Spring Practice Day 5

Same link as the cancelled Spring game, but I wanted to keep the discussions separate:



http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsbyusports/51477324-65/mendenhall-spring-game-happening.html.csp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



I love the reports coming out of camp. I haven't heard about anyone sloughing or any infighting and drama (Lockergate anyone?) out of camp this season. It sounds like everyone is giving their all. While a lot of that might be attributable to the number of unfilled positions up for grabs (RB, WR, SR/TB, TE, DE, DT, CB, S etc etc.), that was also true last season. I think the difference here goes to the top--Bronco and Doman instead of the passive-aggressive Anae/Hill combo.



Despite supposition to the contrary, it looks like the 2-deep for the quarterbacks is still going to be Heaps-Nelson as Lark is getting fewer and fewer opportunities to throw the ball in 11-on-11 drills (sorry fifthqb). Personally, I am all for this--the optimum split for reps between #1 and #2 is betwee 60-40 and 75-25. If we keep Nelson as a situational "weapon" (I got harassed for using "tool" before), that is going to demand a certain number of practice reps to allow the other 10 guys to get it pat, so further allocating snaps to Lark/Munns as a true #2 in addition puts you right back where we were last Spring/Summer/Fall---no one getting enough reps and execution teamwide suffering as a result. You can either have a situational Nelson or a Heaps-wanna-be #2 in Lark, but you can't have both.



Falslev is tearing it up in Spring camp, but my best guess is that he is this Spring's apparition--the guy who puts up eye-popping numbers in Spring but who only has marginal impact in real season. I just think he'll be buried on the depth chart by then, and even now most of his production is coming against the 2s.

I'll be happy as long as we see some big things from Falslev in kick returns/punt returns. A combination of him and Drew Philips will be very interesting to watch indeed.



I'm loving the fact that we're hearing about large completion percentages from both Heaps and Nelson, with big yardage. They are airing the ball out and getting it down field. I hope that continues.

Im just glad Cahoon is there to teach the art of WR. I strongly dislike Ashworth hands and do not want to see those again

hawkwing wrote:

I'm loving the fact that we're hearing about large completion percentages from both Heaps and Nelson, with big yardage. They are airing the ball out and getting it down field.

There ya go. A "surgical passing attack." That's what I was hoping for - and hope to see in the Fall. It's early - but the signs are very good!!!!

8)

Small technicality, but locker gate game during the summer months when there was no real news to discuss, so we could still have that drama, but I don't expect it. Everyone knows their roles a lot more this year than last.



Falslev is the beneficiary of Hoffman not practicing. Once Hoffman is back, Falslev will be back on the sidelines. However, I agree that it is nice to see him flourishing.



The defense sounds like they are very stout against the run. I think they have the potential to be strong against the pass as well, but when you are facing such a great QB as Heaps it is hard not to give up big plays/numbers.

hawkwing wrote:
I'll be happy as long as we see some big things from Falslev in kick returns/punt returns. A combination of him and Drew Philips will be very interesting to watch indeed.



I'm loving the fact that we're hearing about large completion percentages from both Heaps and Nelson, with big yardage. They are airing the ball out and getting it down field. I hope that continues.

Say What!? I didn't think Nelson could throw the ball further then 10 yards? :bug: :roll:

Here is KSL's more in-depth report from Day 5 (nice to finally get some more reports now that all the beat writers are back from Denver.)



http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=498&sid=14827926" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

From reports it seems like the defense is coming along good. JJ hasn't been able to do much of anything. I wonder if JJ will take a back seat to Phillips and Juice this year?? Hopefully Juice is the man and takes a majority of the carries this season



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JJ will still be an integral part of the offense.

beauso79 wrote:
From reports it seems like the defense is coming along good. JJ hasn't been able to do much of anything. I wonder if JJ will take a back seat to Phillips and Juice this year?? Hopefully Juice is the man and takes a majority of the carries this season



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JJ is a senior this year, in accordance with Bronco's way of doing things, he will get plenty of opportunities this year. JJ has invested too much to get pushed down the depth chart so much that he doesn't see the field early in the season.



But if Drew and Juice out play him in the games, he will see fewer and fewer touches, a la Mark Atuaia in 1996.

