Yes, it was a little bit of a slow start, but those things happen. This was Richmond's super bowl, and they played that way to start the game. Their offense -- especially QB Michael Strauss -- was very impressive to start, as they drove down with relative ease to take a 3-0 lead.
And while that made me and most of Wahoo Nation a little nervous, our team responded -- like we were supposed to do. Our players are just that much better.
Anyhoo, here are a couple thoughts on the game...
QB Question Still Unsolved
Coming in, I was really hoping one of either Lambert or Johns would suck while the other shined. I didn't care which. I just wanted a clear cut starter for Louisville.
And, well, that didn't really happen.
For the record, I prefer Johns over Lambert. To me, it seems clear that Lambert has the higher ceiling of the two. He definitely has a stronger arm along with a more sturdy frame.
But Johns just handles adversity in the pocket better. Lambert rarely steps into his throws. His arm is strong enough that it's just not always necessary. But if Lambert wants to actually throw the ball down field -- and not become captain check-down like Watford last year -- he'll need to step up and stand taller in the pocket.
Johns is no physical freak, but he just seems more comfortable. That translates to him being able to take shots down field and keep plays alive.
For example, Johns' patience allowed us to score that first touchdown. I don't think Lambert makes that throw -- he would just panic too much.
But at the same time, I'm not sure Johns makes the second touchdown throw to Severin. That was just a hell of a throw by Lambert while on the move.
Lambert was 13-15 for 102 yards, while Johns was 4-7 for 65 yards and an interception. Both had a touchdown.
Ultimately, I just feel Johns provides a spark that Lambert doesn't. I think he's our best chance to win now.
Run Game Sucks
I hope y'all have noticed this -- we haven't taken a snap from center all year. We're always in the shotgun.
I'm not sure I understand the reasoning for this move. Is it to hide deficiencies in our offensive line? Are our quarterbacks just that much more comfortable in the shotgun?
Whatever the reason, it comes with a consequence -- our run game blows. Draw plays are meant to catch the defense off guard. They're not supposed to be used every play. It's just pathetic.
We've got one of the best RB groups in the ACC, and we won't hit more than 150 yards per game at this rate.
Pass Rush is Really Good
Not much more needs to be said -- between Harold, Valles, Dean, and Moore, we have a legitimate front 4. Then add is great linebackers in Coley and Romero, and you've got yourself one of the best front sevens in the ACC.
That is all.
Playmakers at Wide Receiver
London has always brought in good athletes. But last season, there was no production.
I just thought our WR core sucked, but now I'm thinking that it was Watford that was holding them back.
We're rotating in like 8 guys, but we're getting production. New(ish) guys like Levrone and Severin have really stepped up. And old guys like Jennings (don't forget about his kick retruns) have produced.
Plus, I really like Doni Dowling as a possession receiver. He'll only improve.
These guys are really underrated, and regardless of the QB, we'll get some production.
NOTE: I'm really surprised that Keeon Johnson hasn't seen more time. He flashed promise last season, and he seemed to be the stud during training camp. I have no answers there -- I'm just surprised he's not playing.
Blanding Will Be Really Good
I'm not just talking about his pick (which was a great play) or his near pick (that he probably had if Canady didn't hit him).
No, he's just a real physical player that's in the right place at the right time. He shows no fear in the box. And in coverage, he can lay some wood.
I'm excited about his prospects.
Andrew Brown Has A Long Way To Go
He barely saw the field, but his snaps weren't pretty. In the fourth quarter, Richmond would run to his side, and he would just get up field too quickly without keeping contain. The runs resulted in a couple long gains.
That said, he no doubt has the skills to be a starter sooner rather than later. But I was expecting him to be an instant starter -- that won't be the case. Maybe a little later in the season, but not anytime in the next few games.
NOTE: I love how Brown sprints from the sideline to the field and then from the field to the sideline. It shows his intensity and hustle. I wish more players did this.
Conclusion
Basically, the defense has been really good while the offense has been pretty bad.
The defense will keep us in most games. But if we want to win some games, we need two things to happen:
1) Pick a Quarterback -- Like I said, I prefer Johns. But it's not like Lambert has been awful either. Whichever guy we choose, we need to choose soon. I'm sorry, but we're not beating Louisville (or most teams) with a QB rotation.
2) Switch up the run game -- It seems like we have two run plays: a draw up the gut, and a draw up the gut with a pulling guard. And neither works. Sophomore QB's will not win us ball games. We need an effective running game. I don't care if we're in the pistol or under center, but we can't keep running draws out of the shotgun.
In the preseason predictions, I have us beating Louisville next week. Honestly, it could happen. We have the talent to do so. It's a matter of can we play a complete game and, most importantly, establish the run.
I feel better about the team than I did when the year began, but we still have a long way to go. We need ONE quarterback and a run game.
I'd be shocked if we reach six wins with the vanilla, two-QB offense we're running now.
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