How does the offense climb towards its talent-rich ceiling?

[jarens]

Westerkamp. Reilly. Morgan. Moore. Pierson-El. Carter.

That is some serious talent right there. It's frustrating to watch the offense struggle at times like it does, like a Corvette stuck in first gear.

What's to blame?
-Is it Langsdorf's play-calling? Or the schemes and personnel packages?
-Is it the pro-style of play and overall perspective that Riley brought in?
-Is it a depleted offensive line that can't provide enough time?
-Is it a quarterback that has trouble "executing" when the play-call is set up properly? (I'm a TA fan)

I believe the answer is a combination of all the above, with an asterisk next to the top point. Langsdorf's play-calling has significantly improved from last year, but there's obviously something amiss. There's too much talent on the field for the offense to be as stagnant as it has been.

That being said, I think they can still figure it out. We've seen signs of it. GBR.

 

[Archie Graham]

Huh. 7-1 with an OT loss to a very good Badger team on the road.

K, brah. K.

 

[GBRhuskers]

Westerkamp. Reilly. Morgan. Moore. Pierson-El. Carter.

Wait, aren't we suppose to RUN THE BALL?

This fan base is so confusing.

 

[chicolby]

One thing I always love about a fan's perspective. When your team's D stops another team (covers receivers, etc.), we call it good defense, when the opposing team stops us (no open receivers, stopped a running play, etc.), we say the damn Offensive Coordinator called a bad play.

 

[GretnaShawn]

Wait, aren't we suppose to RUN THE BALL?

This fan base is so confusing.

But run it with Wilbon, he doesn't get enough touches. But don't run it with Wilbon if it doesn't work, then it should have been Bryant. Can can somebody explain to me why Adam Taylor has never gotten a shot?

 

[timnsun]

Westerkamp. Reilly. Morgan. Moore. Pierson-El. Carter.

That is some serious talent right there. It's frustrating to watch the offense struggle at times like it does, like a Corvette stuck in first gear.

What's to blame?
-Is it Langsdorf's play-calling? Or the schemes and personnel packages?
-Is it the pro-style of play and overall perspective that Riley brought in?
-Is it a depleted offensive line that can't provide enough time?
-Is it a quarterback that has trouble "executing" when the play-call is set up properly? (I'm a TA fan)

I believe the answer is a combination of all the above, with an asterisk next to the top point. Langsdorf's play-calling has significantly improved from last year, but there's obviously something amiss. There's too much talent on the field for the offense to be as stagnant as it has been.

That being said, I think they can still figure it out. We've seen signs of it. GBR.

Keep in mind Westerkamp missed 2 games... Carter has missed 3. Reilly missed a few games as well, one to suspension and one to injury I think. Moore missed a game or two to injury. Pierson-El finally seems to be more like his old self the last few weeks...

I don't think it's a coincidence that some of our worst struggles came when Westy and Carter were both out. The fact that the line has injury problems as well doesn't help... But all that talent you named has spent a fair amount of time on the bench this season...

 

[jarens]

Huh. 7-1 with an OT loss to a very good Badger team on the road.

K, brah. K.

Archie I'm happy the Skers are 7-1 and they put up a heck of a fight last week (the defense was phenomenal). But I'm critical of the team because I see potential. Are you satisfied with where the team is at? Because if the offense plays at that level the rest of the year, they're looking at two more losses minimal. Bye-bye Indy.

 

[mwulf]

But run it with Wilbon, he doesn't get enough touches. But don't run it with Wilbon if it doesn't work, then it should have been Bryant. Can can somebody explain to me why Adam Taylor has never gotten a shot?

Wow I legit forgot he was even on the roster still

 

[redwine65]

Archie I'm happy the Skers are 7-1 and they put up a heck of a fight last week (the defense was phenomenal). But I'm critical of the team because I see potential. Are you satisfied with where the team is at? Because if the offense plays at that level the rest of the year, they're looking at two more losses minimal. Bye-bye Indy.

one quick fix = 1-800-joe-montana

 

[walnut creek]

Westerkamp. Reilly. Morgan. Moore. Pierson-El. Carter.

That is some serious talent right there. It's frustrating to watch the offense struggle at times like it does, like a Corvette stuck in first gear.

