Braxton is Still the Key

The Ohio State Buckeyes of last year have gone into a sleep walk. We have the majority of last years team on this years team, yet we have not performed to standards. Why? Are there a combination of reasons or does it all boil down to one thing? In my opinion, our performance this season is as a result of personnel use, coaching, and fear. 

Last year, defenses knew they could only stop one part of our offense and they had to hope to stop they other without any extra man power. The only problem this year is that defenses have had a year to better equip themselves to stop our offense. The only problem with the opponents ability to stop our offense is that they never faced Braxton Miller. Last year, he was not around, and defenses did not have to worry about him. This year though, they have to take him into account. So far, Braxton has not been used to his capacity. In my opinion, his skill set is being underestimated. 

Braxton Miller, more often then not, has been used more as a direct snap players, rather then a wide receiver, which is supposedly what Urban has been training him for and he is full time. Urban should turn Braxton into a young Devin Smith. Urban has to make teams fear Braxton instead of Elliot, Thomas, and Barrett. How do you do that? Braxton should be lining up where Devin Smith used to running down the field every single time. Braxton has to draw the attention of the safety and cornerbacks every single time. Everyone knows that Braxton is one of the most prolific offensive players in history. We need that to come to life. When defenses fear Braxton they must choose which receivers to cover and so must the safety. When a CB or safety must choose between Thomas, Marshall, Braxton and whomever else no one on the defense wins. When the receivers draw attention and are feared, linebackers are pushed off the line of scrimmage and defensive lines do not get the support they need if the offensive creates holes to rush through. On the flip side, if a blitz is ever ordered or one on one coverage is called for, at least one of the three will be wide open, able to catch, and score the touchdown. It is that simple. 

With Braxton being considered a one man wrecking crew, the field opens up for Elliot, Thomas, and Barrett because there is only so many opponents that have the ability to guard someone one on one. I believe a plan like this will have to take place because I see the success of the next 5 games being in jeopardy if we don't.