In today’s weekly press conference, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson openly discussed the team's recent performance and offered insights into key moments of their game against Georgia Tech.
The Closing Sequence against Georgia Tech
Dawson took full responsibility for the decisions in the last sequence against Georgia Tech, stating, "What we did at the end was the wrong decision. I called it. Wish we would have done something different, but we didn’t." On inquiring about the communication process on the headset, Dawson remained private, emphasizing that what's said on the headsets stays between the staff.
Georgia Tech's Defense
According to Dawson, Georgia Tech didn't drastically change their defensive strategies. However, he acknowledged the team's shortcomings, emphasizing, "We shot ourselves in the foot."
Team's Offensive Performance
Dawson admitted that the team didn't play their best offensively. With turnovers and missed opportunities, the team left many points off the board. Despite that, Dawson praised the team's perseverance, highlighting their ability to climb out of difficult situations multiple times during the game.
Tyler Van Dyke’s Performance
Dawson defended quarterback Tyler's performance, noting his 70% completion rate. While acknowledging some critical turnovers, he emphasized that they weren't solely Tyler's fault. He lauded Van Dyke’s accountability and leadership, pointing out a notable play where he chased down an opponent after an interception, preventing a touchdown.
Run Game Assessment
Regarding the running game against Georgia Tech, Dawson believed they were efficient, even if they didn't have many explosive plays. He appreciated the offensive line's effort and saw potential for improvements in exploiting opportunities in future games.
On Red Zone Performance
Dawson attributed the team's lackluster red zone performance to self-inflicted wounds. He admitted some of the play calls in critical sequences could have been better and took responsibility for those decisions.
Team Dynamics and Moving Forward
While Dawson remarked he wasn't sure if every player was happy, he stressed the importance of supporting teammates. Looking ahead to their matchup against North Carolina, Dawson expressed respect for their defense and commented on UNC's reintegration of receiver Tez Walker.
