Watching it (well, got an eye on it over the bar while I "monitor other activity"), and will have much more to say in the next day or two, with repeated viewings, but one of the main things I wanted to see--ie. the rebirth of a med-to-long-range passing game--hasn't exactly materialized, at least in the first 12 minute "quarter" or so. Driskel hasn't been consistently accurate, his receivers haven't distinguished themselves (especially in their routes), and Grier, the more accurate and apparently stronger-armed QB, has had even less support from HIS targets. That extra "zip" he has on his throws seems to be too much for the receivers, who've been dropping darts right on their hands. We'll be able to run the ball, sure (all the RBs look good in their own way--but freshman Adam Lane is all over the place, and Taylor more than ever a natural with "star" written all over his future), but YIKES!...Even that won't go so well without a vertical game opponents have to either defend against or die. A third of the way thru' this thing and I'm still waiting for what I see as the key to our success on offense, and in turn our whole season: Consistent improvement towards an explosive passing game. There ARE signs, but we have GOT to be able to hit the streaking WR on the run several times a game this year. If this offense can learn to do that against our defense, then we'll be fine come the real thing.
(Ahhh--THERE'S that Driskel-to-Demarcus connection that's been the buzz of spring practice...That's what I'm talkin' about.)
No doubt about it: Grier has the stronger arm, and great pocket poise to go with it. Still fixing on his primary receivers early, obviously so--part of his inexperience that'll get him and us into real trouble against SEC defenses if he's forced to step in too early. He'll be a great one, with experience, but right now the best case scenario is still DRISKEL coming thru' as a leader with solid, efficient play (but if he doesn't, here's a prediction: Grier will supercede him as the first string QB NEXT season). No matter what, these receivers have GOT to start helping the QB--better hands, better routes, "better" in every way than what most of 'em are showing here.
We are not showing much improvement inside the red zone--and JD STILL can't throw the fade. Damn shame; it's pretty well unstoppable when properly executed, and it'd open up everything else from the -teens-on-in if he could throw it, the receivers run it right and squeeze the soft ball as it drops in over their shoulder.
One last observation: What the hell happened to the punter, Christy? Couple seasons back he arrived as an instant asset, booming it sky-high a consistent 45 yds plus...dropped back to low and wobbly returnables barely 40 yds last year, and isn't showing much improvement on that here so far, with little pressure. How long do we wait for him to come around? What are the alternatives, if we can't wait any longer?
