Compared to last year

#1
BACKDOC

BACKDOC

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2006
Messages
5,006
Likes
3,151
#1
OL +1 can't be any worse even without Sears

QB +0

WR -1 more speed but less Meachem

RB +1 again, the run game can't be worse than last year

TE +0

Punt returns +0

Kick returns +1 can't be worse; losing Coker who lacks vision will open door for Vinson, Berry, etc.

DE +1 Lots of experience here, and again our sack total can't be worse. Hopefully Martin can help on 3rd and long.

DT +0 Since Harrell missed most of the season it's not -1

LB's +1 A year older, a year wiser. Should be a good year. Lot's of depth too.

DB's +0 Hard to judge since there are so many new faces. But losing D Mo and Stewart could be a blessing in disguise.
 
#2
#2
BACKDOC said:
OL +1 can't be any worse even without Sears

QB +0

WR -1 more speed but less Meachem

RB +1 again, the run game can't be worse than last year

TE +0

Punt returns +0

Kick returns +1 can't be worse; losing Coker who lacks vision will open door for Vinson, Berry, etc.

DE +1 Lots of experience here, and again our sack total can't be worse. Hopefully Martin can help on 3rd and long.

DT +0 Since Harrell missed most of the season it's not -1

LB's +1 A year older, a year wiser. Should be a good year. Lot's of depth too.

DB's +0 Hard to judge since there are so many new faces. But losing D Mo and Stewart could be a blessing in disguise.
Click to expand...

I agree with those except for DB...I have to go -1. When you lose 3 starters you can't say in the pre-seson that you're no worse off.

At this point we don't know how Berry, McKenzie, Willingham, Johnson, Gaines are going to fill that role. Until they live up to their billing you can't legitimately say we're no worse off.
 
#3
#3
LB, do we even know if Karl will play the first game? If they use the 3-4 then you have to take one away from the DL somewhere. Agree with blamie on DBs. RB for now is a 0 in my mind and will be a -1 if Coker is not back for Cal.
 
#4
#4
BACKDOC said:
OL +1 can't be any worse even without Sears

QB +0

WR -1 more speed but less Meachem

RB +1 again, the run game can't be worse than last year

TE +0

Punt returns +0

Kick returns +1 can't be worse; losing Coker who lacks vision will open door for Vinson, Berry, etc.

DE +1 Lots of experience here, and again our sack total can't be worse. Hopefully Martin can help on 3rd and long.

DT +0 Since Harrell missed most of the season it's not -1

LB's +1 A year older, a year wiser. Should be a good year. Lot's of depth too.

DB's +0 Hard to judge since there are so many new faces. But losing D Mo and Stewart could be a blessing in disguise.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comic relief. :eek:lol:
 
#7
#7
OL +0 – Lost our best O-lineman from last year. This could easily be negative, but I’m giving the benefit of the doubt to the talent of our players. Our offensive line has consistently been worse almost every year for the last 5+ years.

QB +1 – It is possible that Ainge could be truly brilliant this year and still not approach his numbers from last year, due to…

WR -3 No returning starters. No returning players that have proved anything. The coaches keep talking about the speed of our freshmen, but nobody’s mentioning their hands. This is football, not a track meet. Freshman wide receivers hardly ever amount to anything in their freshman year anyway.

RB -1 – Coker was the best running back out of a disappointing group.

TE +1 – Very talented group returning with another year of experience. The only downside to the tight ends is that our coaching staff doesn’t utilize them well.

Punt returns +0

Kick returns +0 – We haven’t had a good return game since before many Volnation posters were born.

DE +0 – Our defensive line got manhandled last year. I don’t see any reason to believe things will be any different this year..

DT +0 Since Harrell missed most of the season it's not -1

LB's +1 – A very talented group of fast linebackers with another year of experience.

DB's -1 – 3 new starters in the secondary with a poor pass rush and a weak defensive line against the run = big potential problems.

Net -2
 
#8
#8
Make that OL -1, DT -1, and DB -1, and you've got a realistic assessment entering 07. Maybe even WR -2.

No way one can really say these 3 areas of the squad enter 07 equal to that of 06. Is there potential there? Sure.
 
#9
#9
There has been talk of the WR newcomers having good hands. Mental aspect? Still working on it.
 
