. I was a little disappointed that kelly didnt call the fight when he knew it was over and put in tommy. Golson looked nervous before the game started so perhaps it would of been good to get eg out and calm him down. But what can you expect from a freshman quarter back when the o line is getting man handled and nobody is able to get away from the secondary?

Disagree. I loved that he kept him in. National Championship game experience in invaluable even if it's a blowout. Also pulling him would of done nothing but tear at his relationship with BK and his overall confidence.

 

[drayer54]

I really like EG. I dont think he has reached his full potential by any means though. I was a little disappointed that kelly didnt call the fight when he knew it was over and put in tommy. Golson looked nervous before the game started so perhaps it would of been good to get eg out and calm him down. But what can you expect from a freshman quarter back when the o line is getting man handled and nobody is able to get away from the secondary?

He's a kid about to QB the Irish in the NC game, of course he was nervous. It didn't look bad though on the field. I would have been very disappointed to see BK take out Everett. BK has shown his confidence in him for awhile now. I think falling behind 14-0 quick had more to do with him being nervous.

 

[Grahambo]

EG needs to improve on his accuracy, especially on the deep ball. His pre-snap reads are okay but need much improvement as well. I see him growing better next season. While EG was definitely solid, I don't think he is far and away better then Kiel.

I suppose I'll be in the minority all off-season that believes Kiel is the better option.

No, I am not calling for a QB change, just think Kiel can do what EG does but better in all honesty.

 

[Emcee77]

EG needs to improve on his accuracy, especially on the deep ball. His pre-snap reads are okay but need much improvement as well. I see him growing better next season. While EG was definitely solid, I don't think he is far and away better then Kiel.

I agree with this part, mostly. My only difference is I wouldn't say Golson has an accuracy problem; he isn't missing receivers. I'd say he has a precision problem; he is not putting the ball where ONLY his guy can reach it. That precision will likely come with more practice and experience, but I don't know how people can be sure that Kiel isn't better.

I suppose I'll be in the minority all off-season that believes Kiel is the better option.

No, I am not calling for a QB change, just think Kiel can do what EG does but better in all honesty.

What's this opinion based on? Unless you've watched practices, I don't see how you can have an opinion one way or the other on this ... but maybe you have?

Or do you just mean that Kiel might prove to be better if given the opportunity to compete for the job? If that's what you mean, I totally agree, as I said above.

 

[Grahambo]

I agree with this part, mostly. My only difference is I wouldn't say Golson has an accuracy problem; he isn't missing receivers. I'd say he has a precision problem; he is not putting the ball where ONLY his guy can reach it. That precision will likely come with more practice and experience, but I don't know how people can be sure that Kiel isn't better.

Practice will definitely help his accuracy/precision problem and I see him improving. Looking at his stats by month, in November he did move up to 60%. Needs to better then that.

What's this opinion based on? Unless you've watched practices, I don't see how you can have an opinion one way or the other on this ... but maybe you have?

Or do you just mean that Kiel might prove to be better if given the opportunity to compete for the job? If that's what you mean, I totally agree, as I said above.

I haven't seen him up close. I was having a hard time wording this part as I didn't want to come across as someone trying to stir a QB controversy, degrading EG, or pumping up Kiel without factual evidence to support myself.

I'm just going off of what I've read on the internet about Kiel and from what I saw from EG this past season. I'm not as sold or as 'all in' on EG as some are and while I am not upset, bothered, or even slightly troubled with EG starting, it's also more then the "Kiel is the backup QB so he's automatically better argument" you hear through the internet world.

 

[drayer54]

We have plenty of time for the Kiel debate. We really won't have much to go with though until the Spring game. I just can't imagine Everett not being the QB next year.

 

[alohagoirish]

Golson was 21 for 36--270 yards--2 Tds ( one rushing) & one pick---

He was being blitzed & pressured and he had zero running game---1.7 yards per carry--ouch---

Golson did what he could and its obvious QB was not a problem last night---

No defense--No running game--beaten on the LOS on both sides of the ball and beaten badly--

115 yards for Daniels---Golson to Daniels will be a monster combo--

Kiel will compete for and may take the #2 spot but its crystal clear Golson will be the starter in 2013.

 

[Emcee77]

I'm just going off of what I've read on the internet about Kiel and from what I saw from EG this past season. I'm not as sold or as 'all in' on EG as some are and while I am not upset, bothered, or even slightly troubled with EG starting, it's also more then the "Kiel is the backup QB so he's automatically better argument" you hear through the internet world.

