Good morning, everyone. Hope everyone is doing well and excited for today's game. Just wanted to share my thoughts on things I'd like to see not only today, but from here on out from the Sooners. Also, please share your thoughts on things you all would like to see as well.
Defensively
Tackling- Probably what everyone wants to see. Tackling has been bad the last couple weeks. Need that fixed or it'll be a long afternoon for the sooners.
Tighter Zone Coverage- The defense has to do better in zone coverage. Teams have been able to move the ball and find holes against this sooners defensive specifically on intermediate routes over the middle and between the numbers. Sooners also need to cut down on the busts in coverage, as well.
Rush Defense- The rush defense has been good most of the season except for last week. Can't let what happened last week happen again, especially against this OSU RB.
Pass Rush- The defense can get pressure but they need to generate more sacks. The Sooners have good pass rushers on their roster, but nobody has yet to develop into a star or a difference maker.
Offensively
Establish the run- Finally! Though it took them nearly 2 months to realize it, seems that Lebby and DM finally realized Tawee Walker is RB1. However, the offense will need someone else to step up behind Tawee for when he needs rest, especially after being injured last week.
O-line rotation- Enough with the switching and experimenting with lineups. Coaches need to put their best 5 out there and keep them out there.
Downfield passing- Last week, the sooners didn't take advantage of Kansas' secondary. This week, the sooners have the potential to take downfield shots since OSU does not have a great secondary. I believe PT said earlier this week Nic Anderson had 1 catch last week and how that's malpractice. I'll go a little further and say it's borderline insanity. Anderson needs more targets. Let's pray the sooners won't make the same mistake twice. The offense needs to get back to what got them to 7-0 and that successful first half to start the season.
Jet sweeps/RB Jalil Farooq-.....yeah, there's nothing that needs to be said, it speaks for itself.
Receiver rotation- Speed kills whether it's against your opponent, or whether you choose not to use it. RIght now, it feels like coach Lebby has 2 hellcats that he just sits in his garage to collect dust. With that being said, Brenen Thompson and Jaquaize Pettaway need more snaps. Both those guys run a sub 10.3, there isn't a single other receiver in that WR room with speed remotely close to that. We've especially seen Thompson's ability to make big plays in the passing game. Without Andrel Anthony, the starting WR corp lacks speed. Which brings me to my next point. Gavin Freeman needs less snaps and touches. I believe people get in their feelings about Gavin Freeman because people love a good Little Engine That Could/Jerry Mitchell 3 O'Clock High(kudos to those that know) story. I don't hate Gavin Freeman, he has the heart of a lion, always tries his best, and women can appreciate a guy that tries his best, but, people want a guy that can get the job done(interpret that however you want). The reality is Freeman is only 5'7, does not have elite speed or agility, and if you have his measureables, you better have athleticism like Tavon Austin or De'Anthony Thomas. In my opinion, Freeman should never have more snaps or touches than Thompson or Pettaway who are both taller, faster, better athletes, and simply give you a better chance to win. After Drake Stoops graduates, I would like to see either Pettaway or Thompson lock down that slot receiver spot.
Still a long season and much football to be played. As always, Boomer!
P.S. Drink Olipop
Defensively
Tackling- Probably what everyone wants to see. Tackling has been bad the last couple weeks. Need that fixed or it'll be a long afternoon for the sooners.
Tighter Zone Coverage- The defense has to do better in zone coverage. Teams have been able to move the ball and find holes against this sooners defensive specifically on intermediate routes over the middle and between the numbers. Sooners also need to cut down on the busts in coverage, as well.
Rush Defense- The rush defense has been good most of the season except for last week. Can't let what happened last week happen again, especially against this OSU RB.
Pass Rush- The defense can get pressure but they need to generate more sacks. The Sooners have good pass rushers on their roster, but nobody has yet to develop into a star or a difference maker.
Offensively
Establish the run- Finally! Though it took them nearly 2 months to realize it, seems that Lebby and DM finally realized Tawee Walker is RB1. However, the offense will need someone else to step up behind Tawee for when he needs rest, especially after being injured last week.
O-line rotation- Enough with the switching and experimenting with lineups. Coaches need to put their best 5 out there and keep them out there.
Downfield passing- Last week, the sooners didn't take advantage of Kansas' secondary. This week, the sooners have the potential to take downfield shots since OSU does not have a great secondary. I believe PT said earlier this week Nic Anderson had 1 catch last week and how that's malpractice. I'll go a little further and say it's borderline insanity. Anderson needs more targets. Let's pray the sooners won't make the same mistake twice. The offense needs to get back to what got them to 7-0 and that successful first half to start the season.
Jet sweeps/RB Jalil Farooq-.....yeah, there's nothing that needs to be said, it speaks for itself.
Receiver rotation- Speed kills whether it's against your opponent, or whether you choose not to use it. RIght now, it feels like coach Lebby has 2 hellcats that he just sits in his garage to collect dust. With that being said, Brenen Thompson and Jaquaize Pettaway need more snaps. Both those guys run a sub 10.3, there isn't a single other receiver in that WR room with speed remotely close to that. We've especially seen Thompson's ability to make big plays in the passing game. Without Andrel Anthony, the starting WR corp lacks speed. Which brings me to my next point. Gavin Freeman needs less snaps and touches. I believe people get in their feelings about Gavin Freeman because people love a good Little Engine That Could/Jerry Mitchell 3 O'Clock High(kudos to those that know) story. I don't hate Gavin Freeman, he has the heart of a lion, always tries his best, and women can appreciate a guy that tries his best, but, people want a guy that can get the job done(interpret that however you want). The reality is Freeman is only 5'7, does not have elite speed or agility, and if you have his measureables, you better have athleticism like Tavon Austin or De'Anthony Thomas. In my opinion, Freeman should never have more snaps or touches than Thompson or Pettaway who are both taller, faster, better athletes, and simply give you a better chance to win. After Drake Stoops graduates, I would like to see either Pettaway or Thompson lock down that slot receiver spot.
Still a long season and much football to be played. As always, Boomer!
P.S. Drink Olipop