#10
#10
There is a intangible to this team. I think we have more leadership on the team. I think the work ethic has improved. I think the impact of an in-shape Mapu and healthy Fisher will be huge. I think the freshmen class will make some critical contributions. I also believe due to all of the above that the team will gel very quickly this year.

Two hurdles can break their backs....1) continued poor play by the O-line on the running game and 2) a spanking by Cal. The youngsters need a early confidence boost.

I am hopeful for good breaks and a very successful year.
 
#11
#11
Vol423 said:
OL +0 – Lost our best O-lineman from last year. This could easily be negative, but I’m giving the benefit of the doubt to the talent of our players. Our offensive line has consistently been worse almost every year for the last 5+ years.

QB +1 – It is possible that Ainge could be truly brilliant this year and still not approach his numbers from last year, due to…

WR -3 No returning starters. No returning players that have proved anything. The coaches keep talking about the speed of our freshmen, but nobody’s mentioning their hands. This is football, not a track meet. Freshman wide receivers hardly ever amount to anything in their freshman year anyway.

RB -1 – Coker was the best running back out of a disappointing group.

TE +1 – Very talented group returning with another year of experience. The only downside to the tight ends is that our coaching staff doesn’t utilize them well.

Punt returns +0

Kick returns +0 – We haven’t had a good return game since before many Volnation posters were born.

DE +0 – Our defensive line got manhandled last year. I don’t see any reason to believe things will be any different this year..

DT +0 Since Harrell missed most of the season it's not -1

LB's +1 – A very talented group of fast linebackers with another year of experience.

DB's -1 – 3 new starters in the secondary with a poor pass rush and a weak defensive line against the run = big potential problems.

Net -2
Click to expand...
OL agree. Maybe a + .5 since it will be a more talented unit as a whole.

Qb agree

WR Id give a -2. “They’re all fast,” Ainge said. “They can run, they can catch." That was in a scout article. So Ill 1 up you because the guy who is throwing the ball to them said they can catch

RB +1 If coker is back by UF 0 If he is not.

TE agree

DE +1 More experience + a talented Pass rusher coming in and Mathis is getting more used to the position could help.

DT agreed. I dont think they will have that good of a year this year unless Fisher and someone else step up to give them a good rotation.

LB agree

DB -2. This group of DBs is more talented than the ones we had last year but we will most likely have trouble stopping the pass this year. An inexperienced young secondary might not be a good thing when 2 of your first 3 opponents are going to throw the ball a lot.
 
#12
#12
Upon further review...

OL +0 – Lost Sears = bad, replace Ligon with McClendon or Foster = good

QB +1 – Ainge seems to have shaken his demons and is the steady senior...not to mention his has a rocket strapped to his shoulder

WR -1 Alot of potential but even if there was some experience it's still hard to replace what Meachem did last year, even when he wasn't catching the ball. But I only give -1 cause I believe this years group as a unit can be extremely good

RB +1 – Yes Coker has the speed and explosiveness but I'm still not sold on him who has he done it against?Foster was superb in 05 and has recommitted himself to being excellent. Hardesty has game if he can avoid injury

TE +1 – Who would have ever thought this would be the deepest, most experienced, and most dependable position on our offense

Punt returns +0

Kick returns +0 – Oh God...please don't let this get any worse:crossfingers:

DE +0 – If Martin is as good as advertised and Mitchell, Reynolds, Ayers can pull their heads out of their butts this could be a strength but for now that is too many ifs

DT +0 Couldn't be worse...could it?

LB's +1 – once again the heart and soul of our D

DB's -1 – See my previous post

Net +2
 
#13
#13
BACKDOC said:
OL +1 can't be any worse even without Sears

QB +0

WR -1 more speed but less Meachem

RB +1 again, the run game can't be worse than last year

TE +0

Punt returns +0

Kick returns +1 can't be worse; losing Coker who lacks vision will open door for Vinson, Berry, etc.

DE +1 Lots of experience here, and again our sack total can't be worse. Hopefully Martin can help on 3rd and long.

DT +0 Since Harrell missed most of the season it's not -1

LB's +1 A year older, a year wiser. Should be a good year. Lot's of depth too.

