Blaming the good players

[FireSwasey]

The draft community correctly identified Erek Flowers' flaws? He was drafted 9th overall and won't turn 22 till right around the next NFL draft. It's not to say he doesn't have flaws (I think he's more of a natural RT), but perhaps I'm missing what you're saying.

I'm saying he was overrated by fans & the NFL because of his size, strength and tenacity as a run blocker when he hasn't shown the fundamentals to be a reliable pass protector in a passing league. Those traits have carried over to the pros but how you feel about him long-term is determined by your philosophy on OL development - can sloppy technique, lack of balance, etc. be corrected or not? I tend to think no but it's not impossible. If Flowers corrects his technique issues he will be an elite OL but that's a huge leap of faith for a top 10 pick imo. Granted the OL class was bad overall in 2015 but the Giants took a desperate risk with Flowers. We'll see.

Anyways, every draft scout I've read or listened to views Kaaya as a top-3 QB prospect for the future drafts and a 1st round lock. But I'm sure the fans are capable of applying context to Kaaya's traits and performance within a poorly coached mess of an offense....(not really)

On the first part, I'll repeat that I consider Flowers a natural fit at RT and I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually is placed over there.

On the second part, I've compared Kaaya to something closer to an Andy Dalton level of prospect. I get what you're saying here.

And dalton was a 2nd round pick and i think kaaya has better arm talent.

But, currently is stiffer than Dalton was coming out. Kaaya has two seasons to improve that, but some of it will be difficult to overcome. He really needs help with his feet. He needs to spend time with someone technical. It's really hard to judge his reads (predetermined) because the offense is so disjointed.

I think it's way too early to project his draft status.

Ok be honest......what exactly can James Corley offer in terms of teaching a QB? It's like cats expect Kaaya to read a book on how to be a QB....smh

 

[Angry Ibis]

True AI, but the point is that the culture, scheme, system, lack of coaching, make what should be our best players look and play pedestrian football. Blaming the players for not producing in a bad system/program should start with the system itself.

Brad isn't perfect, far from it, but his commitment to get better and attempt at leadership under a historically bad regime should cause Canes to commend him rather than to name call. Again, I agree Canes should be free to analyze and critique our players, just be fair about it.

How does what a player goes on to do in the NFL impact what he did not do at Miami?

Strange argument as to why we shouldn't discuss their play while actually playing for Miami.

Perhaps the issue here is:

Fans really like and appreciate good players and leaders, but some have shoved a certain player's awesomeness down others' throats and up their asses for 2 years and that player looks much more like Hackenberg Hype than Deshaun Watson production so it is possible that posters are going to discuss that gap and try to understand it.

I agree with the overall premise that an attack on Kaaya is not warranted or deserved, but rather discussion of what we see on the field in general fairness.

I think we currently have a good, but not great, quarterback that needs to continue to improve with better coaching, but also be subject to an open competition in the Spring because poor offensive line play and bad coaching did not create all the issues being described in the various threads. Unfortunately when players attempt to lead, but then do not produce at a high enough level break downs can occur --- on the field and on the message boards.

 

[BWCD]

I'm not reading all 5 pages to see if someone else shares this opinion, but really - Kaaya hasn't been the same since the concussion. He's not been bad, but he's not been his old self. His accuracy in terms of where he's locating the football seems off, his already somewhat stubborn pocket presence has gotten worse (never moves to avoid the rush), he stares down receivers more. His numbers have been about the same, but he's left a lot of yards/TDs on the field.

I'm not saying play Rosier...I'm just saying that Kaaya seems to be fighting thru the after-affects of his concussion right now...and it may not be a bad idea to play Rosier more...especially if he's more mobile and ready to avoid the pass rushes our OL whiffs on far too often.

 

[jackedaround]

I'm not reading all 5 pages to see if someone else shares this opinion, but really - Kaaya hasn't been the same since the concussion. He's not been bad, but he's not been his old self. His accuracy in terms of where he's locating the football seems off, his already somewhat stubborn pocket presence has gotten worse (never moves to avoid the rush), he stares down receivers more. His numbers have been about the same, but he's left a lot of yards/TDs on the field.

