Are receivers the real problem ??

[Wolegib]

I know this may not be a popular observation. because certain posters love certain wide receivers. But I believe they may be what is holding us back.

Each week I read about the drops our wide receivers are making. I read they still can't break away and get open. I read they are too slow. I see we are still not completing long passes. I read they are waiting for the ball rather than going to it. I read about their bad hands. it's as if this was last year all over again. our QB's would not suffer as much if our receivers could get open earlier and make plays.

Brohm placed a lot of emphasis on recruiting WRs, but for the most part, his new recruits have not taken over as hoped/expected. Zico and Holmes have been almost non-existent. Hamilton looks like he's red-shirt bound. Wright was just starting to get into the rotation before his injury.

That leaves us with Phillips, Anthrop, Mahoungou, and Sparks as our main receiving corp, and also the guys who are being talked about in my second paragraph. I know how people on this board love this quartet of receivers. But the facts are against the better defenders, they are not getting it done. In order to make our QBs look better, they need to step up and make some plays against every team, not just the bad ones. .

Admittedly our running game has not been great, but we've got to get our receivers to step up their game and make some plays. And by saying that, they need to make more than 1 great play per game. to do so, they need to get open, be more aggressive and go after and catch the ball. In order to win, and beat teams like Northwestern, Nebraska, Iowa and IU, we need to average 250-300 yards passing. Running for 100-150 yards is not going to happen.

 

[LonestarBoilerFan]

I had to DVR this last game due to family commitments and I still have not been able to get through it all, but from what I saw the O-line looked pretty bad and my grand daddy always said you win or loose in the trenches!

WR & TE's need to catch the ball, but our QB's need to make better throws. I think there is enough blame to go around. That being said our 3 losses have been to very good teams and we have played the toughest part of our schedule behind us. I could see this team winning 3 or 4 more games. They have it in them.

 

[Purdue85]

I know this may not be a popular observation. because certain posters love certain wide receivers. But I believe they may be what is holding us back.

Each week I read about the drops our wide receivers are making. I read they still can't break away and get open. I read they are too slow. I see we are still not completing long passes. I read they are waiting for the ball rather than going to it. I read about their bad hands. it's as if this was last year all over again. our QB's would not suffer as much if our receivers could get open earlier and make plays.

Brohm placed a lot of emphasis on recruiting WRs, but for the most part, his new recruits have not taken over as hoped/expected. Zico and Holmes have been almost non-existent. Hamilton looks like he's red-shirt bound. Wright was just starting to get into the rotation before his injury.

That leaves us with Phillips, Anthrop, Mahoungou, and Sparks as our main receiving corp, and also the guys who are being talked about in my second paragraph. I know how people on this board love this quartet of receivers. But the facts are against the better defenders, they are not getting it done. In order to make our QBs look better, they need to step up and make some plays against every team, not just the bad ones. .

Admittedly our running game has not been great, but we've got to get our receivers to step up their game and make some plays. And by saying that, they need to make more than 1 great play per game. to do so, they need to get open, be more aggressive and go after and catch the ball. In order to win, and beat teams like Northwestern, Nebraska, Iowa and IU, we need to average 250-300 yards passing. Running for 100-150 yards is not going to happen.

"The problem" with what?

I'm trying to understand what you think defines a "problem."

Us being 3-3 when nobody gave us a chance?

I have a lot more thoughts, but will defer until I better understand the problem you think we have.

 

[PurdueTiger]

The wideouts just aren't real productive yet.Holmes,Zico ,and Wright have done very little,and the ones that play a lot just aren't game changers.But I do think the players and staff will keep working hard and they will get better.

 

[SIBoiler2]

We've got a receiving corps of 2 star and less recruits. They are what you get at that level. Why is anyone surprised that none that of them have Larry Burr speed? It will get better as the recruiting classes improve. Right now this is what we have and the staff will have to continue to utilize them as they know best.

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

And the Purdue QB's don't get much time, for the receivers to get open. Its always a quick throw or no completion

 

[mryankee2397]

the line isnt good enough but even when we have time the wr drop the ball or fail to fight for it. these guys are playing hard and up and beyond their potential tho. just will take time to get brohms players on the field in the coming years

 

[Wolegib]

ok you have 4 issues/problems for our offense.. no running game, no offensive line, bad quarterback decisions, and receivers who are not game changers.

1. running backs. We've had injuries. A healthy Fuller may solve this. A healthier jones may elevate his game.

2. Quarterbacks. there are already about 5 threads talking about our QBs. you can discuss that issue in one of those threads.

