Three scrimmages in six days now for Auburn, and so today’s a day off. But before the calm there was the storm of last night’s scrimmage, in which we are told the offense did well and the defense needs work, except for the parts that the defense did well and the offense will need work.
Reporter roll call: Andy Bitter, Andrew Gribble, Jay Tate, Charles Goldberg, and with a bonus freebie report, Phillip Marshall. Straight info is thattaway. The WBE’s knee-jerk responses to said info, that’s below:
— There’s hasn’t been much discussion in this space about the way Cam Newton’s progressed because we don’t really have any idea how he’s progressed; every shred of info we get comes filtered through Malzahn and Chizik and Newton himself, where “he did all right … he improved” could mean anything from “he’s going to make Dennis Dixon’s scorched-earth dual-threat run at Oregon look like kiddie stuff” to “at least he wasn’t the hot flaming pile of garbage he was two nights ago.” There’s not really any way to know.
But I think we can say with some degree of certainty that, yeah, Newton wasn’t bad last night. In his own words:
“It was just being consistent and getting into a rhythm early. That’s very important in playing quarterback, especially with the type of offense that we run with the bubbles, the slants, the hitches, everything. For me to get very comfortable and settled at my position, that made everything go very smoothly.”
So … he’s feeling comfortable with the bubbles, and slants, and hitches? (Fannin did score on one.) And even Malzahn was forced to admit Newton’s improved over the previous scrimmage and is “starting to understand the expectations” of playing quarterback in this offense? Oh man, excuse me while I daydream about averaging 54 points a game for a minute. Just a few seconds more. OK, done.
The change is tone from Newton and Malzahn is subtle, to be sure. But I think we’re getting some signals that our new quarterback is going to be plenty ready by the time the season hits.
— Hey, it’s about time we got some bona fide Michael Dyer hype, right? A couple of long runs against the first-team D, a couple of glowing quotes from Craig Stevens, and we’re good to go. Chizik can talk about protection all he wants, but what I want to know is if he’s ready to carry the proverbial rock … and in his first extended chance to do that against a real (well, sorta-real) defense, he did.
— I’m not worried about both Chizik and Malzahn essentially calling out the four seniors on the offensive line for not getting a better push. Maybe they just needed a kick in the pants. If there’s one area of the team (aside from that right tackle spot) I’m really, really not concerned about, it’s those guys. In fact, frankly, that the defensive line stood up that well to those guys is maybe more encouraging than one lackluster scrimmage for the o-line is discouraging.
— Speaking of the right tackle vacancy, both Malzahn and Mike Berry spoke to the need to start building chemistry with whoever winds up with the job. Just a reminder that, yeah, this thing needs to be resolved sooner rather than later. (Oh, and if you missed it, Marshall reported that Sullen and Greene got the majority of the snaps there, re-affirming their status as the top two guys from Tuesday’s practice.)
— Kodi Burns, doin’ Kodi Burns things. Here’s to hoping the hype he’s getting at wideout isn’t just pumped sunshine. Hard as he works and as terrific an athlete as he’s always been, I’d be surprised if it was.
— Thigpen says he’s not worried that Etheridge hasn’t seen any time in the scrimmages, and mentions that he took on a 300-pound guard in practice the other day, without any reservations. So that’s all good news. But it still doesn’t explain why he can hit a 300-pound guard in practice but not take the field for the scrimmage. Does it?
— Sounds like Trovon Reed didn’t field any punt returns, leaving the work to the usual foursome of Carr, Morgan, Mincy, and security blanket Darvin Adams.
— Three walk-ons got their scholarships: Josh Harris (our long-snapper, who it’s worth noting didn’t have a bad snap in 2009, that I recall), Woody Parramore, and Wade Christopher. Congratulations go out to them on a well-deserved honor. A little bit surprised to see Ikeem Means passed over, but he’s a sophomore and the other three are upperclassmen. His time’ll come.
— T’Sharvan Bell used one of his rare meetings with the media to express his enjoyment of special teams, which is nice. Between third- and fourth-year players like him and Burns still lining up on those units, and the wave of freshmen arriving to cover for the walk-ons of yesteryear, man, I feel so much better about Auburn’s kick coverage.
— Away from the field, congrats go out to Bynes and Stevens for making the Butkus shortlist. And in a different sport entirely, good heavens, what on earth must Auburn basketball do to exorcise whatever demonic curse is hovering over this program? We all knew that karma probably wasn’t going to reward hiring a Calipari disciple, but this is just completely out of hand.
