Golson!!!

[CelticImport]

When the game is on the line, Golson will come through. Just turn him lose. To him, it is like a game of back yard football. He will do whatever it takes to win the game. He has all the necessary ingredients. He has a great and lively arm, He has great awareness, he has great footspeed and escapability, he has great running ability, he has composure, he has the ability to make you miss and he has a keen sense of knowing what to do. Just turn the game over to him and feel confident. I did.

 

OK, you're right EG is playing backyard football. He's a rookie QB who still doesn't see the whole field, but he's got great skills and is a tremendous competitor.

 

Wait until the game slows down for him and he doesn't have to rely on his improv skills. Imagine EG with the ability to read defenses and pick out receivers like Rees does, but with a much stronger arm and with legs.

[corysold]

The only thing you have to wonder about Golson is if he is tall enough to truly be able to throw the ball from the pocket.

 

He has missed a number of wide open throws over the middle of the field. You have to at least start to wonder if he can see them. He's all of 5' 10" trying to throw over guys who are 6' 4"+.

[spring09]

Golson secured his spot yesterday. I still like the idea of having Rees as a backup, but there is no reason for B Kelly to consider Rees as a 'closer' anymore.

[IrishCalves]

I think we saw that Kelly probably out-thought himself in starting Rees for the 2nd half. He's good for a few closely measured and monitored snaps, but you ask him to go 4 quarters and there's just not enough to engineer a prolific offense. I really do like Rees as a backup, and in limited roles he can perform. He just simply cannot get the ball down the field deep, and is a non-threat with his legs. Affect his throw just a little bit, and we all saw what happened to that wounded animal of a pass he heaved up that didn't have a chance.

 

No way he finds Daniels on a broken play. No way he extends the play and finds Riddick for 6. No way he runs in that two point conversion.

 

I'm not trying to embody any sort of class warfare in saying these things, or pretend that Golson was flawless out there, but you clearly need to have guys on the field capable of making those kinds of plays, where he manufactured something out of nothing.

 

I think - THINK - we're getting to the point in developing Golson's awareness and in promoting his confidence that we might see Everett get the reins for 4 quarters from here on out. It's a balancing act, but I think Golson has shown enough proficiency in addressing some of the holes in his game that, though they aren't gone entirely, his play making ability outweighs the risk of his inexperience getting the best of him in a tight spot. He's still a risk taker in the way he runs, and he's still not seeing the field as well as he needs to in order to get to where he wants to be, but I trust him more with the game on the line than Tommy. Not that I'm burying Tommy forever, but I think it's time for the training wheels to come off. He looked like a man who wanted to TAKE that job last night, and it looks like he did, especially with the way he came back after getting picked off.

[The Four Horsemen]

I was shocked when Rees came into the game. Sure EG had to leave for one play when he lost the helmet, but hat should have been the end of it. Rees comes in and throws a pic and that was the end of the Rees experiment. I think that whole thing kind of blew up in Kelly's face.

 

In the press conference, he claims that he has a pretty keen sense of when he needs to make a QB change. I didn't have that sense or see any panic in EG during the first half. I DID get a big sense that we needed to get Golson back in the game as soon as Tommy threw the short armed pic though.

 

I think EG just proved why he is our starter and also made the statment that we don't need Tommy coming in to close out games, EG has this.

[williamson143]

I do and don't agree with the decision to start Rees in the 2nd half. Golson's eyes were getting pretty big in the 2nd quarter and I got the impression that he was over-thinking things. In that regard, I think that putting him onto the bench for a few snaps got his head straight and allowed the game to slow back down for him. Rees' pick sped up Kelly's decision.

 

It was interesting to watch the training wheels come off for Golson late in the 4th. Kelly really picked up the pace of play calling and playing time and things were moving a lot faster out there. This was what I was expecting all season and may be a signal of things to come.

[dangeruss]

the mvp of this game imo was golsons legs. on the TD to TJ to make it 20-12 didn't ND start that drive on their own 8 yardline? he then saw the line open up and ran for about 30 yards (if that were reese it never would've happened). then during that drive he comes up big a few other times on of those a qb draw up the middel for 7 yards on 4th down (if that were reese it never would've happened). golsons ability to extend the play and the playbook with his legs is huge, something that reese cant do. unless golson gets hurt i think we've seen the end of the 2 qb system, specially in the 2 min. drill.

 

on NDs second drive of the game when they had the ball on the one footline, i don't understand why they didn't qb sneak it in.

[jbrown_9999]

The only thing you have to wonder about Golson is if he is tall enough to truly be able to throw the ball from the pocket.

 

He has missed a number of wide open throws over the middle of the field. You have to at least start to wonder if he can see them. He's all of 5' 10" trying to throw over guys who are 6' 4"+.

 

This might become more of a problem in future years since our OL will only get taller each year when you look at the height of the second string and OL commits.

[BI5224]

He has said in the past that he's studied the likes of Drew Brees and how short he is but still finds "passing lanes". Keep studying EG.

