Chris Bell: Just Throw Him the Damn Ball !!!
What does a young stud WR need to do to start seeing the ball? If anyone has any ideas please forward them to Chris Bell.
This isn't like last year when walk on Brendan Perretta stole Bell's reps (We know that there were "reasons" for this last year, but those supposed reasons don't wash when you are trying to get to a championship level. The best players play if you really want to win.) Bell is seeing the requisite number of snaps per game that should assure him of making an impact. But for some unknown reason Bell rarely sees the ball thrown his way.
Which brings us to another mystery that helps comprise this Chris Bell situation. It is more like a mystery within a mystery. That mystery being Derrick Williams. One question that could easily be asked is, "What has happened to Derrick Williams?" He just isn't anywhere near a # 1 WR. But that is a discussion for another time. But the DWill discussion is pertinent to Chris Bell in that he is on the receiving end of many passes that should be thrown to Bell. There is no excuse to be consistently throwing fade patterns to short WRs like DWill (and Deon Butler). Certain patterns are geared toward certain types of receivers. And fade patterns are for the taller receivers...like Bell. Apparently someone forgot to issue that memo to the PSU staff as they have called for fade routes to "smurf" WRs for years. And in that vein can someone please inform the staff that the sideline screen passes to DWill have not worked for 2 years and need to be scrapped?
The Penn State staff needs to come to the patently obvious realization that Chris Bell needs to start getting many of the WR touches that to this point have been going to Williams. Chris Bell is a dynamic athlete with great size and hands. He can go up and get balls in traffic and clearly is a playmaking, difference making WR. We have heard from many different sources that Bell is a NFL 1st round draft pick waiting to happen. If Bell is the potential 1st round pick that he appears to be then heads should roll when you look at the ratio of number of balls thrown to Bell opposed to the number of snaps he plays. The number has to be in the vicinity of Bell seeing one pass come his way per thirty snaps. That is flat out unacceptable for a player of Bell's caliber.
Whether it be Anthony Morelli or the coaching staff, someone needs to be directed to use this weapon on offense. And use him a lot. That is what you do with true # 1 WRs. You actually thrown them the freaking football. With Andrew Quarless finally back in action there with be ample space downfield for a player like Bell to make plays...if he is given ample opportunity. It is incumbent upon the Penn State staff to get the ball in his hands. To not do so is simply asinine.
Bell is big, strong, fast, and hungry. The kid just oozes athleticism and he is clearly chomping at the bit to be a focal point in the offense. Bell was not recruited to be a blocker, which is precisely all he does on 98% of his snaps. He was recruited to Penn State over dozens of big time schools to be a go to, big play WR. Bell would be a focal point of many offenses across the country with WRs superior to those at Penn State. So what is the holdup? Isn't it time to utilize Chris Bell in the manner that will most benefit PSU football? In other words, just throw him the damn ball!!!
This isn't like last year when walk on Brendan Perretta stole Bell's reps (We know that there were "reasons" for this last year, but those supposed reasons don't wash when you are trying to get to a championship level. The best players play if you really want to win.) Bell is seeing the requisite number of snaps per game that should assure him of making an impact. But for some unknown reason Bell rarely sees the ball thrown his way.
Which brings us to another mystery that helps comprise this Chris Bell situation. It is more like a mystery within a mystery. That mystery being Derrick Williams. One question that could easily be asked is, "What has happened to Derrick Williams?" He just isn't anywhere near a # 1 WR. But that is a discussion for another time. But the DWill discussion is pertinent to Chris Bell in that he is on the receiving end of many passes that should be thrown to Bell. There is no excuse to be consistently throwing fade patterns to short WRs like DWill (and Deon Butler). Certain patterns are geared toward certain types of receivers. And fade patterns are for the taller receivers...like Bell. Apparently someone forgot to issue that memo to the PSU staff as they have called for fade routes to "smurf" WRs for years. And in that vein can someone please inform the staff that the sideline screen passes to DWill have not worked for 2 years and need to be scrapped?
The Penn State staff needs to come to the patently obvious realization that Chris Bell needs to start getting many of the WR touches that to this point have been going to Williams. Chris Bell is a dynamic athlete with great size and hands. He can go up and get balls in traffic and clearly is a playmaking, difference making WR. We have heard from many different sources that Bell is a NFL 1st round draft pick waiting to happen. If Bell is the potential 1st round pick that he appears to be then heads should roll when you look at the ratio of number of balls thrown to Bell opposed to the number of snaps he plays. The number has to be in the vicinity of Bell seeing one pass come his way per thirty snaps. That is flat out unacceptable for a player of Bell's caliber.
