Expert: Steve Overmyer - 5/27/2001

Question
How do you see the return of QB coach Geep Chryst affecting the play of Plummer? Also, have they been working on Jakes ability to read blitz schemes better? Thanks. R.L.

Answer
Hey R.L.
I think bringing back Geep will really help Jake, in that Jake should be back in his comfort zone.  The real help is in the change of Offensive Coordinator.  Trestman in practice when Jake would make the wrong read would respond with "Thats ok not a bad read, that one would work, but try looking at this guy a bit longer"  Now in practice you'll hear what you should hear "WHAT WAS THAT?  YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I DO THE SLOT MAN WAS THE FIRST READ!"  I think its made Jake focus a bit more.  Plus, the fact the team will switch from a 3 WR set to a 2 back set lays more of the weight on the o-line not the QB.  Unless, the Cards are in comeback mode (hard to imagine that happening) the offense will be about 60% run.  As far as Jake reading blitzs... Hell the linemen need to read the blitzs.  Its not hard to see that its easier to get to the QB when you have a 20 point lead the defense is just gonna be pinnin their ears back and aiming for the QB.  
All in all, expect the offense to carry the load this year.  Jake told me personally he has to lead the team to the playoffs this year because now he has no more excuses.

take care
Steve