[nremdn]

Kelly just about overthought himself out of a victory by putting Rees in. Golson definitely made some bad reads, but he was playing decent up to that point. The only positive I can say is that the team lived through it and in the end Golson probably gained a lot of confidence in himself and so did the coaches. The kid did what needed to be done when it was all on the line. He is ultra competitive, I will give him that. That's what you need in a quarterback. I love seeing him getting more vocal with the rest of the team and taking charge. I think he is starting to get the feeling that this is his team and he is holding himself and others more accountable.

[InvNO1247]

I'll be the first to admit if we had Tommy in Sat we lose the game, that being said. If Golson doesn't learn how to read a Def we will lose and we will lose big against USC. Def have figured out that Golson doesn't understand how to read LB's and are just giving him open recievers over the middle all day because he doesn't even look down the middle. He only has 4 options, Hand the ball off, pass to the sidelines/flats, throw the ball deep or scramble. If he could figure out to read LB positions and see how open the players are offense would be clicking. This is why Kelly brings Tommy in, just to try to keep Def honest.

 

I saw open recievers all day long over the middle, If you go back and watch the game on replay this week just pay attention to all of the openings over the middle especially with the Int he tossed in the end zone. This must be driving Kelly insane!!

[FaithInIrish Forever]

I'll be the first to admit if we had Tommy in Sat we lose the game, that being said. If Golson doesn't learn how to read a Def we will lose and we will lose big against USC. Def have figured out that Golson doesn't understand how to read LB's and are just giving him open recievers over the middle all day because he doesn't even look down the middle. He only has 4 options, Hand the ball off, pass to the sidelines/flats, throw the ball deep or scramble. If he could figure out to read LB positions and see how open the players are we offense would be clicking. This is why Kelly brings Tommy in, just to try to keep Def honest.

 

I saw open recievers all day long over the middle, If you go back and watch the game on replay this week just pay attention to all of the openings over the middle especially with the Int he tossed in the end zone. This must be driving Kelly insane!!

 

Welcome to DD! Post often please. One thing all coaches preach against is NEVER be late over the middle. They are the most risky throws and come last for a young QB. So while your right, I think Golson will grow in that regard...

Edited November 5, 2012 by FaithInIrishForever

[nremdn]

I'll be the first to admit if we had Tommy in Sat we lose the game, that being said. If Golson doesn't learn how to read a Def we will lose and we will lose big against USC. Def have figured out that Golson doesn't understand how to read LB's and are just giving him open recievers over the middle all day because he doesn't even look down the middle. He only has 4 options, Hand the ball off, pass to the sidelines/flats, throw the ball deep or scramble. If he could figure out to read LB positions and see how open the players are offense would be clicking. This is why Kelly brings Tommy in, just to try to keep Def honest.

 

I saw open recievers all day long over the middle, If you go back and watch the game on replay this week just pay attention to all of the openings over the middle especially with the Int he tossed in the end zone. This must be driving Kelly insane!!

 

I'm sorry, but Rees does not keep defenses honest. I absolutely agree Golson misses A LOT of open receivers over the midddle, but even taking that into account he keeps defenses a heck of a lot more honest than Rees ever could. Rees locks on to Eifert constantly, he has limited arm strength (which gives defenses much more time to break on a play and gives them the ability to never worry about the deep ball), and he has no mobility. His only and I mean ONLY attribute that he is head and shoulders over Golson is his knowledge of the offense. I think you're one of the few people that believes that Rees can keep a defense honest. He can't beat a defense deep or down low with his feet. When Rees enters the game the defense can basically cut the area they have to defend in half.

Edited November 5, 2012 by nremdn

[VCDomer]

21. more. first. downs. Not yards, not plays, but FIRST DOWNS.

21 more first downs than Pitt and we trailed by 14 in the 4th quarter.

 

...and we were lucky that Pitt missed a FG in OT to give us a chance to stay in it.

 

Yes, EG did some amazing things out there last night, but if he did the little things right there never would have been a need for heroics.

 

That being said, he took the team on his back and willed it to victory.

 

I agree with many of you who have said that EG has trouble reading the linebackers and throwing down the middle. But the problem with the little things as you say is not just on EG. I have to give much of the blame for this shaky offensive performance and the "by the seat of our pants" victory on BK. With 1st and goal within the 5 yard line, BK ran the same play 3 times in a row with the exact same results. BKs play calling regresssed from the week prior. I think the "tightness" of the team during home games is a direct reflection on how tight BK is during home games. I speculate that he is the one who is too tight and too worried during the home games. His play calling in this game was like he was scared.

[nremdn]

I agree with many of you who have said that EG has trouble reading the linebackers and throwing down the middle. But the problem with the little things as you say is not just on EG. I have to give much of the blame for this shaky offensive performance and the "by the seat of our pants" victory on BK. With 1st and goal within the 5 yard line, BK ran the same play 3 times in a row with the exact same results. BKs play calling regresssed from the week prior. I think the "tightness" of the team during home games is a direct reflection on how tight BK is during home games. I speculate that he is the one who is too tight and too worried during the home games. His play calling in this game was like he was scared.