3. the Oline. Could it give our QB more time? yes.

4. the receivers. To me, this is the real issue/problem. Even when the line gives the QB time, we still have a case of the dropsies, or not getting open, or lack of break-away speed.

Issue 1 could heal itself if Fuller returns. Brohm is directing attention to issue 2. issue 3 is what it is. But issue 4 needs fixing. is Sparks the answer? What is wrong with Zico? Holmes is looking a lot like he did at ND. great physical presence - no results. We need more from our receiver corp. We already shuffled QBs. is it time to shuffle our receivers?

 

[StickPurdue]

We've got a receiving corps of 2 star and less recruits. They are what you get at that level. Why is anyone surprised that none that of them have Larry Burr speed? It will get better as the recruiting classes improve. Right now this is what we have and the staff will have to continue to utilize them as they know best.

CJB got a commitment from Jordan Bonner and has a shot at Rondale Moore. If he lands Moore, you will see an immediate change and WR becomes a strength. Kid has NFL speed.

CJB also signed two very good ones in DJ Edwards and Tyler Hamilton. Both are red shirt right now. My guess is that he thought he would get more from the upperclassmen, transfers, and JUCO players. It hasn't panned out for a multitude of reasons. They just aren't getting separation in routes and there is no respect for the deep ball.

Victor Beach and Mark Stickford are redshirt offensive linemen. They are both very big and should help right away. Giving the QB more time is important. Not to mention my favorite player of the '18 class Jimmy McKenna. Three pieces that could be considered an improvement.

Sipe will challenge Sindelar next year and CJB won't have to wipe the Hazel off of him before molding him into what he needs. I would argue that Sipe could put pressure to be the starter week one next year if he shows a better feel for the game and more accuracy than Sindelar.

Land Moore and next year, the offense will have a shot to do what CJB envisions. It isn't there this year. I don't expect the defense to take that much of a step back. CJB worked wonders and found players to fill a lot of voids left after last year. He will do more of the same. If players aren't working, I expect he gets them to move on and brings in some transfers. I also doubt he is done shopping the JUCO market.

Real talk... we will be even better next year. I don't think we take the step back everybody is very worried about.

 

[Purdue85]

ok you have 4 issues/problems for our offense.. no running game, no offensive line, bad quarterback decisions, and receivers who are not game changers.

1. running backs. We've had injuries. A healthy Fuller may solve this. A healthier jones may elevate his game.

2. Quarterbacks. there are already about 5 threads talking about our QBs. you can discuss that issue in one of those threads.

3. the Oline. Could it give our QB more time? yes.

4. the receivers. To me, this is the real issue/problem. Even when the line gives the QB time, we still have a case of the dropsies, or not getting open, or lack of break-away speed.

Issue 1 could heal itself if Fuller returns. Brohm is directing attention to issue 2. issue 3 is what it is. But issue 4 needs fixing. is Sparks the answer? What is wrong with Zico? Holmes is looking a lot like he did at ND. great physical presence - no results. We need more from our receiver corp. We already shuffled QBs. is it time to shuffle our receivers?

With all 4, I think we're performing at a level much beyond what anyone expected of us.

The RBs were never expected to be game changers. We were simply deeper there than most other areas, which we are.

QBs are pretty much what we expected. A couple of decent QBs, each with strengths, each with weaknesses, with no clear-cut leader between the two.

The OL . . . ditto. Although, I think most knowledgeable people would agree, it's much, much better than we thought!

The WRs . . . again, ditto. We didn't expect to have any game changers, any with blazing speed, and we're now seeing what elite defenses do to a limited offense.

It seems to me, the real issue you're articulating are the areas we can expect Brohm to address with the upcoming recruiting classes. (Which, he is!)

Now, back to the title of this thread, IMHO there is no "real problem,", except the fans who don't recognize the tremendous season we're having, and instead choose to dwell on the negatives. To date, this has been one helluva ride, baby! And we're just getting started!

 

[02Boilermaker]

but we've got to get our receivers to step up their game and make some plays

Stepping up and making big, winning plays is actually exactly what I think our WRs did down the stretch against Minnesota.

-On the go ahead FG drive before the delay, Anthrop turned a screen pass into a 35 yard gain. Jackson's speed & vision along with TE & OL blocks helped spring it, and Mahoungou staying on his block downfield got Jackson about the final 10 yards on that play. WR blocking has been light years ahead of anything we've seen in a long time.
-On the TD drive, Mahoungou was able to hang onto a pass that was low & behind him, and he turned it into a huge 37yd gain on 3rd down.

