Offensive Line is underperforming

#1
LAVol1

LAVol1

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#1
Probably the main reason that the Vols offense has underperformed is the offensive line has not come close to meeting expectations. Is it because the talent was over-estimated or because they have not been developed and properly coached? Are there other reasons? With the Vols short one coach, could Fulmer assist in coaching the OL? Whatever you think about PF, and I hold him in very high regard, he could develop offensive linemen. When he was HC, we could run the ball on anyone. Every RB we had, no matter if they were a battering ram(Travis Henry, Jamal Lewis, Jay Graham, James Stewart) or a slippery type (Charlie Garner, Travis Stephens), all were very successful RBs, because we had pro-calibre offensive linemen blocking. We have pro-calibre offensive linemen now. Why can't we get 200+ ypg with these offensive linemen and 2 very good RBs? I contend we have the talent. So, it must be the coaching.
 
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#4
#4
It could also be due to our very limited offensive attack and schemes. I believe we had 130 yards rushing in the first half against Arkansas but they adjusted to force us to do something different and we couldn’t - we ran the same plays against a stacked box. Arkansas did a good job of keeping their LBs clean and that made it difficult to get anything inside. I’ve seen other teams operate out of a single back set but still use a lead blocker by lining up a tight end as a H back and putting him in motion. It seems our backs are just supposed to beat the linebacker/safety on their own.
Not disagreeing that the O line hasn’t lived up to the preseason hype - they definitely aren‘t like the road graders of old - but our O just isn’t clicking on many cylinders. Not to beat a dead horse but we have to have the QB read the D and make check offs. When I see our QB making changes at the line it seems like all he is doing is warning the OL and RB that the D has a bunch of guys in that spot we’re gonna run so he’s telling them to be ready.
 
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#9
#9
Whilst I hoped the Offensive Line would be elite it has actually not been bad and substantially better than for a number of years.

You must factor in that they are up against 8 and 9 man defenses because the "elephant in the room" is the quarterback play and the resultant Offensive play calling.
 
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#10
#10
London Vol said:
Whilst I hoped the Offensive Line would be elite it has actually not been bad and substantially better than for a number of years.

You must factor in that they are up against 8 and 9 man defenses because the "elephant in the room" is the quarterback play and the resultant Offensive play calling.
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Exactly. All anybody has to do is stack the box, and it's game over.
 
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#11
#11
Most of this team and staff are under performing. Yet, we want to make some changes on the offensive side of the ball. It's a band-aide on a gaping gut wound. Even if they change some coaches, we're sure to see several current OL move on. They've likely wasted one of the most talented lines we've had in a while.
 
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#13
#13
macrovol said:
5 can't block 7 no matter how good they are. Until the offense has a passing threat this will not change. OL has been very good. They can't work miracles.
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So change the game plan and stop doing the same failed crap over and over. Go tight ends and an additional blocker in back field. Try anything. They aren't.
 
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#14
#14
1. Little to no separation by receivers means we have to run. Opposing D backs have no trouble with one on one coverage, so teams stack the box.
2. Our utter failure to recruit and develop tight ends adds to passing game woes.
3. Our line has regressed because S&C is down. Not sure why...could be coaching change, could be COVID related.
4. QB play has been 'sub-par'...lol
5. Trying to run between tackles with 200 lb backs won't get it done. What happened to Beckwith?
 
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#15
#15
redundant thread OP, thanks for digging this up again

teams don't respect our passing game and focus on stopping the run

practice QB extraordinaire JG doesn't have it when the gametime pressure mounts - serious mental block that team sport psychologists can't help him with evidently

teams don't fear our passing game and sell out with run stop packages

end of story
 
#16
#16
madbamahater said:
So change the game plan and stop doing the same failed crap over and over. Go tight ends and an additional blocker in back field. Try anything. They aren't.
Click to expand...
That just takes away more speed in the passing game and makes it even less threatening.
 
#17
#17
I think the OL has been inconsistent. Mays was terrible vs Ga, Kennedy was terrible vs Ark. Tackles have struggled most games. Another reason there is no good blocking TE, H Back or FB on the roster.
 
#18
#18
Which assistants have expiring contracts this year? I keep seeing there are a few but haven't seen names attached. Think we can get shed of Friend without it looking like he got fired (for Pruitt's and Friend's ease of mind)?
 
#20
#20
macrovol said:
5 can't block 7 no matter how good they are. Until the offense has a passing threat this will not change. OL has been very good. They can't work miracles.
Click to expand...

The Oline has only been good at times, they are very inconsistent and they have trouble with assignments
 
#23
#23
You can blame the qb situation or the 8 and 9 men in the block excuse. The fact is that in several website stories and articles, the players are grading out poorly, period.
This would indicate that they are not blocking their zones properly, lack of fundamentals, and execution is just not there. I have watched all our OL get out "techniqued", run over,
out "quicked", etc. They just aren't performing and are overrated. Lack of proper coaching is the cause.
 
#24
#24
macrovol said:
5 can't block 7 no matter how good they are. Until the offense has a passing threat this will not change. OL has been very good. They can't work miracles.
Click to expand...

Lol, what? They are constantly either getting blown off the line or committing stupid penalties. You can't be "very good" and be some of the main reasons your team can't win.
 
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