[EKUAlum05]

Serious question for Belfry fans, not meant as a dig at the coaching at all. What they do has brought a ton of success to Pond Creek. But would some like to see the Pirates spread it out every now and then? It seems like they are built for that type of offense this year, just from what I know about them. They looked really good in a "wildcat" type shotgun approach versus Pikeville for a few plays last year.

I think their ground attack has a lot more to do with the game than just scoring, i.e. running clock, keep defense fresh, etc... Just throwing it out there for discussion. Certainly something to at least entertain.

My biggest criticism has always been not so much the infrequency of the pass as much as what happens when the Pirates do pass. If Belfry cannot be stopped on the ground I could not care if they ever put it in the air.

My gripe comes with obvious passing downs ( 3rd and 15) that Belfry still lines up in the belly series and play action the FB.i dont like that it takes so much time for the QB to drop back and when he does he has basically not even looked downfield. This leads to sacks, increased pressure, and more times than not throwing to a spot instead of an open receiver.

My other critique over the years has been the deficiency of anintermediate threat. I say 80%of the passes Belfry has thrown have been over 20 yards downfield. Hard to argue the logic.. as typically it is a wide open shot... but in the event of a good defense with speedy safeties like Central they will dare Belfry to take the chance downfield relying on their pressure and recovery while never having to really vary their defense. Deep passes take time to develop once again playing into the previous point about sacks and pressure.

I have always wanted to see more quick intermediate routes to the TE just behind the LB's and the utilization of more hitches and flares forcing the defense and linebsckers to stretch themselves out and helping free up the interior run game. Teams who have success stipping Belfry typically have athletic LB's who play inside first then uses their speed to get good angles to recover outside.If a LB is forced to read a little longer due tothe threat of the TE sitting down or a hitch to a SE who is 1 on 1 it may make the difference in that extra step or two on the sweeps or options outside.