DB's +0 Hard to judge since there are so many new faces. But losing D Mo and Stewart could be a blessing in disguise.
Click to expand...


I agree with most of what you said in your post except for the following:

I think the tight ends will improve due to more experience and having the whole offseason to improve, and I also think the defensive end positions and the secondary may hurt early on because of lack of quality experience. I don't know if its just me, but it seems that our D-line is alot smaller than previous years. I do expect for these areas to improve as the season progresses though.
 
#14
#14
QB: +1 Not enough can be said about a second year with David Cutcliffe. I don't think he's an amazing OC, but his QB teaching skills are amazing.

RB: E This could end up being a +1 if Foster's offseason determination translates to production. For now, E.

WR: -2 This could be a -3 or an E, depending on production. At this moment, we don't have a proven playmaker.

OL: E This is one of two places where, after the season, you could say +1 or +2. The unit is gelling a lot, and while we lost Sears, we have more experience on the line than we did going into 2006.

DL: E 2nd place where I expect a +1 or +2 postseason eval. Bolden is showing consistency, Mapu is a player. Last season we had only 13 sacks - I guarantee we double it.

LB: +1 Ryan Karl needs to get healthy. He's not very athletic, but he puts himself in good spots. The reports on AMW are exciting.

DB: -1 Another spot where we could look back and say "Way better" but right now, it's a downgrade. Wade was solid. Stewart and Morley weren't. If Parrish/McKenzie can live up, hell yeah!

ST: -1 Colquitt was already amazing last year. Losing Wilhoit hurts a lot. Return games needs an infusion, preferably from the speedy new guys.

Overall: -2, but I fully expect an East title and a toss-up chance in the SECCG. Games are on the field, not paper. Different vibe this offseason that I can remember.
 
#15
#15
RB +1 sounds crazy I know, but I have a feeling that this year will be better (with or without Coker). I believe the coaches have spent a lot of time and put more emphasis on it.
ST 0 -1 What scares me most is the fact that they moved the ball back to the 30 and that means more returnable balls. I have never liked the idea of a punter/fg kicker. I don't know everything, but most of the time it is an emergency situation.
 
#16
#16
VolinArizona said:
DB: -1 Another spot where we could look back and say "Way better" but right now, it's a downgrade. Wade was solid. Stewart and Morley weren't. If Parrish/McKenzie can live up, hell yeah!
Click to expand...

Very astute observation on the ST. We're in lock step on all your ranking except the DB's. You point out what I have thought since last year - Stewart was plain awful and Morley had flashes of brilliance and disaster. Our only big loss is Wade, but I believe the current crop of DB's will be as good, if not better than last. One of the reasons we didn't have many sacks last year is because there was always someone open. If we have more sacks (double from last year you predict) then the coverage must be better.
 
#17
#17
jessiej86 said:
RB +1 sounds crazy I know, but I have a feeling that this year will be better (with or without Coker). I believe the coaches have spent a lot of time and emphasis on it.
ST 0 -1 What scares me most is the fact that they moved the ball back to the 30 and that means more returnable balls. I have never liked the idea of a punter/fg kicker. I don't know everything, but most of the time it is an emergency situation.
Click to expand...

your not alone. ut's coverage on special teams the last few years has been nothing short of abysmal.
 
#18
#18
VolinArizona said:
QB: +1 Not enough can be said about a second year with David Cutcliffe. I don't think he's an amazing OC, but his QB teaching skills are amazing.

RB: E This could end up being a +1 if Foster's offseason determination translates to production. For now, E.

WR: -2 This could be a -3 or an E, depending on production. At this moment, we don't have a proven playmaker.

OL: E This is one of two places where, after the season, you could say +1 or +2. The unit is gelling a lot, and while we lost Sears, we have more experience on the line than we did going into 2006.

DL: E 2nd place where I expect a +1 or +2 postseason eval. Bolden is showing consistency, Mapu is a player. Last season we had only 13 sacks - I guarantee we double it.

LB: +1 Ryan Karl needs to get healthy. He's not very athletic, but he puts himself in good spots. The reports on AMW are exciting.

DB: -1 Another spot where we could look back and say "Way better" but right now, it's a downgrade. Wade was solid. Stewart and Morley weren't. If Parrish/McKenzie can live up, hell yeah!

