For the last several seasons KU could not move the ball or score points. After two games in the new system, we are doing both. Can it be better, sure, but this early in the new system, everyone should rejoice we aren't going three and out much.
Can the QB play be better? I will continue to argue that Cozart is not an instinctive football player. Athlete? Yes. But he is not a division one QB. Cozart will never be accurate and I think the coaches know this. Otherwise, how can you explain the lack of throwing the ball to the middle of the field and every pass is either a 5 to 7 yard quickie or a fade down the sideline. He is being told to make these throws.
The defense is small, slow and light. Marry this with no depth and bingo, you have an historically bad defense. No reason to beat it to death every game. The kids that play on D this year will develop very tough hides because they are going to hear about how bad the numbers are every day. It sucks and I feel for them.
Evaluating the coaches and players this year is, I think, pretty simple.
Number one: How do they manage the players. Beaty has put himself squarely in the crosshairs with Willis. You do not burn the shirt off the kid that everyone in the preseason said was the best QB and then not start him. This is not a wins and losses evaluation, Cozart vs. Willis is not about that. This is about the future. If Willis is the best guy he needs to play and learn this season. Take your lumps and grow into the position.
Second: Does the team show steady improvement over the course of the season. If the guys can just build from week to week on the fundamentals of blocking and tackling, lining up in the right place, no penalties etc., that will be huge moving forward.
Last and most important: Can the staff and the players stay focused and enthusiastic for the entire season. I hope like hell they can find a win this year. i don't see it. Going 0-12 will suck the life out of everyone. If Beaty and the staff can keep the kids engaged and keep their effort at a high level, with consistency, then it will be an extraordinary job all around.
Can the QB play be better? I will continue to argue that Cozart is not an instinctive football player. Athlete? Yes. But he is not a division one QB. Cozart will never be accurate and I think the coaches know this. Otherwise, how can you explain the lack of throwing the ball to the middle of the field and every pass is either a 5 to 7 yard quickie or a fade down the sideline. He is being told to make these throws.
The defense is small, slow and light. Marry this with no depth and bingo, you have an historically bad defense. No reason to beat it to death every game. The kids that play on D this year will develop very tough hides because they are going to hear about how bad the numbers are every day. It sucks and I feel for them.
Evaluating the coaches and players this year is, I think, pretty simple.
Number one: How do they manage the players. Beaty has put himself squarely in the crosshairs with Willis. You do not burn the shirt off the kid that everyone in the preseason said was the best QB and then not start him. This is not a wins and losses evaluation, Cozart vs. Willis is not about that. This is about the future. If Willis is the best guy he needs to play and learn this season. Take your lumps and grow into the position.
Second: Does the team show steady improvement over the course of the season. If the guys can just build from week to week on the fundamentals of blocking and tackling, lining up in the right place, no penalties etc., that will be huge moving forward.
Last and most important: Can the staff and the players stay focused and enthusiastic for the entire season. I hope like hell they can find a win this year. i don't see it. Going 0-12 will suck the life out of everyone. If Beaty and the staff can keep the kids engaged and keep their effort at a high level, with consistency, then it will be an extraordinary job all around.
