yeah i was at the game to and we looked good but i also thought we could of been alot better, but hell thats why it's the Spring Game, i definently have high expectations for this year aslong as nobody gets hurt.
Bolen was a beast, and are defense started out slow but the second and third series on we were solid. Also did anyone see are new Kicker kicking without a shoe on, lol that was funny.
I was there. Got myself a good parking spot next to the exit, (got out in 5 mins) a good seat on the 50 yard line, and free posters. I have to say, Cantwell looks really good. He throws lasers all over the field. They just didn't play him enough. They played Simms and Wolfe most of the time. I wanted to see Cantwell. I also wanted to get his autograph at the end of the game but couldn't find him so I left disappointed. The game was fun though. I'm just curious what our offense will be like against a worthy defense. In Spring games it's hard to figure out if you're good. Is Offense good or is Defense bad?
One thing that would make my experience better, though, is if there wasn't an insanely drunk dude next to me crushing beer cans with his feet splashing beer all over me. (sorry if I just offended someone because YOU were doing it yourself. but I prefer to remember the games I watch)
I was there. I don't agree with the defense looking good though. They may have made a couple of plays here and there, but not near enough. The backs must have ran for about 10 yards per carry. I can't remember many times when they were stopped for no gain - and I don't think it is because our offensive line was that dominant.
Did you see the last touchdown of the game? About 100 missed tackles when it looked like they were going to stop him for a gain of 2 yards - in the end - he walks into the end zone - embarrassing
I saw flashes of hope on the defensive side. But I also saw more things that were familiar from last year.
What I liked:
-DLine: They put plenty of pressure on the QB and even pulled off ~4 sacks (at least as I was watching the game). Grady, Heyman...need I say more?
-RBs: Seems like our run game is going to be in great position this year. We've got a slew of backs each with different styles of running, but all capable of supporting the offensive side.
-Johnny Patrick-I've gotta give the guy cred for his breakup of a potential td play. I thought his offensive man had broken him down and he was trailing him by 2-3 yards. He read the QB and knew the pass was coming his way, jumped back in front of the route and killed the play. It looked like he was beat, and then came outta nowhere. A little "trickeration" on defense???
What I didn't like:
-LBs: We can't be letting each carry net the runner 5+ yards. This is definitely a position that we're gonna need someone to step up to. We might've also underperformed thanks in part to the injuries, so one can only hope that was a reason as well.
-Coverage: At times there was flashes of competition going on here. Then Cantwell and Simms found a couple of wide open targets. (DOH!)
Tackling was so-so when I was watching the game. I guess it broke down after half time even more with the running game. All in all the offensive side of the ball looked pretty damn good. I love the balance that we displayed between the running and the passing.
The defense progressed a little further ahead than I thought they would. I guess my hopes weren't very high for that side of the ball in the first place. At least it's better to be pleasantly surprised (albeit only slightly) than to have all my hopes and dreams crushed (see last year). Reports are that English wasn't impressed one bit and he is gonna drill the fundamentals into the defense until he feels they're ready. I like the guys style--hopefully the players buy into his system before the first game!
Hey cardsrock. I was right there on the 50 too (on the red team side). I was 2-3 rows up sitting directly behind Trent Guy's family. Lol, they all rock the dreads too! It was pretty cool talking to them. Shared some laughs over the fact his moms a UNC fan (in bball) and I told her I'd forgive her. Really nice family.
I liked seeing the turnout was only slightly less than last years. 18k last year vs. 17k this. That's pretty good to see after a 6-6 season although it seemed they was alot less fire in the crowd this year.
i was on the red 50 couple of rows behind the only dude in the stadium wearing an bright orange shirt, right where the cameraman was filming. on the big screen a couple times. prolly shoulda put my hat back on to cover up my hair.
Been there, done that cardsrock. Had courtside seats right behind James Blake's chair and Roddick's in the next match at at the Indy Tennis Tourney last year and saw myself about 20 times on the Tennis Channel. It had been raining earlier that day and I had been wearing a hat which I took off since the temps shot up to 95 as soon as the clouds cleared. Saw my sweaty, helmet hair every time I looked at the TV. Thank God it wasn't available in Hi Def. Besides, who watches the Tennis Channel?
Talking to a few of my former students who are on the team after the game and they are really happy about the way things are going. They are working very hard and they feel like they are doing things the right way now. They seemed to be most proud of the hard work and the way coach Kragthorpe and English hold them accountable in a very good way though. I agree with the posts that see some seriious holes in the D, but they were not getting lined up in the wrong spots like last year, and they were tackling crisply and there are some signs of life there.
I have to say, Cantwell looks really good. He throws lasers all over the field. They just didn't play him enough. They played Simms and Wolfe most of the time. I wanted to see Cantwell. I also wanted to get his autograph at the end of the game but couldn't find him so I left disappointed. The game was fun though. I'm just curious what our offense will be like against a worthy defense. In Spring games it's hard to figure out if you're good. Is Offense good or is Defense bad?
(sorry if I just offended someone because YOU were doing it yourself. but I prefer to remember the games I watch)