30 of 43, 338 yards, 3 TD’s, and 0 Int’s. That was Geno Smith’s statline for Saturday’s game against Maryland. The critics are squelching his Heisman bid because of this ‘off’ performance. I guess when you have put up the gaudy numbers Smith has over a four game stretch, that could be considered ‘off’.
No doubt Maryland was the most game opponent Smith has faced this season, but dating back to January’s Orange Bowl Smith has posted 18 TD’s to 0 INT’s. Not bad for a guy many are considering as the top Heisman candidate at this early juncture. Criticizing Smith for his Maryland performance is like picking out flaws in a Victoria’s Secret magazine.
I have recently taken some criticism for a mock draft that featured Geno Smith taken ahead of Matt Barkley with the second overall selection. Emails reading “system QB” and “Pat White” littered my inbox as Smith ‘struggled’ through Saturday. There is little doubt that Smith didn’t post his finest performance on Saturday, he would be the first to admit as he did in the postgame conference. That said, there was a lot to like about Smith’s Maryland performance.
Thanks to my friends at draft breakdown.com I submit a video review of the reasons why I hold Smith in the esteem that I do.
As West Virginia frequently does, they run trips to the boundary with a one-on-one matchup to the field. Maryland loads the box with seven defenders, clearly showing blitz. With no safety help, Smith knows he won’t have time to set his feet to get this throw off.
All seven defenders come and Smith is being engulfed by the overloaded blitz. No time exists to set the feet and make an accurate throw on the out route to the top one-on-one matchup.
Smith’s throw is off balance but still has the arm strength and accuracy to throw the a 12-yard out where only his receiver can make the play.
Smith is coming off consecutive series where he was erratic with the football. It’s 3rd and 4 in a 14 game with Maryland showing outside pressure to the boundary and interior blitz with the inside ‘backers.
Maryland drops and rushes just the three down linemen.
Smith sets his feet (one of the problem areas in this contest and delivers an accurate ball to his receiver for a 17 yard gain on 3rd and 4. This was one of Smith’s best throws of the day as his mechanics were flawless and ball placement perfect. A perfect example of why Smith has NFL scouts taking an extra long look.
Same drive 3rd and 4. WVU gets in two back, three receiver set with the strength to the field.
Everything is right about this set up. Wide, but not too wide base, body alignment is perfect. When this happens with Smith, the ball is delivered accurately with velocity.
Great transfer, ball with a nice high release point. Can’t lose with these fundamentals. Smith’s ability to vary arm angle is a highly underrated trait. This ball comes out high with an excellent, picture-perfect release. Most impressive is the shot Smith takes immediately following the delivery of this ball.
The ball is placed in the perfect spot for another big third down conversion.
We could go on all day with this, but this one should do it. I don’t need to explain how great this ball is delivered. Most impressive is that is fresh off taking a shot from a 300 pound DT on the previous play. Smith has 2×1 receiver set with drag-post on the front side. The drag occupies the linebacker but the deep safety is locked on Smith’s eyes. If he throws the post, it’s imperative that it’s delivered perfectly.
Smith has a defender barreling down on him that is directly effecting his passing lane. This doesn’t allow for Smith to properly follow through in his delivery but the results speak for themselves.
One could argue that the safety was late to react (he was) but this ball is delivered on time with outstanding accuracy given the circumstances. The officials rule this an incompletion as the receiver doesn’t maintain possession, so Smith throws a strike down the sideline for a TD on the next play to an open receiver.
“I make mistakes. I’m the first one to admit to it.” Geno Smith said following the Maryland game. ”But at the same time, I try to improve on those mistakes every week.” Smith’s role as puppeteer of Dana Holgorsen’s inventive offense is undeniable, his improvement on a week to week basis justifies his position atop the 2013 NFL Draft quarterback rankings.
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