PSU Cane
Junior
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2011
- Messages
- 5,938
I just went back and watched the full ND and UCLA games. On top of the INTs he did throw, including pick 6's against ND (2) and Nebraska (1), he had other dropped or near miss INTs as well.
The kid has talent but significant risk as well. He's a boom/bust type gunslinger.
- Appears to be confident. Takes deep shots all the time.
- Will stand in the pocket and take a hit trying to throw instead of tucking and running.
- Makes some big throws.
- Progressions are hit and miss. Sometimes you see him reset and go to option 2/3. Other times, he stares hard and waits for this guy to open.
- Throws a LOT of verticals, fades, back shoulders...lower percentage and 50/50 type throws...along with screens and curls/hitches/stop routes. Very few crossers (unless a screen route), dig routes or out routes, where his timing and accuracy issues could show a bit. Reminds me a lot of Milroe in those ways, from his slightly unorthodox delivery to his deep ball skills vs the intermediate stuff. At first i wondered if it was just Riley's playcalls but Moss used to throw good intermediate routes across the middle. Cam was great at those intermediate throws across the middle to Arroyo and Restrepo. If you bring in Maiava, you have to tailor the offensive calls to his style.
- Since he attempts some lower percentage throws, you have to expect 3-and-outs or short drives with those big plays.....and some turnovers. He takes a lot of risks and never seems to lack confidence doing so. The offense could hit at any time or stall....maybe not as consistent as many would like, especially with that defense we saw this year.
- He's mobile, but he doesn't appear to be a great natural runner. Throws the ball away often instead of running. He can get spooked and run around the pocket like a spinning top. He doesn't seem great at throwing on the run either....looks a bit stiff trying to do it with his throwing motion.
- Started slow in a few games, 50% or less early on until he got in a rhythm.
I can see why Dawson would like him. His throwing style does remind me of some former Houston teams, as well as Rhett's SMU vertical scheme and the Briles-type concepts. You can win with him....but he may lose you a few as well. If you try to dial him back it bit, it could take away the mentality that allows him to make those big plays and backfire.
