Why the Passing game has been struggling.

[Remy]

Dobbs isn't accurate based on one pass to Josh Smith that he missed? Are you serious?

What about the 3 throws during the final possession? Including that beautiful sideline pass between the safety and linebacker to Kamara.

I personally haven't seen enough pass attempts from Dobbs to buy into this narrative that he's inaccurate.

Sure he's inconsistent right now. But who wouldn't given the limited pass attempts.

Hit Pearson dead in the hands on the run ... dropsy.

 

[BanditVol]

This. I'm telling you, I think Marquez North has the highest % in the history of CFB at attempting and often making acrobatic catches in the course of his three years here.

Not recently, and IMO other than a couple highly celebrated ones as a true frosh, really doesn't have that many period.

 

[fester]

I agree that Dobbs would settle down if we start to throw the ball more. Defenses will have to sit back and not stack the box like they do now. However, what upsets me is that we don't use the height and athleticism of our WR's. The perfect example is the Dobbs throw to Pearson for a TD that was called back. Dobbs threw it up for Pearson to make a play and he did - I believe most of our receivers can, but we aren't giving them a chance. Even if our OL is bad, we cant still try 3-5 times a game to throw it up and let our WRs make a play.

I agree, but it could be argued that those jump balls are high risk passes that could go bad if not placed correctly.
However, it's true that the receivers have an advantage we need to at least try to exploit. We cannot just forget passing just because it may be risky - talking out the other side of my mouth. .

 

[Volsick]

The way I see it, he needs to be allowed to take those shots. If he takes them and still doesn't get it done. It might be the Dormady show in the passing game. All I know is that shot he sent to Williams on the run under pressure was pretty. I am all for this being Dobbs offense, but if they dial up passing plays and he is just consistently missing, it might be time to try Dormady. The real question you have to ask yourself.... Would Dormady of missed the pass to a wide open Josh Smith during the Florida game? Idk....


With all that said I still don't believe it is Josh's fault that the passing game is what it is. He can only do as much as the coach will let him.

 

[Titan&Volfan4life]

I can't believe we can't throw a quick slant for 5 or 6 yards consistently.

The problem with that is it still won't back D players way out of the box for longer runs.

I also believe we ARE calling more pass plays, the problem is that since the O line is so bad at pass blocking that Dobbs gets scared fast, gets in 1 read and then takes off running for his life because he knows he's going to get pounded again.

We can't blame Dobbs for saying to himself..."If I'm going to get pounded I may as well run and get a few yards instead of taking a sack, getting pounded and losing yards".

I honestly believe that several times that Dobbs takes off running it's on a pass play that DeBord called but that Dobbs knows he has maybe 2 seconds before the D is all over him.

He can't read his progressions and try to find a open WR or TE when he's so scared of the D getting to him so fast.

Run blocking has definately improved with DeBord helping out but some O linemen just never get good at pass blocking especially if their high school hardly ever threw the ball.

#BrickbyBrick...VFL...GBO!!!

 

[RollerVol]

Then why didn't Butch let Dobbs keep going to the QB coach in California? Gotta call total BS. Dobbs doesn't get enough throws because you have a offensive scheme trying to relive three yards and a cloud of dust...apparently that's all Debord knows.

GO VOLS!

 

[Shocker0]

A lot of people want to blame Azzani and Debord for lack of WR production, but the lack of offense in the passing game is for a combination of different reasons.

1. Marquez North and Pig Howard have been injured

Our two top playmakers in the passing game, have either been playing hurt or have been out of the game. Pearson and Josh Malone have struggled, at the times when Dobbs has tried to get them the ball. This could be blamed on Azzani, but he also has had to groom two freshmen one of which was a QB until Fall camp and has turned out to be one of our best players. He deserves some credit for Jennings.


2. Offensive line struggles at passblocking.

Kerbyson has improved, but the struggles come from the right side of the line from Weisman and Kendrick. In the first quarter against Florida, we dialed up a deep throw, but Kendrick got beat by Alexander for a blindsided sack and it ended up being a big loss.


3. Dobbs is not an accurate passer

Dobbs has improved his mechanics, but still has been inconsistent at times. I think Dobbs has not shown the coaches in practice that he can be effective throwing accurately. Dobbs is a gamer, and I think coaches need to have more faith in Dobbs to deliver the throw, especially when the running game has progressed so well. Coach Jones has said they will make passing the ball more of an emphasis against Arkansas so we will see.

Thanks Coach Azzani. Just admit you're an awful WR coach, though, and save yourself the trouble of making all these excuses.

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Would probably be helpful if we'd actually targeted the WRs ....Hubbs said we targeted a WR 6 total times vs Florida....6.

Obviously not making the most of their opportunities.

