I will still say it, Cardale is more talented than JT. Also, I don't think the closeness of this game was on Cardale, as we have much bigger problems. BUT, some things are very wrong, and I think it merits a serious conversation around JT being named the starter. I know JT hasn't played better this season, and I think that's why it may be worth a look. If JT gets the week to practice as a starter, and the offense looks stale with him next week, then we go with Cardale's talent throughout the rest of the season. Anyways, here are my criticisms of this game. We did a lot of things well, but I don't have a ton of time, so here are my faults.
First, Cardale is inconsistent with certain throws. I think this is what
@AZ_ was getting at weeks ago when we debated the idea of QB reps. I still don't believe reps are a good indicator of NFL success, but I can admit when I'm wrong, and I do think they are demonstrating flaws in Cardale's game. The question to me is, why is this effecting Cardale now? Indiana kept going to the 3-3-5 on 3rd downs but that is hardly an impossible defense. But Cardale makes certain throws very well, and then one drive later can't hit those throws. I ultimately don't think Cardale is not finding the open receiver, rather, sometimes he just can't convert a pass to the open receiver when he finds him.
Second, and I think it effects the first problem, is the playcalling. We are using the pass to setup the run, which is the opposite of how we should be playing. Our offense started moving when Zeke became our go-to guy this game. Additionally, if the playcalling on passing plays are going to be short, dink-and-dunk throws than JT is the better option. He spreads the defense more because of his speed allowing the receivers to run after the catch.
Third, the offensive line looks confused. There were a number of plays today where one member of the line pushed rather than pulled, or vice-versa, when that was not the correct action.
Fourth, and this isn't as much of a criticism as a talent evaluation, we don't have a true big play receiver. That's okay, but some of the routes they are running are just blatantly bad for their skill sets. On that note, I wish we could find a way to get Braxton Miller the ball in the open field more.
Finally, the defense made a few mistakes, but I think that was more of a result of the QB change than anything else.
Overall I don't think we will look this bad throughout the rest of the season. But it does feel like Florida State last year. Except Cardale doesn't look nearly as good as Jameis.