Happy Independence Day, All! There has been some great discussion on other posts involving our lines and what it will mean to our success or lack thereof. I've got to agree. It all starts up front on both sides, but I do have some reasons for cautious optimism. Let's start with the O Line.
Injuries, injuries. Plainly, last year and even before that, we have been beset with some bad luck with guys getting hurt. Now, I will concede the staff probably should have stacked the roster better, especially out at tackle, but what's done is done. Honestly, I didn't know Zuhn's injuries were as serious as they were as some have said, but hey I am just a guy on a message board. It's not my place to know. He's a good Ag for doing what he could. Let's hope he's back at 100% come camp. He may have lost his job, if Fatheree moves over, but those things do happen. He'll still be needed, regardless. I just want to see the best 5 on the field. I do believe we can field a very capable unit, though our depth is much stronger inside. I think Bisontis can play RT if Fatheree can hold down LT. The guys just have to be together on the field long enough to develop the communication and chemistry needed to become a cohesive, effective unit. Petrino's play-calling will help. It's timing based, has a lot "help" from RBs and TEs built in and he's not afraid to go to max protections if he needs to. Bottom line, we have the talent, if we can stay more healthy.
On defense, we are just stacked and there is just no reason for us not to be better. First, we've have to be better at gap discipline. 3 man fronts for us, in my view, are just very difficult. We're asking our line to "hold" and cover 2 gaps, while the linebackers and DBs fill the rest. It's really meant for when you have behemoths who can anchor to do that. We do have bigger ends but our tackles are more disruptors (1 tech or Nose) and (3 tech or Under Tackle) who get up field and blow up plays. Nolen, Jackson, Turner, Dindy, Stewart, Overton et al, should feast. That's why I think we are better out of a 4 man front. One gap, primary responsibility. Stop freelancing. Trust where you're supposed to be. It's okay if you spill the tackle to the next guy. It also helps the LBs sort through the trash. Sure, we will play some teams where we have to go more 6 DBs, but it should not be our default defense. We have way too much talent on our line not take advantage of it!
Gig'em to the Best Country in the World!!!!
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