 

[Rudy123]

A lot of people want to blame Azzani and Debord for lack of WR production, but the lack of offense in the passing game is for a combination of different reasons.

1. Marquez North and Pig Howard have been injured

Our two top playmakers in the passing game, have either been playing hurt or have been out of the game. Pearson and Josh Malone have struggled, at the times when Dobbs has tried to get them the ball. This could be blamed on Azzani, but he also has had to groom two freshmen one of which was a QB until Fall camp and has turned out to be one of our best players. He deserves some credit for Jennings.


2. Offensive line struggles at passblocking.

Kerbyson has improved, but the struggles come from the right side of the line from Weisman and Kendrick. In the first quarter against Florida, we dialed up a deep throw, but Kendrick got beat by Alexander for a blindsided sack and it ended up being a big loss.


3. Dobbs is not an accurate passer

Dobbs has improved his mechanics, but still has been inconsistent at times. I think Dobbs has not shown the coaches in practice that he can be effective throwing accurately. Dobbs is a gamer, and I think coaches need to have more faith in Dobbs to deliver the throw, especially when the running game has progressed so well. Coach Jones has said they will make passing the ball more of an emphasis against Arkansas so we will see.

(1) Put other receivers in the game to replace North & Pig!


(2) If the upperclassmen can't hold down the offensive line, then insert the freshmen, BUT not at the expense of Dobbs getting killed.


(3) Dobbs is not accurate so let Dormady play 1/4 of the game and each game give Dormady more and more playing time. Then next pre season we can talk about a q.b. controversy. Who will be next season's starter Dobbs or Dormady?

 

[KBVol]

Unless 'a QB' happens to be Nate Peterman starting a first game vs Florida. Then you ripped the young man to pieces declaring one-half of one game with a broken finger to be ample 'opportunity', while savaging the young Vol personally and questioning his intelligence.

Thy name is hypocrisy.

Dobbs is s proven SEC QB who has won games and completed a lot of passes vs SEC teams at a nice clip, 63% last year ....Alabama, Mizzou, SCar, Ky, etc. He's proven he can do it, they need to give him a chance to do it again.

Peterman on the other hand was GOD awful and not an SEC QB. He threw the ball better after he hurt his thumb than he did before in the Florida game. He never should've started that game, never should've started vs Bama last year. He could've thrown 500 passes vs Florida in 2013 and he never would've sniffed a "rhythm".

 

[VolsFan-TX]

Rhythm would help. Can't get into rhythm with only 6 targets. Also, the routes the Wrs need to run should be short quick routes, the oline doesn't give the qb any time for Deeper passes. Dobbs is a jr qb, there is no reason for not letting him pass. Way too conservative. can I get a quick slant

There are WRs in each passing play. For Hubbs and others to say we only targeted them x times forgets that there are progressions the QB goes through. Perhaps the 15+ yd route isn't the primary target, but if it is open, then the pass can be made. Watching Dobbs from the stands, you can see open WR that are not getting the ball thrown to them. I agree with others that the coaches do not seem to have trust in him to throw, so they may not be giving him many options to check-off or deviate from the primary receiver. If you watch Dobbs in pre-game warm-ups, you will see a number of inaccurate passes. I am not suggesting a QB change, but Dormady is much more accurate (at least before the live rush).

 

[KBVol]

For what it's worth (and I know probably not much coming from a Gator fan), I was never a big fan of Azzanni's work while he was in Gainesville. It felt like our receivers regressed in 2010 and, eventually, disappeared altogether.

I recall several Florida posters telling us we'd be disappointed with Z and the job he'd do here. Wow were you guys ever spot on. We have WRs 6'3-6'4, 200-225 who literally can't get off the line of scrimmage.

 

[MrBiggles]

Nearly every pro Offensive coach charts the first 10-15 plays in the game. They also have a list of the first 5 or so plays in the game. Nearly every single one of them has a quick throw within those first 10-15 plays to settle the QB down and get the WR in rhythm. Do we even do this? I have yet to see a WR run a crossing route and get hit in stride with the ball. This is a common play in nearly every level of football.
KBVol said "We have WRs 6'3-6'4, 200-225 who literally can't get off the line of scrimmage." When they do we never throw the ball up to them so they can jump and get it. Dobbs threw 1 pass to Preston in the Western Carolina game and he caught it for a TD.
And before anyone says the OL can't block more than 2 seconds, move Dobbs around so they don't have to block more than 2 seconds. Also vary the snap count and run some hard and quick counts. Make the DL guess on the snap and get a few easy yards with penalties.

