Post Game Observations (Pitt '15)......

[Grahambo]

The numbers don't support the Chicken Little attitude.

ND has held 6 of 9 teams on their schedule under their season avg for scoring. Only Viriginia, UMass, and Pitt scored above their season avg against ND.

TX: Averages 25.4, scored 3. Delta: -22.4
VA: Avg 24, scored 27. Delta: +3
GT: Avg 33.6, scored 22. Delta: -11.6
UMass: Avg 21.6, scored 27. Delta: +5.4
Clemson: Avg 38.7, scored 24. Delta: -14.7
Navy: Avg 35.4, scored 24. Delta: -11.4
USC: Avg 37.4, scored 31. Delta: -6.4
Temple: Avg 34, scored 20. Delta: -14
Pitt: Avg 26.6, scored 30. Delta +3.4

So this defense has played well, including doing some of their best work (on the scoreboard) against some of the better offenses they faced.

Hot take.

Some of these teams they are top to bottom better then in terms of talent. It skews your point. Also, the Clemson game was played in a monsoon. How much was the D and how much was weather? Joe has been a weak link.

 

[Count_on_Me]

After reading all the Joe Schmidt hate, has anyone thought of compiling a lowlights reel?

 

[irishfanjho15]

After reading all the Joe Schmidt hate, has anyone thought of compiling a lowlights reel?

I don't think you can post a video that long.

 

[Booslum31]

In regards to Joe Schmidt. Did anyone else notice the play late in the second half where Pitt QB was taking off to run right towards Joe but instead of Joe seeing what was going on, he had his back turned chasing the Pitt WR to the sideline with his arms extended like a lost puppy?

Yes...that play happend right in front of us. I think it was the TE he was chasing.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

After reading all the Joe Schmidt hate, has anyone thought of compiling a lowlights reel?

It would include every snap on defense for the entire season, and come in an 18 DVD box set.

 

[kmoose]

Hot take.

Some of these teams they are top to bottom better then in terms of talent. It skews your point. Also, the Clemson game was played in a monsoon. How much was the D and how much was weather? Joe has been a weak link.

Joe has been a weak link. But the continued assertion that this defense is going to get worked by a good offense with Joe in there just isn't supported by the numbers. ND has played 5 teams averaging over 30 points a game, which is indicative of a good offense. In all 5 of those games, ND held the opponent under their season average. In 4 of those 5 games, ND held their opponent double digits under their season average. This late in the season, those stats are not skewed by playing FCS teams. That's not a defense of Joe; it's a refutation of the idea that we should panic because he is still in there. Maybe we would be better off with Morgan or Martini, but this defense has held good offenses under their averages.

 

[NDBoiler]

I don't like Joe... But I doubt the coaches keep him in because "He's a captain"... Obviously Morgan isn't ready... No way they stick with Joe through this string of poor play if he wasn't the best option in their mind...

Sadly, I agree, and the fact that would be the case is even more concerning than Joes play. If that is somehow not the case and the coaches can't see Joes poor play, that would be another level of concerning above that.

The run went to the opposite side of the field from where Jaylon was lined up. Joe was closer to the hole, but was slow and took a poor angle and got outran.

Luckily Jaylon is a freak in his own right and was able to run across the formation for the tackle.

Joe is an un-blocked MLB on that play. An un-blocked MLB needs to take advantage of being unblocked. We saw several plays yesterday where Joe just can't do it.

This. I made the comment in the chat right after it happened, it was like poor Joe was in quicksand and Jaylon just flew right past him. I am starting to feel bad for the guy.

 

[Cogs]

I seriously just don't understand why Grace doesn't get any reps.

 

[texbender]

Didn't see most the first half.
1. OL seemed to have their best day of the year
2. Big step in/up by Josh Adams, will be a nice 1-2 punch with CJ the rest of the way
3. Fuller was awesome
4. Where oh where have our TEs gone?
5. Paying more attention to Schmidt, and don't see too much that is good. Too slow and constantly out of position.
6. Kizer had great game.
7. Hoping CJ is back for WF.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I'm with you and feel bad criticizing so badly a walk-on 22-year-old, but he's clearly--by far--the weak link of our defense. I can't keep trying to look the other way. Yes, we need a better pass rush from our front 4 and, yes, KVR can play better, but if Joe Schmidt played like Joe Schmidt did last year for us then we'd have a pretty darn good defense. As is, it's just not enough to expect to stop a quality offensive team.

I completely agree. But what I can't stand is people complaining about him not getting over to make a play when it wasn't his responsibility. Yes he's not very good, but not every play of the game should be made by him.