Whether it be Anthony Morelli or the coaching staff, someone needs to be directed to use this weapon on offense. And use him a lot. That is what you do with true # 1 WRs. You actually thrown them the freaking football. With Andrew Quarless finally back in action there with be ample space downfield for a player like Bell to make plays...if he is given ample opportunity. It is incumbent upon the Penn State staff to get the ball in his hands. To not do so is simply asinine.
Bell is big, strong, fast, and hungry. The kid just oozes athleticism and he is clearly chomping at the bit to be a focal point in the offense. Bell was not recruited to be a blocker, which is precisely all he does on 98% of his snaps. He was recruited to Penn State over dozens of big time schools to be a go to, big play WR. Bell would be a focal point of many offenses across the country with WRs superior to those at Penn State. So what is the holdup? Isn't it time to utilize Chris Bell in the manner that will most benefit PSU football? In other words, just throw him the damn ball!!!
Great point, and that would make a lot of sense, wouldn't it? Get you top play makers the ball in the open field and let them play. Apparently, our offensive coaching staff didn't seem to get that memo. Bell should be getting a lot more looks in the passing game considering his abilities. Then again, DWill should be getting more than just bubbles screens and sideline outs (Morelli never seems to look DWill's way except for those two routes). AJ Wallace should be getting touches too. Our whole offensive philosophy is ludicrous considering the talent we have now. This isn't 4-5 years ago when we had nobody to catch the ball, please air it out some and utilize the talent.
Reply to this
I think we're just going to have to accept that Joe will play who he wants to play. Awesome playmakers at WR mean little to Joe. I also agree Wallace should be seen on offense more but Joe prefers Norwood and Butler to everyone.
Reply to this
A.J. Wallace needs to learn how to play CB. That's going to be his spot for the next few years and there's absolutely no indication that the coaching staff would use him on offense for anything other than a reverse. Not everybody has to play offense.
As for Bell, what are we supposed to do? Follow Morelli around and scream "throw it to Bell!" in his ear until he finally does it? Morelli generally throws the safest pass possible -- the swings, outs, etc. He reads the field from the line of scrimmage forward, not the other way around. Like it or not, that's what you get from him.
Now, is that how he is, or is that how he's been coached? There's your real question.
Reply to this
I think Morelli's been coached up to not make mistakes, which is a huge mistake.
he's so scared to make that tough pass, he's scared to go over the middle because if it gets picked off, he'll hear it.
Frankly I think Morelli's hesitation is a direct result of Paterno's conservative ways.
Reply to this
While we're at it, it's time to end the failed Austin Scott experiment and put someone at tailback who's fast enough to play in the Big Ten. Give the ball to Stephfon Green.
I get sick when I look at these other top backs and we've got a slow-footer fumbler as our starter.
Reply to this
Let's not jump the gun on Green. He still is young, and just because he has shown flashes doesn't mean he is ready now. But I'd like to see more Royster and Kinlaw when Scott struggles. Scott is running hard and pass blocks well, but if he fumbles any more, he is going to kill the team. Big Ten backs aren't about speed, it's about running between the tackles and gaining tough yards (like a Tony Hunt), and unfortunately Scott is the only person who has shown any ability to do that.
Reply to this
So now Stephon Green is automatically the answer. Priceless
Reply to this
Here, here!
Reply to this
Norwood is fine, he's been our most reliable receiver for a couple years now. I wouldn't even mind seeing Golden getting more balls. But Bell absolutely must get more balls than butler and williams. This is crap and everyone can see it.
Reply to this
To me the most disapointing aspect of the offense has to be the reluctance to stretch the field with an intermediate passing game. I feel the biggest advantage PSU has on offense is the depth and quality of wideouts it can put on the field at any given time. Yet this passing game is screens and swing passes with a few waggles thrown in.
Reply to this
Extremely well put, PF... It can't be written any better than this.
PF wrote:
To me the most disapointing aspect of the offense has to be the reluctance to stretch the field with an intermediate passing game. I feel the biggest advantage PSU has on offense is the depth and quality of wideouts it can put on the field at any given time. Yet this passing game is screens and swing passes with a few waggles thrown in.
Reply to this
I've been saying forever now. I have absolutely NO clue as to why Bell doesn't get the ball more often. It's so frustrating.
