Offense: D
I was wrong like everyone else. This offense should be an absolute juggernaut (and may yet be), but they aren't there yet. I've seen the bevy of arm chair QBing and I disagree with most of it so allow me to throw my two cents in. Playcalling is an issue, but it's not the reason for the lack of success. The reason is simply a lack of execution. No, Tom Herman in Houston isn't causing Cardale to throw to the defense or the O-line to struggle in the blocking schemes. The coaching staff isn't different. I wonder if we're seeing a team that's resting on it's laurels. You can't roll the ball out there and expect to win when you get every team's best shot. NIU isn't a slouch, but they are not only a defensive TD worse. The offense is simply too predictable.
To the quarterback issue: It's time to go back to Captain Smooth. JT needs to take the first team reps for the whole week and to get back to 2014 JT. Cardale has simply regressed from the magical title run and the loss of a consistent deep threat is simply more costly than we thought. Why I think it's JT time? The receivers are more possession/slot receivers than stretch the field...which works with the defensive diagnosis ability of JT. Cardale can muscle the ball...but the receivers aren't built to run under it. Michael Thomas remains an absolute stud that isn't being utilized. JT can exploit his skill set. Also, we thought Cardale would open the running lanes up for Zeke by stretching the field, but unfortunately, the lack of a true running threat with Cardale has keyed the front seven into stopping 15. JT confuses the defense and keeps them questioning who has the ball. It's time for a return to greatness.
Finally, 5...FIVE turnovers? Completely unacceptable. Cardale's throws were atrocious, Zeke's fumble was bad (but not as costly as it was on 4th down), JT's interception was a lapse in judgement that was on him for missing the deep zone, and Samuel's was inexcusable given the situation. This. Can. Not. Continue. Mr. Hoying likes to say: "Stupid team rarely wins". We bucked that trend this week, but not against better teams.
Defense: A-
Very little to complain about here. All the points came off turnovers with a shorter field. The defense was fantastic, but I can't give a full A to the team because of one play. 3rd and 11 late in the game in the red zone with a 10 point lead, NIU ran a draw play up the middle...and carried multiple attempted tacklers beyond the sticks. That play made me want to puke. The fact that NIU simply wanted it more, it not acceptable for the Bullets. That being said, the 3 stars on this defense: Darron Lee, Gareon Conley (keep an eye on this guy), and Joey Bosa. Look out NFL.
Special Teams: B+
The other team kicked the ball out of bounds!! Not us!! HOORAY!!! Not much to complain about. Good punting (although there was simply too many of them...thanks offense), good kicking, but one issue: Jalin Marshall needs to stop stopping my heart every time he field a punt. Crunch time when simply getting possession can seal the game, and you DIVE TO CATCH A PUNT!?!?! I'm done returning punts. Time to let the ball bounce every time and stay away.
Coaching: B-
Defensive coaching was fantastic again. Offensively... eh. I won't blame the closeness of the game on the playcalling (see above). I still don't know why we eschew the quick slant, screen, buttonhooks, and drag routes, but hopefully, we can realize that these receivers are built for this. I have faith that it will correct. I am totally of the belief that the coaches were not a fault this week.
Overall: C
Nice and average. Great defense; painful offense. Time to turn the corner. Maybe NIU is really, really good...or maybe not. Next week better show me something. I really thought (like everyone) we'd have great eyepopping offense and a good defense. Instead we have great eyepopping defense and an ok offense. The good news is offense is easier to fix (we've seen these same players go crazy). I just want to see it NOW!
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