Where's Wilbon? Here's where...
- Thread starter knapplc
- Start date
Kernal
Starter
Here's Newby executing a pass protection that allows Armstrong to complete a 20-some yard pass against USM. It's a critical element, and from watching this play it is not easy to do.
I'm not wondering where's Wilbon. I'm wondering why more people aren't appreciative of what Newby is doing when he's in. He's doing pretty well.
I'm not wondering where's Wilbon. I'm wondering why more people aren't appreciative of what Newby is doing when he's in. He's doing pretty well.
It really just comes down to decision-making. For example, in the still frame that people are talking about a few posts up (the play is at 32:10 in the video if anyone is interested), Newby simply missed his cut. From my view point, if you watch the play develop, Reeves brings his defender to the ground while Gates/Kondolo are forcing their defenders to the sideline.NUance said:
Instead of cutting up the field to behind the blocks of Gates/Kondolo, he continues to try and extend the play outside. The problem, however, is the defender on Hovey has beat Hovey and has contain. Newby sees this too late and gets tackled. The line did a pretty good job on this play from my perspective.
Now, I realize my example does show him running more sideline to sideline like you mentioned. That's certainly part of his issue I believe. But, I think the umbrella concern here is he doesn't make great decisions and his vision is a little questionable.
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Huskers19911
Four-Star Recruit
As a fan, I want to see W. As a coach, I've had parents ask why X player isn't playing and it's usually practice issues. Hope Wilbon gets it figured out, looks like he has potential.
Guy Chamberlin
Heisman Trophy Winner
EmeraldIngot
Five-Star Recruit
My personal opinion about the running game is to run power out of the spread. That may sound like an oxymoron, but it's really not. Power is a blocking scheme associated with pulling guards, assignment blocking, and using a fullback (when under center) or H-back (when in a shotgun or pistol) as a lead blocker.
The running style is a little different, too, because the ball carrier has to be more patient in the backfield to wait for the blocks to get set up, and because of the blocking scheme, he knows exactly where his hole is going to be. Then, once the lane is formed, you accelerate through the hole.
This also doesn't mean that a power style running back has to be big. It helps, but it's not required. In fact, I would say that if Newby knew exactly where his running lane would be, he could narrow his vision and only have to avoid tacklers in that small area. I think his problem is that he is having to look at three running option simultaneously with our zone blocking scheme. The straight ahead lane, the cutback lane, and possibly bouncing it outside. And he doesn't always make the right choice. Hell, Abdullah is one of the best zone running RBs ive ever seen, and he didn't always make the right choice. 95% of the time he was right, but even he could get stuffed.
Besides, 3 WR, 1 H-back, and 1 RB would force opponents into nickel formation most of the time, which takes one guy out of the box. That's 6 defenders in the box for 6 blockers. We have the WRs for the WCO pass game, including the screen, and we'd have equal numbers in the run game.
Also, on passing downs, if Wilbon isn't able to pass block, we could get Jano to pass block and send Wilbon on a wheel or into the flats.
The running style is a little different, too, because the ball carrier has to be more patient in the backfield to wait for the blocks to get set up, and because of the blocking scheme, he knows exactly where his hole is going to be. Then, once the lane is formed, you accelerate through the hole.
This also doesn't mean that a power style running back has to be big. It helps, but it's not required. In fact, I would say that if Newby knew exactly where his running lane would be, he could narrow his vision and only have to avoid tacklers in that small area. I think his problem is that he is having to look at three running option simultaneously with our zone blocking scheme. The straight ahead lane, the cutback lane, and possibly bouncing it outside. And he doesn't always make the right choice. Hell, Abdullah is one of the best zone running RBs ive ever seen, and he didn't always make the right choice. 95% of the time he was right, but even he could get stuffed.
Besides, 3 WR, 1 H-back, and 1 RB would force opponents into nickel formation most of the time, which takes one guy out of the box. That's 6 defenders in the box for 6 blockers. We have the WRs for the WCO pass game, including the screen, and we'd have equal numbers in the run game.
Also, on passing downs, if Wilbon isn't able to pass block, we could get Jano to pass block and send Wilbon on a wheel or into the flats.
Red Five
Heisman Trophy Winner
This is what Ohio St was doing in the playoffs last year. They killed Bama/Oregon with the same power play all night long. It was a beauty to watch.
swmohusker
All-Conference
It is prob not that he is not good at pass pro but prob doesnt know his assignment. Right now our pass game is carrying our offense so lets not screw that up by putting a guy in their that jeopardizes protection. Like RIley said if you just put him in to run the ball you are tipping your hand on what you are doing offensively. Also, I havent seen anything from WIlbon that makes me think he is a better runner than Newby.
BigRedBuster
International Man of Mystery
I must have missed TO going into a grave.
However, if you went and visited him in Lincoln, I'm sure he would agree that 3rd and 1 is not always a running down.
Guy Chamberlin
Heisman Trophy Winner
You know who else is on record as calling a pass play on 3rd and 1?
Every coach in football.
Including the coach TheSker wishes Nebraska had hired.