If the defense had struggled as well this year, would the consensus be the team is just not very good? Seems like people are looking at the defensive improvement and saying that if the defense is improved, the offense should also be improved. The problem is this- everyone knew Miami wasn't suited for a 3-4, the talent in Miami is far better suited for a 4-3. EVERYONE knew this but Golden and D'Onfrio. They had a good DL coach in Franklin until 2014 who still coached up his players. They go to a 4-3, and the players are better, front four are getting to the QB and getting TFLs so the CBs aren't having to cover as long. Pressure can generate offensive mistakes (see GT).
In 2015, the top 3 receivers were Stacey Coley, Herb Waters, and Rashawn Scott- all reliable receivers.
In 2016 Waters and Scott are gone. The only returning reliable WR was Coley, and he has been wearing a knee brace this season and it is slowing him down (personal observation, you may disagree). Butterfingers Berrios and Lewis were the other two WRs returning, combining for 133 yards on the season. Richards has been an outstanding freshman, but he had big drops in key situations. Not reliable. Njoku- come on man. Drops. Tripping and falling down with a wide open path to the end zone. Herndon, no complaints. Better than Njoku this year IMO. Then at RB: you have Walton who, sadly, has terrible vision for a RB. Just isn't finding the cuts. Yearby- again no complaints. Much better of the two. So basically Coley (one reliable WR who also isn't 100%), Herndon, and Yearby are the only reliable players on offense. There is a difference between players who can make big plays (Walton can break off a 90 yard run due to his speed) but and players who are 100% dependable (Walton consistently can't pick up 3 yards on first down carries).
Kaaya this year is majorly shook from all the hits he's taken (some his fault) and IMO is basically giving himself up for sacks because he doesn't want to take big hits anymore (I can't blame him). Remember, Kaaya got a major concussion and knocked out of the Clemson game, then missed the following game against Duke. I don't think he's been right since. You can say, "Oh he should shake it off, it's just one major concussion." Problem is he keeps taking those types of hits during games now and it is not good to follow up a major concussion with repeated smaller ones. I hate to say it, but I think Kaaya is done unless the line takes some massive steps forward. I think Richt knows it would destroy Kaaya's remaining draft stock if he benches him (and also guarantees he comes back next season) so best case, Richt tries to optimize the short passing game to make sure Kaaya can get rid of the ball before pressure gets to him, Kaaya finishes the season strong, gets taken 3rd or 4th round, and Richt is able to start grooming a dual threat QB next year.
Anyways, I'm still optimistic about the future. Really want to see how this offense runs with a dual threat QB. I don't understand why people want to spin things negatively. You aren't on the coaching staff and can't make any changes, and complaining/flying banners isn't going to lead to a coaching change either. Richt is basically guaranteed at least 5 years. You can hate that all you want but it's not changing so the only thing negativity is going to do is make you miserable.
