Time to let Martinez run

[junior4949]

I don't really care either way whether he plays balls out each and every play or whether he slides to avoid contact. This offense will remain neutered in the running game as long as our OL continues to play like they did against NW.

 

[Doodlebug]

Donesman:

"I agree with what you are saying on players sliding. How often do you see tackles being broken and decent yards after contact racked up in B1G play? We cough up the football so much it make me sick! I only see good things coming out of sliding: Less injuries, improved turnover margin, and longer sustained drives."

Exactly. If you compare the pros and cons, sliding is a no brainer. Not only will it keep our players healthy and reduce turnovers, it will also frustrate defenses when they aren't able to put a hit on our guys. How many times have you seen a defense get pumped right after they dish out a big hit and it swings momentum their way? It happens all the time. I know these guys want to prove that they're tough, macho guys, but c'mon we need to be smart out there. Keeping Burkhead healthy is worth more than a couple of yards

 

[donesman]

Donesman:

"I agree with what you are saying on players sliding. How often do you see tackles being broken and decent yards after contact racked up in B1G play? We cough up the football so much it make me sick! I only see good things coming out of sliding: Less injuries, improved turnover margin, and longer sustained drives."

Exactly. If you compare the pros and cons, sliding is a no brainer. Not only will it keep our players healthy and reduce turnovers, it will also frustrate defenses when they aren't able to put a hit on our guys. How many times have you seen a defense get pumped right after they dish out a big hit and it swings momentum their way? It happens all the time. I know these guys want to prove that they're tough, macho guys, but c'mon we need to be smart out there. Keeping Burkhead healthy is worth more than a couple of yards

We are definitely on the same page and completely off topic. I almost want to start a thread on this matter but I won't. I don't see a problem with it at all. I can see other teams adopting the slide maneuver. It may be frowned upon for being wussified, but makes logical sense.

 

[lo country]

The game against NW was the first I can remember when he actually threw a stiff arm, put his head down, didn't slow down and stand up straight prior to contact and really ran with authority. Looked like he was really trying for some tough yards. He also was playing in a way that I thought was "willing" the team to win with his play. First time I have really see him lead on the field. Good to see.

 

[Warrior10]

The game against NW was the first I can remember when he actually threw a stiff arm, put his head down, didn't slow down and stand up straight prior to contact and really ran with authority. Looked like he was really trying for some tough yards. He also was playing in a way that I thought was "willing" the team to win with his play. First time I have really see him lead on the field. Good to see.

I can agree with you here lo country. He seemed to be one of the few out there that really wanted it. He ran different saturday than usual, sometimes he runs like he did saturday when he is at goal line but he did it the whole time saturday.