Cristobal reviews scrimmage with Don Bailey, Jr

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Peter Ariz

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Hard Rock Stadium played host to Saturday morning’s scrimmage that preceded the annual CanesFest event. Head Coach Mario Cristobal shared his insights on the scrimmage with Don Bailey, Jr.

The offense started with a bang, showcasing their explosive plays, "They got downhill in the running game," remarked Coach Cristobal. "The running game made some big plays, and so did the passing game." A reshaped offensive line exhibited a notable difference in size and power, taking control and setting the tone for the scrimmage. However, the defense responded with a resilience that earned praise from Cristobal, "A really nice counterpunch later by the defense," he noted.

While the offense had its moments of brilliance, the defense's pressure on the quarterback and its emphasis on takeaways was evident as Cristobal noted. "When the offense was good on first down, they moved it all the way through," said Cristobal, emphasizing the importance of early downs.

Speaking about Coach Lance Guidry's focus on creating negative plays, Cristobal acknowledged the mixed outcomes. "There were times when we did [create negative plays] and sometimes where we didn't. The biggest thing we're emphasizing is high effort, physicality, and playing smart."

Embodying the true spirit of a Hurricane, Cristobal wants his team to adopt an ethos of hard work and determination. "Being a Hurricane, it's about working hard, playing hard, going max effort all the time," he emphasized. It's about bringing back the soul and essence of old school Miami football, a combination of talent and tireless work ethic.

Highlighting the importance of substance over style, Cristobal stated, "Football's not a fashion show." He continued, emphasizing the need for players to focus on the core aspects of the game instead of superficialities. "We've got good looking body types, but they need to understand what coverage is, the angles, and get to work."

The day was not without its lapses, and Cristobal didn't shy away from acknowledging them. "This game's very unforgiving," he noted, signaling the need for more consistent performances.

Cristobal expressed his appreciation for the loyal Hurricane fans who turned out in full force. Looking ahead, the coach shared his immediate plans, "Jump on the film, correct it, go to walkthroughs, get our meals, and get right back to curfew. We're in camp."
 
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The usual struggle is well if the offense looks good, is it a good offense or a bad defense…and vice versa

I like that there was give and take in this game from the reports. Offense got some licks in, defense had some shots. That’s how it should be.
 
Just a quick comment before I get into my thoughts later.

Earlier today @Peter Ariz said that if you have been paying attention to what has been said this off-season then you shouldn't be surprised that true freshman Damari Brown was a starter at CB today opposite his big brother Devonte Brown.

Now maybe these things were said but I truly don't recall anyone telling us to watch out for Damari Brown in terms of him being a factor in the present. Many have said that he is a great CB prospect but nothing in terms of challenging for early PT or even a starting role.

Was I do remember hearing is how blown away the staff has been with true freshman CB Robert Stafford. I clearly remember @DMoney saying that Stafford is considered to be one of if not the best overall athlete on the team or something to that effect. The funny thing is that in the first scrimmage we saw a lot of Damari and if I'm not mistaken Stafford did not play today.
 
Just a quick comment before I get into my thoughts later.

Earlier today @Peter Ariz said that if you have been paying attention to what has been said this off-season then you shouldn't be surprised that true freshman Damari Brown was a starter at CB today opposite his big brother Devonte Brown.

Now maybe these things were said but I truly don't recall anyone telling us to watch out for Damari Brown in terms of him being a factor in the present. Many have said that he is a great CB prospect but nothing in terms of challenging for early PT or even a starting role.

Was I do remember hearing is how blown away the staff has been with true freshman CB Robert Stafford. I clearly remember @DMoney saying that Stafford is considered to be one of if not the best overall athlete on the team or something to that effect. The funny thing is that in the first scrimmage we saw a lot of Damari and if I'm not mistaken Stafford did not play today.
There was a podcast a couple months ago where D$ said people inside the building expected to the Brown brothers to start opposite each other. This was before Damari had stepped on the field though and D$ said that he needed a strong camp because he didn't have spring practice, but that it was something on the radar.

And then last week, Mario had extremely high praise for Damar which should be the dead giveaway. He went out of his way to say he has all the ingredients to be impactful right away.
 
There was a podcast a couple months ago where D$ said people inside the building expected to the Brown brothers to start opposite each other. This was before Damari had stepped on the field though and D$ said that he needed a strong camp because he didn't have spring practice, but that it was something on the radar.

And then last week, Mario had extremely high praise for Damar which should be the dead giveaway. He went out of his way to say he has all the ingredients to be impactful right away.
Thanks @Peter Ariz

I must have missed that pod. I'm very excited for Damari Brown. Funny that I wasn't expecting him to be a factor with Jadais Richard, Dimitrius Freeney, Jaden Davis and Davonte Brown all being brought in to upgrade the room. Also I think we were all so depressed about the McClain situation that we didn't really expect another true freshman CB to do what we thought McClain was supposed to do and that is win a starting job.

I have to ask...... How is Robert Stafford doing? I don't think he played today but I'm not sure. Is Stafford still playing well in practice? Do you think he has a shot to be a factor or do you think a redshirt is the most likely outcome here? Thanks again.
 
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