I wonder if it was just too late in Josh's career to put him in a "system." Really, the first two years under Pees, he was just kind of free wheeling because Pees didn't know what to do with him. Even last year, he was at his best when he was at his most creative. This year, I read more and more about Martin trying to get Josh to play into the offensive plan. Maybe the offensive plan needs to play into Josh?
There is just no reason for the kicking game to cost us three wins in a row. No reason. Get it fixed.
Every year aboput this time I get numb about the season, and look for bright spots for the next year. ( How's it worked so far? :D)
Maybe I just can't stand the pain of this never getting better, or maybe I see hope. I think this year is so much harder because I do see hope. (Let's face it, when we were getting blown out of games by three or more touchdowns, the place kicking game didn't make a damn bit of difference. )
Anyway, here's what my decidedly rose colored glasses see.
1. No doubt the defense is better, with less than one year under the system. And while we lose Mahl, we return some studs next year: Parrish, Sessler, Muir, Young, and even Williams will learn. By the way, both the Zits and the Flashes are after Pariish's little brother, (a stud DE) next year. I hope Justin gives him a :chair: if he commits to the Zits. ( Tennessee is giving him a look, too, so it may be irrelevant.)
2. Smith will be better under Martin's system. He's more of a traditional QB, but with some of Josh's mobility and speed. And bigger than Josh. There will not be the need to learn a new system. I still say his 114 yards passing at Iowa was under estimated. There were lots of catchable balls dropped.
3. We lose Dowrey, but have some good opportunities in Bush, Bell and Prudah. And remember Draeger returns as TE next year. He's IKE SHALL RETURN's guy. Jon lead the State in Pennslyvania in TD's his senior year with over 2000 yards rushing. Not bad.
4. Look at the OL roster. They are all freshman and sophomores except for a few. Figure than we really need 8 solid linemen to rotate in and out due to the wear and tear, and we are light. So, I will write the play off to depth and inexperience. Experience will come with time, but we gotta improve the depth with recruiting.
5. Both Mayle and Brazen are back next year. It's gotta get fixed by then.
GF 68 raises a good point. Remember when Pees was the defensive coordinator and head coach and the defense sucked. ( Sorry FIDO, but it did.) Pees hired Restkis because he finally admitted being the coordinator and head coach was too much. Maybe Martin needs to hire a OC next year. Just a thought.
