Thank GOD.. not a good effort.

[EWUeag]

Graham needs to go. Enough said.

I'm not sure if I'll go that far but it stands to reason that he should have done a better job in preparing the defense against CWU which he spent 13 years at.

If we would've had a good defense last year, there's a good chance it's EWU in Missoula in the second round. A championship caliber team cannot be losing games in which the offense scores 33 points.

I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure we had one of the worst pass defenses in the league for the last two years. IMHO that's coaching rather than lack of ability.

 

[flyingnail]

Graham needs to go. Enough said.

I'm not sure if I'll go that far but it stands to reason that he should have done a better job in preparing the defense against CWU which he spent 13 years at.

If we would've had a good defense last year, there's a good chance it's EWU in Missoula in the second round. A championship caliber team cannot be losing games in which the offense scores 33 points.

I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure we had one of the worst pass defenses in the league for the last two years. IMHO that's coaching rather than lack of ability.

Thats a ditto here ! the big difference so far is we can't put 45 pts up every game and bail out the Defense !

 

[kalm]

Graham needs to go. Enough said.

I'm not sure if I'll go that far but it stands to reason that he should have done a better job in preparing the defense against CWU which he spent 13 years at.

Yeah let's not get hysterical just yet, our coaching staff has a ton of experience. The two things that have hurt our defense for quite awhile now, whether it's Graham or Sears before him, are corner play and depth. Although I will say that pass rushing has been a little on the weak side so far and we might have to take more chances this year than in the past without being able to neccessarily count on outscoring people.

 

[EWURanger]

Yeah, we will have to take a few more chances than we have been. We'll get burned a few times, but when we did blitz a little against CWU it proved effective. Also it seems like our safeties play so deep all of the time we're constantly open to the short quick hitters.

 

[kalm]

Yeah, we will have to take a few more chances than we have been. We'll get burned a few times, but when we did blitz a little against CWU it proved effective. Also it seems like our safeties play so deep all of the time we're constantly open to the short quick hitters.

I noticed that too. The coaches obviously are seeing the same things we do so it has to be by design. Either keeping the game in front of us to protect the corners or playing it close to the vest before conference play begins. We still need to tackle better and keep the short passes to fewer yards.

I'm guessing we'll see significant changes in play calling on both sides of the ball next weekend.

 

[Larry Weir]

Can't say that I agree with the defensive criticisms here. Yeah, CWU scored 32. But their defense scored nine of those points and on the drive for their last TD, remember that Renard Williams stuffed their RB for a big loss on a 3rd-and-2 that was negated by a delay of game penalty on CWU. So instead of a 4th-and 6 or so they got third down over and converted. Then later in that same drive, JC Sheritt forced a fumble that Ceja returned for an apparent TD that was wiped out by the off-setting holding penalties. So the D got two stops there wiped out by penalty and CWU managed to finally convert and score. Not as bad an effort as it might seem.

Against Nevada, the defense was put in horrible positions several times through turnovers or poor special teams play and played pretty darn well for the most part against a potential NFL QB, RB and TE and against a veteran OL. It's tough to stop that type of team when they are starting drives in your territory. And four of their seven TD drives started at their own 49 or better.

Last year I thought the defense was doing fine for the most part until most of the LB corps got hurt. It's pretty tough to play with two healthy LB's and a converted DE for the last two regular season games at 6,000+ feet of elevation.

This is a defense that tries to keep plays in front of them and make teams take long drives to score. They don't give up a lot of big plays. Montana lost to Cal Poly because they gave up several big plays. It might be a little tough to watch sometimes for the impatient, which sometimes includes me, but these guys are doing a pretty good job. Not trying to be the staff's apologist, but think some of the opinions here are extreme. We'll see how things go the rest of the season.

We'll talk about the Central game and the upcoming game vs. Montana Monday night from Northern Quest at 6:00 on 700-ESPN the Ticket or on-line at www.espnnorthwest.com. Click on the Patchin, Osso and the Wingman link to listen. Hope to see as many folks as possible for the dedication of the red turf Thursday afternoon at 3:15!

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

Larry Weir,
I agree with everything you've said. I don't know what some of the personnel criticizing our team is smoking. I have seen this team for 10 years, and Coach Graham is the best I have seen here at EWU.

