Do all the QBs other than Laviano really suck?

[KnightsofChrome]

"The truth" is that, some here still believe the stories that come out of this current RU coaching staff. And, base all their information, or lack of on those statements. Where, the rest of us "know" the difference between an underthrown 15 yard pass, and a 50 yard Touchdown strike.

The playbook, which again some seem to use to define the abilities of a QB, has never, I mean NEVER thrown a pass, or handed a ball off to a RB, or made decisions based on formation, while on the field! The "playbook" is a tool. Used to acquire unification within a team, and overcome specific a weakness of the opponent. It was never meant to be a definitive source, or a know all. The playbook should always be flexible to the abilities of the players. And, that flexibility is determined by the Coach, when and for whom to use it. Football 101

And, considering the lack of Offense this team displays from week to week, it is apparent to me that the coaching staff are unable to communicate the consistency that instills confidence, as well as motivation to the team. No playbook will do that!

This team has failed, because the coaching staff has failed the team!

 

[AreYouNUTS]

2 thoughts:

1) some are putting way too much stuck into the qb "talent" on our roster.

2) Baylor moved their WR, formerly a QB with only 4 career passes, back to QB 2 weeks ago. He manhandled Oklahoma State's D the entire 2nd half this past Saturday. Coaching and talent make all the difference in the world.

 

[Caliknight]

"The truth" is that, some here still believe the stories that come out of this current RU coaching staff. And, base all their information, or lack of on those statements. Where, the rest of us "know" the difference between an underthrown 15 yard pass, and a 50 yard Touchdown strike.

The playbook, which again some seem to use to define the abilities of a QB, has never, I mean NEVER thrown a pass, or handed a ball off to a RB, or made decisions based on formation, while on the field! The "playbook" is a tool. Used to acquire unification within a team, and overcome specific a weakness of the opponent. It was never meant to be a definitive source, or a know all. The playbook should always be flexible to the abilities of the players. And, that flexibility is determined by the Coach, when and for whom to use it. Football 101

And, considering the lack of Offense this team displays from week to week, it is apparent to me that the coaching staff are unable to communicate the consistency that instills confidence, as well as motivation to the team. No playbook will do that!

This team has failed, because the coaching staff has failed the team!

I like your post. Let's face it. Flood is a huge meathead. His focus is on trying to out meathead teams. It works against teams like Army. It doesn't work against teams like Ohio St. As such, he doesn't want a QB who has the talent to take a few risks to gain the rewards. He likes the one who doesn't have talent to take risks, and whose real ability is to continuously do the same thing over and over, even in failure. A kid with Rettig's talent would probably clash with Flood on the field. Flood probably sees that and goes with what he considers the safer option, even though it results in poor play. At least it is Flood's way, and that is what meatheads care about. This playbook nonsense is just that. Rettig ran a pretty sophisticated offense for a high school. There is no question he could hand the ball off and throw passes into the flats and 3 yard crossing routes all day.

 

[Abro1975]

My nephew a 2018 QB from Ohio will be camping at RU this summer. At this point wondering who will be watching him, lol.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3830161/highlights/311068499/v2

 

[Knight Shift]

My nephew a 2018 QB from Ohio will be camping at RU this summer. At this point wondering who will be watching him, lol.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3830161/highlights/311068499/v2

Nice highlights! How do you pronounce that name--Tadas Tatarunas? Poor Ray Lucas trying to say that .

 

[Abro1975]

Just like it looks Ta das Ta ta ru nas

Nice highlights! How do you pronounce that name--Tadas Tatarunas? Poor Ray Lucas trying to say that .

 

[Knight Shift]

Just like it looks Ta das Ta ta ru nas

That's a great name. Hope he does well.

 

[Abro1975]

The Lithuanian Laser !

 

[coldsprings]

It has seemed that there is something that bugs Flood about Rettig - and it appears to be in a way that causes Flood to be a bit weird (about a mild as it can be put)

Flood has been almost irrationally resistant when dealing with the simple idea that - "if something is not working effectively, try something else". Flood has adamantly (belligerently) refused to allocate any quality playing time to Rettig - - and this is way, way beyond just "Chris is our starter" - this is - gee we have gotten absolutely nothing - zero- out of Chris for 3 quarters - so, let's give him half of the 4th quarter too ....