 

[a vol n tears]

It was mentioned during preseason practice that the coaches wanted Dobbs to run less and take fewer hits. I think they also worked with him on making good decisions in the passing game. Before the Fl game I was complaining about Dobbs running so much less I thought he had become an average QB. I also think he is waiting until the receiver is already open before throwing the ball. He seems to make one quick look at the receiver and then throw the ball away or throw where it is uncatchable by either the WR or defensive player. Against Fl he went back to using his legs and had some great runs. Hopefully he will improve his progression reads and throw like he is capable. I know some will say it is the line's fault, but if you watch him when UT was behind or in OT he steps into his throws and lets the ball go. Also when QD got in the WC game, he seemed to have time to throw. I think Dobbs is over thinking his coaching and afraid to make mistakes.

 

[ncvol004]

Dobbs has passed for over 60% completion thats not to bad i also thinks he makes plays when no one is open extending the play. It amazes me that there is so much bad comments about dobbs with out him we dont have a chance in the oklahoma or florida game. Josh is a gammer that puts the team on his back i wouldnt want any other QB we have.

 

[orangeluvr]

(1) Put other receivers in the game to replace North & Pig!


(2) If the upperclassmen can't hold down the offensive line, then insert the freshmen, BUT not at the expense of Dobbs getting killed.


(3) Dobbs is not accurate so let Dormady play 1/4 of the game and each game give Dormady more and more playing time. Then next pre season we can talk about a q.b. controversy. Who will be next season's starter Dobbs or Dormady?

Play situational football, platoon JD&QD ?

 

[orangeluvr]

Our WRs have problems getting separation also with catching 50/50 balls., they must win the one on ones.

 

[chattavol420]

A lot of people want to blame Azzani and Debord for lack of WR production, but the lack of offense in the passing game is for a combination of different reasons.

1. Marquez North and Pig Howard have been injured

Our two top playmakers in the passing game, have either been playing hurt or have been out of the game. Pearson and Josh Malone have struggled, at the times when Dobbs has tried to get them the ball. This could be blamed on Azzani, but he also has had to groom two freshmen one of which was a QB until Fall camp and has turned out to be one of our best players. He deserves some credit for Jennings.


2. Offensive line struggles at passblocking.

Kerbyson has improved, but the struggles come from the right side of the line from Weisman and Kendrick. In the first quarter against Florida, we dialed up a deep throw, but Kendrick got beat by Alexander for a blindsided sack and it ended up being a big loss.


3. Dobbs is not an accurate passer

Dobbs has improved his mechanics, but still has been inconsistent at times. I think Dobbs has not shown the coaches in practice that he can be effective throwing accurately. Dobbs is a gamer, and I think coaches need to have more faith in Dobbs to deliver the throw, especially when the running game has progressed so well. Coach Jones has said they will make passing the ball more of an emphasis against Arkansas so we will see.

Well there's that. There's also the coach that absolutely will not throw the ball if we have the lead

 

[Nasavol]

Dobbs is s proven SEC QB who has won games and completed a lot of passes vs SEC teams at a nice clip, 63% last year ....Alabama, Mizzou, SCar, Ky, etc. He's proven he can do it, they need to give him a chance to do it again.

Peterman on the other hand was GOD awful and not an SEC QB. He threw the ball better after he hurt his thumb than he did before in the Florida game. He never should've started that game, never should've started vs Bama last year. He could've thrown 500 passes vs Florida in 2013 and he never would've sniffed a "rhythm".

Take out the KY and BGSU games and Dobbs has a QBR of 55 over 10 games. He very much is an average QB.

 

[sjt18]

There are problems in all areas... Some of you are just trying to make this simple when it isn't.

Dobbs- He has an accurate and strong arm. He's demonstrated that in practice and elsewhere. But he doesn't show any ability to put air under the ball. He does not "anticipate" well meaning he doesn't lead receivers well, throw to a spot, or throw them open. He doesn't "see" things.... Surprisingly he may struggle with pre and post snap reads. Some want to blame the OL alone but you need to take another look at Dobbs. He does a poor job of managing the pocket. On the first sack given up by Kendrick, Dobbs could have stepped up. He didn't feel the rush and took the sack. He does a pretty poor job of setting up screens.

OL- They're not off the hook either. Communication is suspect. After 3 years, some still don't seem to "get" the system or what they're expected to do. Some of them just flat out get beat. Dobbs needs to step up into the pocket to help the OT's... but the middle OL's have to create a pocket to step into. Crowder was usually blamed... but things don't look much better with Weisman at OG. Thomas seems to be doing better. There are times when the footwork is nothing short of terrible.

WR/TE- There are too many bad things happening before anything they do matters to really tell how bad they're playing. BUT... the don't get off press coverage well for sure. They do not make very aggressive plays on the ball. None have really shown they can use their speed to create separation early enough for Dobbs to deliver... but most of that is on Dobbs and the OL.


