Thoughts on the play of our current WRs?
I may be alone in thinking this, but I think our current WRs are going to surprise a lot of people this season, and all the negative talk from Urban was a motivational ploy, and I think it worked. 1 thing is for certain who ever has only 14 catches won't be our leading WR this year.
I thought Philly was really solid, Devin Smith had the second biggest catch of his life, and Evan Spencer was getting open a LOT (just usually not the needed throw).
Stoney was good, he should've had a TD but Braxton floated the ball and he couldn't maintain balance and went out of bounds. Verlon Reed got in a few times but was lackluster, Mike Thomas was also in but didn't do anything for me.
I dont think it was a ploy, but I agree with you about their performance. I think the case is simply that they underperfomed their athletic abilities in camp this spring, and he let them and the public know that they were going to have to improve from that point on, which they did.
Our starting 3 of Brown, Smith and Spencer will be really solid by the end of the season. I agree that Meyer's statements were quasi-motivational, but the guy was also most likely genuinely disappointed in their spring performances. Smith and Spencer will be quite the tandem in the coming years.
Timing still needs work, they will come around. I would also like to see a 100yd back every game.
Tomorrow
They have played ONE game against Miami (of Ohio). I'm not willing to make an assessment of how they will do based solely on that game. I saw some good things, but against stiffer competition, how will they do? I'm not sure. I think Urban's words were probably pretty accurate. He has a high standard for his players and he wants them to step up and make plays.
in comparison to last year, much improved. but they have a long ways to go. and they will get better. brax will get better too. they are still learning this offense. this is gonna be a fun year. was very pleased to see boren get a couple of touches. and dunn, he is gonna be awesome carrying the ball.
I think we've been underestimating the presence of a big receiver. Smith a Spencer are 6'1'' and 6'2'' respectively. While they're not huge, both are pretty tall and player beyond their size because of their athleticism. Smith probably won't make another catch like that one, but if you can jump like that, you're always open.
I agree with TENN... I will make an assessment on Miller and the WR's both after the Michigan St game. That will be a true test.
These guys were highly recruited kids; it's not like they were chopped liver when they came to OSU. Last year was just a multitude of problems; new QB (2), new head coach, and an identity to not lose games.
I never thought the WRs were bad, it was awful QB play combined with youth at the position
I don't think our wide receivers ever had a chance to demonstrate their abiltiies in the previous system and struggled to adjust to the new system. I think they were solid players all along.
I honestly think Meyer was trying to motivate the WR's when he made the comments about them in the offseason... I don't think he honestly thinks they're that bad... He does have a degree in psychology.
If Braxton didnt underthrow just about every ball I think this post would have been praising our young WR core. I look to see a better showing this week in the passing game.
did TY Williams get any PT -- don't recall seeing him, (ditto with Fields)
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
Brown should finally floroush in this new offense..i expect him to catch at least 50 balls this year and be the top weapon in the offense. I have faith he will break off a couple return td's as well.
Devin Smith is just that big play guy that will make sports center's top ten any given day. I think he has all the tools to be an early entry guy after next season if he continues to develop.
Evan Spencer will be the most underrated guy in the group the next 2-3 years IMO. Reminds me of Robiskie a little with his frame and ability.
Overall I like this young group...couldd be the best in the big ten by years end and going into 2013.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.