Why not have the RB's split time?

[Irish Legend]

Why not alternate the RB's regularly? It would keep the opposing defense on their toes and get the younger RB's some reps!

and.......discuss.

 

[BGIF]

Why not alternate the RB's regularly? It would keep the opposing defense on their toes and get the younger RB's some reps!

and.......discuss.

What RBs?

The stable isn't exactly full with experience. That fact that Travis Thomas, fulltime LB is still the #2 RB is a clear message. Nobody else is ready.

Add to that our starting FB is out. Not the best time to break in rookie RBs when you're breaking in a FB.

Do you want Quinn calling audible with two guys in the backfield at the same time thinking to themselves, "Oh shit, do I block on this audible or am I the delay receiver. Hmmm, do I pick up that LB or does he ... Sorry about that Brady. Can you move your legs?"

If ND's schedule started out or was interspersed with Stanford, Army, etc in the first 5 weeks there would be more time to spend with rookies getting carries in practice during the week.

Then there's the state of our OLine. If ND's 1000 yd rusher has trouble finding holes, how does the freshman that still learning the playbook and adjusting to the speed of Div 1 play.
Julius Jones didn't see much action to mid-season of his freshman year. He said, "I needed every game til them to prepare." Offenses don't run Student Body Left and Student Body Right on a regular basis anymore. RB's are an integral part of the passing scheme, and the blocking scheme and most don't have those skills or the ability to read defenses when arriving on a Div 1 campus - if they already understood the playbook.

CW said in his press conference the other day he wanted to get Prince on the field for some plays. The writers kept pressing him about Aldridge. He said no Prince. He noted Aldridge is coming off a knee, why would you play him "when they've got 18 people up front?" He was asked again about Aldridge and he stressed, here you earn your playing time in practice. You don't get it based on reputation.

Over the next month a lot of players will see the field in the backfield and at other positions. They haven't played or played much primarily because of the competition level, the closeness of the games, and because CW has consistently said, "They'll play when they're ready".

 

[Dannyboy Ayers]

It looked like Darius did pretty well by himself last week! It is just amazing what can happen once the O line starts to block. If one of those guys on the
depth chart was good enough or ready to take some reps from a guy who has been the starting RB since he was a freshman than they would be in the game. it is starting to kill me how people keep downing our starters and wanting to replace them or take some of their role away. lets remember we are 4-1 this is not a rebuilding year it is win it year. let the studs we have do their thing like they are doing, the other guys will get their shot when it is their turn.

 

[luckofirish8]

Why not alternate the RB's regularly? It would keep the opposing defense on their toes and get the younger RB's some reps!

and.......discuss.

please everyone listen...there is not and should not be any RB rotation. D. Walker very well might be the most complete (running, receiving, and blocking) RB in college football.
While I don't object getting the younger RB some reps...I don't feel they should come in the form of a rotation with Walker. If were winning big put the other RB in fine, but not in key moments of game because of a rotation.

Rotations can cause problems in a number of ways...guys miss a turn in the rotation and complain, mistakes by younger back could lead to injuries to them and others, players looking over their shoulders...just to name a few.

IMO, It's just a bad idea.

 

[Irish Envy]

I have no doubt in my mind that you'll see Prince and Aldridge introduced into the running game over the next few weeks if Notre Dame builds comfortable leads against Stanford, Navy, et al simply because it will be a chance to evaluate the players against first team defenses.

That said, they will not take away from Walkers load IMO, as I expect him to get 20-25 carries per game from here on out. The running game sets up the passing game, plain and simple. When Walkers gets off, Quinn gets time to pick apart the defense.

 

[domerfor life]

I have no doubt in my mind that you'll see Prince and Aldridge introduced into the running game over the next few weeks if Notre Dame builds comfortable leads against Stanford, Navy, et al simply because it will be a chance to evaluate the players against first team defenses.

That said, they will not take away from Walkers load IMO, as I expect him to get 20-25 carries per game from here on out. The running game sets up the passing game, plain and simple. When Walkers gets off, Quinn gets time to pick apart the defense.

I agree. Darius is so important to our team. He really carried us against Georgia Tech. He's not the fastest guy or the most powerful, but he's one of the best overall backs in the nation IMO. Darius does have some speed and I wish he would show it more or get the chance to show it more. He's got a little burst that surprises me sometimes. I don't want Prince or Aldridge in at key moments of the game. Walker picks up blitzes, is a great receiver out of the backfield, and a great runner. Anytime you have new backs, they struggle with picking up blitzes. Like a previous post said, "which guy do I get?.....OH SH*T!! Sorry Brady." 2 and 17.

