Defensive Improvment?

[a vol n tears]

I know a lot of skill position players will be gone next year but "if" the line can stay healthy and continue to improve I don't expect much of a drop-off in scoring. The big issue will be the defense. On the d Line we stayed healthy at DE and have some very good talent returning. At DT we started with 1st and 2nd teamers and then injuries got us to 2nd and 3rd teamers and eventually 3rd and 4th teamers. Same at LB as JRM and Kirkland got injured. Then McDowell went down Sapp was out for season. We had to play 3rd and 4th teamers. CB & S had basically the same story with Sutton, Foreman, Osborne, Moseley, Kelly Jr, etc. With them playing so many 3rd and 4th teamers last year, I think the defense should be much better with these guys getting 1st and 2nd team reps through thru the spring and fall. I always expect one or two players show up much better than we expect. What are others thoughts.

 

[vol-un-tear]

No Martinez. There.

 

[UT Hill Man]

Yeah, just getting everyone healthy, and this being year two in Shoop's scheme
should make a big difference in the defense. I'm ready to see us stuff teams
again.

 

[RPAV]

Huge improvement coming in second year. Every one will be on same page and we have one of the best Strength Coaches we have ever had.

 

[dan4vols]

Will the Vols be a single digit underdog in the swamp next season? The defense should improve, injuries should decrease, strength should improve. Offense may stutter because of QB learning curve, offensive line cohesion, Mahoney. Will special teams and defense be enough?

 

[dduncan4163]

With Willie gone hopefully I won't be screaming this at the TV next season.

 

[dduncan4163]

Huge improvement coming in second year. Every one will be on same page and we have one of the best Strength Coaches we have ever had.

I agree, losing Barnett is tough but we should be better on D overall next season. I just hope King Tut is ready come SEC play.

 

[photovol]

I don't think the defense can get much worse after giving up almost 2,000 yds in just 3 games last year, do you?:birgits_giggle:

 

[VolBricks]

I've read that Shoop's defense is difficult to learn. He wants cerebral guys that can make decisions quick based on what the offense does. It would seem to make sense that the longer an athlete was in Shoop's system the better he would understand what is expected of him.

 

[1982Alum]

Our DBs played like dogs most of the last season. Injuries were not the issue as much as blown assignments, giving up on plays, bad angles, and poor tackling. That kills you downfield and makes a 10 yard play a 30 yard play.

 

[1982Alum]

I've read that Shoop's defense is difficult to learn. He wants cerebral guys that can make decisions quick based on what the offense does. It would seem to make sense that the longer an athlete was in Shoop's system the better he would understand what is expected of him.

Maybe this is why the Vandy defense played well under him. They do have a more cerebral group than we do.

 

[Titan05]

It'll be better but that's not saying much after last year. Will it be enough?

 

[Chilmonty]

Yeah Stopping the Run a Little would be SOMEWHAT helpful! :blink:


.

 

[kamoshika]

“With the way we played at the end of the year, there’s going to be competition everywhere,” Shoop said Wednesday night at the Tennessee Theatre during the Vols’ signing day ceremony. “We’re gonna have more competition this year than last year at all three levels of the defense, and that’s exciting.”

Shoop said he’s in a better position to put his “stamp” on the defense than he was a season ago when Jones beat out Auburn for the services of the Yale-educated defensive guru. “Sometimes its difficult when you come into a staff, and you’re the only new guy on the staff on one side of the ball, and you’re trying to fit into a culture,” Shoop said. “Rather than put your stamp on things, you’re trying to fit in.”

Shoop said he’s much more comfortable in his second season, and Jones has helped him find tweaks that can improve the defense. “I’m looking forward to Year 2 and putting my stamp on things,” Shoop said. “You may see more 4-3 than 4-2-5 concepts, but to the naked eye it won’t look a whole lot different.”
https://www.seccountry.com/tennessee/bob-shoop-tennessee-defense-signing

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Huge improvement coming in second year. Every one will be on same page and we have one of the best Strength Coaches we have ever had.

If he is half as good as Stuckey was, he will be great. Lets hope he is.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I don't think the defense can get much worse after giving up almost 2,000 yds in just 3 games last year, do you?:birgits_giggle:

We don’t have to be reminded that injuries killed our defense last year. We recruited very well on the defensive side of the ball and we should be better at LB,CB and Ft with the injuries healed over the Winter and Spring. I think the D will be much better this Fall.

 

[VolsnRavens]

I know a lot of skill position players will be gone next year but "if" the line can stay healthy and continue to improve I don't expect much of a drop-off in scoring. The big issue will be the defense. On the d Line we stayed healthy at DE and have some very good talent returning. At DT we started with 1st and 2nd teamers and then injuries got us to 2nd and 3rd teamers and eventually 3rd and 4th teamers. Same at LB as JRM and Kirkland got injured. Then McDowell went down Sapp was out for season. We had to play 3rd and 4th teamers. CB & S had basically the same story with Sutton, Foreman, Osborne, Moseley, Kelly Jr, etc. With them playing so many 3rd and 4th teamers last year, I think the defense should be much better with these guys getting 1st and 2nd team reps through thru the spring and fall. I always expect one or two players show up much better than we expect. What are others thoughts.

Since we are talking about the defense, I sure as hell hope there's a drop off in scoring. We allowed way too much scoring last year!

 

[TennesseeRugby]

A few guys will be out for spring. i think Tuttle and phillips. maybe khalil also. But it starts at DT. thats where we need the most depth