Chip Long evaluates Memphis’ offense
Coordinator pleased with unit’s performance so far
The first half of the 2016 season is in the books, and Memphis offensive coordinator Chip Long has been pleased, for the most part, with how his unit has performed thus far.
The Tigers have gotten off to slow starts in each of the past two games, sputtering for long stretches in the first half against both Temple and Tulane. But in each case, they’ve rallied in the second half to pull away. And, through six games, they rank 16th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring offense and 46th in total offense.
Long said, despite the slow stretches, there have been several things the offense has done well.
“You know, I think we’ve run the ball really well on the perimeter,” he said. “Come the fourth quarter, our backs seem to take over most games, and that’s kind of what you want to have happen. In certain aspects of the game, that’s kind of helped alleviate some of the pressures we’re having up front in the passing game. Any time we give Riley (Ferguson) some time, he can make plays. So that’s a constant work in progress.”
Sloppy execution was primarily at fault in the first half of Memphis’ 34-27 win against Temple. Last week against Tulane, Long said there were three penalties that negated big plays, stalling drives that would have otherwise moved into the red zone. Mistakes like that, he said, have made it difficult for the Tigers to establish a rhythm.
“We’ve been a big-play offense right now. We need to be an offense that can sustain drives, work the tempo, get into a rhythm,” he said. “I think that’s been the biggest headache, just not being able to
really get into a rhythm. But that comes with being a young offense. Our guys, the more they’re in the offense, they’re starting to get comfortable and just doing what their job is, each and every play.” Miller drawing attention Are opposing defenses starting to key in on Anthony Miller?
After catching 27 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns in the first five games of the season, the redshirt junior wide receiver registered just five catches for 33 yards against Temple and Tulane. Coach Mike Norvell attributed the change to both what opposing defenses are doing to slow Miller and some missed opportunities on Memphis’ part.
“He’s had some opportunities that we haven’t capitalized on,” Norvell said. “Then, on the same hand, I know Temple put two guys on him a few more times in different situations. For us we’re going to take what the defense gives us. Phil Mayhue’s played at a high level these past few weeks and had some opportunities come his way.”
Norvell added that they will continue to move receivers like Miller around and try to get the ball to them in a variety of ways moving forward. Quote of the day “We got complacent. We just thought we were hot stuff, and we weren’t. So we got really complacent. And that’s all changing now.” — Sophomore center Drew Kyser, when asked about the difference between the offensive line last year and this year. Observations » In previous weeks, Memphis has played music during team drills at practice to prepare for road environments. This week, it’s been generic crowd noise blaring through the speakers so players can practice communicating in a noisy environment. “I can guarantee you it’s going to be a tough atmosphere (on Saturday),” Norvell said. “This will be my first time ever going. But everybody I’ve talked to has talked about the atmosphere. It’s going to be a fun football game to be a part of.”
» Shareef White practiced Wednesday but was limited. He’d have to make a lot of progress in the next two days to be at full strength Saturday. Meanwhile, cornerback Dontrell Nelson spent practice on a stationary bike for a second consecutive day, and Michael Edwards was absent as he continues to deal with what Norvell has called a family situation. It’s unclear whether either of those two will be able to play against Navy.
» On another injury-related note: Brady Davis has been doing some rehab work off to the side this week, roughly two months after being ruled out for the season with a knee injury. A promising sign for the redshirt freshman quarterback.
» While watching the wide receivers at practice, I’ve heard two words more than usual recently: “Two hands!” Wide receivers coach David Johnson has been dismayed, even on what fans may consider highlight-reel catches, by his receivers using one hand to grab the ball. The one-handed catch may get a reaction from the crowd, but it’s safer and smarter to go up with two. That’s been an emphasis from Johnson recently.
» Generally speaking, this is a pretty energetic coaching staff. But inside linebackers coach Dan Lanning might be the most excitable of the group. On Wednesday, before inside-run drills, he was playfully shoving his players and yelling to get them amped up. He even pretended to wrap up Genard Avery. It was cool to see, and it’s the kind of thing that I think a lot of players really feed off of. Reading list » Memphis checked in at No. 4 once again in this week’s AAC power rankings.
» What did Memphis learn from last year’s Navy game? And how does it plan to stop the triple option this time around?
» In the latest Tiger Football Podcast, Geoff and I talk about expectations for the rest of the season, preparing for Navy’s triple-option offense and the Big 12’s decision to remain at 10 teams.
» Saturday’s game is big, Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
» Entering this week’s slate of games, the Tigers lead the country with 18 takeaways.