D-BONE

Another game another debacle.

If that's situation, I'd try Minshew.

Irsay's meddling probably buys anyone in GM spot a couple extra years. Some might opt not take them though.

Commanders' response to the proposal call: "Click". Commanders' response to proposal call ending 2: "We want Ballard". Commanders' response ending 3: "We want Ballard & Boiler Sam, but keep the other stuff".

The hits just keep coming on the commits! Let's hope they don't stop before we get a solid QB option (or two!).

Okay. Maybe this has already been discussed, but I just read this review of Ballard's end-of-year, post-mortem presser: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2023/1/10/23548543/chris-ballard-will-do-whatever-it-takes-to-land-franchise-quarterback-in-draft. Admittedly, haven't yet reviewed it in its entirety. But, at first blush, I'm getting a Pagano/Grigson vibe from the post-kumbaya, pre-firing period. Hope this off-season and next season goes better for Ballard than the last one under that duo.

I want to see something significant out of the likes of Bates, Galloway, and Kopp. JG may be a lost cause, but those three can't be somewhat more impactful under the circumstances? WTF is going on? That's 4/5 of the pre-season "2nd starting 5". They can't be more than wallflowers with this opportunity? I just don't know who to blame. Hell, those three plus TJD and JHS still ain't chopped liver. At least they shouldn't be.

Barring radical change from last couple games, prepare for TJD and JHS versus the world tour.

Surely not a good NBA team. Now they move the ball, not stand around. Now maybe 90s NBA. Woodson didn't get the memo that stuff's pre-historic at this point?

Great point on the pre-season characterization of our depth as two starting fives. I remember one in particular from a B1G Network guy - maybe Bardo. And yet we we've got guys offensively that appear uninvolved and hesitant to shoot. Defensively, we're making people look like the Golden State Warriors. I'm really disappointed in the play of Bates, Kopp, Geronimo, Galloway, Reneau, etc. I understand they were expected to play secondary roles, but they are totally underwhelming given the pre-season hype. Suspect it's more how they're being used schematically and developed.

CMW needs to turn the remainder of the season over to JHS with TJD as the close 2nd beneficiary. Then hope someone else steps up from the left overs (until Race or X gets back).

I refuse to buy that this roster is too poor (whether defensively, offensively, or both) to pull out at least one or more of the three B1G losses (yes, despite the injuries). CMW needs to get this remedied pronto.

Naturally so!

You all can keep talking about our injuries. Yes, I fully recognize the massive challenges that presents. But I want to see us compete in B1G, the tourney, and make the NCAA. I get we're not as good without X/Race, but I'd prefer no excuses and man up and find a way to overcome advesity.

I think we are as or more talented offensively than NW. We don't and haven't developed players to play in a modern offense.

Tamar Bates is a silky shooter and - while lithe - has lots of athletic ability. He needs to be an offensive weapon. Not a self-doubting afterthought.

Knight didn't have shooters standing around hoping to get open.

It's not 1976 anymore, y'all. We need a late-80s-Knight offense if we want to compete consistently. You're not holding people to 60 or less regularly anymore.

Defense has been poor no doubt. But you also need to involve more people in the offense build their confidence, etc. It's not as simple as D wins championships anymore. Opponents have players - including bench guys - and schemes that can score the ball. You have to be able to put points on the board, including off your bench.

Some on here really into passing the buck...

C'mon, CMW, you saw as well as us what JHS did. Can you tweak the offense to get a little more ball and player movement speahreaded by him and a very capable TJD (in terms of ballhandling, breaking down the D, and passing) to somehow get guys like Bates, Copp, and Galloway more smoothly integrated into the offense? Agree with several here - all those guys have offensive skills. Why do they get so few shots?

No worries. Despite the disagreement, I appreciate the debate. And your position is by no means untenable.

You're right. I'm not saying he's trash, but he's playing trash. He's young. He's also rather slow and earth-bound for a legit PF currently though. Was just responding to other posts that I think are letting our bench off the hook for the current struggles.

Bates, Galloway, and Geronimo are #13? I would think more like 6, 7, 8th man.

I'm on record right now saying Bates, Geronimo, and Galloway are underachieving right now (whether on coaching or the players).