In any other team, we'd see a player like Bell as one of the focal points of the offense in the WR position . A playmaker like Mario M, or Jarrett. Hell lets not go that far - even our own Bryant Johnson from the 2002 offense!!!
On the positive side - I'm glad that Quarless is back where he belongs!
Reply to this
My issue with the whole "Bell" situation is that from what I am seeing, and this is becoming a painful trend, Penn State doesn't know how to coach elite athletes. They will take a 5**** kid and make him completely obsolete (Insert Derek Williams). However, they will take a walk-on or 2** kid and turn them into a superstar (Insert Butler & Scirroto).
I said this in an earlier post and I am really starting to think I am on to something. This staff sets this team up for failure, and I am confident this weekend will be no different. I sincerely hope I am wrong as I bleed Blue N White and want nothing more than this team to take it to Michigan this weekend, and the rest of the teams on the schedule for that matter.
I just don't see a lot of motivation from the coaching staff, you watch other schools and you see a fire in the eyes of the coaches on the sidelines....With few exceptions that fire doesn't burn on our sidelines (It is all on one side of the ball) and amazingly enough that is where we dominate.
I realize I have gotten off track here. Bell should play, I have a hard time believing that he is not getting open enough to throw to, especially against the likes of Buffalo. I am sure those with blue tinted glasses like to think the play book will be opened this weekend, and Bell will finally be utilized to his full potential. The problem is that we as fans, and any team that has to prepare for us knows exactly what is coming. The deadly bubble screen and flare pass.
One can only hope that they at least incorporate the oh-so successful FB fade that was our bread and butter last year.
Reply to this
If the staff "sets this team up for failure," they sure do a poor job of it.
25-5 in our last 30 games.
Reply to this
How many of those 25 wins have come against good teams (Top 25)? An even better question is how many of those wins have come against Top 25 teams on the road?
Reply to this
don't forget 2 bowl wins as well against bowl eligible teams. they did a poor job there too i guess. i guess bowl games aren't a good culmination of a season anymore.
Reply to this
We struggled to beat a crappy FSU team with our best team in years. Then beat a bad Tennessee team. Other than OSU in 05 name a team that we have beaten that would be considered a great team?
Also, you didn't answer my question. How many of those 25 wins came against Top 25 teams on the road? When was the last time we beat Michigan or OSU at their place? When was the last time we beat Michigan for that matter?
Reply to this
Last time PSU beat a ranked team on the road (at the time they played) was 2002 vs Wisconsin. Before that was 1999 Miami.
PSU last beat Michigan in November 1996 in the infamous Snow Bowl. Stephen Pitts went nuts for about 150...last time we beat Michigan AT Michigan was 1994.
Reply to this
The last time Penn State beat Michigan was 1996, but that was at UM. 1995 was the snow bowl that culminated in Joey Nastasi scoring on a fake field goal.
Reply to this
you're right.
Reply to this
I doubt John Q. Pennstatefan didn't think that it was a "crappy" FSU team or a "bad" Tennessee team in the weeks leading up to the game(s), or whilst bragging about the win(s) in the weeks following...
Reply to this
is it possible Bell isn't better than who is playing? what evidence besides recruit rankings show you he is great?
Reply to this
What evidence do you have that the players ahead of him are better than Bell.
Reply to this
i don't have to prove a point - this post is trying to make a point about bell with no foundation of facts
Reply to this
He's tall!! And.... He's tall!
Reply to this
The 51-yd. pass reception on a post pattern (nice throw Anthony) versus Notre Dame. About 30-35 yards after the catch.
Reply to this
Actually this makes me wonder about Bell. He had steps on the corner and no safety over him. One of the few Morelli passes caught in stride and he gets caught from behind.
Reply to this
Bell really wasn't caught from behind on the play. Darrin Walls was right there with him on the play, and Walls is a legit corner with good speed.
Reply to this
To his credit it was Walls who caught him. Again, I think Norwood is legit. He seems to catch what we throw at him and is usually good for some YAC, but he's no breakaway long threat. I still don't think Butler's very good, and Williams hasn't done much either. We have to make a conscious effort to give Bell the ball.
Reply to this
1) Some of the posters on this board make LK25 look like a kool-aide drinker...lol.
2) AM rarely even looks in Bell's direction. I finally watched a tape of the game and Bell was set up 1 vs 1 on a handful of occasions. AM threw once and he missed the target by a country mile!
