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20/23 for 2023: It’s all up to Mertz

Termigator

Well-known member
May 8, 2023
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What good is Richardson's threat to run the ball when more often than not he would/could not make the correct read on the "Read Option". Time after time he would stick the ball into the Running Backs belly and not pull it and keep it when clearly it was the wrong choice. Richardson's problem was two-fold: #1 he was far too physically talented to bench in addition to, who would Napier put in? #2 he was too popular with the fans and his teammates to bench and Napier knew he would not be back for Napier's 2nd year. He will have neither problem with Mertz. I just hope he stays healthy.
 

Gatlin Gator

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May 12, 2023
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All these people are down on him.

If coach can turn Mertz in to something better than he was at Wisconsin then he deserves the benefit of the doubt that he can work miracles with anyone from now on.
 
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BD489

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Premium Member
May 8, 2023
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What good is Richardson's threat to run the ball when more often than not he would/could not make the correct read on the "Read Option". Time after time he would stick the ball into the Running Backs belly and not pull it and keep it when clearly it was the wrong choice. Richardson's problem was two-fold: #1 he was far too physically talented to bench in addition to, who would Napier put in? #2 he was too popular with the fans and his teammates to bench and Napier knew he would not be back for Napier's 2nd year. He will have neither problem with Mertz. I just hope he stays healthy.
Folks wanted to see kitna last year especially during the fsu game when AR struggled mightily. We hoped with the legit line and running attack he could distribute the ball. Mertz has the chance to be exactly that but we have some questions about the line and Mertz ability based on his Wisconsin tape. Will the change of scenery help? Only time will tell.
 

crfcom

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May 10, 2023
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At UF Mertz's job description matches his skillset. Game Manager: Read the defensive set and know what's about to happen, as the ball is hiked, scan the defensive motion and know if you are going to hand it off or pass, make no mistakes, throw no interceptions, don't take a sack, don't put the ball on the ground. Those decisions have to happen in 1-2 seconds, if you went with pass and you're lucky you may get another second to make a check down read before you have to get the ball out of there. It's not easy, we know that from watching AR try to do it. But that's why Napier likes Mertz so much, high football IQ, lots of live reps and lots of reads and checks. I think Napier knows his offense and knows what he needs in a QB to run it. Mertz should be fine.
 
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