Karawithasmile

Very bad news. Hate losing seniors like this. Wishing Mr. Long all the best in his recovery!

Sometimes simplifying things from a strategy perspective helps focus on execution (Bo, can I get an "amen?") and can make an offense look pretty darn good. It especially helps when that defense is smaller, slower, and not as talented. I'm really hoping that we've learned a lot in these last two weeks because we'll probably need a little more strategy as our opponents improve. Among those that need to have learned is our offensive co-ordinator. Stick with what works. Make them stop it before you change.

I see some posts stating that this is a thread about the defense, but I'd like to point out one thing that jumped out at me concerning offense. Please bear with me. Sam points out that the offenses that run the read option have the upper hand right now and that defenses are still scrambling to adjust. We used to run the zone read often and well, about three years ago. We had success with it. Fast quarterback + gifted running back = a great running threat that could open up the option (pretending to fall into the zone read and then having the QB step back and throw instead) and other throws downfield. Why has it disappeared? I'm sure someone can educate me.

+1

I don't have stats on this, but how many of Taylor's passing yards are due to yards after catch? I mean without the abiliity to heave accurate long balls down field the stats are a little misleading and he is basically a Christian Ponder. We all know how that is working out for the Vikings. (Vikings fan here BTW)

We need to be playing the best player, whether freshman or senior (though I agree, RKIII is not really in contention if we are thinking what is in the program's best interests after this year). I think a lot of this will depend on if Armstrong gets the start next week and plays lights out. Right now, there are still some doubts and questions surrounding him despite his refreshing performance given the caliber of the opponent. If Armstrong plays the way he did against SDSU, I don't even think there is a question about who should be starting. Armstrong has the throwing motion, the elusiveness, and from what we've seen so far, the poise and confidence necessary to lead the team down the field. Martinez has given a lot to the program, but the nature of his injury means it might linger for a very long time making him much more ineffective as a QB. I would love to see him utlized in another part of the game if possible, especially considering all that he has given to the program the last few years. I just don't how it would work, or if his haphazard ball-handling would make him more of a liability than a benefit on returns. All of this depends on Armstrong's play in the next game, in my opinion. If he gets in there and looks lost, I don't think they keep him out there more than necessary. The coaches still want to win games this year, considering one or more of them have jobs that probably depend on that.

Very much agree. Armstrong is exciting to watch. For me, Martinez used to be exciting to watch in much the same way, but I haven't felt that way this season perhaps because of his injuries or an increased hesitation. Martinez has really improved his passing this year though, I am not nearly as nervous when he throws it as I used to be. I think Armstrong brings a lovely downfield pass that is just plain old FUN to see.

+1. I love the turnover margin. And Martinez has definitely improved his accuracy!

No, he's just not as emotive as your average person. Goodness. I can't believe people are still talking about this. I have to agree Landlord. Dont know why this is an issue anymore. Some guy called into Big Red reaction talking about the same thing. At this point, it's just a way for the Taylor-haters to have some ammo again. (No Kara, I am accusing you of being a Taylor-hater.) At this point, being shocked by Taylor's demeanor is the same as being most shocked by Bo's language in tape. I'm not shocked by how calm he is on the sideline (though I wish he could have exhibited some of that calmness against UCLA on the field the second half)... and I'm not a Taylor-hater, so I appreciate not calling me out for that (he's given a lot to the "N" and taken way too much crap from fans over the years considering his stats and all the winning seasons). I'm just pointing out that intensity is an issue for this team. To put in another way we often come out as flat as a popped balloon in big moments. We hear players describe this every week after a loss. A QB is a leader no matter which way you slice it. A senior QB even more so. I get it, Taylor's a different leader than that. It's no knock on him personally so I regret my prior post which came off pretty snarky. Taylor's a good kid and a great athlete. I just think we can be better as a team unit with more excitement from our leaders. From what I have seen and heard, Armstrong looks to be a good candidate in that area. I hope that explains my position well.

Me too. ALL ABOARD!

