Hornetsports Recap: http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/20140906qhplq2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Rough game, hats of to Cal as they look much improved from a year ago. That early sack fumble that set up Cal’s 2nd TD really set the tone early and the Hornets never recovered. Credit to the Hornets for battling hard, they got on the board at the end of the 1st half and dominated the 3rd quarter to the point where Cal brought back in their starting QB following Safron’s red zone INT. Not many positives on the defensive side of the ball.
My thoughts by position:
Offensive Coaching: (C-) The offense had success with some of the short quick passes and were able to get on the scoreboard. I would have liked to have seen more shots taken down the field. The Hornets were just over matched in every area of this game.
Quarterback: (C) Safron (15/33, 149 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT) came out slinging and an early sack fumble seemed to knock him out of his game. Not a very crisp game as quite a few of the quick short passes was not on their mark. Safron was able to move the ball a little bit and had that monster run. Safron’s only INT was on an underthrown ball that would have been another Broadnax TD mid way through the 3rd quarter. Kniffin (5/8, 35 yds) got some more time and looked capable as he led the way on a decent drive in garbage time.
Running Backs: (C-) Safron’s (9 carries, 60 yds, 1 TD) run inflates the stats here. Robinson (10 carries for 47 yds) did alright as he almost averaged 5 yards a carry even though a lot of the touches came later in the game. Cal’s blitzes seemed to hit home, blocking the blitz needs to improve. The Hornets need to see another running back besides Robinson step up and provide an impact.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: (C+) Carter ( 7 recs for 72 yds) led the receivers and Broadnax (2 recs, 18 yds, 1 TD) would have ad 2 TDs if not for an underthrown ball. The receivers had a respectable showing; however there were a few dropped passes. Regardless of an inaccurate pass, if it hits both hands it needs to be caught. The Hornets are still looking for that 3rd receiver to step up.
Offensive Line: (C-) The offensive line wasn’t completely pushed around but as with everyone else they couldn’t get much going. The Hornets didn’t run the ball much but this unit seemed to hold their own. Biggest knock has to be letting Safron take some hits and allow 3 sacks, at least 2 of which resulted in fumbles, 1 of those set up and early Cal TD.
Defensive Coaching: (F) The Hornet defense was completely outmatched against the Cal offense and there didn’t appear to be a game plan to try and compensate for the talent discrepancy. The Hornets couldn’t stop anything. Awful game all around for this defense.
Defensive Line: (F) The defensive line was pushed around and was otherwise ineffective. The Hornets missed on a couple of sack opportunities and the consecutive game sack streak ends at 31.
Linebackers: (D) Sankey (15 tak, 1 TFL, 2 FF) showed to be the only player on the entire defense to play up to Cal’s level. Still waiting on another Hornet linebacker to make plays.
Secondary: (F) Just as we all feared, the Hornet secondary looked absolutely clueless as they were repeatedly shredded by the Bears passing attack. The CBs just aren’t playing the ball and look to do nothing more than chase the receivers. Couple the poor coverage with poor tackling and this could be a long season if things don’t improve. Kendall had 11 tackles and there were a few missed chances at garbage time INTs.
Special Teams: (C) Punt coverage gave up 10 yards a return. Cal’s lone kick return went for almost 30 yards. Bright spots were a recovered punt inside the red zone, a near onside kick recovery (negated by penalty, but otherwise executed flawlessly) and 33% of the punts being downed inside the 20.
Overall: (D+) The Hornets were overmatched in all facets of the game. The offense did move the ball at times so that is encouraging. Special teams held their own.
Game Ball
Offense: None…Safron would have got it if he doesn’t under throw that TD pass.
Defense: None
Special Teams: Heath
Go Hornets!!!