What's to blame?
-Is it Langsdorf's play-calling? Or the schemes and personnel packages?
-Is it the pro-style of play and overall perspective that Riley brought in?
-Is it a depleted offensive line that can't provide enough time?
-Is it a quarterback that has trouble "executing" when the play-call is set up properly? (I'm a TA fan)

I believe the answer is a combination of all the above, with an asterisk next to the top point. Langsdorf's play-calling has significantly improved from last year, but there's obviously something amiss. There's too much talent on the field for the offense to be as stagnant as it has been.

That being said, I think they can still figure it out. We've seen signs of it. GBR.

I agree with our overall talent we should be at least 4-3. Damn it I hate the overachievers.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Westerkamp. Reilly. Morgan. Moore. Pierson-El. Carter.

That is some serious talent right there. It's frustrating to watch the offense struggle at times like it does, like a Corvette stuck in first gear.

What's to blame?
-Is it Langsdorf's play-calling? Or the schemes and personnel packages?
-Is it the pro-style of play and overall perspective that Riley brought in?
-Is it a depleted offensive line that can't provide enough time?
-Is it a quarterback that has trouble "executing" when the play-call is set up properly? (I'm a TA fan)

I believe the answer is a combination of all the above, with an asterisk next to the top point. Langsdorf's play-calling has significantly improved from last year, but there's obviously something amiss. There's too much talent on the field for the offense to be as stagnant as it has been.

That being said, I think they can still figure it out. We've seen signs of it. GBR.

I wouldn't go as far as to troll with the title you used in this thread, however there is one point that I do sort of agree with.

Last year, and at times this year, the staff did not have the best talent on the field at critical times.

Several times last year, I remember seeing them run Westerkamp off the field for what would be a huge play of the game, and thinking to myself, "what the hell are they doing"? It's a critical moment, and they are more concerned with rotating the play or players in/out.. ugh

I can certainly understand some rotation when it makes sense, but when it is time to pull the rabbit out of the hat, you don't want your star players standing on the sideline.

Langsdorf has room for improvement.

 

[jteten]

We do have a nice receiving corp, but lets not act like we are rolling Julio Jones and AJ Green out there. They are also banged up and the oline has struggled mightily at times. The offense has played well enough to win games....as has the D. We are right where we should be all things considered.

 

[GBRhuskers]

Several times last year, I remember seeing them run Westerkamp off the field for what would be a huge play of the game, and thinking to myself, "what the hell are they doing"? It's a critical moment, and they are more concerned with rotating the play or players in/out.. ugh

You're assuming Jordan didn't run off himself. I'm fairly certain coach Williams allows his guys to sub on their own, for the most part. I know exactly what you're saying, and agree with the premise of your point but I'm not so quick to blame the coaches.

 

[rrthusker]

Keep in mind Westerkamp missed 2 games... Carter has missed 3. Reilly missed a few games as well, one to suspension and one to injury I think. Moore missed a game or two to injury. Pierson-El finally seems to be more like his old self the last few weeks...

I don't think it's a coincidence that some of our worst struggles came when Westy and Carter were both out. The fact that the line has injury problems as well doesn't help... But all that talent you named has spent a fair amount of time on the bench this season...

This

 

[brnred58]

I would say injuries on the offensive line which also includes tight end.

 

[TheBeav815]

Yeah, I mean what's up with that? It's like they have a QB who is not NFL accurate and is running for his life half the time because they have like 3 intact ankles in the OL position room...

 

[Cornicator]

First of all, Cethan Carter hasn't played since the first quarter vs. Illinois. And there is a direct correlation between his absence and the other struggles.

1. Langsdorf completely formulated the offensive scheme around Carter. The zone read and QB run game especially was determined by how teams defended Carter. They used him as a lead blocker out on the edge and could present a run pass option because opponents constantly had to account for him and NOBODY could get thru his blocks, whether they were a linebacker, a DB, or even a DE on the edge. Foster nor Cotton doesn't present that type of matchup because opponents are concerned about them in the passing game.

2. Westerkamp getting hurt compounded the loss of Carter. Teams could then flood the box without worrying about a mismatch at TE or inside at the slot.

3. Alonzo Moore has been banged up and really can't take any pressure on his shoulder. That means he's limited in the passing game beyond play action. With Riley moving inside for Jordan, and teams not having to worry about Moore in the vertical game, it suddenly meant teams could key on the run game more.

4. With injuries to Gates and Knevel, plus Farmer, it meant the Offensive line lacked consistency or any type of rythym.

5. Without all the tools in the passing game, teams could confuse Tommy with different packages flooding passing lanes. DPE, Stanley, and Riley are good. But they are all much better as complimentary pieces to Jordan, Cethan, and Moore on the outside.


