Defense: The Big If.....

[rockydoc]

Our offense, providing no significant injuries to key players, will be as good as any in the league.... and maybe the nation. However the verdict is still out pn the defense. Do we have enough depth to play four quarters with the SEC elite? Can we stop the run still be able to put pressure on the opposition QB? If our defense can just be a little above average we might have a shot at playing in Atlanta twice in 2012!

[johndoevol]

if our offense is as good as we think they will be, our defense will only have to be ok, they will have the freedom of blitzing a lot and not worrying about the running game of the other team.

[KoachKletus]

Originally Posted by rockydoc

Our offense, providing no significant injuries to key players, will be as good as any in the league.... and maybe the nation. However the verdict is still out pn the defense. Do we have enough depth to play four quarters with the SEC elite? Can we stop the run still be able to put pressure on the opposition QB? If our defense can just be a little above average we might have a shot at playing in Atlanta twice in 2012!

Witch Doctor will be along any minute now,,,reading his bones. Trust him, his bones never lie. He and he alone is the only one on VolNation whom you should trust when it comes to reading the future.

[ACvol3]

Originally Posted by johndoevol

if our offense is as good as we think they will be, our defense will only have to be ok, they will have the freedom of blitzing a lot and not worrying about the running game of the other team.

Well, If the passing games as good as advertised, our defense will be on the field a lot..

[give_him 6]

Passing game will open up the run. The run game will help the defense, by staying on the field longer. The new D-Coordinator agressive scheme will also help. I look for our defense to be better than predicted. It won't be Alabama or LSU but it will get the job done. I really just cannot wait for this season to get going. I just pray that the injury bug does not hang over Knoxville this year.

[DjCrenshaw]

Originally Posted by ACvol3

Well, If the passing games as good as advertised, our defense will be on the field a lot..

ACvol has a point..... You have to give the ball back after touchdowns.

[DaphneVol]

Maybe we can mix in a solid run game this year to chew up clock and give the D a break...

[DjCrenshaw]

Originally Posted by DaphneVol

Maybe we can mix in a solid run game this year to chew up clock and give the D a break...

It's a definate mayhaps

[VOLorNuttin]

Originally Posted by ACvol3

Well, If the passing games as good as advertised, our defense will be on the field a lot..

Not necessarily. When opponents have to play catch up, they scrap their "ball control" scheme, and the tempo picks up on both sides of the ball. We should have the best defense we've had since we went to the SECC game, when Fulmer was still coaching. More talent and depth, and we've NEVER had such a behemoth at DT/NT as Bic Mac.

Henderson and Haynesworth were big in their own right, but dang...this dude should collapse the pocket up the middle on a regular basis and make the Rush LB's job a lot easier.

[DaphneVol]

Originally Posted by DjCrenshaw

It's a definate mayhaps

I sure hope so man. We're another year older & stronger. I sure can't wait to find out!

[theutvolunteers]

I'm starting to get the fever.

[jambro]

Originally Posted by ACvol3

Well, If the passing games as good as advertised, our defense will be on the field a lot..

Usually, yes but the way the passing game was used last year (before hunter got hurt) seemed to be for possession. Sure, we went down field when the coaches thought opportunity felt right, but we also had a ton of 5-8 yd passes to move the chains. I think Dooley mentioned something about the long drives last summer during camp.

With the receivers we have now I think that shorter drives will most likely be the norm for this upcoming season, but Bray has shown the patience to take what the defenses give him. Hopefully, the run game will be clicking so we won't be so pass heavy this year.

[onefesternation]

Originally Posted by DjCrenshaw

ACvol has a point..... You have to give the ball back after touchdowns.

I say if we win the coin toss this year, instead of just choosing possession or which end of the field, we go schoolyard on 'em and call 'make-it take-it, our ball first.'

[rockydoc]

Originally Posted by KoachKletus

Witch Doctor will be along any minute now,,,reading his bones. Trust him, his bones never lie. He and he alone is the only one on VolNation whom you should trust when it comes to reading the future.

Witch Doctot is a quack!

[supersmo18]

Originally Posted by rockydoc

Witch Doctot is a quack!

Yep, you're screwed. (bones never lie)