+1 Agree agree agree. At this point, I'd think our coaching staff wants to win - many of their jobs depend on it. With that in mind I'd imagine they'll play the player that gives us the best chance to win. Martinez brings game experience, speed (assuming he's healthy), mostly accurate lateral and short passes, and an occasionally accurate longer ball. He also brings questionable ball security and iffy decision-making when rattled. I'm assuming Martinez also brings the respect of the team, given his seniority and friendships (admittedly, no personal knowledge here). Armstrong brings elusiveness, gorgeous throwing ability, a run threat, and an apparent "x" factor as demonstrated by the decisiveness he showed leading the offense on Saturday. Armstrong also brings some questionable ball security (given his fumble), little game experience, probably less locker room support (guess), and an unknown since we don't really understand how he'll respond to a better defense and more intense lights. RKIII brings accurate and decisive strikes through the air and a deep knowledge of our offense given his age in the program. He also brings no real running threat (though he did tuck it well on Saturday and get what the defense permitted) and there's no upside to playing him for next season. You'd think the coaching staff would be in the best position to evaluate these men and choose accordingly. However, given our defensive problems schematically and the hard-headedness in preaching "execution," I'm not sure about that.....

I uh.... Like. Is this your first time watching Taylor Martinez? He's been our starting quarterback for four seasons and this is seriously the first time you have seen his stoic, emotionless expression on the sideline? Yeah, I guess it's just not that exciting for him anymore. Playing (starting!) in front of the Sea of Red for his 4th straight year has bored him.... Tommy Armstrong looked pretty excited though

Oh I wish this would happen. But I doubt it will.

Let me correct your post and say we were able to throw it 15+ yards with accuracy TODAY..........what happens in the future remains to be seen! And if Beck dialing it down is what created the flawless flow on offense TODAY, then maybe we should stick with that when TM comes back.....because there was a huge difference in the way the offense executed today vs the first 3 games this year.......maybe too much is being put on a 4 year starter despite those 4 years of experience that are so intangible. Yeah, Im not afraid of a controversy........I had to go there! I keep hearing this, but in what way did Beck dial down the offense? It seemed to me, and to Eric Crouch, that it was the same offense, except with a down field passing game. So if anything, he dialed things . . . up. And regardless of the opponent, there's no denying both Armstrong and Kellogg throw a better ball. +1

Green never looked as good as Armstrong - whether we're considering throwing, running, elusiveness, decision-making, etc.

Zoogies, this is spot on. Taylor, from the beginning, has had flashes of greatness - breaking the length of the field for a touchdown or throwing a gorgeous deep ball to Kyler Reed for a TD. The problem has always been consistency with Taylor. He can look like a football god one play and the very NEXT play he could turn into a totally different guy who looks completely lost, out of sorts, totally uncalm under fire (leading to offensive woes such as fumbling, throwing a pick or running around back and forth until he takes a sack). Major props to Taylor for leading us to so many wins the past few years. He is a player and has given a lot and taken a ton of slack from fans. He's more than earned his education, our respect, and hopefully, a lot of good memories. I am just looking forward to more CONSISTENCY. Yes, it SDSU, but Armstrong showed this natural poise. Call it an "x" factor or whatever you want, but you can just SEE it. I think Armstrong will make a ton of mistakes, but I predict that whenever he gets the start it he will work himself into the offense seamlessly. We've seen it now. I cannot wait to see it again.

Joking about an injury to our player,,,, not cool, man. Not cool.

Remember in 2009 when none of our receivers were sound fundamentally? I am glad we are beyond that. I'd take Bell any day.

T....A... T.....A..... *chanting*

at the end of last year. tm has not looked sharp this year. imo. and if this is a rebuilding year? let ta get some experience. the season would probably end up the same. either way, it will be the defense losing us games. imo. +1

Then who the heck wants him in there? Bo? And if there's that much talent behind him, why?

No one ever talked to me, i was simply banned for a month. No warnings or anything, but that was last season. c'est la vie sometimes things that you say a long time ago come back to haunt you. i have seen it happen before. +1 to you sir. It is deserving of many more.

Smart play by the Wulla-receiver!