If anything, you should applaud the coaches for keeping this team 7-1.

Oh... and I don't know which bowl game Nebraska plays in, but when this offense is all healthy, they will light somebody up come January.

 

[Mtnhusker]

But run it with Wilbon, he doesn't get enough touches. But don't run it with Wilbon if it doesn't work, then it should have been Bryant. Can can somebody explain to me why Adam Taylor has never gotten a shot?

I believe Taylor has never fully recovered from his lower leg injury. Doesn't have the giddy-up he use to have that made him a good RB. Great kid who works his butt off and contributes on Special Teams. Coaches like him but the injuries took away too much explosiveness.

 

[Archie Graham]

Archie I'm happy the Skers are 7-1 and they put up a heck of a fight last week (the defense was phenomenal). But I'm critical of the team because I see potential. Are you satisfied with where the team is at? Because if the offense plays at that level the rest of the year, they're looking at two more losses minimal. Bye-bye Indy.

I think they have exceeded expectations for a group of second year coaches with major roster problems (inherrited from the previous staff) that have been amplified by injuries. We are ahead of schedule.

 

[jarens]

One thing I always love about a fan's perspective. When your team's D stops another team (covers receivers, etc.), we call it good defense, when the opposing team stops us (no open receivers, stopped a running play, etc.), we say the damn Offensive Coordinator called a bad play.

If only it were that simple bud. It's about the game plan and mind set going into the match-up. Wisconsin stayed within its element, because it knows its identity. Nebraska just seems pretty unsure week-to-week. This week they played it ultra conservative. Didn't work out in the end.

 

[GretnaShawn]

I believe Taylor has never fully recovered from his lower leg injury. Doesn't have the giddy-up he use to have that made him a good RB. Great kid who works his butt off and contributes on Special Teams. Coaches like him but the injuries took away too much explosiveness.

I was being facetious.

 

[timnsun]

First of all, Cethan Carter hasn't played since the first quarter vs. Illinois. And there is a direct correlation between his absence and the other struggles.

1. Langsdorf completely formulated the offensive scheme around Carter. The zone read and QB run game especially was determined by how teams defended Carter. They used him as a lead blocker out on the edge and could present a run pass option because opponents constantly had to account for him and NOBODY could get thru his blocks, whether they were a linebacker, a DB, or even a DE on the edge. Foster nor Cotton doesn't present that type of matchup because opponents are concerned about them in the passing game.

2. Westerkamp getting hurt compounded the loss of Carter. Teams could then flood the box without worrying about a mismatch at TE or inside at the slot.

3. Alonzo Moore has been banged up and really can't take any pressure on his shoulder. That means he's limited in the passing game beyond play action. With Riley moving inside for Jordan, and teams not having to worry about Moore in the vertical game, it suddenly meant teams could key on the run game more.

4. With injuries to Gates and Knevel, plus Farmer, it meant the Offensive line lacked consistency or any type of rythym.

5. Without all the tools in the passing game, teams could confuse Tommy with different packages flooding passing lanes. DPE, Stanley, and Riley are good. But they are all much better as complimentary pieces to Jordan, Cethan, and Moore on the outside.


If anything, you should applaud the coaches for keeping this team 7-1.

Oh... and I don't know which bowl game Nebraska plays in, but when this offense is all healthy, they will light somebody up come January.

I get tired of all this rhetoric and garbage... I call it like I see it. Enough with the excuses!!!

This is 99% DL's fault. You're insightful explanations here mean nothing!

 

[Archie Graham]

If only it were that simple bud. It's about the game plan and mind set going into the match-up. Wisconsin stayed within its element, because it knows its identity. Nebraska just seems pretty unsure week-to-week. This week they played it ultra conservative. Didn't work out in the end.

This is complete shit analysis. Good grief.

 

[timnsun]

If only it were that simple bud. It's about the game plan and mind set going into the match-up. Wisconsin stayed within its element, because it knows its identity. Nebraska just seems pretty unsure week-to-week. This week they played it ultra conservative. Didn't work out in the end.

They're unsure week to week because the lineup changes week to week!

Seriously, doesn't this register with you? Personnel changes mean what we did last week won't work the same way this week... And so we account for the personnel changes and hope the plan works for the best. That takes you only so far before you run into a team with more depth, a team that is battle tested and at home in a night game, and then you lose to them in overtime. Think about all of these things...

