Beardog26 said:
That part I agree with. I get it, but but proper execution of a good play call against the vulnerable part of a defense does not make it less than a good play call.
I took issue with several people after our game last week that Baldwin actually had some good play calls against the Ducks (not enough, unfortunately) which were not executed well and failed as a result. Doesn't mean they were not good play calls (or that we couldn't have used several more of them).
Yes, Baldwin occasionally calls good plays and usually when he does they are successful. In 2017, the wheel route to Laird was always wide open for a big play. Last year, play action pass to McMorris could get a good gain for a first down. When we do use playaction in running situations we often have the TEs wide open. The TD throw to Tonges against Ole Miss was a great play call leaving Tonges alone with no one in front of him.
The problem is we do those plays one or twice a game like they are trick plays, rather than making them a staple of the offense. It is like the plays are called out of a hat rather than with intent and purpose. We have some good plays with far too many head scratchers. We cannot waste so many plays and possessions and that is only more so if you think we lack playmakers.
Last year we threw to McMorris a total of 7 times in 13 games. 2 of those 7 catches were TDs. Most of the other 5 netted first downs. When McMorris would come in the game, the TV announcers would highlight his pancake blocks, usually springing Laird for a big gain. Now some try to defend Baldwin by saying McMorris didn't have "stamina" to be in more than a few plays a game which is complete BS. McMorris was the starter playing both ways for Mater Dei and even started on the basketball team-THAT takes stamina and endurance. He is a tremendous athlete and could have been a key weapon in our offense (as a blocker and receiver).
Oregon's defense is fast and aggressive. The way you beat a team like that is you use misdirection. Get them going fast the wrong way so they are out of position. The absolute worst thing you can do is a predictable, slow developing run play up the middle. Over and over again. (Then complain about player "execution"). Fake the run up the middle and then bootleg. I think we did that once for a nice completion. Do it until the defense adjusts. Throw in a counter (maybe a reverse). Get the defense to have to be more cautious and stop loading the box. The run up the middle will open up.