For much of last year, I had the feeling that he and the RB's
hadn't had enough reps for the swing pass to the sideline
to be much of a threat.

One of the pleasant surprises in the UConn game is how
regularly Taysom and his RB's connected.

I was surprised that he completed so many passes
on swing routes to the flat, especially those close
to the sideline, where the ball had some velocity
and got there in a hurry -- hitting the RB in stride.
If he can keep getting the ball to fast guys in
space like that, before long someone will slip
a tackle and rumble for a huge gain.

If a defense is getting worn down by the go
fast go hard pressure, that's probably going
to increase the odds that someone will miss
a tackle out in space.

The fact that Taysom spread the ball around to quite a few
WRs and RBs is a good sign, including the fact that he
was completing passes to guys who were further down
the depth chart. If they can get open and will catch
the ball, who cares where they are on the depth chart?

Now, the defenses will see that they better cover the stuff
out in the flat or the Cougs will make additional yards.

All of which opens up the middle, not only for the inside
receivers but for Taysom to scamper up the middle -- catch
me if you can.

Plus, it doesn't hurt when the RB's catch most of the
passes they can reach.

Confidence pays off.