Chase Daniels breaks down Bryce carving up the Falcons.

[TD alt]

https://youtu.be/NdU-A7QLcHk?si=9VZCoMjMOMfxxWjQ

 

Look at it if you want to feel good about Bryce. If not, do not. 

Sure, he was playing against a bad Falcons defense, but he showed a masterful understanding of what was going, where the pressure was coming from and who to get the ball to. And just as important, he made the throws, and at many times they were throws of anticipation. He knew where the receiver was going, and let the ball rip, sometimes before the receiver was anywhere near the ultimate catchpoint. That's not only keen understanding, but chemistry. Moreover, his footwork, sliding away from the pressure, resetting his feet, or flat out taking off when the play was breaking down foretells good things in his future. It was a very far cry from his very first outing against the Falcons when fans and pundits alike began to sour on Bryce out of the gate. What a difference observing and learning makes.

One thing Chase said is that we need to get Bryce some more weapons, and I'm all for it. It's an offensive league and if nothing else Bryce showed that he can actually score points in a dogfight. That's always a good thing in today's NFL.

Lastly, but by no means less important, is the fact that Dave Canales seems to be learning and adapting his game as well. Situationally, that was probably DC's best game as well. He realized Bryce was cooking, and he let him cook. Sure, he threw some runs in, but that's what you're supposed to do: use the run to set up the pass and the pass to set up the run. Moreover, the play designs were solid if you listen to what Daniels was saying. Canales is obviously very in tune with his QB, and offensive players in general. History says that he knows what he is doing. I kinda trust him to turn a lot of attention to the defense and help EE get that straightened out (even though I'm still skeptical of the scheme).

The last game was interesting and was, in many ways, a revelation that our QB and HC may have a higher ceiling than many of us ever thought possible. I'll be fascinated to see what types of things will be addressed in the offseason. I'm feeling hopeful for a reason.

 

Edited 11 hours ago by TD alt

[MHS831]

HEY!!! You bringing positive stuff about our QB in heah?  It makes all the time spent bitching about how he sucks lose credibility.  Forget all the stats and obvious signs of improvement--the only stats that matter in the Huddle are "He sucks" or "He will start sucking soon."  We all play Madden and know our sh*t.  So be gone with "analytics" and "data" and "expert opinions."  There is no room for you heah!

Edited 6 hours ago by MHS831

[MHS831]

19 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

HEY!!! You bringing positive stuff about our QB in heah?  It makes all the time spent bitching about how he sucks lose credibility.  Forget all the stats and obvious signs of improvement--the only stats that matter in the Huddle are "He sucks" or "He will start sucking soon."  We all play Madden and know our sh*t.  So be gone with "analytics" and "data" and "expert opinions."  There is no room for you heah!

Seriously, everyone had a right to criticize Bryce and they have a right to be skeptical now--his positive sample size is small.  But I agree that he showed us enough to change our approach to QB in 2025.  And Daniels points out how well he was reading the defense.  Hats off to the OL, and especially Cade Mays who stepped in at C and improved us.  Coker who is going to be fun to watch in 2025 because he was just getting started-great hands, nice size, and a gamer.  Add a WR or two and maybe a TE and this offense is going to be way groovy.

[countryboi]

I dont like Chase nearly as much as I enjoy JT but its still pretty good. Bryce had several dimes in this game it was a fun watch

[Tr3ach]

6 hours ago, TD alt said:

https://youtu.be/NdU-A7QLcHk?si=9VZCoMjMOMfxxWjQ

 

Look at it if you want to feel good about Bryce. If not, do not. 

Sure, he was playing against a bad Falcons defense, but he showed a masterful understanding of what was going, where the pressure was coming from and who to get the ball to. And just as important, he made the throws, and at many times they were throws of anticipation. He knew where the receiver was going, and let the ball rip, sometimes before the receiver was anywhere near the ultimate catchpoint. That's not only keen understanding, but chemistry. Moreover, his footwork, sliding away from the pressure, resetting his feet, or flat out taking off when the play was breaking down foretells good things in his future. It was a very far cry from his very first outing against the Falcons when fans and pundits alike began to sour on Bryce out of the gate. What a difference observing and learning makes.

One thing Chase said is that we need to get Bryce some more weapons, and I'm all for it. It's an offensive league and if nothing else Bryce showed that he can actually score points in a dogfight. That's always a good thing in today's NFL.

