1) We have one of the top 3 defenses in the country (with very strong stats for Pass Defense, TFL etc). We are back to playing an aggressive brand of defense and it is working at a high level
2) Victories over FSU and UNC
3) Defensive players balling out: Gerald Willis (hugely important as the anchor the Dline), Joe Jack, Garvin, Jaquan, Bandy, Michael Jackson, Redwine, Pinckney. Manny Diaz and virtually all of the players on D deserve major props for a great performance so far.
4) Jeff Thomas, Brevin, Harley and Cager: JT has really emerged as a strong & consistent weapon. If only we could consistently get him the ball. Brevin is terrific as a pass catcher (and Mallory will be too). Harley is really starting to emerge (particularly when Kosi is in at QB). Cager has had some big moments & is a great weapon to have in the Red Zone. Deejay has also consistently shown great vision and an ability to create something out of nothing. Homer is a stud and with better run blocking, he would be having a huge year. We have real weapons on Offense. It is the play of the OL and the QBs that is limiting offensive production the most. However, I do think CMR should hire a real OC and delegate that responsibility. With better QB play and solid OL play, this team would be devastating opponents on both sides of the ball.
5) We have a lot of young talent. As some of Golden's players cycle out and our young talent matures, we will continue to improve. Rebuilding is a process. All of the over-the-top negativity on these boards doesn't help. All it does is create an overly negative tone around the program, cause us to lose out on certain recruits and set the program back. Please think before you post.
Areas for Improvement:
N'Kosi needs to show maturity & leadership and really commit himself to his craft. He should spend time on the phone with Canes greats like Dorsey and really learn how to flourish as a QB for the Canes. Film study is clearly a big part of that...as is demonstrating leadership off the field.
Other than working on functional fitness, flexibility & lifting some weights, Malik should focus solely on: (1) drills designed to improve his accuracy and (2) improving chemistry with his receivers.
OL needs to play nasty and fight hard on each & every play.
