I have to give both the O and D line C's. We have to really improve there, or the excellent play by other areas may well be nullified by the cream of the SEC.
i don't necessarily agree with a few observations. how can the DL and Special Teams have the same grade? Along with Blue's fumble and missed assignments, the ST almost cost us the game that we statistically dominated. when the second qb came in we had to concentrate on protecting the lanes, rather than running roughshod at the passer. we pretty much shut down their first qb. and where was the passing to running backs and tight ends that was so effective with Cameron's Raven teams? seemed all of Mett's passes were to WR (who did a really good job). i think we could be a lot more effective if we's spread the ball around more. Last year Mett had a tendency to overthrow receivers...he seemed to go the opposite direction last night. but i still liked what i saw from him. there were a few dropped passes, but you can't take anything away from tcu defensive backs. another reason to hit te and rbs though. i like that our young players have a game experience now, and we came away with a victory. now lets make corrections where needed and get more comfortable the next couple of games before conference plays starts. i really feel good about things, there were so many question marks after so many early departures last year.
QB- A = Mett did was on the point on most throws. The other great thing was how smart he was with the ball. He took what the D gave him. When there was nothing there he threw it away. Mett has taken great strides from last year. RB- B = The backs had a solid game, most of it in the second half. Its difficult to say much though because there were absolutely no holes in the first half. You cant blame a back if he has no hole to attack. When given holes our backs did well. I really liked Magee. He shows a nice burst and has some good power. Hill is clearly the class of our backs. WR- B- = Landry was awesome. He has great hands. Beckham showed flashes but had some drops. The one drop was just horrible and inexcusable. He was wide open. If he steps up and we find a legit number three this could be a very good group. Overall it was a nice performance. I just dropped it to a - based on the OBJ drop on what should have been a long reception or even a TD. OL- C = The pass blocking was excellent. The OL gave Mett time. The run game was missing in the first half. There were no holes at all. The TCU DL dominated the run game in the first half. That has to be addressed. There were also a few false starts at inopportune times. All the criticsim aside, I really think this could be a special OL. There is a lot of talent here. DL- B = The DL didnt make a lot of big plays but they did a solid job of getting upfield. They made some nice plays. TCU adjusted with the QB change. As a whole they werent dominate but it was a solid performance IMO. Id like to see more of Hunter and less Rasco. Allen looks like a good pass rusher. Ego is looking damn good. We need Freak to be another Dorsey. LB- C = A few misses here. Too much arm tackling. They fly around though and I think this will be a solid group. DB- B = LSU does an amazing job of recruiting and coaching up DBs. Mills will be the next stud CB. Overall they did a very good job. I like what I see here, there is a lot of depth and talent. I think we will have one of the better secondaries by seasons end. Special Teams- D = The KO return and short punt were very bad spots. As a whole Im not too worried about the special teams. LSU usually has very strong special teams. Coaching- B = The play calling was much more aggressive. The addition of Cam really showed up. Our passing attack is much better this year. I really like what I see here. Chavis once again did another fine job. As a whole LSU does a tremendous job of coaching up talent. My main issue is the lack of focus on the team. I cant help but put a lot of that on Miles. He once again had another end of the half coaching blunder. Overall though the coaching was very good.
Re the passing game... Mett looked sharp and confident. For the most part, the WR's looked very good. Seems to me throwing to the TE and RB's will come. Our starting TE was out last night, and a couple of screens never developed (where Mett had to throw it into the ground). Also, I would think that we're not going to show everything in the first game. At the very least, LSU showed if you're going to stack the line to stop the run, we will beat you in the air.
I loved the win, but... screen pass - F This follows a tradition at LSU! Kill the screen pass!!!!!!!!!!!!! GEAUX TIGERS!
Don't kill it, just learn how to do it. I'd also like to see them hit a RB in the flat. Thats a spot that Magee could really do damage(see Darren Sproles).
I guess that I am suffering from "Mingo Deficiency Syndrome." So many times last night, Pachall got to run around behind scrimmage & either pass or break through for yardage; last year Mingo would've run him down & eaten his lunch! Penetration for loss, that's what I'm not seeing. Anyway! A good win, in front of a national audience on Saturday night on ESPN. Things could be worse, eh folks?
I give the LBs a D, maybe D-. No single linebacker had more than one solo tackle. The most impressive stat line came from Kwon Alexander, 1 solo, 2 assists.
LB's will improve when Tahj Jones gets back, also I'm kind of interested in seeing who's behind Jalen Collins on the depth chart. I like Jalen Collins on anything that's within 20 yards, but not in over 20 yard coverage. I'm still concerned about Freak's elbow.
I agree that we must involve the running backs in the passing game if we are to be ultimately successful on offense. Imagine the linebackers having to account for the running back vs being out in the middle of the field trying to defend a pass from Mettenberger. That would also free up the TE in the seam, if we can even get the ball to the TE. We must get all aspects involved and become multi-dimensional on offense.
