Really after watching the Arizona game, I began to get frustrated with the conservative play calling. With Gaskin, our running game was pretty mediocre, and without him, I would say that it was pretty bad.
I understand that Chan Gailey is sticking with the run to open up the passing game. I also understand that getting into 3rd and manageable with Tua plays to his strengths of really accurate intermediate throws. I also totally understand that Tua holds the ball too long, and it causes sacks. I know Gailey has to be thinking that if you take a sack on first or second down, it could cause a young QB to try and force something to make up for the lost yardage, and that is a quick way to get a young QB to throw an INT. I really do think that what he is doing has made sense and has actually worked.
That being said, I think we are wasting downs. Perhaps it gets better with Breida or Washington, but I really have my doubts. Breida couldn't beat out Gaskin, and I do not think that Washington is the player that will drastically change the tone of the running game. I'd like to see us pass to set up the run. Maybe some delay draws out of the shotgun and some use of screen passes to supplement the run.
I think conceptually, Gailey is going down the right path by keeping it safe and trying to mitigate turnovers. I think he needs to rethink how he achieves this goal. I'd like to see routes where the ball is coming out quick and the talk in practice is making safe decisions and getting the ball out of Tua's hand quickly. I really think that Tua is mentally capable of doing this.
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The main thing about Tua so far that concerns me is he is very careless with the ball evading pressure. It hasnt really bit us yet but I've held my breath a few times where he stuck the ball outward for balancer to evade someone. Eventually a few of those are going to get knocked out.
Once Tua is a bit better at that I'll feel more comfortable letting it rip downfield more often.
I think you're talking more about timing routes though and I think that depends on his comfort with the WRs. -
I honestly think this is inventing a problem more than anything. We've won 4 straight...and about to win 3 or 4 more over the next month. Of course Tua or the run game isn't perfect, but there's not a magic wand to fix that stuff overnight either. The important part here is that we're beating quality playoff teams while rebuilding...that's pretty darn impressive.
Hooligan, firedan, Phil Hutchings and 1 other person like this. -
Here is the thing. I tend to trust Tua probably a bit more than a lot of people on this board. I think the reason we took him over Herbert is intelligence and leadership. I think if you discuss in the game planning not turning the ball over, he will take heed. Remember that ugly almost-INT? Did Tua sulk or look shaken? I honestly think, he shrugged it off and looked increasingly better as the game went on.
Honestly, the more he plays, the better he looks. I see a guy finding his rhythm. I am good with saying, "I loved how you played last week. While Gaskin is out, you are gonna be the guy. We are gonna trust in you and put a little more on you." If he struggles, we come back and lean more on Gaskin. And if he flourishes, we never look back.
Is Tua gonna eventually throw a pick? Yup. I don't think this is gonna be an earth shattering moment. I suspect that he will have a good attitude and learn from it.KeyFin likes this. -
I'm not sure what you mean, @tirty8 , about Tua holding the ball. He was able to get the ball out quickly a lot when needed. See the 'Tua, Man!' thread for a video breakdown. He's learning and, if word is to be believed, he learns quickly and works hard. It makes it especially exciting to see what he can do.
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hes played two games. Yes the games to fast for him right now his minds running 100mph so hes going to make mistakes. We need to be patient and let him play the season out like were doing helping him learn progressions and reading defenses once the game slows down we fan open the book more.
were not a super bowl contender were just not, lets take it slow this year and see how he progresses. I think on offense we need a true #1RB and another wide receiver (seems odd since few years ago we had to many)AGuyNamedAlex likes this. -
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I'm not saying he has played poorly. He has far exceeded my expectations already in many ways. I'm just not the type to sugar coat things, so if I see an issue I call it.
I agree he got better as the game went on, especially in terms of not making careless throws like the near interception. I just want to see him clean some things up.PhinFan1968, Dorfdad and tirty8 like this. -
PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member
I agree, and for me, its kind of hard to accept what my eyes are seeing with him, until I watch replays several times and catch some analysis on it. The speed at which he processes the game is not something I'm used to watching on this team, going back to Marino. That speed allows him to be ahead of what I think I'm seeing lol, if that makes sense. What may look to me to be an "oh ****" moment, is just normal for him, and he's in full control of what's going on.
Exciting to watch, for sure...I just wish he had better weapons.