The Navy football team?s passing game has been nearly non-existent. The Midshipmen have struggled at times with penalties and turnovers, and, for the most part, their defense has not been able to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Still, the Midshipmen are 5-1 following their 24-17 victory at Air Force last week. Just as important, the performance put Navy one win away from capturing its fourth straight Commander-in-Chief?s Trophy, while also allowing the team to secure a bowlbid by defeating visiting No. 24 Rutgers Saturday.
“I said earlier in the year that we aren?t a good enough football team to win with just one area,” Navy coach Paul Johnson said. “We have to have a team effort. We probably don?t have one facet that can win a game by itself. Not here.”
While Navy?s main key to winning during the Johnson era has been its ability to run, the Midshipmen have also come up with key impact plays in other facets of the game both offensively and defensively to make up for an even turnover margin and a passing attack that produces 54.5 yards a game, the worst mark among Division I-A schools.
Offensively, Navy usually comes out strong in the second half, having scored on its first second-half possession in five of six games while outscoring its opponents, 95-55, in the final 30 minutes. The Midshipmen have also done well keeping crucial drives alive, converting six of seven fourth-down tries, a mark which is tied for third-best nationally.
On the defensive end, Navy has done well forcing turnovers. The team is currently tied for sixth in the country with eight fumble recoveries. Much of the credit there goes to senior linebacker Rob Caldwell, who has three forced fumbles in six games, which is tied for sixth in the nation.
“We really try to put an emphasis on ripping out the ball and putting pressure on an opposing offense,” said Caldwell, who had nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble against Air Force. “We?re not afraid to make a mistake while trying to be aggressive on defense.”
Navy quarterback Brian Hampton said it may not always look pretty, but the only thing that matters statistically at the end of the game is the final score.
“Good teams always find a way to win,” Hampton said. “Both on offense and defense, you have to try to exploit the other team?s weaknesses and use that to your advantage.”
Navy notes
» Caldwell?s forced fumble of Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney led to Navy cornerback Keenan Little picking up the ball and running 37 yards for the Midshipmen?s first touchdown of the day. The score marked Navy?s first defensive touchdown since 2005.
» Linebacker David Mahoney recorded nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble at Air Force. He has 17 in his career, which is five behind Navy?s all-time leader.
