… And the O is all about the offensive line.
So why is the offense struggling?
According to Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, it has been a combination of things, though most notably, the Panthers’ inability to provide consistent protection for Palko. The Cornhuskers sacked Palko four times and pressured him throughout the game.
He said if the Panthers (0-3) — who play host to Youngstown State this week — want to turn their season around, they need to become more efficient on offense.
“We don’t turn the ball over, we have only four penalties and we have a freshman running back run for nearly 100 yards [LaRod Stephens-Howling ran 17 times for 98 yards] — how do you not win [against Nebraska]?” he asked yesterday at his weekly news conference. “Field position got us a little bit, but we didn’t make plays in the passing game. We’re just a little off. Two of their sacks came with only four guys rushing. We are not efficient protecting the passer. You could have six guys open and the perfect play called, and if you don’t block one guy the whole thing breaks down.
“Inefficient pass protection throws the timing off. I am disappointed but not discouraged.”
I don’t know how hard Pitt is trying to get the ball to the Tight Ends, or whether they can. The TEs have to stay in and block so much, that there are not great opportunities for them to come over the middle. If the TEs get some more touches, hopefully it forces the linebackers to drop back a little more and the safeties to play up — and maybe open up things up for the receivers. Of course, that still means the O-line has to give Palko a little time to throw.
Right now, the only times we know the TE will see the ball is if Darrell Strong is in the game. A reflection of his strength as a receiving TE, and his deficiencies in blocking. Kind of reminds me of when Rod Rutherford would be inserted at QB for a play or series in his first couple of years. Everyone knew that meant he would keep the ball and run on an option or draw.
There is only so much that can be blamed on players on the O-line learning new positions or being new starters.
Wannstedt reiterated the inexperience on the offensive line with center Joe Villani, left guard Dale Williams and left tackle Charles Spencer all starting in new positions. Williams replaced Dom Williams, who was injured this week, and also is a first-year starter.
It’s been the lack of improvement over the first 3 games that is troubling. Especially right up the middle. This has prevented Palko from even trying to step up in the pocket when a blitz comes from the outside.
Of course, not everything can be blamed on the O-line. Palko’s passes and communication with his receivers has not been particularly good.
In the Notre Dame game, Palko’s right hand was mashed by another player’s helmet. He insists the injury is not an issue, but it could be affecting his ability to grip the ball as he prepares to throw. At times, Palko’s passes seem to lack zip; others are thrown without much touch, and sail wildly away from receivers.
Yesterday, Wannstedt gathered the team for a 6 a.m. meeting at the South Side practice facility. In the afternoon, during pre-practice warmups, Palko had a long one-on-one conversation with offensive coordiantor Matt Cavanaugh. The Panthers then ran full-speed drills — with Palko working on deep and mid-range passes.
Is this year’s Palko, last year’s Charlie Whitehurst of Clemson? Palko isn’t the only QB who has absolutely struggled to start the season despite the hype. He’s just one of the more glaring examples.
It’s hard to complain about the defense when they have only allowed 3 field goals in the last two games. Admittedly, the run defense is still a problem, allowing 543 yards in the first 3 games (173 versus Nebraska) and a 4.1 yards/carry average; but compared to the problems for the offense, it’s not as big a deal.