— Lastly, a commenter yesterday said the previous edition of NFTB was “pessimistic,” and reading back over it, he’s kind of right. So I’ll just take this opportunity to say: with all three scrimmages and “fall camp” essentially behind us as classes start, we can say there’s absolutely nothing that’s happened during camp that should make any Auburn fan dial down their expectations for this season. There were no major injuries, not one. Cam Newton appears to be as on schedule as we could expect him to be, the rest of the offense sounds like it’s humming along as planned, and Burns’ ascension to actual wide receiver now lets Malzahn switch back and forth between the normal offense and the Wildcat without pausing for subs. (It also gives Malzahn another quality wideout, of course.) The defense still has some issues, but the biggest one in 2009–the depth–has taken a big step forward as the freshmen have held their own and guys like Eltoro, Jon Evans, Zach Clayton, and Nosa Eguae are all dotting the second string. Sure, Ted Roof is grumpy, but he’s less grumpy than he was at this time last year, and comparatively speaking ,the quotes coming from Gene Chizik are outright giddy. There’s still question marks at right tackle and at safety (though no-news-is-good-news on the Savage front, I’m guessing), but those of you thinking 10 wins or better this year, hey, no reason in the world to quit thinking that just yet.
Photo by Van Emst.
I think we need to start a pro-Kodi media campaign now. He’s obviously trying to get himself into the NFL, and he’ll need a little bit of hype to do so, I think, having been a rather unspectacular QB during a terrible period of upheaval at AU. He’s a great team player, and a senior, so I think we should make sure to highlight him every chance we get. Make it happen!
Wonder what the chances are of one of OT Mosley or Gayden being redshirted? (Maybe Gayden because of the ongoing injury problems?)
It seems the words “consistent” and “consistency” have been hammered into the players’ heads over and over and over again this fall. I see it in quotes ever day it seems. Or maybe it is just something that players parrot from each other. Anyway, I hope that it sticks.
I’d honestly rather see Auburn ditch the Wildcat completely. Cam has the speed to be a dual threat quarterback, so we don’t need that out of Kodi. Kodi’s throwing is so poor that we don’t need that out of Kodi either. It seemed like more often than not, the Wildcat interrupted the team’s rhythm and tempo last year.
I’m with you J.D., for all the reasons you state plus the likely increased chance of a fumbled snap by making these ad hoc Wildcat QB insertions.
WDE!
I also vote to ditch the Wildcat… unless Ladarious “Big Sexy” Phillips is the QB. Yeah I call him “Big Sexy.”
Is it possible that Sullen and Greene are getting more looks at RT because they are relative newcomers to the race and the coaches are giving them a fair shot? Either way I say run left, left, left.
hey!
“Big Sexy” may be the best nickname since Philip “Swede Killa” Lutzenkirchen.
Kodi Burns scored 8 touchdowns last year. That’s second most amongst returning starters, behind just Darvin Adams.
You guys are insane. Just because you might have nightmares about 2008 doesn’t mean he wasn’t effective last year.
The dude is a serious athlete and a serious weapon. I hate when people try to be “realistic” just because it’s the cool thing to do.
I don’t see too many of you complaining when Chizik recruits all these converted athletes who played quarterback in high school. But just because Burns played quarterback in 08, everybody hates him.
“Settle Down Beavis!” 😉
If the Wildcat can be run without interupting our tempo and make us more of a threat than we will already be* – fine.
* I believe the original point was that we have considerably more weapons across the board on O than we’ve had in several seasons. With all of those weapons, and Gustav’s myriad ways of using them with Cam at the helm, why go to the gimmick formation with a “QB” that can’t throw accurately?
We all love Kodi, but J.D.’s point is very sound.
WDE!
LP’s nickname is Da-Da (pronounced Day-Day). It is team tested and team approved.
I like Kodi Burns, just not throwing the ball. He does not do that well. I think he could be a great possession type receiver, which is what we need. DA is a possession but also a deep threat. I am talking about a Trey Gainous type guy.
Oh, and no one hates Kodi. Have you not been watching Auburn football the last say 12 games?
I agree that wildcat-2010 version does not need Kodi…maybe Reed or one of the other shifty runners….but you can bet this year the defenses will not be backing off and ignoring Cam like they did with Todd. No criticism of Todd because I think he did a great job under the circumstances but he was never a threat to run more than a couple yards and everyone knew it. Turn your back on Cam this year and I suspect he will tear off some big yardage.