Scheme- This is the one thing most often ignored but probably the biggest thing. Where are the quick passes like the ones UF had success with vs UT? After OU, they still can't seem to find underneath crossing routes to give Dobbs a quick outlet when opposing D's bring the house. Where are the fades that can go deep without having Dobbs hold the ball long? Why do they seem to never isolate a UT WR on one side then get them the ball quickly? Just consider Jennings. If you isolate him and get him the ball on a hitch or quick slant... I like his chances to create something big against any DB in the SEC.

Rather than going into every detail of what we're not seeing from this scheme... Just imagine the same personnel with Cutcliffe in charge. Does anyone believe he wouldn't find ways to be productive throwing the ball? Does anyone really believe the run game would be hurt by a better pass game?


Jones has been rigid to his "system" since he arrived. He is focused on execution which I still love. But at some point... if OL's cannot learn to effectively block for the system against the level of competition you play... receivers can't learn to get open... and the QB can't deliver the ball... you have to question whether the system is a problem. Maybe it is too complex. Maybe it just requires a level of perfect execution that isn't realistic. Maybe it just flat doesn't work against a league filled with elite athletes.

Whatever it is... Jones needs to have both the intelligence and the humility to figure it out soon.

 

[sjt18]

The one thing that I think is the easiest to fix and wanted discussion on separately is QB drops. I finally got the stomach to watch the first half of the UF game again last night. It seems that on every PA and drop back that Dobbs sets in almost the same spot.

They do not vary his drop. That may be why D's don't bite when he tries to set screens up. They know what's coming if he drops more than two steps.

They also do not move the pocket. OU did a very good job of relocating the pocket.

Opposing D's have noticed. They know that Dobbs seldom steps up into the pocket and that he's going to set up in virtually the same place on every pass past the LOS.

Am I seeing this wrong? Has anyone else noticed?

 

[VolsAgainstTheWorld15]

For what it's worth (and I know probably not much coming from a Gator fan), I was never a big fan of Azzanni's work while he was in Gainesville. It felt like our receivers regressed in 2010 and, eventually, disappeared altogether.

I wasn't a fan of the Azzanni hire from the get go. From the negative reviews from Florida fans to the fact we hired him away from Wisconsin who was inept at throwing the ball at during the prior season, the red flags seemed to outweigh the whole "swag" aspect he brings to the table.

 

[MrBiggles]

The one thing that I think is the easiest to fix and wanted discussion on separately is QB drops. I finally got the stomach to watch the first half of the UF game again last night. It seems that on every PA and drop back that Dobbs sets in almost the same spot.

They do not vary his drop. That may be why D's don't bite when he tries to set screens up. They know what's coming if he drops more than two steps.

They also do not move the pocket. OU did a very good job of relocating the pocket.

Opposing D's have noticed. They know that Dobbs seldom steps up into the pocket and that he's going to set up in virtually the same place on every pass past the LOS.

Am I seeing this wrong? Has anyone else noticed?

No you're not seeing it wrong. I think I've said this numerous times in numerous threads they don't move the pocket. Lots blame the OL. I've said move Dobbs around so he's not in the same position every play. Something else I've noticed is that they haven't changed the snap count either. Use a quick count and blow the DL off the ball when they are not set or a hard count to get them jumping off sides. Stop using the same count. Listen closely and you can hear Dobbs clap his hands when he wants the ball snapped. Nothing easier for a DL to do than wait for the clapping. There are no quick throws. No isolating 1 WR on the wide side of the field or the TE/RB on a LB.

 

[fester]

Dobbs is s proven SEC QB who has won games and completed a lot of passes vs SEC teams at a nice clip, 63% last year ....Alabama, Mizzou, SCar, Ky, etc. He's proven he can do it, they need to give him a chance to do it again.

Peterman on the other hand was GOD awful and not an SEC QB. He threw the ball better after he hurt his thumb than he did before in the Florida game. He never should've started that game, never should've started vs Bama last year. He could've thrown 500 passes vs Florida in 2013 and he never would've sniffed a "rhythm".

And you conclude all that based on a couple quarters playing time with a broken finger?? He doesn't need time to find a rhythm? He deserved your personal attacks and heavy handed condemnation, insulting his intelligence, etc?
Yet, Dobbs in two seasons and 20 times more playing time 'needs more time' to develop a rhythm??
Frankly, you have no excuse for ripping that kid up like you did. Thy name is Homer Hypocrite.

You might find this interesting. With still less than one quarter of one year actual playing experience, that kid you bashed for lacking intelligence and no ability graduated UT early and now has earned the starter role at Pitt as a graduate student..

Nate Peterman's accuracy key to taking over Pitt quarterback job - ACC Blog - ESPN

Will you ever apologize for ripping up that kid? Is it even in you?

 

[Cartervol]

They should roll Dobbs more.. They started to do it some, not enough in my opinion.