 

[BGIF]

... Anytime you have new backs, they struggle with picking up blitzes. ...

Now add to that the M.O. of opponent defenses in the first 5 games.

Put pressure on Quinn - Blitz.

Against UM and MSU, ND got behind early and by a lot. The ND gameplan was forced to the air due to the large deficit. Rushing carries dropped significantly, check the ratio of runs/passes for each game.

GT 40/38
PSU 36/36
UM 17/49
MSU 17/36
PU 43/38
Total 153/197

Rushing Distribution
Walker 5 games 94 carries (19/game) 373 yd 4.0 ypc
Thomas 4 games 9 carries 63 yds (keep in mind 43 of those yds were on the Fake Punt so Thomas is actually 8 carries for 20 yds in 4 games or 2 carries/game. Without the fake he's averaging 2.5 ypc)
Prince 4 games 6 carries 4 yd 0.7 ypc (hasn't shown anything so far)

Schwapp 2 games 4 carries (he wouldn't get many carries but he blocks for more rushing plays) 15 yd 3.8 ypc
McConnell 5 games 2 carries 2 yd 1.0 ypc (primarily a blocker, no run threat)

===========
Non RB Carries
Quinn 5 games 31 carries -32 yd -1.0 ypc (a couple of successful planned runs but mostly run for your life on called pass plays)
Sharpley 2 games 2 carries 0 yd 0 ypc
Samardzija 5 games 1 carry 5 yd 5 ypc (Fake FG)
West 5 games 1 carry 11 yd (end around) 11ypc
Team 3 carries 4 yds -1.1 ypc
=============

So out of 350 Offensive Plays 153 were rushes but only 108 plays were by the RB (culling out the 2 Fakes, 33 QB, 6 FBs, and End Around rushes).

That's an average of less than 22 carries/game and Darius averaged 19 of them.

If Thomas (or Aldridge or Prince) were available (and/or ready) for full time offensive work I doubt Walker would have gotten many less carries considering the level of competition and the scores in the games. Looking back PSU was really the only game that the score lent itself to working out others but given the play of the entire offensive they needed as much play as a unit as they could get.

The plan was too tough it out through September than work in the others as they became ready. The plan got ND to 4-1 AND without the primary blocking back! The competition and the learning curve should now allow others to work themselves in (as long as they don't threaten Brady's health).

 

[jiggafini19]

These reps for Aldridge and Prince are provided that ND has comfortable leads against these "easy" opponents.

I get the feeling it will take 4 quarters to beat UCLA. Those others, yeah, let's hope the defense can keep the numbers down because ND will score in a Meet Joe Black sort of way.

 

[Irish Legend]

The majority has it then, a one dimensional rushing attack it is!

 

[Dannyboy Ayers]

The majority has it then, a one dimensional rushing attack it is!

it is not one demensional! What it is is that we have a starting running back that is good and has no reason to share his reps with anyone who is not at his level talent wise or mentaly. Because we only use Brady Quinn as are QB does that make are passing game one deminsional. find me another back in the country that runs like him, catches like him, blocks like him. and leads like him. he is a leader on this team for a reason. 7 100 yard games last year, you don't do that if you are a scrub.

 

[Irish Legend]

When you talk about Darius, please delete your signature.

"lack of speed kills"

 

[scooper]

When you talk about Darius, please delete your signature.

"lack of speed kills"

Apparently you never thought much of Jerry Rice or Emmitt Smith. Neither was a burner.

 

[Irish Legend]

Apparently you never thought much of Jerry Rice or Emmitt Smith. Neither was a burner.

Please don't make silly comparisons that will take year's to prove or disprove.

 

[Dannyboy Ayers]

speed kills this is a fact and if you think Darius does not have enough of it then fine you are most likely right. However shiftyness and versitlilty kill as well. Why was Marshall Faulk the MVP. because of his threat out of the back field. you don't have to be the fastest player to be the best at the spot

 

[BGIF]

Why not have the RB's split time?

Why not alternate the RB's regularly? It would keep the opposing defense on their toes and get the younger RB's some reps!

and.......discuss.

