If Armstrong could just figure out finding the wide open running back that would go a long way.
Do we ever stop and ask WHY this was such an issue?
What do we assume was stopping him from figuring this out? Why was THE BIG PLAY always the tendency? Why did this not improve?
Is it as simple as we all make it out to be? Maybe not, but it surely isn't a complicated thing either.
So why did Tommy never really seem to progress in this area? I don't think he's stupid, do you? Was he being told not to dump it to Ameer? That seems ridiculous. It seems just as ridiculous to me that if his coaches were telling him all week during practice, then why did it never seem to come together? Can Tommy not execute in game situations? Does he lose his composure and forget how to play the position or forget what he has worked on in practice? He seems to be alright to me out there. It doesn't look like its too much for him.
My theory: The HB is often a late read in his progression. He may check three WR's before he comes back to the HB. So how often did Tommy have time to do this? How comfortable did Tommy feel to where he knew he had the time to go through the progression and make that dump off to the HB if he had no other options. I can't imagine Tommy felt too comfortable out there. Taylor never did. Its miraculous Tommy and Taylor weren't hurt sooner or more often. They've both taken far too many brutal hits in their careers. Taylor even took a sh#t from his own Center (Caputo I believe) after Caputo was shoved straight backwards into Taylor. I hate to lay it all on the offensive line but face it, its kind of important. If the QB does not feel comfortable out there, its tough. There's a lot happening and its happening fast, but I'm sorry, our offensive line should be able to give a little more time than what is has.
Now even if Beck was telling Tommy he needed to check down to AA sooner, that still isn't doing a lot for Tommy's development as a Quarterback. Defenses would eventually pick up on it and you'd be back where you started.
The issue was two things:
1. Too many reads and the routes taking too long to develop. The WR's were making their own reads and by the time everybody was finding the same opening, it was too late. Simpler routes, less reads from the receivers and more designed plays, and less options for Tommy all would have been beneficial. Let Tommy make the quick 1 or 2 reads, dump to AA or extend the play with his feet. He easily could've created a lot more opportunities if he wasn't being asked to be Peyton Manning and stand in the pocket making 4 reads every other passing play.
2. The biggest problem. The same offensive line struggling in the same way every single year. Why was there never a clear emphasis on technical development, depth development, and simply recruiting the absolute best offensive line prospects. How long do you watch the same part of your team struggle, the same players struggling, and still just keep marching them up to the line. This used to be the Pipeline, the pride of Nebraska football. Instead it became a neglected bunch and more of a family reunion on Saturdays. Its time there is some focus put back up front. The rest will take care of itself, but it has to start there. Coaches at this level should know that. Forget the sons and the nephew, put the best guys up there. I guarantee, the offensive line improves, Tommy will immediately.
