How concerned should we be on the D?

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by Other_Guy

I expect the offense to be better than the defense. I dont expect the secondary, or really any secondary, to hold their own against the passing game. I know the backs are really determined and are running hard. The offense also doesnt have to learn a new system.

I do realize I'm a little too worried about the D. But I havent seen much concern from any other posters around here. So is the offense that amazing or am I right to be concerned about how our D will hold up the first 3-5 weeks while they get settled in and better?

I wouldn't take much away from the scrimmages.

You should be worried about the D because there is no depth at Linebacker, the secondary is not high SEC quality, the D-Line is very unproven, UT has two coaches who have little to no D1 experience coaching, and the coordinator hasn't coordinated a defense this millenium.

[Spartacavolus]

If we are going to get scored on, I'd rather it be when we are attacking versus sitting back and letting teams bury us, physically and mentally. We can recover quickly from a quick strike, but if the D gives up long drives, our O is not set up to run some clock. Pressure is on not to go 3 and out and chaney then has to think about adjusting the play calling and we don't want chaney to have to do that.

If we have to get into some shootouts, so be it. I like our chances.

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by volinexile17

We've got more guys, but I don't think we have many DBs that are ready to be good SEC players. We've got guys who could be good in roles (Gordon, Teague, Oliver, Brewer), but Randolph is probably the only legit SEC starter in that group right now. Coleman, Orta, Thomas, Bonner, McNeil, and Moore could all get up to speed and be SEC players, but I'm not sure they are going to be ready this season.

Our secondary, from a talent standpoint, has me more concerned than any other position group. Although, I'd agree the LB depth is the most worrisome.

The secondary is not going to be good. The D-Line better get pressure on the QB, or it's going to be another long season.

[Spartacavolus]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

The secondary is not going to be good. The D-Line better get pressure on the QB, or it's going to be another long season.

I think we have one of the best corners in the league and possible all sec safety.

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by tvols75

Not sure why many people use UGA as a reference. Their defense improved the first year when they switched to a 3-4.

Georgia 2009: 26.4 ppg, 328.4 ypg

Georgia 2010: 23.1 ppg, 335.8 ypg

That's not exactly great improvement. Slight improvement, especially when the 2009 schedule was harder than 2010.

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by Spartacavolus

I think we have one of the best corners in the league and possible all sec safety.

Who? Waggner or Coleman?

Randolph is probably the only true very good talent in the secondary right now. Waggner is decent, but not great by any means.

[PimpVol]

Originally Posted by CMcEver

They were able to hold down Bama, LSU for half the game, but lost steam in the second half. I watched those games over and over, and they did good, and have great potential, but they were on the field time after time after time, and wore down in the 2nd, because the offense just couldn't get anything going the whole stretch Bray was out. All I'm saying, is our offense didn't help out and give the defense a rest last year, and it was evident as the game went out that they were wearing down. I also think with the offense plus better conditioning, this will mean our defense will be in better shape to play 60 minutes.
Here's some quick stats:
LSU:
TOP:
LSU: 38:19 Tenn: 21:41
1st downs: LSU:24 Tenn: 11

BAMA:
TOP:
ALA: 32:18 Tenn: 27:42
1st downs: ALA: 19 Tenn: 6
*only game other than LSU and Kent State(didn't play enough to matter) to hold Richardson to under 100 yards rushing.

While its bad they gave up 24,19 1st downs, its worse that Tennessee could only muster 11,6 on offense, that killls the defense being on the field time after time.

Better offense will help our defense out. Better defense will help our offense. We will be a better team.

[Spartacavolus]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

Who? Waggner or Coleman?

Randolph is probably the only true talent in the secondary. Waggner is decent, but not great by any means.

Waggner. I think he will be one of the top corners in the league this year. Kid has played a lot of ball. He's going to be a physical corner and he has a skill set and good anticipation.
He was just out of whack at safety.

[PimpVol]

Not concerned at all. This defensive staff will get what we have to do it's best. More concerned about the offense (a certain knee). If that is fine we out score most people and score with the good teams. In every game we play is my prediction.

[Spartacavolus]

I do have a concern that Randolph will knock himself out for a few games because he is coming with some intent.

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by Spartacavolus

Waggner. I think he will be one of the top corners in the league this year. Kid has played a lot of ball. He's going to be a physical corner and he has a skill set and good anticipation.
He was just out of whack at safety.

Don't see it. Even at corner, Waggner wasn't a star. He has burned multiple times throughout his career.

Maybe he takes that next step, just not sure if he will.

[volinexile17]

Originally Posted by Spartacavolus

Waggner. I think he will be one of the top corners in the league this year. Kid has played a lot of ball. He's going to be a physical corner and he has a skill set and good anticipation.
He was just out of whack at safety.

Doubt Pswagg would start at Bama or UGA. Roberson at UF is better, but not sure about Riggs. I'm sure LSU has at least one better CB, and there are probably a couple others around the SEC.

I like Waggner, but no one has ever accused him of being physical.

[volinexile17]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

Don't see it. Even at corner, Waggner wasn't a star. He has burned multiple times throughout his career.

Maybe he takes that next step, just not sure if he will.

Agree - he's a nice second or third CB, but I think Rogan was probably better than Waggner.

[Spartacavolus]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

Don't see it. Even at corner, Waggner wasn't a star. He has burned multiple times throughout his career.

Maybe he takes that next step, just not sure if he will.

Oh, I'm not definitely sure of it. I just think he's a better ball player than others. Everybody gets beat at this level. He had a bad whiff a couple of years ago that led to an 80 yd td run, and looked goofy running down the sideline in the Oregon game like he was racing him rather than tackling him. I think those plays stick out in peoples minds.

[Spartacavolus]

Originally Posted by volinexile17

Doubt Pswagg would start at Bama or UGA. Roberson at UF is better, but not sure about Riggs. I'm sure LSU has at least one better CB, and there are probably a couple others around the SEC.

I like Waggner, but no one has ever accused him of being physical.

He's not a physical safety, but is physical for a corner. It would be hard not to be if you play both positions. Usually corners aren't physical enough to play safety, and safeties aren't quick enough to play corner. He has played both against the top teams in the country and has made some plays.
Our D is going to be a playmaking D this year and he's a playmaker.