Yes! Your Linfield Wildcats went down to Menlo for the last time (at least for an extended period of time) and punched out a 23-6 victory over the Oaks. The 'Cats rode a stifling defense, big-play special teams unit, and an offense that made the plays when it mattered to beat a defensively strong Menlo team. There was no doubt that the Oaks were geared up to break the 'Cats 12 game win streak that Linfield possesses over Menlo. The Oaks knew this is one of their last chances to get one win in the series but it didn't matter as the 'Cats prevailed.
The tenancy of some football fans when an explosive team wins "ugly" is to start freaking out over the offense not running up and down the field like it's a track meet. It's understandable when you're accustom to cleaning the clocks of most teams that you run across. However, winning games 73-7 or 45-7 are not always going to happen. Good teams get challenged and great teams find ways to win when it's "not our day" in one or more phases of the game.
Of course, in looking back at this past Saturday there will be areas the 'Cats will want to improve upon, but in a lot of ways, this game at Menlo was par for the course for the 'Cats in Northern California. In the 'Cats six victories (6-0) at Menlo the average margin of victory is 17 points. What was the margin of victory this past Saturday? Yup, 17 points. Menlo had a solid defense, two weeks to prepare, and nothing to lose in the 'Cats 1st overnight/travel squad road game of the year. What did the 'Cats do this Saturday? Put the clamps on the Oaks offense and made the plays they needed to get the job done. That's a sign of a helluva team and I was proud of the victory. Great job boys. Still, it wouldn't be right if I left it at that. We still have a "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" to sort through.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
The Good
Taking care of business on the road: I was expecting a tough challenge in Menlo and that's what was delivered; a competitive ballgame. Honestly, I would rather have some challenges down the stretch than a bunch of tomato cans that don't test what you're made of. Linfield is going to come out of these two long road trips a better team than if the 'Cats played 8 homes games vs the likes of the Puget Sounds of the world.
Wildcat Defense: The 'Cats were suffocating all game long in allowing only 161 yards of total offense. That came out to 2.5 yards per play and the 'Cats did it in all ways. Great pressure on the QB, coverage sacks, no yards after catches, pass break ups, etc. The 'Cats defense has been on point all season long and did a great job in shutting down the Oaks.
Special Teams once again: 4th game in a row with a Special Teams touchdown and 3 out of those 4 have come off the punt block. Incredible job and the 'Cats actually had two other point blank chances to block punts that just missed. Besides the blocked punt for TD, the special teams unit was fantastic in coverage most of the day and only had one bad moment on a blocked PAT. Beyond that, the kicking game was great and this unit continues to be a big weapon for Linfield.
'Cats Offense closing the Show: The offense didn't score a ton of points and credit Menlo for doing a nice job in limiting aspects of the 'Cats offense. Even with that said, the Linfield offense made the plays they needed to build a lead and then finish the deal midway through the 4th quarter. That 73 yard Inns to Jepsen TD strike was a great pitch and catch. It showed that if you think you have this offense figured it out the 'Cats only need one play to get it back.
The Bad
Lack of Running Attack: The 'Cats running game was non-existent in only gaining 98 rushing yards (after the sacks only a net of 44). I'm not going to freak out about this, mainly because I thought Menlo did a nice job, but we know that in order for this offense to be explosive we need that offensive balance.
Sacks/Pressure: 2nd game in a row where there was too many sacks and too many times where Inns was getting hit. The 'Cats have two weeks to get that cleaned up and I know it will. Our offensive line and running backs are very talented and will get it worked out.
Penalties: This is getting redundant but for the 3rd week in a row the 'Cats racked up 8 penalties and this is one area where I'm getting irritated. It's irritating because the laundry on the field has been drive killers and drive extenders for the opposition. Linfield's a dominate team but would be even more dominate if they can cut back on the hankies.
The Ugly
No "Ugly" this week but I do want to spread some thanks and share some holiday cheer. First thanks to former Wildcat Tight End Nick Safir (class of 2010) for stepping in for Wildcat11 and shooting the game action for Wildcat11. Nick did a great job as a 1st timer and have to give him big thanks for being willing to step in on short notice. Thank you Nick! Also big thanks to Coach Brandon Hazenberg for conducting the interview up top. He also spoke with Wildcat WR Lucas Jepsen but Lucas' voice was overwhelmed by the noise from the fans/family on the field. Thanks Haze! Also need to thank Bill Johnson (radio), Daniel Harris (photos), Mack Farag (equipment), and Linfield SID Kelly Bird for helping out old Wildcat 11.
BTW, here is a special treat from some of the Wildcat faithful who did some Linfield inspired pumpkin carvings and passed them along to share. Some solid work but the Fisher Family takes the grand prize for the Wildcat helmet. That was too sweet to describe.
2 comments:
Excellent report! I believe EVERY team has an 'off' game where they don't play well and winning it is as important as the stats. See Stanford...
I LOVE our D and Special Teams. Special teams has been such a tough thing to watch in years' past, it is awesome to see this! Now it's time to finish the job. Harken back to the saying 'Leave No Doubt'.
BTW, I have a great couple of photos of my Baby at the last home game. One with a onesey that says Go Cats on the bum and one where he's hanging with our awesome cheerleaders! :) Go Cats!
Regarding that blocked PAT…. Remind: after the TD, the first try was good. Delay. Second try appeared to me to me to be a very low kick, into the pile actually.
I am not complaining about the running game. I could see from the git-go the coaching staff wanted down field. The protection given Inns was quite adequate since he needed more time to let the receivers get open. Yes, some poorly judged passes and no rhythm for the running game because several times it was 3 20+ passes and out.
WC11 knows how Menlo can draw the irk of ‘CAT players (first road trip/not sleeping well/caught by surprise at a personal foul not called). 8 penalties IS too many, agreed.
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