DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

Sep 6, 2022, 11:10 AM

First, I'm not saying he should be benched. He's earned his spot. This is just an opinion based on observations from last year plus last night's game.

It is clear that DJ has put in a ton of work. He made a good many great throws. He was very mobile. He ran the ball well. He kept plays alive. He had one turnover, but overall protected the ball well.

However, there was an issue: speed. Not foot-speed, but decision speed. The offense seemed generally sluggish while DJ was running it. Zone-reads took 5 seconds to complete the mesh. Passes didn't get out in time, leading to pressure and sacks. Safeties knew exactly where the ball was going because of telegraphed passes. Pre-snap adjustments seemed nonexistent. Sometimes the pocket didn't form, but other times the pocket was abandoned for no reason. Many times it appeared GT knew when the ball was going to be snapped.

These are all things that result in poor results at the other positions. Receivers look like they weren't open, because by the time the ball gets there, the defender has recovered. Linemen look like they didn't block, because they ran their man to where the QB wasn't supposed to be, but then he was there. Etc, etc.

I honestly don't know why these issues exist, but they do. Is it DJ? Is it coaching? My opinion it is in the QB coaching, but I don't know that for sure. But I think DJ has the physical and the passing skills to lead us to the playoffs. He needs to fix these problems with decision making or we won't get there.

Message was edited by: CharlestonTom®

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react when the pocket starts to collapse, or when the pocket "moves", and his ability to operate effectively outside the pocket is a huge question mark.

DJ did look better, overall last night. He made some outstanding throws. The arm talent is there, no doubt. His footwork and running ability have improved. He just doesn't seem to have the innate ability to sense when things are changing rapidly and respond accordingly. So, at this stage, DJ has definitely improved, and can possibly continue to develop into a fine QB that can win big at Clemson. I'm not giving up on him yet, by any means, but can't help but recognize the obvious. The truth is, he's not as bad as many on here make him out to be, but i's tough to watch at times when we have been spoiled by some of the best QBs in college football, and when we have a stud waiting in the wings.

For the time being I, with my 2 years of peewee and midget football experience, combined with thousands of Saturdays watching college football while drinking beer and stuffing my face, will continue to defer to the guy who has built a football dynasty at Clemson while winning two national championships and being a regular in the CFP. But let it be known, he's on a short leash.

DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

Re: DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

Yeah I thought he was down also. And he wasn't careless with

Re: DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

Re: DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

That's exactly right and DJ had flashes of that.

Re: DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

DJ has poor pocket presence and awareness. He is slow to

Re: DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

Re: DJ was clearly more mature and mobile. But there is an issue

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