10 Ws… Vegas has total wins @ 8. Degenerate gamblers rejoice and take the over.
My personal opinion is that we don’t NEED Kodi as the Wildcat QB or maybe even the Wildcat at all–that Newton gives us a kind of perma-Wildcat is a great point.
But that said, I like the idea of rewarding a guy who works his ass off and always puts the team first a la Kodi with a role as the Wildcat guy, a la, you know, Kodi. I think it’s also worth keeping the formation around as something different just so our opponents have to worry about dealing with it. But yeah, if Kodi either doesn’t throw at all this year or only throws when the receiver is so wide open even he can’t miss, I’ll be OK with that.
Yeah A-O, apparently scoring TDs in the SEC is an easy thing to some fans, lol. His first wildcat run in the Swamp in ’07 was for a TD. From the O-A News:
“Burns’ touchdown catch against Georgia put him in select company, making him just the second player since 1980 to throw, run and catch a touchdown for Auburn in the same season. Now, he’d prefer to just catch a few more.
“I’m starting to do a lot better with catching the ball, getting it at the highest point, and just making plays,” Burns said. “That’s what I need to do.”
The kid has been the ultimate team player from the go. How long will it take AU fans to realize that NO ONE thrived offensively under the Al Borges/tfranklin & tfranklin/nallsminger back to back years in the offensive dark ages. It wasn’t just Kodi, ha, ha. Personally at some point I’d still rather see Kodi pound it in there from the wildcat if he’s already on the field. Even though Newton’s big, I don’t like the idea of him constantly charging into SEC defenses shoulder first. War Eagle guys!
……I have to differ with those who hope Kodi is gone in the Wildcat. We know he’s not the most accurate thrower. Doesn’t have to be. Last year, when we went Wildcat…
……Chris Todd was split out. Defense could AUTOMATICALLY put their worst pass defender out there, and STILL have that guy contain sweeps. Todd wasn’t going to get a look, or throw a block. Think teams will be able to ignore Cam? I’ll bet he can get open and catch. And think of the “jet sweep” turning into the “Freight Train” sweep!
……And what if Kodi takes the snap, deals it off to Cam on the reverse, and goes out? With his new receiving skills, the D has to respect it. Cam could pull up and throw against basically cover zero. And you’ve still got Adams, Lutz, and Fannin out there. Against cover zero. Yeah.
……It’s a whole different equation this season. Kodi will have more room to run with those snap-keep Wildcats, too.
I would say ditch the wildcat, because, “HELLO!? NEWTON!” but the idea of Newton being lined up wide makes me salivate…imagine the possibilites: Fake the endaround against an aggressive D, and get it to Cam on a screen, among other various “trick plays” we could draw up…I had the privilege of seeing Cam at the Florida spring game in 07; even with the red jersey he was hard to “tackle.” (and that’s not even mentioning his arm, which was amazing. I know it’s a bad idea to judge a player from one scrimmage, but this kid is the real deal talentwise: and he’s working under the best OC in the SEC) The wildcat can still be a dangerous part of our offense. Unstoppable, if executed properly….There’s just too many options for a defense to worry about. Do they focus on Kodi up the gut? Zachery on the reverse? Newton lined up wide? Super Mario in the flat? Darvin Adams running free down the sideline? the swede killa over the middle? Just cause we have the permacat in the shotgun, doesn’t mean it has to be abandoned. But then again, that’s pretty much what a defense has to contend with every play anyway(!!!!11!). Holy shit, this offense is going to be fun to watch. SOOO many weapons! I almost feel sorry for the opposing defensive coordinators. How in the hell do you prepare for such an onslaught? The only thing you can really do is pray that we have an off day, because Gus Malzahn is smarter than you. Oh, and now that Frenchy’s back does that mean we get to use the trick play that Arkansas ran against us way back in 06?