I'm not saying play Rosier...I'm just saying that Kaaya seems to be fighting thru the after-affects of his concussion right now...and it may not be a bad idea to play Rosier more...especially if he's more mobile and ready to avoid the pass rushes our OL whiffs on far too often.

he is worried about getting hurt further. it is apparent. you'd be shook too if you played behind that house of cards we call the O-Line.

 

[Awsi Dooger]

Meanwhile, we act like this is our own issue alone, that nobody else has players who disappoint in college and then bloom in the pros. It's laughable insulation and denial.

I have a friend who is a huge Texas fan. He was ranting early this season that Jordan Hicks was starring with the Eagles and potentially on his way to defensive rookie of the year as an outside linebacker. This was after largely flopping for most of his career with the Longhorns, despite being an ultra premier recruit out of Ohio. There was chatter that Texas was playing him out of position on the outside, that he was too limited out there and probably belongs in the inside. I read that from several scouting sources. Now it looks silly.

I blame Dade Countyitis. Or 305itis. Whatever you want to call it. Soft and entitled. I've mentioned for years that the high school football I watch in Dade County is increasingly soft and undisciplined. It's nothing but fast jaguar athletes preferring open field football and prancing touchdowns from long distance. Accompanied by leaping celebrations and smiles. We're so talented, so superior. What could possibly go wrong?

That type plays narrow and part time. They expect the opposing runner to go down upon a mere glance or moderate contact. They expect to run free on pass routes and not have to bother with teams that play actual stifling physical pass defense. No kidding we can execute an 8 lateral play in open field for 46 seconds. That fits with Dade Countyitis. Make it a scrum and we're shoved backwards and out of the stadium.

Not everybody may technically hail from Dade County. They inherit the flaw. We have far too many of these kids. That's why it often looks like we have 9 guys out there on defense. Open spaces galore. It's like a soccer game with one team with 2 men down. The opposing side tinkers and toys at will -- ole.

I'm sick of it. I realize a coaching change can make considerable difference. But overall I'll be happy when the vast majority of these kids are gone, replaced by some tough guy types with a midwest frame and attitude. I'm so envious of programs like Ohio State and Alabama with all the wide body maulers. They don't have 9 defenders out there. More like 14.

Dade Countyitis is the reason you have Stacy Coley out there, taunting a defensive back after a nice but hardly pivotal 20 yard gain, while down 17-0. Dade Countyitis is the reason you have Brad Kaaya from the bench fist pumping a confirmed touchdown that moves the score from 45-0 to 45-6. That was hilarious. I was imagining Jimmy Johnson fist pumping a similar verdict.

Let's face it, even in our glory years we were somewhat vulnerable along those lines. I always rooted passionately to draw the correct opponent when we faced a title game scenario away from the awesome Orange Bowl. I feared Penn State in 1986 and Ohio State in 2002, betting heavily on both of those teams plus the points. They were the blue collar blueprint that largely nullifies our strengths and uncovers our weaknesses. I don't think we'll ever fully eliminate that flaw.

There are methods to diminish it. Stanford recruits nationally, admitting that they look for the same type of player regardless of locale, a tough dependable self-motivated type. They downplay the star rankings as opposed to guys who stand out as smart and mega competitive. Those Stanford teams never look great athletically other than the offensive line and an occasional skill player, but they are incredibly passionate and relentless, with rout after rout of programs that simply can't match their toughness and intensity level. The matchups with Oregon are always interesting because Oregon creates open spaces and finally you see that Stanford's defenders are a notch below the best programs, yet able to mask it in virtually every game. Only the top Stanford defenses have been able to thwart and defeat Oregon.

I'm sure the coaches who recruit South Florida from elite programs cherry pick the tougher kids while leaving us with too many soft and entitled kids as our core. Disgusting. I'll be relieved when we have wide body talented defensive tackles who collapse the backfield, and wiry defensive backs who attack those short passes, instead of skinny kids prancing around and looking great against Bethune Cookman while otherwise backpedaling and getting knocked on their *** by legit opponents who have avoided Dade Countyitis.

