Offense
1. We have 1 threat - Sterling. He is our best short threat, reverse threat, deep threat, and threat to take the ball a long way.
2. We have no one who can stretch the middle of the field. Our best middle threat is Bell in the 15 yard range.
3. We are weak at guard. Not strength wise, but execution wise. They miss blocks consistently which really hurts our run game.
4. Our QB is showing signs of the "sophomore slump". Yes he is throwing some bad balls, but even when he throws a perfect one it gets dropped
Defense
1. We can't get a bounce to go our way. I don't think I've ever seen a unit get bit so many times by call reversals or loose balls bouncing right back to the other team. Seriously, the last 2 games have been ridiculous.
2. Our safeties are busting coverage at an alarming rate. When you have a linebacker and a corner screaming at safeties to get a man, you have some issues. They are basically non-existent in run support until back are 10 yards down the field.
3. Our linebackers are just frustrating. Jordan Evans has a lot more Travis Lewis in him than Rocky Calmus (its an upgrade, but gah). So many times where he just takes the play off it isn't even funny. Alexander is another sophomore slump nominee, he is just invisible out there. I liked what I saw out of Bond and Franklin from an effort perspective.
4. Tapper belongs on a milk carton
5. Sanchez - as much grief as everyone wants to pile on him, he continues to produce INTs. Just like with Gabe Lynn last year, coaches will put up with a lot of issues if you can get them the ball back.
6. Our defense is on the field way too much
Special Teams
1. Ross should win some award this year
2. Sterling doesn't have the knack for punt returning
3. Barnett seems to be channeling the same problem as Knight - how can a guy be so good during the Sugar Bowl and so meh during this season? That last punt is just a microcosm of what I see out of him - 23 seconds left, if that ball hits the ground its game over. So you kick it into the end zone? grrr.
Summary
This team reminds me a lot of the 2001 offense with the 2002 defense -> a bunch of mismatched parts at the wrong stages of their careers. It doesn't mean they can't win a lot of games, it just means that it is going to be a struggle.
Originally Posted by Snrinhouston