 

[jarens]

We do have a nice receiving corp, but lets not act like we are rolling Julio Jones and AJ Green out there. They are also banged up and the oline has struggled mightily at times. The offense has played well enough to win games....as has the D. We are right where we should be all things considered.

I like your points. We don't have pro bowlers out there, but I'd still put our skill guys up against anyone in the conference. There are a few individual skill guys that might exceed members of the team, but comparing as a whole unit, I'm not so sure. I gladly take 7-1 as well.

 

[jarens]

They're unsure week to week because the lineup changes week to week!

Seriously, doesn't this register with you? Personnel changes mean what we did last week won't work the same way this week... And so we account for the personnel changes and hope the plan works for the best. That takes you only so far before you run into a team with more depth, a team that is battle tested and at home in a night game, and then you lose to them in overtime. Think about all of these things...

I'm not arguing against you here.

Just want to reiterate the simple point of this initial post. "I think Nebraska has very talented players on offense and sometimes I feel frustrated when it is stuck in the mud."

No one is arguing that gameplans change week to week to account for the opponent, but I think you can at least try some things that worked earlier in the season, even if the opponent is "prepared" or "better suited" to defend it. Maybe they still can't stop it? Yes Wisconsin's D is good. Yes teams account for injuries (the post was geared towards the year as whole, not just Wiscy).

I also am a big fan of this staff, but would've liked to see a more aggressive approach like against Oregon. Wiscy does have depth, but were missing some key pieces too. Again, happy to be 7-1 and love the staff.

The offense is towards the top of the B1G in YPG. I'm not saying everything is on fire run for the hills.

 

[jarens]

This is complete shit analysis. Good grief.

It's like I pissed in this guy's Cheerios this morning or something!

GBR

 

[jarens]

First of all, Cethan Carter hasn't played since the first quarter vs. Illinois. And there is a direct correlation between his absence and the other struggles.

1. Langsdorf completely formulated the offensive scheme around Carter. The zone read and QB run game especially was determined by how teams defended Carter. They used him as a lead blocker out on the edge and could present a run pass option because opponents constantly had to account for him and NOBODY could get thru his blocks, whether they were a linebacker, a DB, or even a DE on the edge. Foster nor Cotton doesn't present that type of matchup because opponents are concerned about them in the passing game.

2. Westerkamp getting hurt compounded the loss of Carter. Teams could then flood the box without worrying about a mismatch at TE or inside at the slot.

3. Alonzo Moore has been banged up and really can't take any pressure on his shoulder. That means he's limited in the passing game beyond play action. With Riley moving inside for Jordan, and teams not having to worry about Moore in the vertical game, it suddenly meant teams could key on the run game more.

4. With injuries to Gates and Knevel, plus Farmer, it meant the Offensive line lacked consistency or any type of rythym.

5. Without all the tools in the passing game, teams could confuse Tommy with different packages flooding passing lanes. DPE, Stanley, and Riley are good. But they are all much better as complimentary pieces to Jordan, Cethan, and Moore on the outside.


If anything, you should applaud the coaches for keeping this team 7-1.

Oh... and I don't know which bowl game Nebraska plays in, but when this offense is all healthy, they will light somebody up come January.

Totally agree here. I should've put INJURIES in its own category for the struggles. This post wasn't directed at the Wisconsin game alone, then again, the names I initially listed haven't all been healthy at the same time yet this year.

 

[jarens]

one quick fix = 1-800-joe-montana

lol yea can't we just get a HOFer and fix everything?! I am a TA fan though. With the whole coach transition period and how ugly it got, we needed a positive guy to lead by example and grind, no matter how bad it got. That's what he's given us.

 

[Truehuskerfan]

Again, happy to be 7-1 and love the staff.

The offense is towards the top of the B1G in YPG. I'm not saying everything is on fire run for the hills.

Yeah-that's so easy to see when your first post is titled "results aren't close to matching the talent on the field". For someone who claims here to be generally happy with the way things are going and love the staff, you sure wrote an awfully critical post for your first post on here. Trying to get attention or what?

 

[jarens]

Yeah-that's so easy to see when your first post is titled "results aren't close to matching the talent on the field". For someone who claims here to be generally happy with the way things are going and love the staff, you sure wrote an awfully critical post for your first post on here. Trying to get attention or what?