What is so bad, all the criticism is coming from our own Fans. Give the Coaches a break, (they can teach, the team must perform). Coaches cannot play for the game for the Players. The same thing I noticed from last week game to this week, our players are not wrapping up their opponents. We missed numerous tackles both games. All of you criticizing our team reminds me of "Back Seat Drivers"/Monday Morning Quarterbacks". :lol: Let us agree to disagree. Have any of you had coaching Job? I haven't, however, I know when I see great players, and EWU have "Damn Great Players". Now give me "Hell", I can take it. :lol:

Kalm,
Glad to have met you ar Northern Quest yesterday, along with your friends. Will try and get to your Air Stream on Saturday. We went out to EWU when left Northern Quest. The bleachers were all on the field, and "Roos Field" were all lit up on the Press Box. It is on the top portion of the Pressbox.

Remenber I told you who to watch on our defense, Autise Gauldin, he had about 8 Tackles, Jeff Minnerly, Renard Williams, Anthony Larry, the Johnson Twins, Evan Cook, Dexter #95, his name is hell to spell :lol:

I am happy to see the turn out we have had at Northern Quest, representing our Eagles, lets us keep up the good work. Hope our injuries are not bad from Saturdays game. We should know a little more about our injuries tomorrow at Coach Baldwin Radio Show on "700AM @ 6pm. Get ready for a great game on Saturday. I am ready. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

 

[EWURanger]

Can't say that I agree with the defensive criticisms here. Yeah, CWU scored 32. But their defense scored nine of those points and on the drive for their last TD, remember that Renard Williams stuffed their RB for a big loss on a 3rd-and-2 that was negated by a delay of game penalty on CWU. So instead of a 4th-and 6 or so they got third down over and converted. Then later in that same drive, JC Sheritt forced a fumble that Ceja returned for an apparent TD that was wiped out by the off-setting holding penalties. So the D got two stops there wiped out by penalty and CWU managed to finally convert and score. Not as bad an effort as it might seem.

Against Nevada, the defense was put in horrible positions several times through turnovers or poor special teams play and played pretty darn well for the most part against a potential NFL QB, RB and TE and against a veteran OL. It's tough to stop that type of team when they are starting drives in your territory. And four of their seven TD drives started at their own 49 or better.

Last year I thought the defense was doing fine for the most part until most of the LB corps got hurt. It's pretty tough to play with two healthy LB's and a converted DE for the last two regular season games at 6,000+ feet of elevation.

This is a defense that tries to keep plays in front of them and make teams take long drives to score. They don't give up a lot of big plays. Montana lost to Cal Poly because they gave up several big plays. It might be a little tough to watch sometimes for the impatient, which sometimes includes me, but these guys are doing a pretty good job. Not trying to be the staff's apologist, but think some of the opinions here are extreme. We'll see how things go the rest of the season.

We'll talk about the Central game and the upcoming game vs. Montana Monday night from Northern Quest at 6:00 on 700-ESPN the Ticket or on-line at http://www.espnnorthwest.com. Click on the Patchin, Osso and the Wingman link to listen. Hope to see as many folks as possible for the dedication of the red turf Thursday afternoon at 3:15!

Fair points Larry and good to see you on here!

 

[kalm]

Larry Weir,
I agree with everything you've said. I don't know what some of the personnel criticizing our team is smoking. I have seen this team for 10 years, and Coach Graham is the best I have seen here at EWU.

What is so bad, all the criticism is coming from our own Fans. Give the Coaches a break, (they can teach, the team must perform). Coaches cannot play for the game for the Players. The same thing I noticed from last week game to this week, our players are not wrapping up their opponents. We missed numerous tackles both games. All of you criticizing our team reminds me of "Back Seat Drivers"/Monday Morning Quarterbacks". :lol: Let us agree to disagree. Have any of you had coaching Job? I haven't, however, I know when I see great players, and EWU have "Damn Great Players". Now give me "Hell", I can take it. :lol:

Kalm,
Glad to have met you ar Northern Quest yesterday, along with your friends. Will try and get to your Air Stream on Saturday. We went out to EWU when left Northern Quest. The bleachers were all on the field, and "Roos Field" were all lit up on the Press Box. It is on the top portion of the Pressbox.

Remenber I told you who to watch on our defense, Autise Gauldin, he had about 8 Tackles, Jeff Minnerly, Renard Williams, Anthony Larry, the Johnson Twins, Evan Cook, Dexter #95, his name is hell to spell :lol:

I am happy to see the turn out we have had at Northern Quest, representing our Eagles, lets us keep up the good work. Hope our injuries are not bad from Saturdays game. We should know a little more about our injuries tomorrow at Coach Baldwin Radio Show on "700AM @ 6pm. Get ready for a great game on Saturday. I am ready. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

C'mon Vic you know I've had 30 some years experience as an arm chair quarterback followed by several years coaching experience in the highly competitive 6-7 year old rec youth leagues. I am a highly qualified analyst!

It was great meeting you and your daughter. You are an eagle sports/message board legend and I enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the good work and we'll see you on Saturday.

