Downtown Chris Brown--Get used to it!

[OklahomaIrish]

This was the play that broke them. They had just tied it up and this play stopped all the energy and emotion against us. I wanted this particular play this game. I wanted it run just as we ran it. Brown lines up wide and sprints straight up field. He makes his cut at a 45 degree angle to the middle of the field causing separation and giving Golson a clear look. He nailed it.

 

We have been close before. One time I know Golson was about to hit it (can't remember which game) and he got hit just as he released. The first time he threw it he simply was wired and over threw it.

 

Well I got my wish. It could not have come at a better time. It beat Oklahoma with me right there watching.

 

Guys, Brown is a true freshman. Golson is a redshirt freshman. They hit this play in practice all the time. Now that they have connected in a big game it will be much easier to duplicate. This was the first, there are more coming, possibly many more. This one play makes us a much better offensive team.

[hawaiiirish]

We have been waiting Oklahoma, we knew it was inevitable, but damn that play summed up the whole season---the absolute "PERFECT" time to connect.

 

It was the MSU game he threw it to him twice--once he overthrew him fault on golson--once he took a huge rush that forced an early throw--fault on the OLINE----Then yesterday he threw it again and IMO chris should have laid out for it , it was close, but still no cigar----i thought that was it for the day---but then WALLA!!!___-first catch--first connection--50 yards--at the most important time possible----

 

We will see it over & over as these two have chance to be the next great passing duo---its exciting!

 

aloha's

[Franco]

LOVE the nickname...Downtown Chris Brown

[goirish83]

how fitting was it okie that this is the week he finally busted out!

[IRISH812]

So does Chris Brown remind anyone of Golden Tate? The only reason I say this is GT in his freshmen year only ran go routes and then dominated the next two years

[chirodomer]

Yes and he likes donuts too! I couldn't resist!

[OklahomaIrish]

how fitting was it okie that this is the week he finally busted out!

 

I think God saved this play for all of us at this particular time. I really want the name 'Downtown Chris Brown' to stick. I began the term 'Turnover Tommy' and now I profusely apologize. My wife really got onto me for that. We should never coin a phrase that has a negative connotation. It was a mistake on my part and I will not repeat it.

 

Thank you Tommy rees for coming in, hitting that crucial pass, and protecting the ball!!!

[OklahomaIrish]

Why is there so little excitement over the fact that we finally connected on this play. Yeah, Hawaii and a couple others commented, but it is as if this isn't that big of a deal. OK, maybe I don't know football. Maybe this doesn't change anything. Or maybe this elevates our offense to the point that we could win all our games and lay stake to the national title!

 

Frankly, that's how I see it. If you can hit this deep ball against Oklahoma, you can hit it against anybody in the country. Now, if you are watching on tv, maybe you don't see how good, athletic and fast the Oklahoma secondary is. Let me tell you, Notre Dame will not face a better secondary this year. Not even USC. We were flat out covered against the Sooners. Golson did one heck of a job getting the ball to his receivers.

 

Here's why it works. We have established the run. the safety has to be aware of that. One little bite toward the line of scrimmage and he is toast because of the speed of Chris Brown. The corner can not stay with him. Oklahoma's corners are fantastic, but when Brown makes the cut towards the middle of the field, he gets two steps on the defender. This is not a huge window for Golson, but he can hit it. He almost hit it twice in this game. The more we do it, the easier it becomes.

 

I've watched this play develop over the season. I knew it was about to connect. This changes everything. Would Purdue have put 9 in the box if they feared this connection? We need to keep showing it and keep hitting it. Practice makes perfect. I could see the calmness in Golson's eyes at the game.

 

When you hit the long ball, it makes up for a multitude of sins. In other words, the chances of a mistake, penalty turnover are greatly reduced. Think about if we had to play Alabama. Points are going to be at a premium. This gives us a chance. Seriously, I think we are suddenly a lot better. That game with OU was in doubt until we hit that pass.

 

I loved how Golson played. I loved our front 7. I loved our punt and kick off units and I loved Kelly's play calling and demeanor, but this added threat just made us capable of being the national champs~~~in my humble opinion.

[ndjohn]

It's not just Chris Brown, it is the development of the entire receiving corps. Daniels made some awesome catches while be heavily guarded by the Oklahoma secondary. Toma is a real player. The offense turned a corner this week.

[Domer Dude]

So does Chris Brown remind anyone of Golden Tate? The only reason I say this is GT in his freshmen year only ran go routes and then dominated the next two years

 

No - but I like both.

[FaithInIrish Forever]

their roles as freshman were identical but thier skillset is different. They were downtown threats only as freshman

 

Golden was his own blend more cutting moves to him, he was a running back in school, Brown to me is less moves and more just speed track speed and high jump vertical for Cbreezy,

Edited November 1, 2012 by FaithInIrishForever

[AtLeastMySisWasIrish]

So does Chris Brown remind anyone of Golden Tate? The only reason I say this is GT in his freshmen year only ran go routes and then dominated the next two years

 

Exactly. Once he gets his routes down, he could be an awsome weapon for the O. Faster than Golden I believe but yet to see if a better receiver. Hoping!

 

Ps: His nickname on the team is Breezy so I know many like the Downtown moniker but Breezy Brown isn't too bad either. Bottom line is as long as he keeps catching the ball, he can call himself anything he wants! GO IRISH!

[imroc]

Why is there so little excitement over the fact that we finally connected on this play. Yeah, Hawaii and a couple others commented, but it is as if this isn't that big of a deal. OK, maybe I don't know football. Maybe this doesn't change anything. Or maybe this elevates our offense to the point that we could win all our games and lay stake to the national title!

