Day 5: Murphy stands out for Offense

[IHateUGAlyDawgs]

The Florida offense has had its way with the young defense although the past two practice sessions things have gotten more competitive and difficult. The offense has fared better against the front seven, where the Gators veteran offensive line has the advantage. However, they found the going tough against a secondary that is much improved Wednesday afternoon.

Injuries: James Wilson (knee), Paul Wilson (knee)

Quarterbacks: Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, John Brantley

What I liked: The fact that the defensive backs are making practice challenging for the Florida quarterbacks and receivers. You might be scratching your head after reading that, but I have to believe that the competition will only serve to make this offense better overall. I thought that each of the quarterbacks threw some wonderful passes downfield in the drills. But, things got significantly more difficult as the day went along. There were some nice runs by Newton after he found the receivers covered.

What I didn’t like: I didn’t think that any of the quarterbacks were especially sharp and consistent during the practice. Tebow threw a couple of picks. Newton threw one. I don’t recall Brantley throwing one today, but I could be wrong. Perhaps it’s just me, as I stated, the quarterbacks have to work much harder to find an open receiver. Again, that should be beneficial.

Running back: Kestahn Moore, Brandon James, Chris Rainey, Mon Williams, Emmanuel Moody.

What I liked: Early in today’s practice when the offense was working on the running game they looked awfully good. There were some nice holes. There were some creases that they found and turned into holes. They did a nice job.

I really like the running of Rainey. He has been so much more impressive than he was in August. He runs with a sense of urgency and that’s always a plus for backs. The hit by Justin Trattou on Brandon James, who had stayed in the backfield to block for Tebow, was brutal. James was on his back in a hurry and the collision seemingly echoed throughout the practice field and the surrounding counties.

What I didn’t like: As much pressure as the defense was getting on the quarterbacks, especially Newton later in the scrimmage, there was either little effort to get additional pass protection from a fullback or running back. I’d love to see a few more passes to the backs to keep the defense honest. Rainey and James would be deadly in some space.

Receivers: Louis Murphy, Deonte Thompson, Riley Cooper, David Nelson, Carl Moore, Cade Holliday

Tight Ends: Cornelius Ingram, Aaron Hernandez, Tate Casey

What I liked: Louis Murphy and Carl Moore made some very good catches in solid to tight coverage today. Moore also threw a nice block that enabled running back Chris Rainey to find a seam and sprint down the right sideline. Murphy had a good day in the red zone and hurry-up scrimmage session. There were two times where Tebow seemed to lock onto him in consecutive passes and Murphy got separation from the coverage and made the tough catch. Murph also made a nice run in the hurry-up scrimmage on a reverse pitch from Tebow.

What I didn’t like: It seemed at times that the receivers weren’t fighting to get that separation from the defender. They also missed a few blocks that could have helped the backs.

Offensive Line: LT Carl Johnson, LG Jim Tartt, C Markice Pouncey, RG Mike Pouncey, RT Jason Watkins. Reserves: LT Kyle Newell, LG Jim Barrie, C Corey Hobbs, RG Brad Hiers, RT Marcus Gilbert

What I liked: The offensive line looked pretty good in the early portion of the scrimmage. They moved the defensive line and established a bit of a running game. The interior front of Tartt and the Pouncey twins are absolutely devastating when they want to be. There were some very good blocks by tackle Jason Watkins. One in particular, sprung Brandon James, who had taken the pitch from Tebow running left. Watkins block allowed James to run to the safeties. There was a point in practice a year ago when the lights seemed to come on for Watkins. I just hope that we can also so clearly see the same thing occur on a few other players. Tartt picked up a blitz by Brandon Spikes and bought Tebow time on the roll to find an open receiver. Great block.

What I didn’t like: The offensive line didn’t play with much intensity today. I thought that they could have gotten a little more fire in their bellies as the practice went along. As I said, initially they did some very good things, but were unable to maintain that edge. Once the defense made a few plays and rallied, their enthusiasm drastically increased. The same cannot be said for the offense.

At some point rather early in the scrimmage, Carl Johnson was replaced by Jason Watkins, who jumped over from his right tackle spot. Marcus Gilbert came in at right tackle and continued to see substantial action with the second unit. Reserve tackle Kyle Newell nearly got Newton killed. He missed a block that allowed Jaye Howard to draw a bead on the quarterback, wrap him up, and take him down. Coach John Hevesy had a discussion with Newell immediately afterward.

Player of the Day: That’s a tough call. I’d say probably Louis Murphy. There was no absolute standout offensively, but Murph was about as solid as you get. He caught several passes and gained positive yardage after catching the football.