Sure, our WRs might not be all-B1G performers, and I won't fault any fan for always wanting more. I just think it's fair to point out the good along with the criticisms.

 

[Purdue85]

Stepping up and making big, winning plays is actually exactly what I think our WRs did down the stretch against Minnesota.

-On the go ahead FG drive before the delay, Anthrop turned a screen pass into a 35 yard gain. Jackson's speed & vision along with TE & OL blocks helped spring it, and Mahoungou staying on his block downfield got Jackson about the final 10 yards on that play. WR blocking has been light years ahead of anything we've seen in a long time.
-On the TD drive, Mahoungou was able to hang onto a pass that was low & behind him, and he turned it into a huge 37yd gain on 3rd down.

Sure, our WRs might not be all-B1G performers, and I won't fault any fan for always wanting more. I just think it's fair to point out the good along with the criticisms.

Good points.

My biggest issue with watching almost any CFB game is there aren't many receivers who look like they're taught to attack the ball. In other words, with a 50/50 ball they're still facing downfield with their palms facing the QB.

NO.

Plant/turn to the flight of the ball, face the QB, and OWN the friggin' completion. It's the same mentality for a rebounder in basketball. Either you ARE a rebounder or you're not. It's a state of mind.

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

ok you have 4 issues/problems for our offense.. no running game, no offensive line, bad quarterback decisions, and receivers who are not game changers.

1. running backs. We've had injuries. A healthy Fuller may solve this. A healthier jones may elevate his game.

2. Quarterbacks. there are already about 5 threads talking about our QBs. you can discuss that issue in one of those threads.

3. the Oline. Could it give our QB more time? yes.

4. the receivers. To me, this is the real issue/problem. Even when the line gives the QB time, we still have a case of the dropsies, or not getting open, or lack of break-away speed.

Issue 1 could heal itself if Fuller returns. Brohm is directing attention to issue 2. issue 3 is what it is. But issue 4 needs fixing. is Sparks the answer? What is wrong with Zico? Holmes is looking a lot like he did at ND. great physical presence - no results. We need more from our receiver corp. We already shuffled QBs. is it time to shuffle our receivers?

Knox has been running well, Worship can run too, don't understand why they aren't mentioned.

 

[BoilermakerD]

Mahoungu has been ok.

Gregory Phillips has shown a brief flash here or there but there are too many moments where I either see bad or see a non-play.

I have no idea what Zico brings. When I see him out there it's not really doing anything good and I just end up thinking "we must not have a lot behind him."

I bought Wright showed flashes but he went down. Sparks is fine. His allure/selling point appears to be that whole "well he is a quarterback ... so if he can do anything you should probably just be happy" kinda deal.

Anthrop is fine... like mahoungu.

The biggest issue actually counteracts this whole "it's the line, without them nothing matters" argument. I remember when CMU almost beat us where sheets had to juke a defender... didn't matter who our DL was because they hit quick hitting passes before an NFL rush could have gotten to Lefevour. And we are lacking that quick hit threat.

What we have is a situation where forget about craving standeford or stubblefield. Crap forget Dorien Bryant even. If you gave me Aaron Valentin I'd probably take a wiffle bat to the midsection for that acquisition

 

[LonestarBoilerFan]

My criticism in this thread was limited to the first half of the Whisky game. Overall, I am blown away with what this team has accomplished this season. My point was that there is no one area that is completely bringing the team down and our 3 losses were to very good, ranked teams. We did not even loose by that many points in our losses (U of L 8, UM 18, Whisky 7). Purdue is doing a hell of a job this year. For the first time in 8 years I have been able to watch Purdue Football without wanting to throw my remote through the TV!

On another note, I do not live in Lafayette and was not able to go see the spring practices so maybe some that did can speak to this, but I do not agree the notion that Brohm would redshirt Hamilton or Edwards if he thought they would give him a chance to win this year. As a coach you play the players that give you the best chance to win this season. If Hamilton & Edwards were ready to contribute they would be playing this year. I am not putting them down. Most Freshman need a year to develop. I'm sure these two kids have loads of potential, but for one reason or another they were not the best option this year.

I am always cautious about thinking this Freshman or that Freshman is going to come in and start from day one because most don't. Just because a kid has 4 stars by his name does not mean he will start. I would think if we get Rondale Moore that he would contribute right away, but I would not predict that. The example that comes to mind is Selwyn Lymon. He was ranked #22 overall and the #5 WR in his class. He was academically ineligible so he sat out his Freshman year and played his Sophomore year. Even with the benefit of sitting out his first year he didn't start every game and was not "the man." He had a great game against ND though. I will always take a wait and see approach when it comes to Freshman contributions. That is just my opinion for what it is worth.