If we see a true Chizik defense on the field then this team will be nigh unbeatable. With all the excitement surrounding the offense, lost in the shuffle is the fact that Gene Chizik is our freaking head coach. He was the best d-coordinator tubs ever had, and that’s saying something. Do you remember those? Chizik defenses? To me, they are the equal and opposite version of the Malzahn O. Remember all the motion in the front 7 that would confuse and scare the shit out of opposing offenses? Linebackers moving in, showing blitz and dropping into coverage as the ball is snapped (Interception Dansby!)? Defensive lineman shifting just before the ball is snapped and overwhelming the O line? The poor, confused quarterback would try to audible, but it was no use. They were an absolute joy to watch….they didn’t just beat the opponents, they got into their head. Demoralized them. Made them look stupid. I pray that Chizik leaves his thumbprint on this Auburn D. Please D…come on, step it up! I know the talent is there, even if it’s not in the form of experienced depth.
Isn’t this the kid who called a press conf and decided on the drive there to pick AU over Alabama? I thought he switched his commitment to bama a couple months ago. Or am I thinking of someone else?
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/08/well_centered_reese_dismukes_r.html#comments
Alex P, you’re thinking of Spencer Region. Dismukes is 100% on board.
Guess I’ll weigh in on the Wild Cat debate while I’m here. I’m all for keeping some form of it as long as we’re not too predictable with it. However, I’d like to see it a little less often and also with multiple players (Kodi, Trovon Reed, hell even Super Mario) running it. Just one more bit of chrome on the Gus Bus.
At the same time, I hope we see far fewer “Kodi Dances” this season.
Let me clarify:
I love Kodi Burns. He’s one of my favorite players in recent memory. I’m thrilled that he’s becoming a solid receiver. I hope he becomes one of Newton’s top receivers. That said, I stand by my statement that I don’t think we need the wildcat this year.
Last year, Kodi had a 3.1 yards per rush average and a 5.0 yards per pass attempt average. He threw two* touchdowns and two interceptions to go with a 33.3% completion percentage. We all know that he’s not the best passer, and he dances a little too much to be a really effective runner. I think the offense would be better served focusing on all the non-wildcat formations and perfecting those.
Jerry, saying you hope Kodi “only throws when the receiver is so wide open even he can’t miss” is a little results-based isn’t it? Since you can’t know this stuff ahead of time, I’d rather just not have Kodi ever throw the ball, like you said in the first half of that sentence.
*Should have been three touchdowns. McCalebb (IIRC) dropped a ball in the end zone against Tennessee on a busted play.
Agree with JD and some of the others 100% on the wildcat deal. I too love Kodi but if you’ll go back and look at some of the games from last year you’ll see it was an absolute momentum killer many times more often than it was any kind of help. And I personally don’t think that has anything to do with whether he’s already going to be on the field or not. And with all this great jubilation about the trick plays/formations, I’m going to go ahead and throw this out there since I caught the Outback Bowl replay on ESPNU yesterday at lunch – I really, really hope Gus doesn’t try to get quite so cute in certain situations next year. We had about 50-11 opportunities to make that game a complete blowout in the first half. But the one that killed me and had me going back to work mad from lunch was right at the end of the 1st half where we were up 21-7. Think there was about 1:30 left. Our obviously exhausted D, complete with McFadden doing his best Fred Sanford impression, shuts them down and their punter shanks one out of bounds at their own 36 yard line. All the mo was on our side. Perfect opportunity to give our D some extended rest into halftime, grind out the clock to make sure NW doesn’t get the ball back in time to run a few “man-beaters” against aforementioned exhausted D, and all the while extend our lead at least 3 points with our money FG kicker or put it on Tate’s back for a half-ending NW spirit crushing 7 since we had already rushed for over 100 yards in the half. So instead we run some sort of reverse quick pass throwback to Kodi flea flicker number that ends in about 4 seconds being run off the clock and NW with the ball back. Obviously a great play by the DB, but I bet 95% of you yelled WTF or some varible thereof at the TV when this happened. As far as I’m concerned, this ranked up there with the McCalebb fake punt run against Ball State. Don’t really care that Bob Griese thought it was a great call. That’s actually probably the best evidence to the contrary. Pure luck that we came up with another pick in the end zone after they immediately drove it the length of the field. UGGH. That’s my number one hope for this coming season. Better decisions on offense – particularly from the coaches – in certain situations. Having big leads against Georgia and Alabama and ending up with L’s had just as much to do with some of those decisions as it did with our ultra thin defense.
AU99, yeah, that call was questionable at best. But I don’t think it’s quite in the same zip code with the BSU fake punt; that was a fake punt against BSU, for God’s sake.
As for the WildKodi, great discussion here. As I said ,I’d like to see it–just less of it, and maybe with a little safer mindset when deployed.