3) The Staff has certainly misused DWill. I can't help but think the Staff should be using him like they used E Drummond at times...quick slants and middle screens. The deep fly patterns should be all Bell. Dwill has no business running those routes. Dwill should be used on short / inter routes but inside the hashes where he can get the ball in space...not outside! Bell should get the majority of the post / fly routes.
4) I'd be shocked if AQ2 doesn't help to open things up.
5) Let's take it easy with the Green for AA talk. He gets hit once in practice and hangs it up. Yes - he's electric, but he's clearly not the answer.
Reply to this
Watching Florida's drubbing of Tennessee on Saturday makes me think about what could have been for DWill if he was used by coaches with offensive capabilities. Percy Harvin and DWill are very similar players (Harvin is a little faster, DWill stronger), yet Harvin is absolutely tearing it up, while DWill get 3-4 pointless passes his way each game.
Reply to this
The only way in which Harvin and Dwill are similar is that they were both the top ranked players in their class. After that all comparisons end. Dwill has not been the same player since the injury at Michigan two years ago. Not sure what has happened to him, but he can't hold Harvin's jock.
Reply to this
I dunno 17. Coaching staff isn't exactly doing Williams any favors either. He should be in the slot, not out wide. he should be running digs, slants, posts and the under outs.
Williams isn't helping matters, but it doesn't help that the coaching staff has absolutely no clue how to use him.
PS: tough 1 pt loss in the the league. 132-131.
Reply to this
Carson Friggin Palmer
Reply to this
poor 17 couldn't win anything in fantasy leagues last week
Reply to this
Great all year only to tank in the playoffs.
Reply to this
Yeah, I agree that DWill isn't even close to Harvin right now, but is that all because of DWill's abilities or is it more so because we never get him the ball in space and in stride? Also, I still don't understand how DWill's arm injury 2 years ago has made him slower and less explosive. I just don't get it.
Reply to this
Either do I, but it's obvious he is not the same player. I mean he looked great on the punt return but other than that how many guys has he made miss this year?
Reply to this
Bell had single coverage all game against Buffalo and the CB had no Safety help on most plays. That should be stealing for PSU. But as usual we didn't take advantage of it one single time.
Reply to this
With that D alignment against Bell, what a glorious opportunity to audible out of the initial play calls and take full advantage of the mis-matches. Didn't happen.
This O will never perform to its full potential under The Paternos unless or until they take full advantage of what the opposing D is giving them.
Reply to this
And so the beat goes on with this offensive (pun intended!) staff...
Reply to this
Considering the weakness of our early schedule, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see so plays in the Michigan game that they have been holding back just for them.
OSU opened up their playbook in the second half against Wash. It turns out they had more on offense than they had showed previously. It wouldn't be the first time Joe has held something back for a big game.
Reply to this
This is always a great theory, and has been used by Joe. The typical way is to put the defense to sleep by running your usual stuff. Then throw in the surprise play that they haven't seen at the critical time. Score your one TD and cruise to a 7 - 3 win. A couple of problems - 1) while you are doing your predictable stuff, you are wasting precious snaps where you could be challenging the D and driving the pace of the game; 2) you put huge pressure on everyone to "make the big play work". When it doesn't, you loose 3 - 0.
You can never evaluate the performance of a PSU offensive player because the game plan is so bad that the defense constantly has the advantage. The week playing PSU is every D coordinators wet dream, or week off, take your pick. Not because of Galen, or Jay. They do what Joe allows. Always have, always will.
Reply to this
Stern,
Nicely done. I can't believe the staff fails to utilize a guy of Bell's talents. He, not Williams, is the most dynamic receiver on the roster. He is the LONE guy that creates mismatches. I have always wondered what Bell is thinking now. He turned down LSU, Florida and many others to sit behind guys he is better than. Right now, PSU is trying to lure guys like Walker to the mix. How do you show him he is important to the future when you have Bell on the bench, another highly touted kid.
Reply to this
the problem is we have recruited to many recievers after not having any for years. they should name three starters and 1 back up and get them the ball.
Reply to this
i think the staff doesn't always get the best players on the field because they may not practice as hard as others. It's time to let the best players play...
Reply to this
Paterno probably would have started Rudy
Reply to this
We have our own verson, his name is Peretta except he actually gets playing time and gets burned by the likes of Buffalo during it.
Reply to this
It is mind boggling to me how Dwill sees the field on offense. How we have under utilized Bell's talents through his first 15 games is equally stunning.
The entire offense staff needs to pack their bags.
Reply to this