 

[bonefish1]

And the Purdue QB's don't get much time, for the receivers to get open. Its always a quick throw or no completion

That right there is the biggest problem. The Oline stinks. Our QB rarely has time to set up in a nice pocket and go through his progressions. 1/2 the time, he doesn't even get set up and he's already scrambling.
I think our WR can get open if the QB had time to look but that's tough to do when you're worried about scrambling.
Plus, Wisky has really good DBs, always has.

 

[StickPurdue]

My criticism in this thread was limited to the first half of the Whisky game. Overall, I am blown away with what this team has accomplished this season. My point was that there is no one area that is completely bringing the team down and our 3 losses were to very good, ranked teams. We did not even loose by that many points in our losses (U of L 8, UM 18, Whisky 7). Purdue is doing a hell of a job this year. For the first time in 8 years I have been able to watch Purdue Football without wanting to throw my remote through the TV!

On another note, I do not live in Lafayette and was not able to go see the spring practices so maybe some that did can speak to this, but I do not agree the notion that Brohm would redshirt Hamilton or Edwards if he thought they would give him a chance to win this year. As a coach you play the players that give you the best chance to win this season. If Hamilton & Edwards were ready to contribute they would be playing this year. I am not putting them down. Most Freshman need a year to develop. I'm sure these two kids have loads of potential, but for one reason or another they were not the best option this year.

I am always cautious about thinking this Freshman or that Freshman is going to come in and start from day one because most don't. Just because a kid has 4 stars by his name does not mean he will start. I would think if we get Rondale Moore that he would contribute right away, but I would not predict that. The example that comes to mind is Selwyn Lymon. He was ranked #22 overall and the #5 WR in his class. He was academically ineligible so he sat out his Freshman year and played his Sophomore year. Even with the benefit of sitting out his first year he didn't start every game and was not "the man." He had a great game against ND though. I will always take a wait and see approach when it comes to Freshman contributions. That is just my opinion for what it is worth.

Though I get your point about Freshman starting, Moore has NFL speed (the fastest of all incoming freshman). Nobody else on the current roster has that kind of speed. You find ways to get him the ball whether it's a screen, reverse, or pick route, but you get that kind of speed the ball. Moore has the tangibles to contribute right away, even if he didn't start. He will need to get stronger to take the hits, but you can design route to minimize the chance of him getting blown up.

As for Hamilton and Edwards, it is confusing. Of the few players that didn't redshirt, at least two are WRs. But the two highest ranking ones took the redshirt. I am guessing it's because CJB needed bodies for special teams and he thought he would get more from his WRs especially when adding in 2 JUCO and a transfer.

I hope Hamilton has enough speed, because of his size he will need it. I hope Edwards can be big and physical with his size and run clean routes. Purdue will need help next year at WR to take the next step.

I really like Bonner and Moore if we can get him. Bonner has injury concerns so he may be a candidate for a redshirt. Moore will be interesting. He's got the speed and CJB is innovative in finding ways to get his playmakers the ball. I am hoping he sees this and chooses Purdue because to compete with the big boys you need the kind of speed he has.

 

[mustard_]

CJB got a commitment from Jordan Bonner and has a shot at Rondale Moore. If he lands Moore, you will see an immediate change and WR becomes a strength. Kid has NFL speed.

CJB also signed two very good ones in DJ Edwards and Tyler Hamilton. Both are red shirt right now. My guess is that he thought he would get more from the upperclassmen, transfers, and JUCO players. It hasn't panned out for a multitude of reasons. They just aren't getting separation in routes and there is no respect for the deep ball.

Victor Beach and Mark Stickford are redshirt offensive linemen. They are both very big and should help right away. Giving the QB more time is important. Not to mention my favorite player of the '18 class Jimmy McKenna. Three pieces that could be considered an improvement.

Sipe will challenge Sindelar next year and CJB won't have to wipe the Hazel off of him before molding him into what he needs. I would argue that Sipe could put pressure to be the starter week one next year if he shows a better feel for the game and more accuracy than Sindelar.

Land Moore and next year, the offense will have a shot to do what CJB envisions. It isn't there this year. I don't expect the defense to take that much of a step back. CJB worked wonders and found players to fill a lot of voids left after last year. He will do more of the same. If players aren't working, I expect he gets them to move on and brings in some transfers. I also doubt he is done shopping the JUCO market.

