One general theme dominated this week's Open Jim mailbag: University of Wisconsin football fans are fed up with the offense, with quarterback Graham Mertz and coach Paul Chryst designated as the primary targets of that frustration.
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Contact Jim Polzin at jpolzin@madison.com.
Next season should Paul Chryst considering hiring an offensive coordinator from outside the Badger family? Sorta like how Andersen brought in Dave Aranda and he brought fresh ideas to our defense.
— EricTheRed (@RealEricTheRed) September 6, 2021
A trait of a great head coach is surrounding themselves with smart assistants. Franklin changed oc multiple times to find the right guy. Do you think Chryst would bring in a fresh set of eyes or perhaps he’s nervous to do so?
— Justin Radin (@JRadin15) September 6, 2021
Jim Leonard is innovative…is he the next head coach?
— Pete Malone (@pmalone95) September 7, 2021
Who is the better QB from a skills standpoint between Jack Coan or Graham Mertz?
— Sean Stephenson (@sgstephenson) September 7, 2021
Was Saturday's loss to Penn State the beginning of the end for Paul Chryst and/or Graham Mertz?
— Keith Schmidt (@madtownkeith) September 6, 2021
Why is our passing defense always so vulnerable? This year db is supposed to be a position of strength and it cost us the game. And whats going on with our passing attack?
— Chris (@Cbkoco224) September 6, 2021
Does WI have a decent backup QB?? Badgers are better than that!!!
— Amy Wolfe (@adroess) September 6, 2021
Jim, why do the Badgers keep rotating offensive linemen? That doesn’t help get them in a rhythm or figure out how to work together. No other D1 teams do that? Makes no sense.
— j b (@jjwbfdx) September 6, 2021
Do you think the biggest issue with Mertz is his football IQ? Certain players have it and others don't.
— Salvador Allende (@1973salvador) September 6, 2021
How hard did the Big Ten Screw Penn State and UW by scheduling the match up in week one? Why would anyone agree to play that game?
— John Brennan (@hijohnnybrennan) September 6, 2021
@JimPolzinWSJ what was with the lack of even an attempt of a downfield attack on Saturday? Felt like Mertz attempted 3 passes over 15 yards
— Matt Shapiro (@meshapiro) September 6, 2021
thoughts on the Jalen Berger situation?
— Coach Riley (@OLCoachRiley) September 6, 2021
The LT position was a virtual turnstile on Saturday, especially in the passing game. Is there any intention to upgrade that position ASAP. I understand the consistency comments from camp, but consistently poor isn’t good, either.
— No Más 🦡 (@JoRy_MaMa) September 6, 2021
What happened to all the pre-snap motion that Chryst has used in the past? We appeared to just line up and expect to push Penn St around. Second question, how do you grade out the WR position? It looks to be the weakest on the O side.
— Doug Benzine (@DougBenzine) September 6, 2021
Considering Scott Nelson is in year 5 and still has 3-4 coverage breakdowns a game, should he lose his starting job because he’s a liability to an otherwise great defense?
— Matt Scott (@MattScott66) September 6, 2021
Big 10 Power Rankings Week 2 edition.
— whitey (@Whiteywilhelm) September 6, 2021
Of the issues shown on the field Saturday, which is most concerning and which is the least concerning?
— Fred Ehle (@FredEhle) September 6, 2021