 

[kalm]

Can't say that I agree with the defensive criticisms here. Yeah, CWU scored 32. But their defense scored nine of those points and on the drive for their last TD, remember that Renard Williams stuffed their RB for a big loss on a 3rd-and-2 that was negated by a delay of game penalty on CWU. So instead of a 4th-and 6 or so they got third down over and converted. Then later in that same drive, JC Sheritt forced a fumble that Ceja returned for an apparent TD that was wiped out by the off-setting holding penalties. So the D got two stops there wiped out by penalty and CWU managed to finally convert and score. Not as bad an effort as it might seem.

Against Nevada, the defense was put in horrible positions several times through turnovers or poor special teams play and played pretty darn well for the most part against a potential NFL QB, RB and TE and against a veteran OL. It's tough to stop that type of team when they are starting drives in your territory. And four of their seven TD drives started at their own 49 or better.

Last year I thought the defense was doing fine for the most part until most of the LB corps got hurt. It's pretty tough to play with two healthy LB's and a converted DE for the last two regular season games at 6,000+ feet of elevation.

This is a defense that tries to keep plays in front of them and make teams take long drives to score. They don't give up a lot of big plays. Montana lost to Cal Poly because they gave up several big plays. It might be a little tough to watch sometimes for the impatient, which sometimes includes me, but these guys are doing a pretty good job. Not trying to be the staff's apologist, but think some of the opinions here are extreme. We'll see how things go the rest of the season.

We'll talk about the Central game and the upcoming game vs. Montana Monday night from Northern Quest at 6:00 on 700-ESPN the Ticket or on-line at http://www.espnnorthwest.com. Click on the Patchin, Osso and the Wingman link to listen. Hope to see as many folks as possible for the dedication of the red turf Thursday afternoon at 3:15!

Excellent points Larry, and I'll add that with the exception of last year's injury induced problems, Graham's defenses tend to get better as the season goes on. Especially the 2007 unit that held the Griz to 24 points in a loss in Missoula, absolutely shut down a quality offense in #2 McNeese State on the road in the 1st round of the playoffs, and faired no worse than any other team versus eventual NC Applachian State and Armanti Edwards in the quarters.

 

[EWUeag]

Oh come on! If there weren't any "extreme" opinions (firing Graham) then what fun would a fan forum be?! It's our duty as dedicated Eags to fully and completely question our own team, and then savagely defend our own to any non-Eags who may bring up the same exact point ;-)

I must humbly make some corrections/counter points though...2007 was not Graham's defense. It was Sears' (who's strategies i didn't agree with much either). And to me something like wrapping up during a tackle is all about discipline. If a defense isn't disciplined by the 2nd game, that falls on the coach. Just my opinion.

Here's a true extreme statement that I just thought of: Coach Wulff & staff rode Baldwin to the top...ok well rode Baldwin to the PAC-10 at least...and now can't tell their left from their right without him.

Go Eags!

 

[kalm]

Oh come on! If there weren't any "extreme" opinions (firing Graham) then what fun would a fan forum be?! It's our duty as dedicated Eags to fully and completely question our own team, and then savagely defend our own to any non-Eags who may bring up the same exact point ;-)

I must humbly make some corrections/counter points though...2007 was not Graham's defense. It was Sears' (who's strategies i didn't agree with much either). And to me something like wrapping up during a tackle is all about discipline. If a defense isn't disciplined by the 2nd game, that falls on the coach. Just my opinion.

Here's a true extreme statement that I just thought of: Coach Wulff & staff rode Baldwin to the top...ok well rode Baldwin to the PAC-10 at least...and now can't tell their left from their right without him.

Go Eags!

I stand corrected, Graham's first year as DC was 2008:

Game Results
Date Location Result
Nov 22, 2008 Ogden, UT Eastern Washington 33, Weber State 26 Box score
Nov 15, 2008 Cheney, Wash. Eastern Washington 28, Northern Arizona 13 Box score
Nov 08, 2008 Greeley, Colo. Eastern Washington 31, Northern Colorado 16 Box score
Nov 1, 2008 Cheney, Wash. Sacramento State 15, Eastern Washington 13 Box score
Oct 18, 2008 Bozeman, Montana Eastern Washington 34, Montana State 17 Box score
Oct 11, 2008 Cheney, Wash. Montana 19, Eastern Washington 3 Box score
Oct 4, 2008 Portland, OR Portland State 47, Eastern Washington 36 Box score
Sep 27, 2008 Cheney, Wash. Eastern Washington 45, Idaho State 31 Box score
Sep 20, 2008 Cheney, Wash. Eastern Washington 52, Western Washington 31 Box score
Sep 06, 2008 Boulder, Colorado Colorado 31, Eastern Washington 24 Box score
Aug 30, 2008 Lubbock, Texas Texas Tech 49, Eastern Washington 24

Starting with the Montana game, we finished the season giving up 19, 17, 13, 16, 13, and 26 points, averaging 18 pts against per game over that stretch with two of the games against ranked and playoff bound opponents.

