It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win is a win. Considering the season thus far, and the six straight SEC East losses coming into the game, this was also a very big win. To recap, I'm just going to comment on how we fared with my Keys to the Game.
Image from OnlineAthens.com.
On Offense
1. Knocking Vanderbilt back on offense coming off the ball.
We didn't knock Vandy off the ball when run blocking, but the defensive line wasn't having a party in the backfield like Tennessee did either. While there weren't always holes, Knowshon at least had space to change direction when needed.
2. A steady, and productive, dose of Knowshon Moreno and Kregg Lumpkin out of the backfield.
Well, due to Lumpkin's injury, we got half of this. There was a steady dose of Knowshon indeed. With 28 carries for 157 yards, Knowshon had the most carries by a Georgia back since Musa Smith in 2002.
3. Enough protection to allow Stafford to step into his throws.
I was very, very pleased with this. The majority of the time, Stafford had plenty of time to throw. Against Vandy, Stafford's problem was not throwing off of his back foot. Instead, he was a little hesitant, waiting too long to make the throw. On multiple occasions, the ball got to wide open receivers way too late. Thus they were no longer wide open by the time the ball got there.
On Defense
1. The defensive line putting pressure on the quarterback.
With three sacks and multiple hurries, the Dawgs got plenty of pressure on the passer. On a side note here, I love Marcus Howard's leg kick celebration after a sack.
2. The linebackers shedding blocks and making tackles.
The linebacker play was much improved from the Tennessee game in my opinion. However, I could have done without the huge chunks of yardage on QB draws and reverses.
3. All defenders taking the proper angles on plays.
Again, the angles taken were better than against UT, but I could have done without the huge chunks of yardage on QB draws and reverses. I don't think those were the result of bad angles though.
On Special Teams
1. Kick off deep.
The kickoffs were fine, but our kick coverage continues to be shaky.
2. Block for the punter.
Mimbs had plenty of time to kick, although there were a couple poor snaps.
3. Thomas Flowers stepping in admirably for Mikey Henderson at punt returner.
This wasn't much of a factor in the game, good or bad. Neither Flowers or Asher Allen had any punts that were very returnable.
With this being an off week, I've got some more specific thoughts on the game that I'll share as the week goes on. Also, I'll have the highlight video up in a day or two.
Sturdivant seemed to bounce back well, and the D looked better than I expected.
ReplyDeleteI think the bigger story that no one is really talking about is Stafford. I realize he's only a sophmore, but I think it's time we see a better passing game out of him. He had some horrendous throws Saturday. Last year it was all about how the receivers couldn't catch his zip. Now it just seems like he still hasn't learned how to control his arm. The overthrown passes are becoming a big problem. And Florida knows he can't make the deep shot consistently.
Ally - His underthrows are actually more of a concern to me. He underthrew Massaquoi twice. The first should have been a touchdown that was nearly intercepted. The second was on a deep crossing route. He actually underthrew him a third time, but he was throwing on the run so that was a tough throw.
ReplyDeleteI agree - should've added that to my post. I really just meant that he's not putting the ball where it needs to be. Maybe I'm being too critical, but it just seems like this aspect of his game hasn't improved. Really surprised by that quite frankly.
ReplyDeleteCant wait for the highlight vid. I love all your videos!
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