<HR style="COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->First you post a question and invite discussion. You ask you not but offer no substance for why. Several people take the time to respond with different perspectives but through solid reasoning they enumerate several points resulting in essentially the same bottom line - best all around man's there, shortage of qualified, prepared, and able alternatives.

You ask why not but you offer no viable explanation as to how or why it would work. You ask for dialong but you don't discuss the points, you don't offer agree, or disagree with the points raised, you just post a glib "The majority has it then, a one dimensional rushing attack it is!"

Actually any other RB is a NON - dimensional rushing attack". As documented Darius is the only one that gains more ground than his body length. Prince is averaging 2 FEET per carry.

Darius dominates the rushing dimension.

Darius has the most catches on the team.

Hey that's MULTI-dimensional, isn't it?

Than there's the blocking aspect. He doesn't get his QB hammered like he did when he was a freshman and couldn't block for squat.

And he knows the playbook and the audibles - all of them.

Strange isn't it that Charlie tries to get Walker as many touches as possible on the ground or through the air. What must he be thinking?


Perhaps what I took as glib is simply naivete on your part.
<!-- / message -->

 

[BGIF]

Apparently you never thought much of Jerry Rice or Emmitt Smith. Neither was a burner.

Or Howard Twilley or Steve Largent.

You should have placed the period after the fifth word.

 

[BGIF]

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by scooper
Apparently you never thought much of Jerry Rice or Emmitt Smith. Neither was a burner.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Please don't make silly comparisons that will take year's to prove or disprove.

You might want to work on your reading comprehension skills so you stop jumping to wrong conclusions. You pointed out "lack of speed kills". scooper responded appropriately to that comment by noting a couple of notable players with a lack of speed that were killers. Contrary to your silly repartee, it won't take year's to prove or disprove. The NFL Hall of Fame already has the proof. scooper noted one player already in the Hall of Fame and the other, the All-Time Leading Rusher, will be a lock in 2010, the first year he's eligible.

 

[scooper]

That was my point exactly. Neither of those players were considered as being fast for their positions.

Yes, the team needs an overall infusion of speed, but it's not as simple as saying running back A is faster than running back B so he is better.

 

[Irish Legend]

<HR style="COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->First you post a question and invite discussion. You ask you not but offer no substance for why. Several people take the time to respond with different perspectives but through solid reasoning they enumerate several points resulting in essentially the same bottom line - best all around man's there, shortage of qualified, prepared, and able alternatives.

You ask why not but you offer no viable explanation as to how or why it would work. You ask for dialong but you don't discuss the points, you don't offer agree, or disagree with the points raised, you just post a glib "The majority has it then, a one dimensional rushing attack it is!"

Actually any other RB is a NON - dimensional rushing attack". As documented Darius is the only one that gains more ground than his body length. Prince is averaging 2 FEET per carry.

Darius dominates the rushing dimension.

Darius has the most catches on the team.

Hey that's MULTI-dimensional, isn't it?

Than there's the blocking aspect. He doesn't get his QB hammered like he did when he was a freshman and couldn't block for squat.

And he knows the playbook and the audibles - all of them.

Strange isn't it that Charlie tries to get Walker as many touches as possible on the ground or through the air. What must he be thinking?


Perhaps what I took as glib is simply naivete on your part.
<!-- / message -->

That's because Prince has carried like three times this year at the end of the game when the defense knew we were killing the clock. As far as blocking...I'm pretty sure they practice that.
Here's another question...what happens if Darius gets hurt carrying 25 - 30 times a game? Then what? Then you have no experience at all besides our starting LB.

I do see what you guys are saying, obviously Charlie doesn't trust any of the running backs enough to play them with any regularity...but I think they need to get the guys some reps in the upcoming stretch against the "easy" part of the schedule. I believe one of the freshmen will show enough flashes of brilliance to actually get some regular playing time from that game forward.

 

[Irish Legend]

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by scooper
Apparently you never thought much of Jerry Rice or Emmitt Smith. Neither was a burner.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




You might want to work on your reading comprehension skills so you stop jumping to wrong conclusions. You pointed out "lack of speed kills". scooper responded appropriately to that comment by noting a couple of notable players with a lack of speed that were killers. Contrary to your silly repartee, it won't take year's to prove or disprove. The NFL Hall of Fame already has the proof. scooper noted one player already in the Hall of Fame and the other, the All-Time Leading Rusher, will be a lock in 2010, the first year he's eligible.