Also consider that Graham has coached two all americans - one a Buck Buchanon Award winner and the other led the country in tackles last year. I think he know's how to teach discipline and fundamentals, so I'm guessing missed tackles so far this year are more to blame on the players first, position coaches second, and then the DC.

You're second extreme statement was much better than the first. (mod's, I'd put the dismissal/cup of coffee emoticon that's available on CS.com here but we don't have as many choices yet - hint, hint )

 

[EWUeag]

Touche kalm...maybe I was a wee bit extreme. But hey it gave this board a little shot of life which is what I want.

Stay tuned...

 

[EdubAlum]

You're second extreme statement was much better than the first. (mod's, I'd put the dismissal/cup of coffee emoticon that's available on CS.com here but we don't have as many choices yet - hint, hint )

 

[flyingnail]

You're second extreme statement was much better than the first. (mod's, I'd put the dismissal/cup of coffee emoticon that's available on CS.com here but we don't have as many choices yet - hint, hint )

Who teaches wraping up after catch ? who teaches to wrap up on contact ? I just don't get you EWU lovers accepting the half ass efforts we've seen so far on defense maybe to much off-season press !! Yeah the players play the game and yeah the players make mistakes ! BUT you should be able see adjustments at the half and FROM GAME TO GAME !! Did we ? HELL NO !! It gets so frustrating seeing the running back go in motion play after play after play and no one picking him up !!!! Yeah, I'm JUST a fan of the EAGS BUT COME ON !!!! We fans can see it , WHY can't they make those adjustments !!!! I'M pissed and I don't want this senario to happen !!! OK , go ahead Vic and Ranger keep defending the obvious ! This team NEEDS to come together and FAST, or you can shut the door on this season and dream about WHAT could've been !!! It's time to live up to the press EAGLES ! and show some balls !! If you don't it's gonna be a LONG three weeks !!!! GO EAGS !!

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

You're second extreme statement was much better than the first. (mod's, I'd put the dismissal/cup of coffee emoticon that's available on CS.com here but we don't have as many choices yet - hint, hint )

I've been petitioning, but Chris (who runs all of the bigskyfans forums/CS.com) is the only one that can do it.
Feel free to add some pressure. http://www.championshipsubdivision.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14338

 

[EWURanger]

More emoticons would be good. Particularly the head banger and shocker ones. :lol:

 

[kalm]

You're second extreme statement was much better than the first. (mod's, I'd put the dismissal/cup of coffee emoticon that's available on CS.com here but we don't have as many choices yet - hint, hint )

 

[kalm]

You're second extreme statement was much better than the first. (mod's, I'd put the dismissal/cup of coffee emoticon that's available on CS.com here but we don't have as many choices yet - hint, hint )

Who teaches wraping up after catch ? who teaches to wrap up on contact ? I just don't get you EWU lovers accepting the half ass efforts we've seen so far on defense maybe to much off-season press !! Yeah the players play the game and yeah the players make mistakes ! BUT you should be able see adjustments at the half and FROM GAME TO GAME !! Did we ? HELL NO !! It gets so frustrating seeing the running back go in motion play after play after play and no one picking him up !!!! Yeah, I'm JUST a fan of the EAGS BUT COME ON !!!! We fans can see it , WHY can't they make those adjustments !!!! I'M pissed and I don't want this senario to happen !!! OK , go ahead Vic and Ranger keep defending the obvious ! This team NEEDS to come together and FAST, or you can shut the door on this season and dream about WHAT could've been !!! It's time to live up to the press EAGLES ! and show some balls !! If you don't it's gonna be a LONG three weeks !!!! GO EAGS !!

I remember watching the final game of our 3-8 2006 season played on a mud pit in a driving rain storm in mid-November against ISU with about 200 fans left in stadium at the end. After the game, a few of us drank our remaining pops, threw a ball around, watched the sun break through and go down, and thought hey; that Nichols kid might end up being alright.

I'll shut the door on the season when we've played our last game.

(But I do appreciate the fire, 'nail and ewueag)

 

[EWURanger]

Agreed. Time to just put the CWU game behind us, fellas. Montana struggled with CWU in 2008, winning only 38-35. And I don't really think that was indicative of the kind of year they had that season. We pulled out the "W'......on go Montana.