2008 Woodie Awards
Offense not getting job done
Matt Lombardo
Issue date: 9/11/06 Section: Sports
Newark, DE- This season was billed as the year the Golden Rams flexed their offensive muscles and let their depth and experience carry them through the schedule, destined for playoff success. However, if the first two weeks of 2006 have proven anything, it is that this Golden Ram offense is in desperate need of change. Turnovers, lack of consistent play from the quarterback position and an inability to establish the run have haunted this club.
Against Edinboro in week one the offense fumbled away three of its first four possessions to open the second half. Head Coach Bill Zwaan promised improvement following a solid week of practice leading up to the annual get together with the Delaware Blue Hens. There was even a shakeup at the quarterback position as Bill Zwaan JR replaced incumbent starter Matt Burdalski in week two. But it wasn't enough. Against Delaware, West Chester surrendered two fumbles and one interception. All told, the Golden Rams have squandered ten turnovers in their first two games. "We're not beating anybody with 10 turnovers in a game and a half, we [have] to get that straight," said Coach Zwaan after the game.
It would be easy if turnovers were the only problem plaguing this offense. If the unit were clicking on all cylinders, one could easily overlook a fumble here and an interception there. But that is simply not the case. The highly touted Golden Ram rushing attack has been anything but.
The tandem of Brent Steinmetz and Osagie Osande were supposed to be the focal point of an offense predicated on running the ball to set up the pass. Instead, it has been opposing defenses that have cut through the Golden Ram offensive line and stifled the rushing attack. Through two weeks the two headed monster that is the Golden Rams running game has amassed just 249 yards on the ground. By comparison, at this time a year ago the Golden Rams mustered 289 yards rushing and one of those games was against Division II powerhouse North Dakota, on the road. It is imperative that both of these backs see the field at the same time, leaving defenses scrambling in an effort to stop the run.
Against Edinboro in week one the offense fumbled away three of its first four possessions to open the second half. Head Coach Bill Zwaan promised improvement following a solid week of practice leading up to the annual get together with the Delaware Blue Hens. There was even a shakeup at the quarterback position as Bill Zwaan JR replaced incumbent starter Matt Burdalski in week two. But it wasn't enough. Against Delaware, West Chester surrendered two fumbles and one interception. All told, the Golden Rams have squandered ten turnovers in their first two games. "We're not beating anybody with 10 turnovers in a game and a half, we [have] to get that straight," said Coach Zwaan after the game.
It would be easy if turnovers were the only problem plaguing this offense. If the unit were clicking on all cylinders, one could easily overlook a fumble here and an interception there. But that is simply not the case. The highly touted Golden Ram rushing attack has been anything but.
The tandem of Brent Steinmetz and Osagie Osande were supposed to be the focal point of an offense predicated on running the ball to set up the pass. Instead, it has been opposing defenses that have cut through the Golden Ram offensive line and stifled the rushing attack. Through two weeks the two headed monster that is the Golden Rams running game has amassed just 249 yards on the ground. By comparison, at this time a year ago the Golden Rams mustered 289 yards rushing and one of those games was against Division II powerhouse North Dakota, on the road. It is imperative that both of these backs see the field at the same time, leaving defenses scrambling in an effort to stop the run.
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