Didn't see most the first half.
1. OL seemed to have their best day of the year
2. Big step in/up by Josh Adams, will be a nice 1-2 punch with CJ the rest of the way
3. Fuller was awesome
4. Where oh where have our TEs gone?
5. Paying more attention to Schmidt, and don't see too much that is good. Too slow and constantly out of position.
6. Kizer had great game.
7. Hoping CJ is back for WF.

Don't. It will take away from your overall viewing experience. I've been there.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

I completely agree. But what I can't stand is people complaining about him not getting over to make a play when it wasn't his responsibility. Yes he's not very good, but not every play of the game should be made by him.

And it just gets old. He's not great. I think there must be a reason that Kelly and BVG are keeping him in there, given that their jobs ride on it and mine does not. But complaints end up in every thread...every week. There's no new information, just complaining. Not sure what's left to be said.

 

[Booslum31]

And it just gets old. He's not great. I think there must be a reason that Kelly and BVG are keeping him in there, given that their jobs ride on it and mine does not. But complaints end up in every thread...every week. There's no new information, just complaining. Not sure what's left to be said.

It does get a little old...I agree. One thing that I've noticed is that Morgan is balling on special teams, which is good to see.

 

[connor_in]

Reading through this and nearly every other thread, I have to say...

It's a miracle we're only a one loss team since JS plays so much

I can't believe JS is so bad be started WW I

I believe JS started the Chernobyl meltdown

Word is JS caused the explosion on Apollo 13

Is is so slow he never warned the Titanic captain about the iceberg

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

I think the criticism of Joe is fair. It's not like we're dumping on the long snapper here. This is one of the most important positions on the field and he's flat out a liability.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

I think the criticism of Joe is fair. It's not like we're dumping on the long snapper here. This is one of the most important positions on the field and he's flat out a liability.

I don't think I read anyone who is defending his play. I think it's exaggerated, but obviously he's not a star. There's a reason he was a walk on.

It's just the same conversation every week. And it literally shows up in 4-5 threads a week. That said, of course people have every right to talk about it.

 

[Wingman Ray]

I seriously just don't understand why Grace doesn't get any reps.

Makes you wonder why BK even allowed Grace to come back. Was it just a goodwill scholarship if BK had no intention of playing him? Grace has played in what, maybe 10 plays all year?

Makes no sense why the guy the least deserving of a ND scholarship on the field is constantly given handouts from BK. And the fact that BK always skirts around the question and the reporters never really push him on the answer.

 

[rtrn2glory]

I seriously just don't understand why Grace doesn't get any reps.

I kinda have a hard time believing he's cerebrally at disadvantage. Maybe I'm wrong but I always viewed him as a pretty sharp dude.

 

[kmoose]

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[Bogtrotter07]

am going to post this in about three zillion places.

Opponents are not targeting Joe Schmidt; they are targeting a defensive backfield guaranteed to fail if they see something that makes them have to rely on the system they have in place. Sound funny? The DB in particular cannot run the scheme they have been given. Not because it is two complex, but because they just don't hold the discipline. And it isn't everyone.

I talked to someone very knowledgeable on the topic, someone who has forgotten more than I will ever know and they stated this thesis when I asked. So what did I do? Get mad at them and argue against their point! Futilely!

Then I saw this article :

OFD Films: Chaos in the Notre Dame Secondary - One Foot Down

Final Thoughts

You want to know why the Notre Dame defense has been giving up big plays? The primary culprit has been a secondary that has too many mental errors and hasn't lived up to their potential. The plays featured here aren't the result of a scheme that's too complex or a former walk-on at middle linebacker. They are the result of errors from players that should know better.

Just a snippet! Read the rest, he compares the play of a couple safeties to that of Gong Show Contestants, and he had about as big of bone to pick over KVR's prima donna swan song, a la Pitt :

I have no idea why Max Redfield (yellow circle and question mark) would abandon his deep coverage responsibility on this play. No idea whatsoever. I simply don't have an explanation. Hence the question mark.

KVR is in my opinion, even worse (blue box). When he sees Boyd blow by him, he doesn't try and chase. Instead, he turns and starts pointing at Redfield (green arrow). I don't think I've ever seen that from a player. Are you kidding me?

There's no question Redfield screwed up. He should have stayed deep. But Russell should have been deep as well. More importantly, when he sees that Redfield is gone and the best receiver on the other team is running free, KVR should be putting his head down and sprinting to try and make a play. At least make an effort. Instead, he decides to literally point the finger at a teammate mid-play. Wow.

And it is interesting because Larz does weigh in on Schmidt, also : Verdict? A step slower this year, but look at the defensive backfield!

This is an even more important read for Irish fans :

OFD Films: Joe Schmidt Iso Cam - One Foot Down