 

You have got that right, the playcalling on that set of plays was very questionable. I would think that is when you tell your OLine to smash them in the mouth and let your qb shove it in there. This team has serious red zone issues that they need to address in a hurry.

[JoeBrasco]

Congrats to EG for his play that essentially won the game yesterday, but this is not the QB of ND's future I hope. This is not meant to be a knock on Golson, but he will not be the most talented QB on the roster in a couple years IMO.

 

As was previously stated, the kid misses way too many WIDE OPEN big plays every single game. I have seen some receivers without a defensive player within 10 yards of them and he still can't find them. He simply is unable to see the whole field unless he is outside the pocket. He essentially checks his primary receiver, if he is covered he is looking to run.

 

Here's to hoping that Gunner Kiel sticks around and is starting first week of 2014. Golson still has a future with the team if Kiel is starting. Golson would be great to have split out as a slot and used in gimmick plays every once in a while.

[JoeBrasco]

I agree with many of you who have said that EG has trouble reading the linebackers and throwing down the middle. But the problem with the little things as you say is not just on EG. I have to give much of the blame for this shaky offensive performance and the "by the seat of our pants" victory on BK. With 1st and goal within the 5 yard line, BK ran the same play 3 times in a row with the exact same results. BKs play calling regresssed from the week prior. I think the "tightness" of the team during home games is a direct reflection on how tight BK is during home games. I speculate that he is the one who is too tight and too worried during the home games. His play calling in this game was like he was scared.

 

Most coaches play more conservatively at home. With that said, running three times straight up the middle was stupid.

[corysold]

Congrats to EG for his play that essentially won the game yesterday, but this is not the QB of ND's future I hope. This is not meant to be a knock on Golson, but he will not be the most talented QB on the roster in a couple years IMO.

 

As was previously stated, the kid misses way too many WIDE OPEN big plays every single game. I have seen some receivers without a defensive player within 10 yards of them and he still can't find them. He simply is unable to see the whole field unless he is outside the pocket. He essentially checks his primary receiver, if he is covered he is looking to run.

 

Here's to hoping that Gunner Kiel sticks around and is starting first week of 2014. Golson still has a future with the team if Kiel is starting. Golson would be great to have split out as a slot and used in gimmick plays every once in a while.

 

Part of this is potentially not being able to see, and part is trusting his reads.

 

He is short and that can be affecting some of his plays, but he isn't the first short QB ever.

 

The second part that needs to improve is reading the defense, and trusting his reads. Sometimes as a QB, you need to just trust that the play is designed correctly and that a guy is going to be open based on the pre-snap read. I don't think Golson is there yet on balls over the middle.

[nremdn]

Part of this is potentially not being able to see, and part is trusting his reads.

 

He is short and that can be affecting some of his plays, but he isn't the first short QB ever.

 

The second part that needs to improve is reading the defense, and trusting his reads. Sometimes as a QB, you need to just trust that the play is designed correctly and that a guy is going to be open based on the pre-snap read. I don't think Golson is there yet on balls over the middle.

 

I am hoping his height isn't the problem (because that is unfixable) and it's just that he's missing his reads. I can definitely notice he is progressing on his reads and confidence level in the offense a little each game. You can easily tell he is waiting to see the wide open receiver before he throws though. The qb's that have complete grasp of their offense let the ball go before the receiver's make their breaks because they know they will be open. It is clear Golson has not gotten to that level of comfort with the offense yet. A great example is the Riddick TD in the endzone, he had that well before he actually threw it, but he wasn't ready to pull the trigger. I think this is very acceptable for a freshman qb, now if he hasn't progressed to that point by the end of next year then we have problems. Golson tends to play on the side of safety most of the time (or at least since the int's early in the season) and it has been nice to see him start slinging it around a bit more lately.

[InvNO1247]

I'm sorry, but Rees does not keep defenses honest. I absolutely agree Golson misses A LOT of open receivers over the midddle, but even taking that into account he keeps defenses a heck of a lot more honest than Rees ever could. Rees locks on to Eifert constantly, he has limited arm strength (which gives defenses much more time to break on a play and gives them the ability to never worry about the deep ball), and he has no mobility. His only and I mean ONLY attribute that he is head and shoulders over Golson is his knowledge of the offense. I think you're one of the few people that believes that Rees can keep a defense honest. He can't beat a defense deep or down low with his feet. When Rees enters the game the defense can basically cut the area they have to defend in half.

 

I wasn't trying to come off like a Tommy fanboy here. I was just saying I think Kelly's intent is to keep the Def Honest with someone that can actually read the Def. Tommy isn't doing what Kelly hopes that he can. I just hope that EG can learn to run the 2 min drill and read a def before the USC game, he's had a year as a red shirt and almost an entire season as a starter to figure this out. It clearly hasn't clicked with him yet, I hope it does because he has a rocket for a arm and good running ability.

 

I'm glad I found these forums not a lot of ND love down here in Florida! You guys are on it!