This is analysis that most miss - the first fumble (while costly) was a third down play - if it is just a muffed snap that we fell on - a incomplete pass, a throwaway or a sack - if any of those things happen, we would have kicked a FG - as it is, we got 2 points and the ball back, which, in my mind are close enough to mark it paid.

The second one set up Auburn's only touchdown and was, for all practical purposes the turning point in momentum which Auburn tenously maintained (and the lead for a good bit) until we kicked the field goal. Auburn had a single decent drive - the field goal. They had a score off the second fumble and their offense was effectively negated.

They played somewhat better special teams, but in that game, that was a dubious distinction - both punters did fairly well, but shanked a couple. We missed a field goal and most punts resulted in a fielding attempt reminiscent of Benny Hill videos, only missing the Yakkity Sax soundtrack, even if the fair catch signal was given.

Both teams played outstanding defense - I don't want to say they dominated our offense, because we moved the ball fairly well for significant stretches, but they played well enough after the touchdown drive to say they shut us down. Other than the one drive for FG and the touchdown off the second Mett fumble, our defense smothered them.

quote:
Yep

While Mett is taking heat for the fumbles and the general lack of offensive production -

1.) He's getting much better at throwing the ball away without grounding

2.) He's getting more consistent (still needs work) at sensing pressure and adjusting to it.

3.) He generally (still needs work) makes good decisions as to when to tuck and run.

These aspects of QB play are not always obvious, but they're clear improvements he's made this season already.

There is a generalize "failure to execute" tag that can be applied to the entire offense and it is frustrating in that they seem off-sync much of the time. One minute the blocking is good, but either Mett or Ware go the wrong way. The next the pass is right on the money but the receiver drops it. Then, there is a jailbreak on Mett which disrupts the play/causes turnover etc. Then there will be a couple of false starts on the same drive.

Short of getting a guy who can handle most DEs, in the league, most of the time, at LT, much of these things can be fixed. I'm not sure we can improve the WRs catching ability, but technique like "watch the ball go into your hands and securing it before you run", can be reinforced. Similarly, "Personal fouls are bad, m'kay? So, don't commit personal fouls, m'kay?" can be coached.

This post was edited on 9/24/12 at 1:25 pm