Real talk... we will be even better next year. I don't think we take the step back everybody is very worried about.

How do you/we know anything about Sipe? with closed practice we really have no clue.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

How do you/we know anything about Sipe? with closed practice we really have no clue.

Because the only player on the team better than the backup QB is the redshirt QB behind him. Come on, we all know that.

 

[nips18]

Sipe has a lot of work to do in the weight room. I'm sure the staff with shorten his delivery a bit as well. It will be interesting to watch the QB development over the coming seasons.

The OL is the most important thing to shore up, however that takes time to get players strong enough.

Ethan Smart is no longer a redshirt candidate as he played one snap this weekend. That tells me he's either not good enough to play or we will see more of him this season now that he's ineligible to redshirt.

If he's not good enough to play, he may not return next season which would open up a much needed scholarship for this large incoming class.

 

[FirstDownB]

Knox has been running well, Worship can run too, don't understand why they aren't mentioned.

Hop aboard the Dexter Knox Jr. bandwagon with me. There's plenty of room!

 

[Wolegib]

it's nice to see Smart play. he's a JUCO who is already 290 and really didn't need to redshirt a year to bulk up. My belief is yo u don't sign JUCO players and then redshirt them. the y should be ready to play.

 

[PaBoiler78]

Knox has been running well, Worship can run too, don't understand why they aren't mentioned.

I think our running game is actually better when Worship is in the game either for running or as an extra blocker

 

[nips18]

it's nice to see Smart play. he's a JUCO who is already 290 and really didn't need to redshirt a year to bulk up. My belief is yo u don't sign JUCO players and then redshirt them. the y should be ready to play.

Don't tell Kansas state that. They've made a program out redshirting juco players. Also, Smart needed(s) a ton of work in the weight room. His weight may be ideal, however his strength is not.

 

[ahhculdee]

I think our running game is actually better when Worship is in the game either for running or as an extra blocker

I wish we could get Tario Fuller back.

 

[punaj]

I wish we could get Tario Fuller back.

Agreed. Sadly, he may not play again this year.

 

[Boiler8285]

OL is terrible. D can play pressure man to man because the QB has a about a nano second before running for his life. Running game speaks for its self.

 

[chaspark]

Geez, lighten up people. Of our three losses, one came against the team with the last year's Heisman winner, another won came against the top 10 ranked team at the time, and the last one was against the top 25 ranked WITH a Heisman candidate. Also we were new-to-neck with them. Reading this board feels like we are 0-6 or something.

 

[Wolegib]

Geez, lighten up people. Of our three losses, one came against the team with the last year's Heisman winner, another won came against the top 10 ranked team at the time, and the last one was against the top 25 ranked WITH a Heisman candidate. Also we were new-to-neck with them. Reading this board feels like we are 0-6 or something.

this is kind of positive. a couple of other threads were talking about QB's and our O line and RBs. I thought we could discuss our WRs in this thread.

 

[Nerdberts]

I know this may not be a popular observation. because certain posters love certain wide receivers. But I believe they may be what is holding us back.

Each week I read about the drops our wide receivers are making. I read they still can't break away and get open. I read they are too slow. I see we are still not completing long passes. I read they are waiting for the ball rather than going to it. I read about their bad hands. it's as if this was last year all over again. our QB's would not suffer as much if our receivers could get open earlier and make plays.

Brohm placed a lot of emphasis on recruiting WRs, but for the most part, his new recruits have not taken over as hoped/expected. Zico and Holmes have been almost non-existent. Hamilton looks like he's red-shirt bound. Wright was just starting to get into the rotation before his injury.

That leaves us with Phillips, Anthrop, Mahoungou, and Sparks as our main receiving corp, and also the guys who are being talked about in my second paragraph. I know how people on this board love this quartet of receivers. But the facts are against the better defenders, they are not getting it done. In order to make our QBs look better, they need to step up and make some plays against every team, not just the bad ones. .

Admittedly our running game has not been great, but we've got to get our receivers to step up their game and make some plays. And by saying that, they need to make more than 1 great play per game. to do so, they need to get open, be more aggressive and go after and catch the ball. In order to win, and beat teams like Northwestern, Nebraska, Iowa and IU, we need to average 250-300 yards passing. Running for 100-150 yards is not going to happen.

YES! Our WR's are below average. Wait until Brohm is able to assemble 2 or 3 of his own recruiting classes.