Haven't read any of the thread so apologies if it's been mentioned but I think the QB has more influence on O-Line play than the O-Line coach. Guys like Peyton & Brees always maximize the line play and help immensely with protection assignments. Others like Luck & Wilson can turn a busted coverage into a big play. We seem to run a little better with Harris and I think he'll continue to improve the timing of certain run plays since reps help with chemistry. The Auburn environment was a tough one. Harris is so young that he was probably focused on progressions rather than protection. It was kind of odd to run the ball so well on 1st down but then have so many 3 & outs.
Thanks for the post, this is so true. Look at last year, Mett would make his reads, having two NFL WR's and an NFL RB kept teams honest. You can tell, look at what Hill, Landry and now OBJ are doing in the NFL. I like Jennings starting a game, having Harris getting the plays from Cam, watching from the sidelines, hearing what is being said during and after a play. Most OC plan their first 20-25 plays, doesn't matter if they are up by 14 or down by 14, then move from there. I know a couple OC, that have a two minute drill on a chart before each game, so when its needed, most of the work is already done. An you are right, the gains on first down where really unreal, it was after that where we were hurting ourselves. On first down we were running downhill with some really good blocking.
I just don't understand why Miles is so in love with the running qb. We finally get a pocket passer and this offense breaks records with virtually the same offensive line. We put a "dual threat" which is a term I hate because when I see dual threat all I think of is singular threat, and this offense is pedestrian AT BEST. Sure we whoop the pants off of Southeastern Louisiana State Technical School of Welders, but when we play anyone with a decent defense, forget about it, this offense ain't moving past the chains.
Do you think that neither Jennings nor Harris have the ability to become a pocket passer? Or is it just inexperience and development that is lacking?
Having young QBs who don't stick in the pocket make it hard on the OL, I'd think. Our guys are too skittish, particularly Harris. It's also hard to open holes when the defense is keying on the run game cos they have no respect for the passing game. Don't think the OL is as bad as they look. It all goes back to the program's inability to create a cycle of prepared QBs. When we got Mett we should have realized he wouldn't be here this year and taken every opportunity to prepare Jennings. It's been a QB cluster F since Miles got here. Of course, Chavis could have helped last year with a D worth a damn.
I've said this before and will say it again, no matter how good a QB is at running, he is gonna have to learn to pass from the pocket.
And so called QB guru Cameron should have been teaching them that from the day they first set foot on campus
Mett was a gift from the football gods. He fell into Les Miles lap and was almost about to be wasted but was saved by Cameron. Miles loves the dual threat QB because that means he can run the ball another 6-10 times a game. He loves that so much. I wish he could find a good one.
I still believe Harris will turn out to be a special player but by God, Les. Get him out from under center and that stupid two tight end power I set.
Honestly I have no idea. I know they made their bones from being exceptional runners that could throw if they had to. I mean I thought Jennings could maybe I was wrong I just don't know.