 

[umhurricane2511]

Kaaya's problem isn't in his arm, it's in his chest

 

[DMoney]

Dade Countyitis is the reason you have Stacy Coley out there, taunting a defensive back after a nice but hardly pivotal 20 yard gain, while down 17-0. Dade Countyitis is the reason you have Brad Kaaya from the bench fist pumping a confirmed touchdown that moves the score from 45-0 to 45-6. That was hilarious. I was imagining Jimmy Johnson fist pumping a similar verdict.

Let's face it, even in our glory years we were somewhat vulnerable along those lines. I always rooted passionately to draw the correct opponent when we faced a title game scenario away from the awesome Orange Bowl. I feared Penn State in 1986 and Ohio State in 2002, betting heavily on both of those teams plus the points. They were the blue collar blueprint that largely nullifies our strengths and uncovers our weaknesses. I don't think we'll ever fully eliminate that flaw.

There are methods to diminish it. Stanford recruits nationally, admitting that they look for the same type of player regardless of locale, a tough dependable self-motivated type. They downplay the star rankings as opposed to guys who stand out as smart and mega competitive. Those Stanford teams never look great athletically other than the offensive line and an occasional skill player, but they are incredibly passionate and relentless, with rout after rout of programs that simply can't match their toughness and intensity level. The matchups with Oregon are always interesting because Oregon creates open spaces and finally you see that Stanford's defenders are a notch below the best programs, yet able to mask it in virtually every game. Only the top Stanford defenses have been able to thwart and defeat Oregon.

I'm sure the coaches who recruit South Florida from elite programs cherry pick the tougher kids while leaving us with too many soft and entitled kids as our core. Disgusting. I'll be relieved when we have wide body talented defensive tackles who collapse the backfield, and wiry defensive backs who attack those short passes, instead of skinny kids prancing around and looking great against Bethune Cookman while otherwise backpedaling and getting knocked on their *** by legit opponents who have avoided Dade Countyitis.

I disagree vehemently with almost everything in this post.

But just to make it simple, please answer this question: if "Dade Countyitis" is a problem, why is everyone drafting Dade County players?

Hometowns with most NFL players

• Miami- 31
• Fort Lauderdale- 20
• Atlanta- 16
• Houston- 14
• New Orleans- 13
• Dallas- 13
• Cincinnati- 12

Some say Dade players are just more "talented," as if the area happened to win a genetic lottery. But that's not true. The track times for Miami's fast players don't compare to some of the kids coming out of Texas.

The difference is competitiveness and instincts. Miami players are just more mentally suited for competition. It's a mindset bred by a hypercompetitive Pop Warner environment. That's why the jump to the NFL never phases them.

Keep your Midwest kids. I'll take a team full of South Florida players with a competent coach.


http://usafootball.com/blogs/americ...-has-most-nfl-players-of-any-u.s.-high-school

 

[Marcelo2988]

If you're hating on Kaaya, you're just not very bright.

Sorry

 

[DiegoCane]

Meanwhile, we act like this is our own issue alone, that nobody else has players who disappoint in college and then bloom in the pros. It's laughable insulation and denial.

I have a friend who is a huge Texas fan. He was ranting early this season that Jordan Hicks was starring with the Eagles and potentially on his way to defensive rookie of the year as an outside linebacker. This was after largely flopping for most of his career with the Longhorns, despite being an ultra premier recruit out of Ohio. There was chatter that Texas was playing him out of position on the outside, that he was too limited out there and probably belongs in the inside. I read that from several scouting sources. Now it looks silly.

I blame Dade Countyitis. Or 305itis. Whatever you want to call it. Soft and entitled. I've mentioned for years that the high school football I watch in Dade County is increasingly soft and undisciplined. It's nothing but fast jaguar athletes preferring open field football and prancing touchdowns from long distance. Accompanied by leaping celebrations and smiles. We're so talented, so superior. What could possibly go wrong?