Nicely put. I agree. I still have confidence that EG will improve as a QB, and don't want to overlook the fact that he had a GREAT year for a RS frosh, but I also don't think it was so great that he shouldn't have to earn the 2013 job in spring practice/fall camp when there is a great prospect like Kiel behind him. Kelly and others have raved about Kiel's scout team work. So we'll just have to see how practice goes.

 

[koonja]

We have plenty of time for the Kiel debate. We really won't have much to go with though until the Spring game. I just can't imagine Everett not being the QB next year.

Not only that, but I'm excited. He was ~90% of the team's offense against Alabama. Imagine what he could do with some help.

 

[GoldenDomer15]

Everett played a great game. I'm sure he followed the game plan given by the coaches. He executed very well against a tough Bama defense. When you consider he's just a redshirt freshman playing against the defending national champions, I was impressed. I was not impressed with the defense, but I'm not sure any Irish fans were.

Gameplan was thrown out the window after the first drive...

 

[koonja]

Who are we kidding, 2013 will be Tommy's heisman year.

If we would have rushed for 150 yards as a team, we would have been in the game. Not Golson's fault.

Everett is a smart kid and by all accounts a hard worker. Last night's game may, in the future, show to be a blessing in disguise for this young man. He's seen the best, and played (well, imo) against the best there is as a red-shirt FR. He knows how hard he and his teammates will have to work to get to Alabama's level. I think he's going to be great.

 

[Luckylucci]

I don't think the game was a called, from an offensive perspective, even remotely close to what was planned. Therefore we couldn't play to EG's strengths as much.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Gameplan was thrown out the window after the first drive...

Still pissed we differed after the coin flip... You can't chance starting down to bama... you just can't.

 

[Grahambo]

Nicely put. I agree. I still have confidence that EG will improve as a QB, and don't want to overlook the fact that he had a GREAT year for a RS frosh, but I also don't think it was so great that he shouldn't have to earn the 2013 job in spring practice/fall camp when there is a great prospect like Kiel behind him. Kelly and others have raved about Kiel's scout team work. So we'll just have to see how practice goes.

Basically.

I completely understand why some are all in on EG but it's not as if he is Braxton Miller or Johnny Football. I think Kiel will have the ability to take over the spot when given an opportunity as I believe, from the reports I've gleaned, that he has the better overall tool set.

I'm sure many disagree which is A OK but from what I've seen from him this year, the opportunity for Kiel is real.

 

[Irishnuke]

I don't recall anyone blaming this game on Golson. Maybe I missed it in this thread somewhere but I don't recall anyone calling for Golson's head and saying he shouldn't start or pinning the loss on him. I think people are arguing just for the sake or arguing now. It's getting silly.

Edit: just read Grahambo's post

 

[TDHeysus]

whoever is in, they need to start producing on a consistent, reliable basis. I want which ever guy can do that. any reason they don't produce is just an excuse.

 

[mrmiller8]

Who are we kidding, 2013 will be Tommy's heisman year.

If we would have rushed for 150 yards as a team, we would have been in the game. Not Golson's fault.

Everett is a smart kid and by all accounts a hard worker. Last night's game may, in the future, show to be a blessing in disguise for this young man. He's seen the best, and played (well, imo) against the best there is as a red-shirt FR. He knows how hard he and his teammates will have to work to get to Alabama's level. I think he's going to be great.

THIS.

Golic Jr. after the game said to younger guys "if this doesn't motivate to work harder than you have ever worked in the off season, then you have no pulse"

Im extremely excited to see this team go back to work. BK knows how to coach and win games. I know he has offensive philosophy that is different than what this Irish team ran this year, but ball control and good defense wins championships. I don't think Kelly will ever truly go back to what he did at Cincy because too many things can go wrong over the course of a game. Let's face it, if you lose a game at cincy or central mich, some care but the majority didn't even know that you played. You lose at ND because of fancy offense that made mistakes, you don't want to show your face in the grocery store and if it happens often, you lose your job...

 

[Grahambo]

I don't recall anyone blaming this game on Golson. Maybe I missed it in this thread somewhere but I don't recall anyone calling for Golson's head and saying he shouldn't start or pinning the loss on him. I think people are arguing just for the sake or arguing now. It's getting silly.

Edit: just read Grahambo's post

I don't think anybody is blaming EG and I most certainly am not. I don't think he had as great of a game as some have stated but that's just my opinion on it.

 

[ickythump1225]

Golson is going to be a stud. I'm glad Kelly never thought of pulling him last night. Tommy Rees is not our future but Golson likely is, so he needed to be out there going toe to toe with the Tide gaining that experience.

 

[irishtrinity]

Golson is just complete. Love the passes the guy makes right in the chest and powerful.

 

[koonja]

Golson is just complete. Love the passes the guy makes right in the chest and powerful.

Welcome back! Where have you been?