I don't like the way coaches are putting in QB's for one play and out. If you're going to play a kid, I think you should put him in for at least 2 series. This would give him a chance to get a feel for the flow, get his timing down, make a mistake (maybe) and correct it. It seems like it would be real hard to walk in for one play like we've done with RP (and Fla. did with Tebow his frosh season) and expect the kid to be effective. In fact, RP did not appear effective last season on his one play opportunities, and I don't think that's his fault. We never gave him a chance to get into the flow of the game. You could say the same for running backs. For some reason, it seems a wide out could pull it off easier than a QB or RB, maybe they're not running in such tight spaces where timing seems so important. Watchathink?
There is something to be gained by a player by being in the game a lot, for the reasons you mention. But there is also something to be gained by a team by playing their capable depth and not just their starters. There is also something to be gained by putting in specialist players for special plays, players, and situations. This is smart coaching in the modern game. Quarterbacks need not be different from any other position in this respect. If we have two good quarterbaccks we'd be fools not to use them. The reserve must necessarily do some spot play and special plays to allow the starter his continuity. Ideally the reserve gets some long drives of his own as a lead builds. As always a proper balance is called for between continuity of playing time and judicious use of reserves.
I'm damn sure glad we did it last year. Our second string QB started the SECCG and we won. I'm glad that wasn't his first time seeing the field when the game was undecided. WE were the only top ranked team who, when their starter went down, was able to keep on truckin. I'm backing Les's decisions, he's earned it!!
I thought RP was very effective at the plays that were called for him. But the plays called were 98% run when Flynn was in the game. Defenses knew he was going to run and they still allowed him to gain yardage. For the reasons stated by others Thank Miles and Crowton for using that style last year or we might be without one of these :crystal:.
The big questions now are who will back up RP, and will this be effective again? RP seemed to do a decent job passing and was very effective running. I don't believe that the other qb's are really known for their scrambling abilities. IMO a guy that is primarily a drop back passer needs to do more than just spot play to stay effective. As far as the other positions, I'm all for getting the backups as much playing time as possible. that keeps your starters fresher and prepares them to step right in in case of injury. I see no reason not to play 3rd stringers as long as the game is decided. Why not get them some experience too? BHD
I think the last two teams who did it exclusively won National Titles, so there has to be a small method to the madness.
Tebow is kinda unique, was there any doubt he was the better runner than Leak? That was a no brainer. Heck on short yardage, Tebow was Fla.'s best back period. As everyone knew RP was going to run 98% of the time when he came in for one play, it seemed the second half of the season, he was less effective running. Why not leave him in for a series, and let him face all the situations, handoff, option, 3rd and short or long, pass if necessary? Obviously what we did worked out well, but I wonder if a different scheme would have worked better. Miles has complimented his staff on their creativity, and you always have to be looking to get better.
The staff knw exactly what they were doing last year and used both QB's very well. They limited the amount that Flynn got hit by using RP on running plays. They set up some big TD passes by RP using him the way they did. When we were firmly in control RP got his consecutive series and was able to get his reps and experience. A fabulous plan that worked awfully well for one of the best offenses we've ever had in our long history.
Agree with this totally. I don't remember watching as good an offense from a formation and unpredictability situation. Mack Brown called a good offense when he was OC here under Stovall, early 80's. I think he was just here 2 years under Stovall, and the program slid after he left till Stovall was released after another 2 years. We were great with Rohan to J. Reed, and JaMarcus to anybody, especially Bowe, Davis, Doucet, but I don't remember such diversity as we had last season. Maybe because its new, but it was like a breath of fresh air. Geaux Crowton!
Pretty much sums up my thoughts and would only add how much harder it is for opponents to game-plan for us with so many different packages. Also, limiting- rather, sharing- RB's carries decreases the wear on their bodies and the chance of injury. It also gives us fresher legs in the fourth quarter. As far as last year, I would have liked to see RP throw a little more, they wouldn't have been expecting it.