Happy?

 

[NikkiSixx]

If only it were that simple bud. It's about the game plan and mind set going into the match-up. Wisconsin stayed within its element, because it knows its identity. Nebraska just seems pretty unsure week-to-week. This week they played it ultra conservative. Didn't work out in the end.

Don't listen to those guys. There is some truth to this. The offense this season has not been the same thing week to week. The coaches do indeed tailor it for the opponent, which isn't a big deal, but the coaches do play to what the defense gives them rather than just having an identity and doing that. Does not having a strong identity contribute to an offense that is not consistent week to week? sure it does.. but I'm not sure that is why the offense has been sputtering more and more every week.

We are going to have a stronger identity, just not this year. We still have square pegs and round holes, although improved this year, those problems still exist to a certain extent. Our depth, is also split into 2 groups (on offense), part of it is new system, and part of it is old system. Coach Riley hasn't been here long enough to really turn over the roster to what he needs, and most people understand that.

I think that is the real reason of what is going on. Yes there are injuries, but c'mon, are we the only team with injuries??? some posters want to make it sound like we are the most unfortunate team in the land, and that just isn't the case.

It's about depth and having a transition still on offense. I think the OC is trying hard. I don't doubt that at all. But he hasn't earned the accolades some guys want to bestow on him. He will likely get there, especially when the transition to the pro style system happens next year. Then he will also get a more fair evaluation.

 

[Charlie Marlow]

Obviously we need to fire everybody.

 

[dinglefritz]

First of all, Cethan Carter hasn't played since the first quarter vs. Illinois. And there is a direct correlation between his absence and the other struggles.

1. Langsdorf completely formulated the offensive scheme around Carter. The zone read and QB run game especially was determined by how teams defended Carter. They used him as a lead blocker out on the edge and could present a run pass option because opponents constantly had to account for him and NOBODY could get thru his blocks, whether they were a linebacker, a DB, or even a DE on the edge. Foster nor Cotton doesn't present that type of matchup because opponents are concerned about them in the passing game.

2. Westerkamp getting hurt compounded the loss of Carter. Teams could then flood the box without worrying about a mismatch at TE or inside at the slot.

3. Alonzo Moore has been banged up and really can't take any pressure on his shoulder. That means he's limited in the passing game beyond play action. With Riley moving inside for Jordan, and teams not having to worry about Moore in the vertical game, it suddenly meant teams could key on the run game more.

4. With injuries to Gates and Knevel, plus Farmer, it meant the Offensive line lacked consistency or any type of rythym.

5. Without all the tools in the passing game, teams could confuse Tommy with different packages flooding passing lanes. DPE, Stanley, and Riley are good. But they are all much better as complimentary pieces to Jordan, Cethan, and Moore on the outside.


If anything, you should applaud the coaches for keeping this team 7-1.

Oh... and I don't know which bowl game Nebraska plays in, but when this offense is all healthy, they will light somebody up come January.

Roughly 23000 posts and 22000 likes......BOOM!

 

[inWV]

I'd say Corn is spot on. 4/5 of the original OL starters injured, our best TE and WR hurt plus Ziggy. Moore and Reilly have been hobbled as well. That's 8 kids who were either game 1 starters or key contributors. The fact that we are entertaining a possible victory in Columbus is a tribute to the resilience of this team.

 

[WCDC]

The running game struggles when the OLine is hurt and sub par. The best backs still need a crease. The passing game hurts when your QB is not and was not recruited as a drop back passer. The best receivers still need to have the ball delivered on time and in the correct place. It doesn't seem all that complicated. 7 and 1 isn't too bad. This team is over achieving considering the injuries and the skill set of the QB. As I said once before, if you are asking TA to throw the ball 30-40 times to win the game you are asking a lot and really rolling the dice.

 

[Archie Graham]

It's like I pissed in this guy's Cheerios this morning or something!

GBR

Not at all. But your last post has nothing to go on. Just hyperbole.

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

Is it allowable to believe that 7-1 is exactly where they should be at this stage given the talent and schedule?

 

[redwine65]

lol yea can't we just get a HOFer and fix everything?! I am a TA fan though. With the whole coach transition period and how ugly it got, we needed a positive guy to lead by example and grind, no matter how bad it got. That's what he's given us.

that is true, hopefully riley finds his joe montana, and the fans give him the time to.
I have no problem with armstrong, but I think he was recruited to run a different type of offense.