Ugly win but eleventy billion times better than an ugly loss. We're also back to winning close ones. NU was 1-5 in games decided by a TD or less in 2018. So far in 2019 we're 2-1.
We have a defense that can hold their own in games where the talent disparity isn't cuckoo bananas. And that was with K.Davis out. Very nice bounce back effort from the Blackshirts. They weren't perfect but they made plays when needed, including an INT to set up the winning score.
No turnovers today by the offense. That was huge in a close game against a team that usually owns that category. We were +1 in the turnover battle and could easily have been +2 or +3 had NW not made two improbable fumble recoveries.
Kicking is still shaky but 2 out of 3 with a walk-off winner feels Henery-esque after the circus act we've seen to this point. We need a serviceable kicking game if we're truly going to contend in the West, especially with AM's status uncertain. Today was a big boost.
Speaking of AM, thankfully we have a QB "room" again and not just a QB. I can't remember the last time a backup QB came in and saved a game for NU. Vedral has clear command of the offense and is not afraid of the moment. Still very concerned about Martinez. We need him. But for the first time in a long time, the backup coming in and/or possibly starting doesn't leave me terrified. And that includes McCaffrey backing up Vedral if needed.
Last, and most obvious, we're 4-2. Not what we had hoped for, but we're learning how to overcome adversity and finish close games. It sounds cliche but night and day from a year ago. The arrow may not point in the trajectory some predicted, but it's still undeniably pointing upward.
GBR
We have a defense that can hold their own in games where the talent disparity isn't cuckoo bananas. And that was with K.Davis out. Very nice bounce back effort from the Blackshirts. They weren't perfect but they made plays when needed, including an INT to set up the winning score.
No turnovers today by the offense. That was huge in a close game against a team that usually owns that category. We were +1 in the turnover battle and could easily have been +2 or +3 had NW not made two improbable fumble recoveries.
Kicking is still shaky but 2 out of 3 with a walk-off winner feels Henery-esque after the circus act we've seen to this point. We need a serviceable kicking game if we're truly going to contend in the West, especially with AM's status uncertain. Today was a big boost.
Speaking of AM, thankfully we have a QB "room" again and not just a QB. I can't remember the last time a backup QB came in and saved a game for NU. Vedral has clear command of the offense and is not afraid of the moment. Still very concerned about Martinez. We need him. But for the first time in a long time, the backup coming in and/or possibly starting doesn't leave me terrified. And that includes McCaffrey backing up Vedral if needed.
Last, and most obvious, we're 4-2. Not what we had hoped for, but we're learning how to overcome adversity and finish close games. It sounds cliche but night and day from a year ago. The arrow may not point in the trajectory some predicted, but it's still undeniably pointing upward.
GBR
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