One can be a fan and thankful to Johnson for what he has done and still admit that there is a problem that isn't getting fixed nearly 10 years in. The more we try new "stuff", the farther we get away from what has worked for us in the past, and the worse our offensive output seems to be. Honestly, the defense is the one looking pretty stellar this year as the undersized, lower recruited group that is better as a body of work than a group of individuals. Their adjustments in the 2nd quarter and 2nd half against Clemson were great.
As far as offense goes...
We wanted passing, and we got the pistol formation. It turns out that we aren't really good at it either through coaching or talent. That was a bust.
We wanted bigger offensive lineman and we got bigger offensive lineman. It turns out size wasn't really the problem for the run game, although another line coach and bigger bodies seem to have made some difference in pass protection. Verdict is leaning in the bust department here as well.
Our best blocking in the run game to date seemed to be Cord Howard and some converted tight ends, along with some oversized a-backs that were willing to take a more physical approach to cut blocking.
The talent gap hasn't suddenly widened - our biggest rivals are continuing to recruit around the same level they always have. But, CPJ has been responsible for a number of defensive coordinator changes in the league. After UNC went through 3 DCs, they brought Chizik in to create a run-stop defense, Foster flew out to Iowa City after having back surgery just to spend a few weeks with Norm Parker, Clemson fired Kevin Steele and cut a nice fat check to Venables, Richt brought in Manny Diaz in Miami, but more importantly he brought in Craig Kuligowski who, in my opinion, is the best defensive line coach in the country.
The ACC has stepped up its coaching game. With new HCs, OCs, and DCs at just about every team, our level of competition has greatly increased. Teams are getting more out of their talent. When I look at what we are doing on the field, though, I just scratch my head. This season, like most of our other seasons, we seem to be getting farther away from what we do best.