Zoltan's Revenge...
There's too much going on in this game to break it all down to one post (I defer to greater minds.) What about the fake punt? On that I think most can agree...it was pretty silly.
But this only happens in an environment where it is encouraged. I heard RR say in interviews after Zoltan's fake last year (which I'm pretty sure was a called fake) that he had no issues with his punter taking a few steps and looking to see what is there.
My main issue here is that Zoltan decided to fake this before he looked. MSU was not in full return mode (which would allow such a fake). They were full on rushing at least 3 guys. Zoltan felt the weight of the game and let it get to his judgment. He wasn't ready to kick it when he saw the rush, he didn't look at the defense at all!
What I love is a team and coach that lets this happen. Bo would kick his punter into the dog house (for at least the rest of the season...what ever became of Brian Virgil BTW ???) Come on ... can anyone imagine such a play from a LC team? I love this team / coach and punter for their bravado (the stagnant offense was due to good scouting on MSU's part - and stellar D line play.) The offense took some time but came back.
Zoltan learns from this decision. (Will Hagerup - I hope you are paying attention as well. RR trusts his players to make decisions on the field.)
I am not bitter about the idea of this fake, only in its execution.
But this only happens in an environment where it is encouraged. I heard RR say in interviews after Zoltan's fake last year (which I'm pretty sure was a called fake) that he had no issues with his punter taking a few steps and looking to see what is there.
My main issue here is that Zoltan decided to fake this before he looked. MSU was not in full return mode (which would allow such a fake). They were full on rushing at least 3 guys. Zoltan felt the weight of the game and let it get to his judgment. He wasn't ready to kick it when he saw the rush, he didn't look at the defense at all!
What I love is a team and coach that lets this happen. Bo would kick his punter into the dog house (for at least the rest of the season...what ever became of Brian Virgil BTW ???) Come on ... can anyone imagine such a play from a LC team? I love this team / coach and punter for their bravado (the stagnant offense was due to good scouting on MSU's part - and stellar D line play.) The offense took some time but came back.
Zoltan learns from this decision. (Will Hagerup - I hope you are paying attention as well. RR trusts his players to make decisions on the field.)
I am not bitter about the idea of this fake, only in its execution.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 PM ^
Even though the final decision came down to Zoltan, I think it's at least as much the coaches' fault as his. I'm not really positive who made the call, whether it was Rodriguez or the special teams coach, but it probably should have been a QB sneak if they were going to go for it. When you only need about a foot, it doesn't make sense to snap the ball 10 yards backwards to someone with limited athletic ability when they could just have Forcier dive over a pile. I know Mesko was supposed to make a read, but I don't think it's very practical to expect a punter to make such a crucial decision in such a dangerous spot on the field. In this case, the coaches should have simply either decided to do a QB sneak or have Zoltan kick it away.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:09 AM ^
I'm not sure, but I don't think RR ever actually calls for a fake punt. That punt call simply has an option to run, to be exercised at the punter's discretion. I imagine that Zoltan's decision caught RR off-guard there.
If RR wanted to go for it, he'd have almost certainly left the offense in.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:29 AM ^
In the press conference, RR said it was supposed to be a read. I think in that situation they should have told Zoltan to just kick it away. It was far too risky of a decision in that field position.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:52 AM ^
I'd wager that there isn't a play in the playbook that doesn't have multiple options. I've got the distinct impression that RichRod likes his players to have choices on every play. For the record, I think this is a good thing even if it leads to a bad read on a punt in your own territory. The upside is far greater for this kind of offense that the stagnant stuff we used to run.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:46 AM ^
David Cone is 6 ft 7 and probably doesn't have a damaged shoulder, they could have had him sneak the ball. Either way, RichRod, the special teams coach, or Zoltan, it was a horrendous decision and credit the defense for holding the Spartys to 3 pts afterwards.
I am concerned about the way RichRod is handling this call. He's already been accused of throwing Zoltan under the bus. He needs to Lloyd Carr up and take responsibility for the call, even if it as some sort of call on the part of the punter.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:25 AM ^
Once I saw how short of a distance they needed for the first down, I told my friend that I hoped they would put Cone in, all he needs to do is get the ball and lay down for that first down.
oh well.. moving on to Iowa.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:24 AM ^
The whole thing was silly...first of all, RR should have called a play to give it to Minor on 3rd and short and he may have gotten it... secondly its a bad spot for a roll-punt... read or not... plus it was INTO the strong wind? Go regular punt every time!!!
WTF? bad coaching by RR and a bad decision by Zoltan...cost them 3 pts and the game perhaps.
November 6th, 2009 at 6:24 PM ^
I believe Bryan was kicked off the team in lieu of arrest. Something about a drawer full of, er "two marijuana cigarettes" if I recall the Ann Arbor new article. Bry, if you're out there, fill us in. Hope all is well.