A couple of observations to start the conversation:
1. Newton was impressive. Even if you were confident in him before the first game, you have to feel like he exceeded expectations. He had over three hundred yards of offense by himself. He had slightly more passing yards (186) than running (171). I'd like to see that tilt a little more toward passing, but I'm not gonna be too picky about his first ever performance as a D1 starting QB.
2. Dyer is the real deal. He will be our starting tailback before the end of September. The only thing holding him back is pass blocking. Fannin will have to move to F or H Back. He is much more dangerous receiving than running since he still has issues with fumbling out of the backfield.
3. The D was pretty terrible in the first half, but had a solid second half. You have to remember that Ark. State had ten minutes more time of possession than Auburn. The D is going to give up yards when they are on the field that much. That said, I hope there is major improvement from game 1 to game 2, because MSU's offense will be much better than Ark. State.
4. Penalties: The number of penalties was still higher than I would like it to be. We are improving in this area, but we still get too many.
5. Overall, this game has not changed my opinion about how we will fare this year. I still think a 10 win season is very much a possibility with 9 being acceptable and 11 being an awesome season.
Your thoughts???
No real complaints about the offense. The offensive line played really well. I was really impressed with how calm Newton looked whenever he dropped back.
ReplyDeleteI thought the problem with defense was mainly play calling. Even in the first quarter there weren't too many missed tackles.
But fumbles, penalties, and defense need to improve quickly.
First off: Cam Newton is, physically, a freak of nature (rumor is he has balls the size of cantelopes...and I believe it!). Couldn't agree more about his poise in the pocket. I'm not going to get ahead of myself...I know he will have struggles as he adjust to being a starting QB in the SEC...But win or lose I'm confident with him leading the team.
ReplyDeleteObviously the defense needs improvement. We have to get more cosistent pressure up front. I also think we missed Craig Stevens and he should help with defending the short passing game. I agree that there were not a ridiculous amount of missed tackles...however I don't agree with the way Roof's defenses tackle. They seem to go for the explosive knock out hit rather than breaking down and wrapping up. I hope the tackling holds up against SEC defenses. Also Bates (10 tackles) and Bynes were solid as always...and Fairley showed flashes of being dominant with 2 sacks. Tons of young talent played and hopefully will contribute more and more as the season goes on.
Dyer is a Beast...will be the man sooner rather than later.
Feel free the run a Snopes check on the size of Cam's cahones...for rizzle! haha
Really pumped about the offensive potential. Cam is a stud and as long as Dyer can stay injury free and learn some pass blocking, Auburn should have the type of offensive numbers to send Dr. Gustav to a head coaching position next season. That being said, they really need to work on team discipline. Penalties are driving me crazy yet again.
ReplyDeleteOn the defensive side of things, geeeeez, the first half I thought they somehow managed to look worse than they did last year. Granted they were doing a LOT of subbing (I'm guessing for the sake of a short turn around for State), and were on the field a significant amount of time for a first game, maybe it looks worse than it really is. Against a tough SEC D, look for longer offensive drives to keep the D off the field and rested, and hopefully they can get their shit together.
Special teams: Holy cow what an improvement from last year. Though we could still use a better punter. Carr returning the ball=good things.
Overall, it was a great to be back in the stadium for the kickoff to what looks to be an exciting season; complete with anal rapings, close games, and upsets on both sides.