For me, a HUGE red flag went up about this situation back when Flood announced that Laviano would be the starter - Flood did something that was either just mindlessly stupid verbal diarrhea - or some of the most twisted & cynical passive aggressive crap that I have ever seen from a college coach who is generally viewed as 'even-handed'

Flood was asked what specifically separated Laviano from Rettig - - he said that he did not want to answer that ... but then said some totally unnecessary crap that revealed that he perceived significant flaws in Rettigs game :

"I wouldn't want to do that because I don't really want to share what we see as a staff as maybe the deficiencies of any of our players and give those thing up in game planning to our opponents," Flood said.

- weird - since this was a QB contest that Flood had been saying was close, close, close -

Yes, twisted and contemptible; another low-life move by Flood in attempt to convince people that he knows best and that all our "lying eyes" are wrong.

Imagine this nightmare scenario--Flood returning, Rettig transferring and Russo decommitting. Wouldn't that be Flood's secret dream? No longer would he be asked questions about his QB choice.

It is not so much that RU is losing that has fans pissed, it is that the team is "led" by a coach whose mind is inflexible and thus offers us no opportunity for hope. Sort of like being in Moscow in the 1970s and standing in line at the state store to buy rotten sausage and vodka--no hope, no possibility of improvement.

 

[cohwx]

The truth is Rettig lacks accuracy and touch as well as having play learning issues but it seems to fit the narrative that people want to have that the answers to our QB problems is sitting on the bench and our dumb coach just refuses to see it.
We simply don't have the answer on the roster right now. Just like when we started Dodd for those three games in place of Nova and he played god awful. People always leave that one out of the history here.
Rettig has now been riding the pine at two colleges. The idea that he is our savior at QB if he only got the chance is just people dreaming.
I'm hopeful that Russo ends up here and we actually have some talent at QB.

Where does your particular version of "truth" come from? People who have seen both Laviano and Rettig practice have not reported the same "truth", in fact, they generally are of the opinion that Rettig is better...or that it is close enough that there is really no reasonable explanation as to why Rettig hasn't gotten any meaningful game time since game 1.

I don't know if Rettig is the savior, probably not...but he couldn't really perform any worse than Laviano has over the past 4-5 games.

 

[OC Knight]

So Rettig MAY have not know the playbook as well as Laviano during spring ball but if they were almost even in summer camp which in my option is more relevant then don't you think he understands the playbook? I mean if they were almost even but Rettig didn't understand the playbook what does that say about Laviano?

So I don't buy this nonsense.

 

[MoobyCow]

At the end of the day there is no good answer to this question for Flood. Either Laviano is the best option, which means Flood has tragically mismanaged QB recruiting. Or he's not, which means he has tragically mismanaged QB coaching. Either way the ultimate responsibility is on Flood.

 

[cubuffsdoug]

I am not defending Laviano, but have you noticed the OL has sucked the last several games, except for Army?
Now, Army. Laviano missed a wide open pass to a TE, but other than that, were the WRs getting open down field.

Your indictment is a gross oversimplification of the problem, unless the problem is the receivers are not running deep routes in the first place because Laviano can't throw a deep ball. But he has, on occasion. Some (maybe many) have not been pretty.

Do you really think Flood, who knows/knew his job has been on the line this year, would put the most popular QB on the team in as the starter? I don't think that is to be the case, and if it is, Flood is more stubborn and stupid than many of us believe.

Care to explain the problem against Army when Army didn't come close to create pressure or sacks.:popcorn: Flood is not in touch with reality and lives too much by coach speak.

 

[slyker]

Kids know talent. I'd be shocked if they aren't thinking why Rettig doesn't play.

There sure seems to be a spark when he goes in.

A spark ?? More like a dying ember. Once again, don't you watch the games? The only time Rettig has been in the game against the starters vs the B1G teams he has led the team to multiple three and outs. And has done nothing to make the coaches think more about giving him more significant time on the field. How in anyone's mind that translates to creating a spark, I really don't know. Yeah put him in against the pine riders and he completes a few passes when the other team is on cruise control waiting for the game to end. If that's what you want to think of as creating a spark, well then that's your issue.

 

[Knight Shift]

Care to explain the problem against Army when Army didn't come close to create pressure or sacks.:popcorn: Flood is not in touch with reality and lives too much by coach speak.

I mentioned Army in my original post. Laviano said something that was both interesting and unintelligible in the post game interview. Can you shed some light on this:

Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano was 13-of-21 for 105 yards, his fifth straight game under 125 yards. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Oct. 17 at Indiana.

“I still have to manage within my rules,” Laviano said. “I thought the game was smooth and we played really well.”

I thought the game was bumpy. What does "manage within my rules" mean?

