Ted Miller over at ESPN gave his helmet stickers both to Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen today. I'm of the opinion our wideout unit is going to be lights out, if anything because their balance of speed, size, and experience. Keenan catching balls from his brother is just gravy.

With particularly towards the size aspect, did everyone notice how our WRs towered over the FSU DBs? Colorado's tallest is 6'1 (Ray Polk). They're starting a true Freshmen (Greg Henderson, 5'11") at one of the CB spots.

Things are looking up for next week.

KA and Marv are sure to gain a lot of attention next week, really hoping that opens up a 3rd passing threat like Miller or Johnson.

Two 100 yard receivers for the first time since we last had raw talent (a fast, NFL-bound phenom) paired with dependability (an experienced, NFL-bound upperclassman): 2006, when DeSean Jackson and Lavelle Hawkins averaged 81 and 54 yds/game, respectively. Looking at our schedule with an optimistic eye, it's reasonable to expect at least that level of production with similar TD totals (14) with a big upside if we can stay healthy on the line and in the backfield. That "if" should be written in size 78 font, but it's hard not to be hopeful after so many years of futility in the passing game.

I think Kiesau is starting to do his magic on our receivers. It felt like they (not just MJ and KA) were able to get open on most of the plays. It'll be fun to see how they develop throughout the season and beyond.

still will have another threat when kaelin clay gets healthy. excited for what this unit can do this year.

when you have a dual threat QB and a competent scheme getting open is rarely the problem.

Several spectular plays and several DROPPED balls by the starters, some were very catchable passes --> made ZM15's completion stat (45.7%) be lower than his personal performance warranted.

And agree that, given the weak running game, one other receiver (Miller, Calvin, Edmond, or Clay) will have to emerge as a serious third threat; Miller looked ~OK with 2 catches, Calvin with only 1. Once or If ZM15 improves on going through his progressions, that might happen.

pappysghost;559203 said:

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when you have a dual threat QB and a competent scheme getting open is rarely the problem.

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Oregon had its struggles yesterday against LSU with its dual threat QB and a typically competent scheme. Maybe it is the dual thread QB, Tedford calling better plays Kiesau teaching better techniques or some combo of all three - I'm just happy the WRs are finding space when it felt like the last couple years, there was plenty of discussion about our WRs not being able to get open even in one-on-one coverage. Let's hope this continues as we face tougher opponents.

Nasal Mucus Goldenbear;559217 said:

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Several spectular plays and several DROPPED balls by the starters, some were very catchable passes --> made ZM15's completion stat (45.7%) be lower than his personal performance warranted.

And agree that, given the weak running game, one other receiver (Miller, Calvin, Edmond, or Clay) will have to emerge as a serious third threat; Miller looked ~OK with 2 catches, Calvin with only 1. Once or If ZM15 improves on going through his progressions, that might happen.

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I have a feeling both MJ and KA will be involved in helping the running game as the season progresses. I see reverses and the option in the future. Marvin surprised me yesterday with his elusiveness after the catch.

89Bear;559249 said:

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I have a feeling both MJ and KA will be involved in helping the running game as the season progresses. I see reverses and the option in the future. Marvin surprised me yesterday with his elusiveness after the catch.

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Agreed. How many times did the Bears run a play with a fake reverse yesterday? It seemed like a lot and not once did they actually use the reverse.

BearyBearyGood;559256 said:

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Agreed. How many times did the Bears run a play with a fake reverse yesterday? It seemed like a lot and not once did they actually use the reverse.

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Hmm, seems awfully familiar with those fly sweeps Isi used to run. Not once was the ball given to him and any defensive coordinator worth his salt would just ignore the runner and focus on the ball carrier. More terrible play calling. Very very very predictable.

GranadaHillsBear;559286 said:

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Hmm, seems awfully familiar with those fly sweeps Isi used to run. Not once was the ball given to him and any defensive coordinator worth his salt would just ignore the runner and focus on the ball carrier. More terrible play calling. Very very very predictable.

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We played out of many different formations yesterday that weren't predictable at all....and you've been around long enough to know that maybe JT doesn't want to show his full hand this early on....we didn't need to show everything to win and we didn't...I'll bet you that once Pac 12 play starts, you'll see all kinds of things transpire...

GranadaHillsBear;559286 said:

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Hmm, seems awfully familiar with those fly sweeps Isi used to run. Not once was the ball given to him and any defensive coordinator worth his salt would just ignore the runner and focus on the ball carrier. More terrible play calling. Very very very predictable.

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Completely disagree!!!! Like Pawlaski said on TV, the Bears showed a TON of formations that defensive coordinators would now have to prepare for moving forward. Bears made it a bit harder to get ready to play them!! That's huge. They showed the read option for one. That is completely new for a Tedford offense. Do you really think the Bears would empty out their playbook the first game, in a game they really had in their hands for most of the time? Poor post by you.

KA and MJ are awesome. However, I'm worried about the lack of depth. It's a bit similar to 2004 when Aaron Rodger had Chase Lyman and Geoff McArthur. We lost both with injuries during the season, which led to a harassing defeat to Texas Tech at the Holiday Bowl.

I'm hoping that another receiver (or two) can step it up.

You have hit the point right on....don't look for these two receivers to have a great game every game....DB's will be headhunting these guys as the season progresses with no reliable running game developing....if Cal loses these WRs, then we're back to last year's Tedford's-horrific offense...so we should enjoy them while we can....

Blueblood;559349 said:

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You have hit the point right on....don't look for these two receivers to have a great game every game....DB's will be headhunting these guys as the season progresses with no reliable running game developing....if Cal loses these WRs, then we're back to last year's Tedford's-horrific offense...so we should enjoy them while we can....

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I imagine the thing people like about you the most is your sunny demeanor.

89Bear;559249 said:

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I have a feeling both MJ and KA will be involved in helping the running game as the season progresses.

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I really don't want to see KA and Marv running the ball off handoffs. For the same reason I'm not thrilled to see them returning punts or even worse KOs. Losing one of those two guys to an injury on that kind of low return play would just be devastating.

But I do feel that you are correct - KA and Marv WILL be involved in helping the running game. By drawing double coverage. It's been two years since a Cal WR was enough of a threat to actually draw a safety away from the line of scrimmage. But I think it happens this year. THAT is what will open up our running game.

we have some quality WRs. I think that once Clay gets fully healthy then we will have 4 solid WRs. Edmond doesn't really do it for me, but McGovern looks like a good player in the future. Did Mo Harris get any PT? I didn't see him on the field, I wanted him to Blue Shirt because he is so far down the depth chart.

drunkoski;559585 said:

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When have we ever held anything back in prior years?

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Stanfurd 2008... remember the hook and lateral?

Generally, I agree we don't "hold back" in a strategic sense. In this case, I think we might be holding back some stuff simply because we haven't fully explored the new pistol formation plays yet. In other words we've practiced the basics and we might see some new wrinkles added as we become more comfortable executing the base stuff.