The defense is so much better, and playing with aggression and speed - they know their assignments and execute them.
Mertz is playing as reasonably hoped. His completion percentage is way up, he’s smart, efficient and is a good leader. He needs to take the deeper shots when open. Trusting his efficiency (and the defense) should allow more passing on 1st & 2nd downs. However, setting tendencies then breaking them in bigger games is important, too.
We have a PK. (Curious what was happening in practice or off the field that kept Smack as KO only.)
OL is a work in progress, which showed progress the one game the starters have all played together.
I’m more concerned about execution than the play calling. Guys do get open on deeper routes but Mertz takes the surer pass or is pressured to take the check-downs. Wilson makes a huge difference.
Billy is proving himself on the talent acquisition side. Few impactful players are holdovers. The young recruits are either living up to their rating and/or their staff evaluation. The transfers are huge. Jackson & Banks have solidified the DL and we have a very strong rotation. Mitchell is making plays when he’s in. Kimber is playing great. Mertz, Pearsall, Montrell and Mazzcua are vital to the offense. We plugged in the pieces we needed from the portal.
ST improved a lot this week. But they have to get those units sorted. I still don’t like the jersey-changing due to double numbers. But I do have an idea about making sure they have 11, no more, no less, on the field.