Spring Break
The Daily OrangeEhalt: Syracuse needs deep passing attack
By Matt Ehalt
Posted: 11/2/09, 2:24 AM EST Section: Sports
|
It's an alarming sign for a team with an NFL-ready wide receiver roaming the field that a running back - you know, the player on the field who is supposed to run with the ball - stretches the field more than the crop of wideouts.
But that's what Syracuse's passing game has regressed to over the past few weeks
If SU wants to start thinking about a bowl game, which seems to be slipping away more and more after every Big East game, the Orange will have to start stretching the field consistently like it did when the team was peaking around the midway point of the year.
Syracuse has the pieces to be a vertical team. Mike Williams is a nightmare for opposing defensive backs with his 6-foot-2, 204-pound frame. He has shown that he can beat some of the best defensive backs. Williams alone gives Syracuse a weapon to attack the middle and long portions of the field.
Instead, in the last two weeks we have seen a passing game that has become too complacent with bubble screens and short routes. Playing without Williams against Akron, Syracuse averaged 8.75 yards per catch and threw for just 105 yards. This shows the value of Williams to this offense, as the longest completion on that day was 20 yards. There was no vertical component without the star.
This week, Syracuse rarely tried to beat Cincinnati deep. Williams was relegated to bubble screens, where he loses his value as a receiver. Why have Williams breaking a play at the line when he has the ability to beat cornerbacks and safeties?
Offensive coordinator Rob Spence said Cincinnati's defense kept the Orange from stretching the field.
"That team we just played is not a team that gives up any big plays down the field based on the kind of coverage they play," Spence said. "I think we had a good plan and a plan to win the game and a plan to help keep the defense off the field, and that's what we tried to do."
While that may be true, why not at least take a chance? Cincinnati seemed to have a perfect read on Syracuse's short passing plays throughout the game.
Keeping the defense off the field is a valid point, but that doesn't mean an offense can't throw passes for more than 10 yards at a time. It's not like Cincinnati has Champ Bailey or Nnamdi Asomugha out there as cornerbacks.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Matt
posted 11/02/09 @ 8:51 AM EST
Fair enough that they need to take shots; but a key element that you completely leave out with throwing down field is that the o-line needs to maintain a pocket/maintain blocks long enough for routes to develop, and for the QB to deliver the ball. (Continued…)
g33k
g33k
posted 11/02/09 @ 12:17 PM EST
I just dont understand the logic with MArrone (morron) saying Paulus gives us the best chance to win????
can somebody pLEEEEASE explain this? I just dont get it. (Continued…)
Todd
posted 11/03/09 @ 8:45 AM EST
I hate to tell you this, but being a Clemson graduate and season ticket holder Rob Spence is a very conservative OC. He does not throw down the field. (Continued…)
Post a Comment