 

[ruman]

I mentioned Army in my original post. Laviano said something that was both interesting and unintelligible in the post game interview. Can you shed some light on this:

Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano was 13-of-21 for 105 yards, his fifth straight game under 125 yards. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Oct. 17 at Indiana.

“I still have to manage within my rules,” Laviano said. “I thought the game was smooth and we played really well.”

I thought the game was bumpy. What does "manage within my rules" mean?

His rules don't permit a throw longer than three yards from the LOS

 

[miker183]

A spark ?? More like a dying ember. Once again, don't you watch the games? The only time Rettig has been in the game against the starters vs the B1G teams he has led the team to multiple three and outs. And has done nothing to make the coaches think more about giving him more significant time on the field. How in anyone's mind that translates to creating a spark, I really don't know. Yeah put him in against the pine riders and he completes a few passes when the other team is on cruise control waiting for the game to end. If that's what you want to think of as creating a spark, well then that's your issue.

You can't point out that Rettig plays against the pineriders and IGNORE the fact he hasn't played a snap with our best receiver. Not one single play; this renders your argument and "logic" completely irrelevant. But, thanks for playing.

 

[Caliknight]

A spark ?? More like a dying ember. Once again, don't you watch the games? The only time Rettig has been in the game against the starters vs the B1G teams he has led the team to multiple three and outs. And has done nothing to make the coaches think more about giving him more significant time on the field. How in anyone's mind that translates to creating a spark, I really don't know. Yeah put him in against the pine riders and he completes a few passes when the other team is on cruise control waiting for the game to end. If that's what you want to think of as creating a spark, well then that's your issue.

Perhaps you missed my last post directed to you. Allow me to reiterate. I don't take you serious. Keep that at the forefront of your mind when addressing me. It will help you understand why I don't engage you in your painfully awful take on what is really happening.

 

[Caliknight]

So Rettig MAY have not know the playbook as well as Laviano during spring ball but if they were almost even in summer camp which in my option is more relevant then don't you think he understands the playbook? I mean if they were almost even but Rettig didn't understand the playbook what does that say about Laviano?

So I don't buy this nonsense.

Of course it is nonsense. Does anyone think handing the ball off all the time and throwing swing passes is a complicated playbook?

 

[cubuffsdoug]

I mentioned Army in my original post. Laviano said something that was both interesting and unintelligible in the post game interview. Can you shed some light on this:

Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano was 13-of-21 for 105 yards, his fifth straight game under 125 yards. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Oct. 17 at Indiana.

“I still have to manage within my rules,” Laviano said. “I thought the game was smooth and we played really well.”

I thought the game was bumpy. What does "manage within my rules" mean?

Hear is how I see it:
1) McDaniels sold Flood on the idea of running New England's offense and how great it would be on this level.

2) Flood like the idea and gave McDaniels the green light

3) What Flood didn't consider or care to address is McDaniels lack of experience as a playcaller/OC

4) The offense probably doesn't vary too much from NE in terms of language, calls, audibles, etc. which leads to the next point

5) McDaniels didn't dumb down the offense for college kids, but did put in some restrictions and what you see are the results of this problem. It's too complex for a kid who has limit hours to learn it.

A few weeks ago I watched NE and notice a lot of the same routes/plays. The difference is Brady and when the plays are called. Right now McDaniels doesn't come close to calling a game like his brother. It most likely comes with experience.

 

[miketd1]

Mike Leach simplified his playbook early in the season as his strong armed QB was having some problems. Result- Success ! Not sure why McDaniels can't do this .

True.

But he already had a simple playbook to begin with. He has like 10-12 core passing concepts and only a handful runs (mainly draw) and protections (mostly big-on-big).

 

[MoobyCow]

A few weeks ago I watched NE and notice a lot of the same routes/plays. The difference is Brady and when the plays are called. Right now McDaniels doesn't come close to calling a game like his brother. It most likely comes with experience.

To be fair. I'm guessing NE has a few more options on the table than RU as far as where to go with the ball. Calling the game when you have the best player on the field at QB is likely a bit easier than calling the game when the defense is more talented than you are at most positions and your QB has a limited arm.

 

[miketd1]

Hear is how I see it:
1) McDaniels sold Flood on the idea of running New England's offense and how great it would be on this level.

2) Flood like the idea and gave McDaniels the green light

3) What Flood didn't consider or care to address is McDaniels lack of experience as a playcaller/OC

4) The offense probably doesn't vary too much from NE in terms of language, calls, audibles, etc. which leads to the next point

5) McDaniels didn't dumb down the offense for college kids, but did put in some restrictions and what you see are the results of this problem. It's too complex for a kid who has limit hours to learn it.