That type plays narrow and part time. They expect the opposing runner to go down upon a mere glance or moderate contact. They expect to run free on pass routes and not have to bother with teams that play actual stifling physical pass defense. No kidding we can execute an 8 lateral play in open field for 46 seconds. That fits with Dade Countyitis. Make it a scrum and we're shoved backwards and out of the stadium.

Not everybody may technically hail from Dade County. They inherit the flaw. We have far too many of these kids. That's why it often looks like we have 9 guys out there on defense. Open spaces galore. It's like a soccer game with one team with 2 men down. The opposing side tinkers and toys at will -- ole.

I'm sick of it. I realize a coaching change can make considerable difference. But overall I'll be happy when the vast majority of these kids are gone, replaced by some tough guy types with a midwest frame and attitude. I'm so envious of programs like Ohio State and Alabama with all the wide body maulers. They don't have 9 defenders out there. More like 14.

Dade Countyitis is the reason you have Stacy Coley out there, taunting a defensive back after a nice but hardly pivotal 20 yard gain, while down 17-0. Dade Countyitis is the reason you have Brad Kaaya from the bench fist pumping a confirmed touchdown that moves the score from 45-0 to 45-6. That was hilarious. I was imagining Jimmy Johnson fist pumping a similar verdict.

Let's face it, even in our glory years we were somewhat vulnerable along those lines. I always rooted passionately to draw the correct opponent when we faced a title game scenario away from the awesome Orange Bowl. I feared Penn State in 1986 and Ohio State in 2002, betting heavily on both of those teams plus the points. They were the blue collar blueprint that largely nullifies our strengths and uncovers our weaknesses. I don't think we'll ever fully eliminate that flaw.

There are methods to diminish it. Stanford recruits nationally, admitting that they look for the same type of player regardless of locale, a tough dependable self-motivated type. They downplay the star rankings as opposed to guys who stand out as smart and mega competitive. Those Stanford teams never look great athletically other than the offensive line and an occasional skill player, but they are incredibly passionate and relentless, with rout after rout of programs that simply can't match their toughness and intensity level. The matchups with Oregon are always interesting because Oregon creates open spaces and finally you see that Stanford's defenders are a notch below the best programs, yet able to mask it in virtually every game. Only the top Stanford defenses have been able to thwart and defeat Oregon.

I'm sure the coaches who recruit South Florida from elite programs cherry pick the tougher kids while leaving us with too many soft and entitled kids as our core. Disgusting. I'll be relieved when we have wide body talented defensive tackles who collapse the backfield, and wiry defensive backs who attack those short passes, instead of skinny kids prancing around and looking great against Bethune Cookman while otherwise backpedaling and getting knocked on their *** by legit opponents who have avoided Dade Countyitis.

Hahahhah at SFla kids being soft.

BTW, Stanford just lost all hope at a NC because they lost to one of those gimmick offenses in Oregon at home. Wonder how much money you lost on that game?

Oregon has beat Stanford 7 out of the last 10 times they played.

 

[bigmont80]

I don't blame Kaaya. I just don't think he is what most people think he is.

He locks on to receivers.

When his first option isn't open, many times he checks down to WR/RB that is blanketed when there are receivers open downfield.

His pocket awareness and footwork are not very good and he throws off of his back foot a lot. Some of this is attributable to a ****** O line, too.

Some of this can be fixed with the right QB coach, but as of right now, he is an average to above average QB.

I just call it like I see it.

 

[DiegoCane]

I don't blame Kaaya. I just don't think he is what most people think he is.

He locks on to receivers.

When his first option isn't open, many times he checks down to WR/RB that is blanketed when there are receivers open downfield.

His pocket awareness and footwork are not very good and he throws off of his back foot a lot. Some of this is attributable to a ****** O line, too.

Some of this can be fixed with the right QB coach, but as of right now, he is an average to above average QB.

I just call it like I see it.

Pretty much how I feel too.

