This wasn't very long ago. Darren Evans was a backup that any team would have loved to have. We went from years of amazing rushers to what we have now. Forget mediocre O-line play, where did the playmakers at RB go? We've never had an amazing O-line but had backs that would find holes.
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Even Imoh and Humes would suffice right now.
Check the IR list. Lotta play makers in the recovery room this year.
-juice
-shai
-edmunds
I really like all of those guys, but I've never seen any spark from them that we've had in former players. Way too much JC Coleman, although he was the only guy who did work last weekend. They are all serviceable backs, but we've made our runs off of guys who could make entire defenses miss. These guys just aren't the same caliber as RB''s of the past.
I think Shai has that spark. He's the only one I've seen who I think can reach the DE/RW/DW level.
Well those running backs had much better offensive lines to run behind, and this year Shai and Marshawn have been playing at less than 100% all year. Shai and Marshawn are at least as talented as Evans
Agree 100%. Thanks for making this point.
Which is absolutely saying something, because our offensive line sucked back then as well.
I do think there is something to be said for the fact we don't have a mobile QB back there, the likes of Randall, Marcus, Tyrod, or Logan... With those guys, defenses had to spy the QB with one of their LBs on every play, which brought one man out of the box, or at the very least caused a reaction delay from at least one defender that we're just not dealing with right now. I wonder if just having that one additional guy rushing the line every play was enough to completely overwhelm the OL, which is killing our chances of truly establishing anything?
this maybe true but since we were really running plays that had a run threat for the QB except for logan and randall. randall some option stuff and logan the zone read tyrod and marcus mostly came of scrambles and when the run game produces back in the day you knew run was comming. our formations showed it if it was anything other than 3rd and 8+ we were running the football. we just couldnt be stopped. i said it in another thread but ill say it again here.... juice breaks the tackle from the guy in that bust through the line and gets a +2 yard gain. RU, DW, Ore, KJ, Suggs, and even DE make that guy miss and then have the ability to bust it, i love juice but hes not a home run threat he reminds me alot of humes they arent going to take neggitive plays but they arent taking off to the races either. i really dont know if shia has that ability or not yet and honestly i dont know if he will ever be able to cut like he prolly once did so i dont know if we will see it from him but i agree our tallent in the backfield is not the same as it used to be.
Shai definitely has the potential to be an all-time great IMO. Second surgery on an ACL sucks, but hopefully he comes back strong. But concerning your thread, those guys were awesome. Williams in particular looked like an NFL superstar coming out of college, but of course injuries ended his career. Just wish we could get a guy who could have a nice, long career at the tailback position at the next level. But I'm sure we're not the only school that has ever thought the same thing. NFL RBs just don't last
We need a QB thats a running threat. Notice who the QB was in all those highlights?
Shai and Marsh are just different types of runners than David and Ryan. In fact, I'd say they're more prototypical NFL RB builds.....just hope we can keep the kids healthy.
On a lot of those, the o line did a good enough job making a hole. But it's the speed at which those guys nailed the hole that's awesome. That and the fact that they used a good stiff arm, cuts, change of speed, and just plain beast strength to make safeties miss (or just run them over)
But yes, having a rushing threat at QB always helps get the defense off the RB
We wait for Searles to get the next group in gear.
I disagree with the sentiment that we need the threat of a running QB to have any effectiveness on offense. It's definitely an added benefit and I'm not blind to the fact that almost all of this programs success has come via a mobile QB. But I think solid, consistent o-line play, coupled with effective play calling and run schemes would be beneficial in any system regardless of the mobility of the QB.
Sure, a mobile QB is great to have in a pinch when the play breaks down, but if we're consistently relying on a mobile QB to make plays behind an ineffective offensive line, I don't think it's too long before the injury bug strikes and the immobile QB is playing.
I'll echo what's been said before - give Searels time to recruit and coach and let our current line mesh and get valuable game experience. At this point, Barry Sanders couldn't be a effective runner behind our line.
anytime you have a running QB is it one more person the D has to account for and 1 less that can focus soley on your RB. mobility and tryod and the vicks are 2 totally different things. if brewer just keeps every know and then and picks up 5 yrds it makes a world off difference. i wouldnt say aaron rodgers is mobile but his ability to extend plays and pick up possitive yards when the pocket breaks down (which is every pass for us) i think is an what we are missing the most at the QB postition right now.
They were awesome backs. How many plays were out of the I formation?
Recruit another DE or RMFW and a Blake DeChristopher to run behind. Throw in a Tyrod for good measure to tip the math in the offense's favor up front, and you've got yourself another dominant rushing attack.
Time machine?
You are wrong about the line. We have never had a good pass blocking line, we used to have a good run blocking line. Our Running backs with the talent you are asking for are hurt.
We never had an elite pass blocking line, but it used to be a lot more effective than it is currently. Especially when you factor in all the times that Stiney's route running schemes often left zero receivers open.
We recruited Ryan Williams, Darren Evans, and David Wilson in back-to-back-to-back seasons.
We also recruited Marshawn Williams, Shai McKenzie and now DeShawn McClease all within two seasons.
We'll be in a good spot before too long.
Easy.... improvement/development of O-line. One of the worst offensive lines, outside of Teller, I have seen in my years watching VT football. Any other answer to this question falls down on the priority list. No offensive line, no team.
Our RB's right now especially Shai and Marshawn have that chance if they get healthy and the offensive actually produces next year regardless call it loyal optimism but I feel like our team should take an overall step forward next year. One can only hope
Our offensive unit has never been able to execute zone blocking consistently because we can't teach it effectively. Part of that is the coaches not recognizing what they have in terms of personnel. I formation, ISO, toss sweeps, counter trap type of plays were our bread and butter back in the Bustle days. Why not use it today?
Dont underestimate Boooooone as a blocking TE.
It was like having an extra Olineman that could also catch. We have no TE's like Boone. Malleck, Cline, and Bucky are good, but they can't set the edge like Boone.
I miss how fast Lee Suggs would explode through a hole in the line. Watch Shai reminded me of that. He has the added payload to deliver punishment to linebackers that try to meet him in the hole. I can't wait for him to be healthy.