 

Frankly, that's how I see it. If you can hit this deep ball against Oklahoma, you can hit it against anybody in the country. Now, if you are watching on tv, maybe you don't see how good, athletic and fast the Oklahoma secondary is. Let me tell you, Notre Dame will not face a better secondary this year. Not even USC. We were flat out covered against the Sooners. Golson did one heck of a job getting the ball to his receivers.

 

Here's why it works. We have established the run. the safety has to be aware of that. One little bite toward the line of scrimmage and he is toast because of the speed of Chris Brown. The corner can not stay with him. Oklahoma's corners are fantastic, but when Brown makes the cut towards the middle of the field, he gets two steps on the defender. This is not a huge window for Golson, but he can hit it. He almost hit it twice in this game. The more we do it, the easier it becomes.

 

I've watched this play develop over the season. I knew it was about to connect. This changes everything. Would Purdue have put 9 in the box if they feared this connection? We need to keep showing it and keep hitting it. Practice makes perfect. I could see the calmness in Golson's eyes at the game.

 

When you hit the long ball, it makes up for a multitude of sins. In other words, the chances of a mistake, penalty turnover are greatly reduced. Think about if we had to play Alabama. Points are going to be at a premium. This gives us a chance. Seriously, I think we are suddenly a lot better. That game with OU was in doubt until we hit that pass.

 

I loved how Golson played. I loved our front 7. I loved our punt and kick off units and I loved Kelly's play calling and demeanor, but this added threat just made us capable of being the national champs~~~in my humble opinion.

 

Well, I'll take a stab. We've had some really exciting offense since CW. 95% of which was WR & TE play. Now, we have an outstanding D and lack that limelight offense. I speak for myself when I say that I'm expecting much more. I want a little of the shark, tate, floyd, fasano, carlson, rudolph ahhh....STOVALL! I want this avail for every pass play

[imroc]

So does Chris Brown remind anyone of Golden Tate? The only reason I say this is GT in his freshmen year only ran go routes and then dominated the next two years

 

I hope so! Man, I miss that dude!

[OklahomaIrish]

How about 'Downtown Breezy Brown'????

 

The comparison to Golden Tate can become more and more true as Downtown Breezy Brown develops. I really think he has good hands, but Golden's hands were rediculous. What Chris needs is a lot more work in the weight room. He has already made huge strides, but is still only 172 pounds. You can't suddenly put 20 pounds onto a player like this, but maybe just maybe 8 pounds by next fall. At 6' 1'' and 180 he is no longer a toothpick. Maybe then you might see the roles expanded to even include the reverse.

 

Remember, Toma will be gone and the slot will be manned by Devonte Neal, but Breezy could demand some reps over there as well. We are adding speed like Oregon has and next year takes another leap forward. Neal, Brown and DaVaris all as starters. We tend to overlook TJ, but he is now a super stud, just not quite as fast as these guys, but he has that calming effect on the offense. He is dependable.

 

Look at the receivers coming in next year. I see a trend. A couple of these guys are 6' 1'', very fast, very good hands, leaping ability and extremely athletic. They are, however, beanpoles!!!

 

DaVaris Daniels was a beanpole, but he redshirted and now he really looks built and will only get better. Breezy, though still slight, has added a good 10 pounds since he signed. These other guys will follow the same route and will probably be redshirted as was Daniels. It's a pipeline. We are loading up on these guys.

 

Corey Robinson is the exception to this formula. He is big. He is 6' 5'' and 210 and growing. He was just invited to the U.S. Army All America game which we can watch. Irish Illustrated called him a diamond in the rough. He will be big enough to play as a freshman. I have been enamored with him and I think he will hit 6' 6'' and about 220 before he comes on board. I don't want him to get any taller then that, and now I lean towards him redshirting.

 

Player development is what will set us apart from the rest of the country. We are doing a fantastic job. We still have a long way to go before we peak.

[dangeruss]

What Chris needs is a lot more work in the weight room. He has already made huge strides, but is still only 172 pounds. You can't suddenly put 20 pounds onto a player like this, but maybe just maybe 8 pounds by next fall. At 6' 1'' and 180 he is no longer a toothpick. Maybe then you might see the roles expanded to even include the reverse.

brown has one of those frames where he could easily put on 20 lbs. by next season. i like sending brown deep, he's got the speed, hands and body control to make the home run play. but if you just want to get the ball in his hands give it to him on a reverse, a wr screen or maybe a deep square in. just give him the ball, it drives me crazy every time they send him deep and golson over throws him.

[moostache]

I love seeing the deep ball off PA hit finally...whether its to Brown or one of the other WRs, its just good to see it work EXACTLY the way you draw it up. First establish the run and suck up the Safety on the fake (which is the part of the play that has me the most jazzed), then isolate Brown on a CB with the chance to run by him, add in a GREAT block from Riddick to prevent a hit on Golson and then finally the accurate deep throw that hits Brown in stride (though he might have underthrown it very, very slightly) and the play was a thing of beauty.

 

I look forward to many more of those over the next few years, but I really want to see what Daniels, Brown and Neal can do next year with Niklas and Koyack and Welch. I believe that Cierre will return for a 5th year (NFL simply does NOT draft RBs very high any more and he will be a marginal 3rd-4th round guy), we will have Atkinson hopefully really hitting his stride and Cam to get some extra touches as well.

 

The future looks bright and for the first time in what feels like forever I am LOVING the current team at the same time I am really excited about the future roster as well...it feels like '05/'06 without the donut-hole of '07 staring us in the face...