Maybe some of the resentment came from the fact he was talked up as a transcendent player by some writers on this site. I don't think many people are saying Kaaya is bad, I know I'm not.

 

[OBLIVION]

We all need to lay off these players. You see the **** staff that has hands on them from the moment they stepped on campus.

 

[gfer1988]

I'm not reading all 5 pages to see if someone else shares this opinion, but really - Kaaya hasn't been the same since the concussion. He's not been bad, but he's not been his old self. His accuracy in terms of where he's locating the football seems off, his already somewhat stubborn pocket presence has gotten worse (never moves to avoid the rush), he stares down receivers more. His numbers have been about the same, but he's left a lot of yards/TDs on the field.

I'm not saying play Rosier...I'm just saying that Kaaya seems to be fighting thru the after-affects of his concussion right now...and it may not be a bad idea to play Rosier more...especially if he's more mobile and ready to avoid the pass rushes our OL whiffs on far too often.

i don't remember rosier working the pocket that well despite his athleticism. you don't have to be that mobile to work a pocket. it seems like our guys don't practice that enough.

 

[TedHendricksOffspring]

I was really bothered when Kaaya completely bailed out from diving on the first fumble when he had more than enough time to do so.

 

[BucCANEers]

Losing for a decade sucks.

In the midst of this pain, Miami fans have picked up a dumb habit. When things go wrong, we blame our good players for "not being as good as we hyped them to be." Then, when these same guys get to the NFL, they turn out to be even better than we ever hoped.

Calais Campbell- Low-motor, plays too high, slow, glorified cheerleader.
Greg Olsen- Soft, chokes in big games, average hands.
Travis Benjamin- Soft, can't run routes.
Allen Bailey- JAG, stiff.
Orlando Franklin- Dumb, belongs in the CFL.

Last year, Duke Johnson was the target. Now he's making TD catches on Thursday Night Football. This year, people are choosing to dump on Brad Kaaya.

Hopefully, the new coach turns this around fast. It would be nice to appreciate Kaaya while he's still in a Canes uniform.

Hasn't it always been like that? Even now with Butch David. 99% of the ppl that are crying for butch are the ones that wanted him fired and wouldve put up a banner if this site was up back then

 

[rok]

The next play that Kaaya makes with his feet will be the first. I don't mean to pile on but this kid just isn't nearly as talented as we'd hoped.

 

[252cane]

The next play that Kaaya makes with his feet will be the first. I don't mean to pile on but this kid just isn't nearly as talented as we'd hoped.

So if a qb can't run, that mean he isn't talented? Nobody ever said kaaya was a top 5 pick.

 

[rok]

The next play that Kaaya makes with his feet will be the first. I don't mean to pile on but this kid just isn't nearly as talented as we'd hoped.

So if a qb can't run, that mean he isn't talented? Nobody ever said kaaya was a top 5 pick.

Just another reason why he isn't an elite QB. Weak arm, can't move, doesn't read the field well, has one facial expression.

He stinks and I don't like him.

 

[TC7D]

You could put Tom Brady behind our line and I'm not sure it would matter. We can't run the ball so our opponents tee off on our QB all game. This is why we've been running the pistol / shotgun all year. The coaches (even as bad as they are) realize our offensive line sucks. I can't even imagine how good Brad Kaaya would be on a team like Alabama. You'll be watching him on Sundays - hopefully after 2 more years, not 1.

 

[252cane]

The next play that Kaaya makes with his feet will be the first. I don't mean to pile on but this kid just isn't nearly as talented as we'd hoped.

So if a qb can't run, that mean he isn't talented? Nobody ever said kaaya was a top 5 pick.

Just another reason why he isn't an elite QB. Weak arm, can't move, doesn't read the field well, has one facial expression.

He stinks and I don't like him.

His arm is far from weak. I have seen him several times read the entire field and deliver dimes. This offense is a lot of quick one or two reads and if it's not open check down.

But your evaluation skills are not too good you are the same dude that said stacy coley was garbage and can only catch screen passes.