A few weeks ago I watched NE and notice a lot of the same routes/plays. The difference is Brady and when the plays are called. Right now McDaniels doesn't come close to calling a game like his brother. It most likely comes with experience.

New England runs one of the simplest offensive schemes in the NFL. That's why they can go uptempo at the drop of a hat.

However, there are a TON of option routes, formation shifts, personnel packages, and audibles baked into the overall offense.

So it's simple for Brady to run (just needs to know the passing concept and each formation's response to pressure), but puts a LOT of pressure on the WRs to read coverage and adjust on the fly.

 

[scarletrat]

If nothing else, change for change's sake should have happened given the results.
So many teams try the backup to spark the team--even if the starter was thought to be "entrenched" or a star...FSU, TCU and Baylor come to mind...
What Fludd has done is borderline criminal and completely assine as it relates to coaching.

 

[cRURah]

Why you all insist on trying to understand Floods thinking on Laviano/Rettig is beyond me. I've posted it dozen times and here goes once more:

There is no rational explanation for Flood's handling of the QB situation. Just stop trying to figure it out and accept the fact that Flood is clueless and isn't head coach material. The man has some serious flaws in good judgment that are beyond the ability of normal human beings to comprehend.

 

[lighty]

I get the feeling that Slyker would love to see Rettig (or someone else) play an entire game so they could be proven correct. An I right?

Make it happen Slyker.... Make it happen

 

[RUBigJ]

Once Carroo got hurt Laviano's production went down the tubes. Either the other WRs can't get open or he is afraid to throw to them. Look at the Army game Carroo did not play the second half and the only touchdown we scored was after James ran for 57 yards.

 

[waretown]

In other thread, a mod said that the reason Laviano was always playing was because Rettig didn't have it going on upstairs AND the team supported Laviano and didn't want the backup on the field.

I just don't buy it.

The team HAS to recognize that we're not scoring touchdowns. They have to see all of the three and outs taking place. And how nobody but Carroo is ever being thrown the ball.

Maybe Rettig isn't the answer. I don't know. He has looked better than Laviano to me when he's been in the games, but Flood has limited his time so much that the average fan has no idea what his ability is. But if what the mod is saying is true, doesn't that mean that EVERY OTHER QB is equally as bad as Rettig?

That's hard to believe. We've all seen Laviano struggle MIGHTILY this season. If Rutgers does not have a single QB that could be put in to possibly give the team a spark or give Laviano a breather to watch a few plays from the sideline than we are in worse straits than I ever imagined.

Has Flood instilled such a "family" atmosphere and "nice guy" atmosphere that the team would rather have their friend at QB even while he struggles OR are the backups really that bad? Is this why some here are putting their faith in Russo coming in? Are we planning on seeing another true freshman start at QB?

they must, flood has 2 more years with laviano to prove evryone wrong

 

[cohwx]

I get the feeling that Slyker would love to see Rettig (or someone else) play an entire game so they could be proven correct. An I right?

Rettig should have gotten the start against Michigan or Nebraska. Can't make a fair comparison between someone getting to play the whole game, versus someone coming in for a couple of garbage time series down by 40 points.

Maybe he stinks it up and gets pulled after a few series, maybe he gets hurt (as many seem to believe he is completely immobile and made of glass). Or, maybe he does well and helps keep the game competitive.

We'll never know, unfortunately.

 

[lighty]

Let's face it. Flood is a huge meathead. His focus is on trying to out meathead teams. It works against teams like Army. It doesn't work against teams like Ohio St.

I think Cali is dead on. I would imagine most coaches would use a game against Army (63rd best defense against the pass) to help a struggling QB like Laviano get his game going. Instead, we throw 21 times for just over 100 yards and use a gameplan of running down their throats for the win. While the gameplan definitely worked and James had a great day, this was an opportunity for Laviano to get his passing game back.

Maybe Flood really doesn't like a passing attack. Sounds strange, but Army had been giving up about 200 yards per game in the air. This was definitely a game he could have given Laviano a longer leash if he wanted to.

 

[mildone]

Kids know talent. I'd be shocked if they aren't thinking why Rettig doesn't play.

There sure seems to be a spark when he goes in.

That spark is all the folks from this message board firing up their crack pipes. [winking]

 

[DHajekRC84]

I didn't read but 1 or 2 comments here but let me say this as for my opinion. Chris Laviano does NOT suck. I could never ever say that about somebody who has by far and away accomplished more than I could ever have imagined for myself. Give the guy THAT much respect please.

