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Editor [∞]
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Letterman [271]
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Re: ESPN writer "a buyer" on DJ Uiagalelei in 2022
Feb 22, 2022, 10:51 AM
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I largely agree with David on this one. I think a consistent OL and WR corps will do DJ a lot of good. Remember how much Tajh improved from 2011 to 2012? I think we can expect that from DJ, especially knowing that Cade will likely push him in practice unlike the backups in 2021.
If we can get our slot situation taken care of, I think that'll be what propels DJ into being the QB we all know he can be (and he showed that against BC and ND in 2020). I hope he learns to break that god awful habit of staring down his first read before the play. And with a full, somewhat normal offseason, I hope he puts on some muscle like Tajh did in 2012 and thus is less timid running the ball.
I think the law firm of Collins & Collins (plus EJ and Ngata if they stay healthy somehow) show a lot of promise on the boundary. Slot is DJ's second favorite area to throw to (watch him on QB1), and we had diddly there last year. I knew we were in a bad spot when Dabo and Grisham leaned so heavily into Ross at the slot. Notice how DJ threw for a record high passing yard total for an opposing QB @ Notre Dame Stadium when he had Amari at the slot and a legit deep threat in Powell. Slot is so important for us to move the sticks - it's great for the second/third and intermediate distance, or for short yardage to get the first down. We were blessed to have such good play at the slot for so long (Watkins, Humphries, Scott, Renfrow, Rodgers), that it shows how much the entire offense suffers without a good player there.
DJ is the type of player, that plays better when he's surrounded by a solid supporting cast. Now that we have RB more or less sorted out, if we can be consistent at OL and WR, I think DJ does take the next step as David seems to be. I'm still bullish on DJ because I think he does have it in him. I think putting his parents' divorce behind him will help as well. That can't have been good for him to go through last year.
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Legend [15763]
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I think David is overanalyzing. We all watched the games
Feb 22, 2022, 11:09 AM
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and DJ was off all season. There's a lot that goes into a game and at some point, I think it makes sense to step away from these statistics and acknowledge what is seen with the eyes...he missed a lot of throws and made some questionable decisions. He needs to get better, that's all. He clearly knows it better than anyone.
Everyone also knows that his WR was waaaaay below standards this year, both because of performance and because of injuries. AND we know that the running game got significantly better and more reliable over the course of the season. AND DJ improved as well...possibly because young receivers got more reliable and the running game took some pressure off. I'm a bit tired of the OLine criticism...it seems lazy at this point...it's like two or three programs in the country think they have a great OLine and for everyone else, it's a problem. 27th in "sacks allowed" with a VERY immobile QB, and our RBs had the breathing room they needed late in the season. They can improve, obviously, but I think they need to be cut some slack in the "What caused DJ's woes" debate.
Bottom line, this sort of analysis is a waste of time. DJ didn't play well last year. He also had bad WR play, a decimated WR team, was overweight and had a hurt finger on his throwing hand. Hunker down, lose some weight, get healthy, get a full team of WRs back, have a healthy, more experienced OL, have a proven stable of RBs, lose the pressure of being "the next great Clemson QB" or "A Heisman candidate"...add a potentially viable replacement in Cade to push him...and let's see what happens. Should be fun.
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Trainer [25]
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Re: ESPN writer "a buyer" on DJ Uiagalelei in 2022
Feb 22, 2022, 11:18 AM
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My biggest questions with DJ have to do with his ability to read defenses and react quickly when his first read isn't there, or he's under pressure. A problem similar to what the Panthers have with Sam Darnold. On a practice field with everything set up, they can both make all the throws. That's what I think set Joe Montana apart from his peers, as it does with Russell Wilson, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes. Deshaun was getting there. None of those have the physical tools (arm strength) DJ possesses, but their ability to process what is happening on the field accurately and quickly is what set them apart.
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All-In [46948]
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The non expert, non-expert opinion right HERE
Feb 22, 2022, 12:03 PM
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The majority of the problem besides the WR’s/OL was between his ears, he was overthinking everything.
They need to simplify everything & he needs to play 7 on 7 all offseason.
See DJB_ws post above dead on!
Message was edited by: HumbleServant®
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1st Rounder [612]
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Re: ESPN writer "a buyer" on DJ Uiagalelei in 2022
Feb 22, 2022, 12:58 PM
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I am just asking but did DJ not have a bad shoulder and a bum knee last season- all would contribute to passing and running mechanics. The line was not great to start but got better as season went along- just did not seem like WRU at Clemson last season. Hoping it has been put behind us and the Tiger come out on fire.
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