After a week of anticipation Arizona took the field without Gronk and apparently without a competent quarterback. Despite these deficiencies the Cats had multiple chances to win this game. I trace the loss to 3 key plays:
Play #1: Not so Quick Nic
Tyler has been telling me all week how Nic Grigsby's running numbers were an illusion. I posed the question last week, is Grigsby as talented as McKnight? I think this is still a good question as both running backs had their ups and downs yesterday (see SC's turnover problems), but Nic should have scored on his one long run. Scoring on that run would have taken pressure off of Scott (evidenced by his missed throw to the back of the end zone on 3rd down) and we would have been up 14-7, with all the momentum.
Play #2: The 3rd Down Draw Play
I still maintain that Xavier Kelly (I saw you #82) was held on that draw play but even so we can not miss that many tackles and let up a first down on a 3rd and long. That play took advantage of our defenses over-pursuit and I fear that we will have to watch plays like this all season. We are so fast and eager to make a big hit (which we do with dramatic effect) that we are susceptible to draws, screens and play action.
Play#3: Delashaun Dean's Drop
Scott had many bad throws in that game, most notably his "punt" interception pass, but the throw to Dean was "catchable." Dean makes that play and the cats can go back to the run; mixing Grigs and Scott like Oregon and Michigan. Without that catch Scott was forced to pass the rest of the game and as we know that is not his strength.
The QB conversation will be the subject of debate the rest of the week but I think it comes down to what kinda team we want to be. If we are a spread team like Oregon, Michigan, West Virgina or Virginia Tech then Scott is our man. The play calling seems unwilling to commit to this style attack. Sonny Dykes is calling plays like we still have Tui and if that is the decision then Foles needs to play.
What kinda team do you think we should have?
We need to make Foles into Tui, that team was good but now our defense is better so we can win more games. We just need to put up points, and like I said no receiver is good for us we need good receivers.
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