He doesn't deserve name calling and he doesn't deserve to be told he sucks. He just isn't the answer to what Rutgers needs right now and isn't playing very well including decisions (his execution isn't THAT bad..well maybe). Kyle Flood has done him ZERO favor by forcing him to be the poster boy for this train wreck. The OC hasn't really helped much either, not the oline or the blocking from the running backs or the drops by the wide-outs. (wow, I can't believe I am writing this)

If freaking stubborn a$$ bone head Flud would have just mixed up the QBs and figured out a way to put this offense together nobody would be complaining. IF the defense was a disaster then folks would get it under the circumstances. Everyone knew the offense was going to be about the QB spot...and he went all-in on Chris.

But when you can't score a TD over and over again. And you stick to that same plan..."when you always do what you have always done, you always get what you have always got"

 

[RUonBrain]

It's so bad that my 90 year old dad said he hopes Laviano gets hurt so we can see the backup.

Hey, nothing serious.
Just a stinger, you know?

 

[RUonBrain]

And I would LOVE to get Ray Lucas' honest take, or Mike McMahon, or Ryan Hart.

What do THEY think we should do/try at QB?

 

[Veiox]

The truth is Rettig lacks accuracy and touch as well as having play learning issues but it seems to fit the narrative that people want to have that the answers to our QB problems is sitting on the bench and our dumb coach just refuses to see it.
We simply don't have the answer on the roster right now. Just like when we started Dodd for those three games in place of Nova and he played god awful. People always leave that one out of the history here.
Rettig has now been riding the pine at two colleges. The idea that he is our savior at QB if he only got the chance is just people dreaming.
I'm hopeful that Russo ends up here and we actually have some talent at QB.

The media folks who watched the team everyday this summer say that Rettig is much more accurate. Nice try though.

 

[ru75]

I didn't read but 1 or 2 comments here but let me say this as for my opinion. Chris Laviano does NOT suck. I could never ever say that about somebody who has by far and away accomplished more than I could ever have imagined for myself. Give the guy THAT much respect please.

He doesn't deserve name calling and he doesn't deserve to be told he sucks. He just isn't the answer to what Rutgers needs right now and isn't playing very well including decisions (his execution isn't THAT bad..well maybe). Kyle Flood has done him ZERO favor by forcing him to be the poster boy for this train wreck. The OC hasn't really helped much either, not the oline or the blocking from the running backs or the drops by the wide-outs. (wow, I can't believe I am writing this)

If freaking stubborn a$$ bone head Flud would have just mixed up the QBs and figured out a way to put this offense together nobody would be complaining. IF the defense was a disaster then folks would get it under the circumstances. Everyone knew the offense was going to be about the QB spot...and he went all-in on Chris.

But when you can't score a TD over and over again. And you stick to that same plan..."when you always do what you have always done, you always get what you have always got"

yep, Flood has likely messed the kid up by not giving him some bench time. He does not deserve verbal abuse but assist to Flood.

 

[czxqa]

Mike Leach simplified his playbook early in the season as his strong armed QB was having some problems. Result- Success ! Not sure why McDaniels can't do this .

Change is not allowed in this regime.

 

[nafije]

The problem with your "truth" is that the competition was too close to call and Rettig looked great in his only start. If they were that close why not develop the backup in the event the starter goes down. Why not let the starter earn the start? Truth be told, your narrative fits the Flood is not a DF* defense. The evidence is 70-30 that he is a DF*. Only 30% chance you are defending an astute coaching genius,

* dance fan

Bottom line...your backup should have sufficient game experience for a myriad of reasons!

 

[slyker]

The media folks who watched the team everyday this summer say that Rettig is much more accurate. Nice try though.

And this totally contradicts what the High school coach who visited this board said recently. As many will recall , this coach had access to many RU practices and his opinion was just the opposite. That Laviano was clearly ahead of the two.

Kind of bizarre that anyone here is putting any value in the opinion of the RU beat writers analysis of who they thought was better. We all know how qualified they are to make a judgement as to who is better. Perhaps even less than the average poster on this board who's knowledge is .... well you know.

 

[ru75]

And this totally contradicts what the High school coach who visited this board said recently. As many will recall , this coach had access to many RU practices and his opinion was just the opposite. That Laviano was clearly ahead of the two.

Kind of bizarre that anyone here is putting any value in the opinion of the RU beat writers analysis of who they thought was better. We all know how qualified they are to make a judgement as to who is better. Perhaps even less than the average poster on this board who's knowledge is .... well you know.

Slyker has got to be a "house" shill to generate traffic or maybe a NJO guy looking to generate material for a story.