ST: -1 Colquitt was already amazing last year. Losing Wilhoit hurts a lot. Return games needs an infusion, preferably from the speedy new guys.

Overall: -2, but I fully expect an East title and a toss-up chance in the SECCG. Games are on the field, not paper. Different vibe this offseason that I can remember.
Click to expand...
agree with your positions assesments pretty much spot on.......the only one i might question is that we actually get THAT Much better in the defensive back feild...

and as for the vibe you speak of, i agree, an i think Plano Vol summed that up pretty well......Ainge seems to have taken more of a leadership role and looks like the younger guys have responded to that. alos the comments from the coaches about the physicality and intensity in practice are promising. for the first time in a couple of years, it feels like "their mind is right" so to speak....
 
#19
#19
UT IE 95 said:
Very astute observation on the ST. We're in lock step on all your ranking except the DB's. You point out what I have thought since last year - Stewart was plain awful and Morley had flashes of brilliance and disaster. Our only big loss is Wade, but I believe the current crop of DB's will be as good, if not better than last. One of the reasons we didn't have many sacks last year is because there was always someone open. If we have more sacks (double from last year you predict) then the coverage must be better.
Click to expand...

Right on. Some fans forget that the secondary's grades can be highly correlated to the defensive line. In Philadelphia, the Eagles' corners get tons of pub, but it's been consistent DE pressure year after year.

Can it go in reverse? Yes - we've all heard of coverage sacks, but it's less of a correlation there.

Remember, wide receivers have more momentum in their routes than DBs do. DBs are back pedaling, running while watching the QB, etc. It's hard to continually create time for coverage sacks.

Thus, WHEN the DL provides more pressure and more sacks, the DBs will look awesome. Berry is apparently ready RIGHT NOW.
 
#20
#20
Recruited speed should make other special teams better, that makes me a little torn on the ST assessment. Lincoln could come through, and if he does, with the new speed ST could be the best we have had in the last three years.
 
#21
#21
I've never heard of college players organizing their own mini-camp. Do I believe the coaches had some say, privately? Yeah, but for this to actually come together, and have so many players show up is incredible.

Remember, I'm a big believer that turnovers and close games are variance. However, I do concede that the phrase that "good luck is preparation met with opportunity" is spot on. The opportunities to get turnovers and win close games are there year after year, and this Tennessee squad seems more prepared and more disciplined that I can remember.

I'm also extremely gullible when it comes to coachspeak.
 
#22
#22
Lexvol said:
Recruited speed should make other special teams better, that makes me a little torn on the ST assessment. Lincoln could come through, and if he does, with the new speed ST could be the best we have had in the last three years.
Click to expand...
that would be a pleasent surprise.....return game and coverage......feild position.....would makd both the offense and defense's jobs much easier if we start winning feild position battles more consistently.......
 
#23
#23
VolinArizona said:
Right on. Some fans forget that the secondary's grades can be highly correlated to the defensive line. In Philadelphia, the Eagles' corners get tons of pub, but it's been consistent DE pressure year after year.

Can it go in reverse? Yes - we've all heard of coverage sacks, but it's less of a correlation there.

Remember, wide receivers have more momentum in their routes than DBs do. DBs are back pedaling, running while watching the QB, etc. It's hard to continually create time for coverage sacks.

Thus, WHEN the DL provides more pressure and more sacks, the DBs will look awesome. Berry is apparently ready RIGHT NOW.
Click to expand...

I hope you're right about this. He sounds liek a truly special player but I have gotten used to players coming here and not living up to there hype for one reson or another....but everything I've heard on here makes it sound like he is for real
 
#24
#24
Right now, Lucas Taylor and Arian Foster are the KRs. I can say with utmost confidence that they won't be the KRs on September 1st.
 
#25
#25
jakez4ut said:
that would be a pleasent surprise.....return game and coverage......feild position.....would makd both the offense and defense's jobs much easier if we start winning feild position battles more consistently.......
Click to expand...

I have said it before, and I will say it again. Special teams play speaks volumes about your talent level because the majority of your coverage and blocking teams are usually your young playmakers and back ups.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.
Advertisement



Back
Top