There are lots of folks out there ( almost all smarter than me ) second guessing the style of play of the Tar Heels. This is a fun conversation for the fan base to have. On defense the Heels seem to play it safe on almost every play. On offense they just are not “streching the field” this year. And many point to that style of play as the reason the Heels lost to Fla State.
I look at it another way.
Carolina’s strategy was working great against the Noles. Rush 4 guys and play solid defense. Don’t make mistakes. Use a little trickeration on offense but don’t make mistakes.
What changed.
Two plays that were not “conservative” lost the game.
Play #1. Yates throws a risky pass downfield to the end zone trying to make a big play. INTERCEPTION. No points.
Play # 2. Instead of a conservative defensive play with the Noles backed up on their own 1 yard line, the Heels got a little too agressive , made a mistake, and gave up a 99 yard TD.
It almost felt like to me that the players wanted to do something dramatic. Just winning the game wasn’t good enough.
The safe and smart decision on both of those plays in my mind would have kept the Heels in control of the game. With momentum on their side I say the Heels would have won that game.
Sure, Fla State would have had a good chance to drive the field and score a couple of times but that would have burned up the clock, amd at least would have given the defense a chance to stop them or get a turnover.
Momentum is a big thing. And when you give it up by trying to do something that you are not accustomed to doing the risk is too great.
I believe that this years team has limitations. But in the Fla State game they were running the ball. They were scoring. They were getting 1st downs and keeping possession. What in God’s name is wrong with that?
This week the Heels have another chance to win a crucial game. And they are playing a team that gets criticized for being conservative on offense. I say the Heels must stay conservative. Do not put the team in a position to give up a big play to the Hokies. Throw safe passes that only our guys have a chance to catch. Let Shoop get creative again and use the speed of the Hokie defense against them somehow. Keep the game close until the 4th quarter.
I do agree with many that we should blitz an extra player more often. Our defense can be predictable and there has to be a way to send a player on a blitz without too much danger of giving up the big play.
And this time on Thursday night…..don’t make mistakes and get a victory.
MrTarHeel
www.mrtarheel.com
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The two plays that you mentioned were not \aggressive.\ Aggressive is not a synonym for mistaken.
On TJ’s interception, he simply chose to throw into double coverage. It was not an aggressive play call that caused that interception. Rather, it was a reckless decision by Yates.
Secondly, Florida State’s 98 yard touchdown came when the UNC defense was just playing base man to man. That’s not considered \aggressive.\ The touchdown happened because Florida State’s receiver made a good move and Charlie Brown bit on the fake.