Grading the Bucks: Week 10--Minnesota

Sorry these are late. I was too busy hiring a guy who single-handedly cost his team their biggest win in 5+ years and then got beat (fairly) handily in his last 2 exhibition games.  Mediocrity is the word of the day in Minnesota.  Glen Mason looking pretty good right now.

Offense: C+
Well, what did you expect? We know what Cardale is, and we saw it on display again.  Now, give credit to the Minnesota D-line because that squad isn't terrible, but the inability to consistently move the ball against a fairly weak secondary isn't getting it done.  I will give Cardale credit for improving as the game went on but it simply wasn't enough with the super slow start.  Don't give me 'he wasn't prepared because the coaches benched him' garbage.  He had a full week of practice and had been the starter for half the season.  To look clueless in the first half vs. Minnesota? C'mon man.  Part of the improvement in the 2nd half was the coaches remembering what Cardale can/can't do.  Finally, QB power runs were called with Cardale and he got a nice 38 yard TD run to seal the game.  Zeke had a nice consistent day as normal.  The O-line gets the lowest grade of the bunch.  JT hides the deficiencies of the O-line but those deficiencies were on full display on Sat.  Some of the sacks were on Cardale for holding the ball forever but others were on the line.

Defense: B+
I wish I could give them an A.  They played a fantastic game for the most part but 2 MONSTER breakdowns allowed the Gophers to hang around.  A swing pass for 40 yards and a deep throw in which the CB/Safety crashed into each other led to both scores.  Normally, this wouldn't make a huge deal, but with the offense sputtering early, these breakdowns allowed the game to see closer than it was.  Overall, the defense helped make up for the deficiency of the offense (Bell's nice pick 6), but the inability to cover number 1 was super frustrating.  Again, I thought the D played really well, but they softened a touch too early.  Appearances usually matter so I'd be concerned, but no way an undefeated reigning champ gets left out so just keep winning.

Special Teams: Butt...no wait....BUTT!!
This was just pathetic. Missed FG...check.  Kick out of bounds...check.  Punting suckage....check.  This unit was finally showing some initiative and improving...then had a week like this and it all crashed to the ground.  The one bright spot was Jalin Marshall who has been really good returning punts this year (even though he scares me to death).  When Cam Johnston looks terrible, you know it's not your day.

Coaching: B
Why did Cardale look like a deer in headlights? He had a full week knowing he was the guy.  He was given a second life by JT's idiocy and selfishness and he wasn't ready.  Part of this was the coach's game plan. They ditched the read option (thankfully) but they called long developing pass plays which doesn't fit with Cardale's (lack of) defense diagnosis skills leading to sacks and the entire Buckeye Nation screaming to throw the ball as the slow developing blitz attacks in slow motion.  They improved by the second half exploiting Cardale's skills with one read plays, Zeke takeover, and QB power.  Overall, enough to get out with the win which is all that mattered.

Overall: B-
This was exactly what I expected.  Uninspiring offensive performance, solid defensive performance, get out with a win and who cares what it looked like.  This was the first of two 'mark-time' games.  Next week, JT returns to get back in the groove and prepare for the strong end of the schedule.  This was a game to show up, get the win, and get out.  Mission accomplished.