I think they want to evaluate players in normal game conditions/scenarios.
"The statue of liberty' play isn't helpful in determining ability ... even it it works.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I like it. You don't get better as a QB if you end most plays on your back after a forced quick throw. As a RB, you never hone the ability to spot a hole & make the right cut if you never get the opportunity to get to the line of scrimmage untouched every once in a while.
Sounds like just fundamental football at game-speed to allow the players (particularly the offense) to get more valuable reps on (hopefully) some sustained drives.
One thing that has always concerned me about practicing against our D. Yes, the argument is valid that playing against a great D is valuable experience.
I think lost in that though, is that playing mostly 3 and outs doesn't allow for the offensive players to gain the muscle memory and the confidence that comes with successful drives.
Especially with young QBs, and an O-line that hasn't gelled yet. Our QBs need the opportunity to practice going through progressions and pitching some balls around at full speed and against live coverages. I'm not saying we need a solid starter coming out of spring, but I really want them to have every opportunity to deliver some passes and compete in the fall pre-season with some confidence.
I think it's good that Ford will be the backup for both teams. This will give him the same opportunity to leave spring ball on a confident note, and one that sounds like it has been hard to come by in the previous scrimmages by virtue of constant harassment by the D.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I'd like to add that the staff doesn't want to tip their hand to any potential opposing scouts who may be in attendance. I doubt seriously that the public will see much of what the offense wants to do until the OSU game.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
If there is one thing you don't want another team's scout to see, it's a trick play. Running a trick play in an open practice is like attempting the same trick play 2 times in a game... Wait a minute...
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I can't help but wonder if saying "no trick plays" in the Spring Game is basically to allow the offense to save face for announcing you are limiting the defense's playbook. The defense gives up something, so the offense will "give up something."
Except they are not.
A trick play by the offense in a spring game would be absolutely wasted in terms of tipping your hand to the defenses that matter (other teams in the ACC), in terms of trying to fool an opponent in a game that doesn't matter in the least, and in terms of wasting a real-speed practice opportunity against a live defense. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I've ever heard one being called in the spring game.
Stunting by the defense isn't a trick play, or even a terribly unusual call. Yes it may surprise an offense not prepared for it, but it's not a trick by anyone's measure.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
A 'stunt', sometimes called a 'twist', is when two defensive players (typically defensive lineman) switch assignments or gaps, with one player crossing behind or in front of their nearby teammate. You can think of it as two football players running a pick and roll on an offensive lineman. One DL 'sets the screen' so to speak, the other curves behind it.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Comments
" The offense won't be allowed to call any trick plays. The defense won't be allowed to do any stunting."
Any idea or explanation given as to why that is the case?
I think they want to evaluate players in normal game conditions/scenarios.
"The statue of liberty' play isn't helpful in determining ability ... even it it works.
I like it. You don't get better as a QB if you end most plays on your back after a forced quick throw. As a RB, you never hone the ability to spot a hole & make the right cut if you never get the opportunity to get to the line of scrimmage untouched every once in a while.
Sounds like just fundamental football at game-speed to allow the players (particularly the offense) to get more valuable reps on (hopefully) some sustained drives.
One thing that has always concerned me about practicing against our D. Yes, the argument is valid that playing against a great D is valuable experience.
I think lost in that though, is that playing mostly 3 and outs doesn't allow for the offensive players to gain the muscle memory and the confidence that comes with successful drives.
Especially with young QBs, and an O-line that hasn't gelled yet. Our QBs need the opportunity to practice going through progressions and pitching some balls around at full speed and against live coverages. I'm not saying we need a solid starter coming out of spring, but I really want them to have every opportunity to deliver some passes and compete in the fall pre-season with some confidence.
I think it's good that Ford will be the backup for both teams. This will give him the same opportunity to leave spring ball on a confident note, and one that sounds like it has been hard to come by in the previous scrimmages by virtue of constant harassment by the D.
I'd like to add that the staff doesn't want to tip their hand to any potential opposing scouts who may be in attendance. I doubt seriously that the public will see much of what the offense wants to do until the OSU game.
^^^^ what he said. Especially with how secretive Leoffler is
If there is one thing you don't want another team's scout to see, it's a trick play. Running a trick play in an open practice is like attempting the same trick play 2 times in a game... Wait a minute...
I can't help but wonder if saying "no trick plays" in the Spring Game is basically to allow the offense to save face for announcing you are limiting the defense's playbook. The defense gives up something, so the offense will "give up something."
Except they are not.
A trick play by the offense in a spring game would be absolutely wasted in terms of tipping your hand to the defenses that matter (other teams in the ACC), in terms of trying to fool an opponent in a game that doesn't matter in the least, and in terms of wasting a real-speed practice opportunity against a live defense. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I've ever heard one being called in the spring game.
Stunting by the defense isn't a trick play, or even a terribly unusual call. Yes it may surprise an offense not prepared for it, but it's not a trick by anyone's measure.
What is stunting?
According to David Banner it is a habit and you need to get like him.
Here's the basic description -
A 'stunt', sometimes called a 'twist', is when two defensive players (typically defensive lineman) switch assignments or gaps, with one player crossing behind or in front of their nearby teammate. You can think of it as two football players running a pick and roll on an offensive lineman. One DL 'sets the screen' so to speak, the other curves behind it.