Thanks Mom, I didn't know what he meant until you pointed it out!

 

[Irish Legend]

That was my point exactly. Neither of those players were considered as being fast for their positions.

Yes, the team needs an overall infusion of speed, but it's not as simple as saying running back A is faster than running back B so he is better.

When did I say that? I'm saying if you use two different types of runners, you will keep the defenses guessing. That's all...calm down. We'll all see what happens in the next 5 games or so.

 

[scooper]

I'm pretty sure I'm not the one who needs to calm down.

 

[Irish Legend]

I'm pretty sure I'm not the one who needs to calm down.

Yeah you do, I sorry if my opinion is different from yours. Obviously looking at your avatar, you are very defensive about DW.

Done.

 

[scooper]

Yeah you do

No. I don't. I'm pretty calm, believe it or not.

The majority has it then, a one dimensional rushing attack it is!

When you talk about Darius, please delete your signature.

Please don't make silly comparisons that will take year's to prove or disprove.

Thanks Mom, I didn't know what he meant until you pointed it out!

That's all...calm down.

People have disagreed with you and have given their reasons. You have responded in turn with the above list of snide comments. Now, I will admit that my Emmitt and Rice comment was a bit snide, but at least it was a comparison to argue a point. Tell me again, who needs to calm down. BGIF was right. You invited the board into a discussion. Fair enough. There's nothing wrong with that. But don't get so defensive when people don't agree with you.

Obviously looking at your avatar, you are very defensive about DW.

You're damn right I am. Over the last 2 1/2 years Darius has been one of the most versatile, tough and reliable players on this team. Yet it seems every week that internet coaches come out of the woodwork citing his inadequacies as a runner when the evidence points otherwise. There have been games where he has carried the offense. GT comes to mind when our vaunted passing attack never seemed to break through. Last year's Stanford game is another example.

Sure, we all look forward to the day when we have an Auburn like stable of backs. But that day is not yet here. Weis runs the guy he trusts.

I hope you are correct that the upcoming schedule gives the young guys a good workout. But don't expect that to mean any significant decrease in Darius' role.

Done.

Really?

 

[jiggafini19]

From the looks of things, Asaph Schwapp is this season's Rhema McKnight.

He might not be back this season.

 

[BGIF]

If it was only a matter of rest you just sit him Saturday and he's gets another two weeks. I "read between the lines" that he's surgery bound for an old injury not a new one although the decision is to be made later this week.

 

[BGIF]

Interesting Q&A today that addresses the original question in this thread?


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Q. Is it more important for young players get more reps this week cause next week you're off?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]CW - They'll get more meaningful reps next week because you can pound the hell out of them. That's when you can evaluate.[/FONT]

 

[BGIF]

Some facts on Darius Walker:

Last week his 100 yd game moved his Total Rushing Yds past Emil Stiko, Tony Brooks, Randy Kinder, George Gipp to move into 7th place on the ALL-Time Rushing List.

Last week his receiving yardage moved him ahead of John Lattner, Mark Green, Ricky Watters, Mark Edwards, and Bob Scarpitto to move into 7th place on the ALL-Time Receiving Yds by a RB List.

He also moved ahead of Jerome Bettis on the All-Time Total Yardage List.

Walker led the Irish in rushing the past two season and lead this year. He would be the 7th player to lead the team for 3 consectutive seasons (the first since Julius Jones). Emil Sitko is the only won to lead the team for 4 seasons (and Walker has another year to go).

Walker is among the leaders in 7 All-Time NCAA Categories:
All- Purpose Plays/Game 5th
All-Purpose Plays 8th
Career Rushes 9th
Career Rushes/Game 9th
Career Rushing Yards 16th
Career Rushing Yards/Game 16th
All-Purpose Yards/Game 18th

Walker is ranked 16th on NCAA '06 Most Receptions

Walker leads the NCAA in Receptions by a RB

 

[sonomairishfan]

why anybody would want to see more than DW and TT is beyond me. I say leave the kids on the bench until next year. That way they get the practice time and the extra year to be in the offense.

Darius is the heart of our offense. We don't have another back with his impact on a game.

 

[BGIF]

why anybody would want to see more than DW and TT is beyond me. ...

Holtz used to say, "ND fans favorite QB is the one not playing." Paraphrase that for RB.