Lastly, but by no means less important, is the fact that Dave Canales seems to be learning and adapting his game as well. Situationally, that was probably DC's best game as well. He realized Bryce was cooking, and he let him cook. Sure, he threw some runs in, but that's what you're supposed to do: use the run to set up the pass and the pass to set up the run. Moreover, the play designs were solid if you listen to what Daniels was saying. Canales is obviously very in tune with his QB, and offensive players in general. History says that he knows what he is doing. I kinda trust him to turn a lot of attention to the defense and help EE get that straightened out (even though I'm still skeptical of the scheme).

The last game was interesting and was, in many ways, a revelation that our QB and HC may have a higher ceiling than many of us ever thought possible. I'll be fascinated to see what types of things will be addressed in the offseason. I'm feeling hopeful for a reason.

 

His anticipation is the reason that route running needs to be the #1 factor in choosing receivers.  Not height, weight, and 40 time.  Thielen has slowed down greatly and he is still our #1 guy because he can run routes and is where Bryce anticipated him to be.  Now imagine we had some quick explosive guys who could run those routes precisely instead of just Thielen. 

[mav1234]

We have soo many holes I personally think that weapons (as in more than one) are not a huge priority, even if they would be great. We do want another good receiver, especially with AT possibly retiring, and a 2nd RB as immediate needs... I also think Coker, XL and JTS all take steps forward next year so that is part of why I'm less concerned.

Coker was an absolute monster when targeted. He finished the season #10 at yards per target in the NFL - ahead of McConkey and Collins (tho eachs usage means that this isn't a fair direct comparison). His y/r was also good for 17th overall in the NFL. But if he can get his routes crisper, I think the sky is his limit.

[mav1234]

47 minutes ago, Tr3ach said:

His anticipation is the reason that route running needs to be the #1 factor in choosing receivers.  Not height, weight, and 40 time.  Thielen has slowed down greatly and he is still our #1 guy because he can run routes and is where Bryce anticipated him to be.  Now imagine we had some quick explosive guys who could run those routes precisely instead of just Thielen. 

Good point. Half of Bryce's misses at various times, especially shortly after coming back from benching, the all 22 commentators often said a dude was running the wrong route or running it sloppily.

[Navy_football]

7 minutes ago, mav1234 said:

We have soo many holes I personally think that weapons (as in more than one) are not a huge priority, even if they would be great. We do want another good receiver, especially with AT possibly retiring, and a 2nd RB as immediate needs... I also think Coker, XL and JTS all take steps forward next year so that is part of why I'm less concerned.

Coker was an absolute monster when targeted. He finished the season #10 at yards per target in the NFL - ahead of McConkey and Collins (tho eachs usage means that this isn't a fair direct comparison). His y/r was also good for 17th overall in the NFL. But if he can get his routes crisper, I think the sky is his limit.

I honestly don't think they NEED another #1 type (X), just a YAC type WR. That's a 3rd round or later pick in the draft. Also starting to come around to Miles as the backup. I think Canales is figuring out how to use him. It took so long because he's injured so often, which is the biggest concern I have with him. Maybe take a flyer on a 4th or 5th rounder in such a deep RB draft. Coker is very good at what they ask him to do. Very good. XL just needs to become more consistent with catching the ball. JT just needs to continue to develop normally. He's gonna be special. 

A just think a smaller, twitched up guy is needed at WR. I think he needs to be more quick than fast, and naturally elusive. Sort of like a Bryce Young at WR.  

[mav1234]

39 minutes ago, Navy_football said:

I honestly don't think they NEED another #1 type (X), just a YAC type WR. That's a 3rd round or later pick in the draft. Also starting to come around to Miles as the backup. I think Canales is figuring out how to use him. It took so long because he's injured so often, which is the biggest concern I have with him. Maybe take a flyer on a 4th or 5th rounder in such a deep RB draft. Coker is very good at what they ask him to do. Very good. XL just needs to become more consistent with catching the ball. JT just needs to continue to develop normally. He's gonna be special. 

A just think a smaller, twitched up guy is needed at WR. I think he needs to be more quick than fast, and naturally elusive. Sort of like a Bryce Young at WR.  

Yup we could use a couple of options that could work on short routes / screens for YAC. Screens to AT and XL need to never happen again, lol

[Bear Hands]

1 hour ago, mav1234 said:

Yup we could use a couple of options that could work on short routes / screens for YAC. Screens to AT and XL need to never happen again, lol

Ricky White is one to look at IMO. Could fit well for what we need.