JJ was awarded the Player of the Year last year, so it's not likely he will be taking a back seat. Spring ball isn't exactly conducive to show casing rushing attacks anyway. I have no doubt that JJ will be even better this year than last.

snoscythe wrote:
Same link as the cancelled Spring game, but I wanted to keep the discussions separate:



http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsbyusports/51477324-65/mendenhall-spring-game-happening.html.csp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



I love the reports coming out of camp. I haven't heard about anyone sloughing or any infighting and drama (Lockergate anyone?) out of camp this season. It sounds like everyone is giving their all. While a lot of that might be attributable to the number of unfilled positions up for grabs (RB, WR, SR/TB, TE, DE, DT, CB, S etc etc.), that was also true last season. I think the difference here goes to the top--Bronco and Doman instead of the passive-aggressive Anae/Hill combo.



Despite supposition to the contrary, it looks like the 2-deep for the quarterbacks is still going to be Heaps-Nelson as Lark is getting fewer and fewer opportunities to throw the ball in 11-on-11 drills (sorry fifthqb). Personally, I am all for this--the optimum split for reps between #1 and #2 is betwee 60-40 and 75-25. If we keep Nelson as a situational "weapon" (I got harassed for using "tool" before), that is going to demand a certain number of practice reps to allow the other 10 guys to get it pat, so further allocating snaps to Lark/Munns as a true #2 in addition puts you right back where we were last Spring/Summer/Fall---no one getting enough reps and execution teamwide suffering as a result. You can either have a situational Nelson or a Heaps-wanna-be #2 in Lark, but you can't have both.



Falslev is tearing it up in Spring camp, but my best guess is that he is this Spring's apparition--the guy who puts up eye-popping numbers in Spring but who only has marginal impact in real season. I just think he'll be buried on the depth chart by then, and even now most of his production is coming against the 2s.

I would choose having the "heaps-wanna-be #2" over the heaps/situational qb. I don't think we need the situational qb. we have great running backs, great oline and a great qb. i would rather have a qb that fits the offense we have in place ready to step in should something happen to heaps.

I think that the spot for backup is still pretty open. Lark got just as many reps as Nelson did yesterday it just wasn't tweeted by people (check the practice reports). Either way, I don't think its a huge deal. I don't see either Nelson or Lark seeing the field to do anything but hand the football off during the 4th quarter when we are up by 30 points. Our O-line will protect Heaps pretty well this year.



On that subject though... I wish they would let our back up run the offense at the end of games. I understand not wanting to run up the score or anything, but you can let the QB throw the ball a little to get in game experience and take knees when you get close to the endzone if you want to. Or just score, you have your back ups in, they can deal with it.

fifthqb wrote:
I think that the spot for backup is still pretty open. Lark got just as many reps as Nelson did yesterday it just wasn't tweeted by people (check the practice reports). Either way, I don't think its a huge deal. I don't see either Nelson or Lark seeing the field to do anything but hand the football off during the 4th quarter when we are up by 30 points. Our O-line will protect Heaps pretty well this year.



On that subject though... I wish they would let our back up run the offense at the end of games. I understand not wanting to run up the score or anything, but you can let the QB throw the ball a little to get in game experience and take knees when you get close to the endzone if you want to. Or just score, you have your back ups in, they can deal with it.

Nelson got three series, Lark got one. They had an equal number of passing attempts, but I'm willing to put money on the fact that Nelson ran more than Lark.

snoscythe wrote:

I think that the spot for backup is still pretty open. Lark got just as many reps as Nelson did yesterday it just wasn't tweeted by people (check the practice reports). Either way, I don't think its a huge deal. I don't see either Nelson or Lark seeing the field to do anything but hand the football off during the 4th quarter when we are up by 30 points. Our O-line will protect Heaps pretty well this year.



On that subject though... I wish they would let our back up run the offense at the end of games. I understand not wanting to run up the score or anything, but you can let the QB throw the ball a little to get in game experience and take knees when you get close to the endzone if you want to. Or just score, you have your back ups in, they can deal with it.

Nelson got three series, Lark got one. They had an equal number of passing attempts, but I'm willing to put money on the fact that Nelson ran more than Lark.

Really?? sInce when did Nelson decide to become a runner? :P

um, since when did he think he was a passer?

Possibility #2: since the AF game when he proved that he could not pass the ball downfield.

Possibility #3: since the receivers weren't catching spit the first half of the season.

#4: after he hurt his shoulder and couldnt pass anymore.

Yay... more JJ running to the outside and getting dropped short of the LOS...