Do you have context on this series? I know they liked to start out in cover two but they would bring up the strong safety close to the line. You see the SS looking into the backfield? If I remember correctly, as the game progressed they kept moving him closer and closer to the line, which we should have countered with a TE slip up the middle or a wheel route for the RB to get him from spying, which they might have been trying to do, but CP either doesn't let the play develop or misfires into double coverage. I think he was just having a bad game and started seeing shadows..it happens with young players as another poster mentioned.

You don't need to be super athletic to play QB. Never have. To play QB you have to process quicker than the rest of the players. You have to be able to read the defense presnap, adjust to adjustments, and throw the ball to the right player. If you can do that, you will win. Period. If you can't do that but rely on running to bail you out, you are either going to get hurt or defenses will start stacking the box to prevent you from running. Now you REALLY have to be able to make your reads fast because they are coming.

Excellent analysis. You are absolutely correct in regards to learning to play through mistakes, this is very important for long term development. Good point. I love talking football strategy. 3/4, 4/3, stunt, nickle, cover 2, etc. I love all that stuff. Feel free to engage me anytime. This is why I'm on here, I love talking football and trying to figure out how we can make our Aggies champions.

You hit a key point on running QB's and how susceptible they can be to hits over time. There was a couple plays CP got hit and it looked like he might be done. I'd much prefer a bam bam QB who can go through his reads fast and deliver the ball before the rush gets through. Hike, 1, 2, 3, set, throw. But that takes time.

You are probably right regarding getting to deep in the QB order, but I would like if the the opportunity rises to get these other young QB's some game action. Cleeland is very interesting. That kids arm is nice. I'd love to see how he does with a rush in his face. Can he stand in the pocket and drop dimes?

What do you think the issue is with our Defense (understanding we loss the Conners brothers, which was a huge loss). Do we just not have enough big bodies up front? I couldn't really see how their RB was getting through so easily. For the most part, tackling looked good. Was it the scheme?

Agree. Some wild cat or even some options would be pretty nice for his skill set.

You are being generous and that's ok. I'm really not trying to bash the kid, I just think in the next 3 games we are going to find out a lot. If he can improve on his flaws he will be good. I just think with the talent that Idaho, Montana St, and SAC ST have, it might be a good idea for the coaches to get plan B ready just in case. I think our best player is Jordan Fisher. Fisher and Vargas are playing really great.

Drive 1: Fisher TD
Drive 2: Vargas TD
Drive 3: Interception
Drive 4: This is after Cofields INT. Immediate sack. Incomplete. Scramble for 2 yards. Blocked punt.
Drive 5: Jones TD
Drive 6: Caden runs and fumbles. End of half.
Drive 7: FG after getting to the four yard line.
Drive 8: FG after multiple penalties.
Drive 9: Punt. Another sack taking to long on reads.. Forced throw to Pinnick who was double teamed.
Drive 10: FG. 3rd and 14. He runs. He is short.
Drive 11: Interception. Forces throw into double team. Ball game.

Just a tough game. Hopefully he can learn from this and get better next time. But if he can't get his reads down and get that ball out there, it's going to be more scrambles and sacks, because no defense thinks he can consistently throw accurate balls. They are going to load the box and get him rattled and hope he pulls it down and runs. Watch.

He is an ok player. He has talent. No doubt, but is he better than some other players we recruited? I'm not sure. We will see.

Before this season even started nobody even knew who the starter was going to be. But remember we signed Axel Eason and Trynor Cleeland both 3 star QB's. If the season takes bad turn, I'd like to see what they look like on the field. I'm a big fan of Cleeland. That kid has an arm, but I'm really interested in seeing the legacy Eason.

They did not play a two high in the 4th qtr. They played a single safety back with a spy on the Caden. They decided to take away his run and dared him to pass. Watch how Idaho plays him next week. They know he likes to run and he holds the ball too long, I expect them to bring pressure and force him into sacks or interceptions.

Caden has to be more disciplined in progressions. He has to be decisive - hike the ball, go to his primary and secondary and get rid of the ball in less than 2 seconds. He can't continue to hike the ball and go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, start running....then either get sacked or throw a poor attempt.

If he can fix that, he will be really successful, but right now...he is seeing shadows out there.

In season awards mean little to nothing. I want you to watch his play the next 3 games.

@Idaho (they have a 2 game winning streak and a good running game) maybe a W?
@Montana St - Loss. We are not even close to these guys this year.
SacST - This will be at toss up. Hoping for a win but its 50/50.

There is a real possibility we might miss the playoffs if we go 0-3.

If we lose against Idaho, they should really look at getting the young kids some action in prep for next year.

Great analysis. I agree with a lot of what you said.

Let's review your take once you see the other QB's get some reps. I've got nothing against the kid, hope he does well, but after seeing multiple games, he continues to have the same problems. He is slow on his progressions, he holds the ball way too long, and I think he depends too much on his running to bail him out. However, this will get harder for him as defenses adjust. Idaho State was stacking the box daring Caden to throw it. I think we are going to see a lot more of this type of defenses who are going to look to cut off his running and force him to pass.

Defense wise we are holding on. However, the loss of the so many great defensive players might be too much to overcome this year. And while that sucks, I always thought this season was going to be a building year, so if we can get the young kids reps for next season, I'm all about it (Cofield has been amazing, hope we keep him).

So? What does that count if the team loses?

I agree our defense was getting gutted. Our special teams has always been awful so no surprise there. But Caden's play was really bad. His play single-handedly lost this game. From the large sacks because he is holding on too ball to long, to the fumbles, to the interceptions. I'm not trying to bash the kid, but he needs to sit for a while until he regains his composure. Right now he head is on a swivel and he isn't seeing the field at all. He missed multiple wide open receivers and you can tell he is deciding on throwing on running before the play even develops. He needs to sit for a while.

That was def a problem not taking the 3 at the end of the 2nd. I agree. But we have some really talented QB's on the roster. It might be time to give them some run. I'm not sold on Caden as the starter. He holds the ball too long, doesn't go through his progressions fast enough, and depends too much on his legs.

Then he shouldn't be playing.

Caden just had an awful game. He wasn't seeing the field at all. His play fumble to end the half. Interception to end the game. Either the kid is hurt or his head is out of place. We need to see some of the other QB's on the roster.

Very impressive comeback. This game will be used for future growth.

We have to get our TEs in the game plan. Special teams continues to struggle.

I'm more concerned with our run game and special teams. I think our RB's are little small. Sure they are quick, but if we need that 1 or 2 yards can we get them?

Some of our best players are at the TE position. Need more plays there.

I really like our defense. Conner brothers are exceptional.

yeah, I think you are right about stats and official counting of the game. However, if we look at it from a glass half full angle, the team went on the road to the south, played really well for a spell, and didn't take a loss. A glorified scrimmage, but one that gives us data. And this is a good thing.

Although it sucks, I thought the team looked good for the most part. We are young so we got a little complacent. This actually might be a good lesson to learn early. And who knows? Maybe Mercer has a really great season which come selection time might weigh in our favor.