The CheckerBoard

Interesting. Basically the same personnel as last year, but woefully different results. I'd simplify things too. Start a philosophy of stopping the run. Let the secondary rely only on itself. Linebackers stay in position to stop the run until it's clear it's not run. Then they simply backpedal into the secondary keeping their eyes on the QB. If the QB decides to run, they know it right away and stop him at either the LOS or for a short gain. If he throws, they see his eyes and can move toward the ball. If the ball is caught they can make a tackle. And every now and then, they might just be in position to knock the ball down or intercept it. But, they will not, I repeat, they WILL NOT have a ball whizz past their earhole for a long gain.

How many times has that happened this season - 50% of the pass plays over 20 yards? My LB friend in college 40 years ago told me that was the way a LB was suppose to play. Read and react, backpedal and clog throwing lanes. Simple right? But we don't do it that way. We do it the way that doesn't work.

I'm not sure its that simple. Most of the time from what I have seen, the linebackers get lost on the run fake and when they start to drop into their zones the guys are already in the seams and they are too shallow to make the play.

You're not a big fan of Dooley, are you ?

I'm just not a fan of losing. I wish the guy would succeed, but I have seen nothing that makes me even think there is a glimmer of hope he can lead us to a championship. I respect what he has done, but we haven't out recruited our rivals and we set going to out coach them, so I just don't see how things can get better. Jmo.

And then some jack ass down votes me for my opinion and why I think so rather than just coming out like a man and asking/rebutting me. Is that you Barbara Dooley? Sugar Britches. Sorry I'm not one the ones that enjoys losing and is content with the status quo.

What are the chances that Sunseri becomes the scapegoat in all of this in order for Dooley to save his job? Does anyone think that is a possibility that he will be dismissed and Dooley writes this off as a bad decision that can be corrected? Would Hart buy that? Personally, I think that would only work if Dooley had some other kind of success to fall back on, but at this point, it all points back to Dooley. But who knows, just throwing it out there.

I don't think CDD can separate himself from Sal. He blamed the dline coach year 1, Wilcox year 2, don't think blaming Sal will play at all.

I'm a Dooley supporter and see everything in variations of orange, so obviously I part company with those who evidently consider Coach Dooley to be the football version of Voldemort. I know those people dismiss his press conferences as lawyer glibness, but I watch them, and I DO NOT see someone finding excuses, I DO NOT see someone "throwing people under the bus," including his heavily-attacked DC and the 3-4. I see someone trying to make the most out of a team that has some strengths and some whopper weaknesses. And when I watch him talking about Tiny and his great contribution to the game, I see a coach who knows how to lead. Can't really figure out what the rest of you guys are seeing.

I agree with you on every point. Despite the last 5 losses to SEC teams, I still feel that the road map is being laid out for a return to team we want.

I honestly believe in Coach and his approach to our program. I still think he will turn it around and in a top notch way. JMO.

I find it interesting that Dooley will call out individual players and cite specifics on how they aren't performing but is reluctant to do that with assistant coaches. Rather he speaks much more generally when talking about team shortcomings that the position coaches are ultimately responsible for. I like his candor and frankness and glad he does not throw his coaches under the bus. I just think he should use the same consideration for 18 yr old kids that he does for grown men.