A tale of two halves

[*SHRacerX*]

(10-01-2021, 01:44 AM)Joelist Wrote: That was a weird game...

The first half we couldn't run, the O kept shooting itself in the foot and the D got gashed by a lot of bonehead plays.

The second half the D overall did its Job and the offense went on a rampage to get the win.

Dare I think we actually made adjustments? One I could see was the Guards were taking different angles on their pass sets - both of them angled in which reduced the need for Hopkins to pivot as much. And Reiff and Jonah just played on islands and did their jobs. On defense we stopped being snookered by RPOs and also did better tackling.

The halftime adjustment that probably didn't have to wait until halftime was being keyed on the running play, even when they lined up with 4 receivers.  They like having fewer bodies in the box, and it was working very well. 

It was actually really frustrating as it appeared as though their offensive line was manhandling the defensive line, especially inside.  The typical holding calls not called was happening on Hubbard and Hendrickson, but the guys inside were just getting owned.  My hope is that it was just fatigue, but they weren't making tackles or applying any pressure.  

The play of the LBs was spectacular.  Pratt, Wilson, and ADG were the real heroes of the defense last night.  And a tip of the cap to Mr. Apple, who seemed to play with confidence.  I am anxious to go through the PFF numbers, but not that anxious.

We rolled in to home at 1:30 AM.  I am ready for a nap after I get my son off to school.

Overall, it felt like one of those "good teams win ugly" games/excuses that you hear.  Well, it was ugly.  Some tough calls (and no calls) but overall they just couldn't get the running game going and the defense did just enough in the 2nd half to allow the offense to win it.

I still can't believe Meyer went for it on 4th down at the 1, up 14-0.  That makes it 3 scores, and instead they gave Cincy a break considering how they played in the first half.  

Burrow, CJ, Boyd, and Chase were amazing.  Even Irwin had one nice grab (PI not called, but it didn't matter).