Mental Toughness and Aggression

#1
T_man_J

T_man_J

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Sep 4, 2005
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#1
I watched the Cal game Saturday night and I was left with some observations and probably some conjecture that I need to get off my chest, so here goes. First and foremost, I have been conditioned to love the Tennessee football program since childhood, and I will always support this team no matter what happens in terms of wins or losses, but there are conditions. When this team plays up to its full ability and doesn’t win, I am the first to congratulate the opponents, and I always have a good feeling about the game because I know that our guys left it all on the field, but this is different. I give no accolades to Cal because the team they played Saturday night wore the TN uniform, but that was not a TN football team. I served eight years in the United States Marine Corps; although, civilian life has conditioned me to temper my tongue and expectations, it is time to stand up and be counted.

Our defense lost the game. It was obvious that they had watched too much game film of Cal. This was demonstrated time and again as our defenders tentatively danced in front of the Cal ball carriers instead of exploding through them. This is a sure sign that our players were thinking instead of reacting. We recruit top players that have a natural instinct and ability to play football; then we bring to Tennessee and try to turn them into Football Professors. An old Marine saying is "When in doubt, Attack." This sets a very aggressive state of mind that is infectious, and believe me, this can be very disruptive to the enemy (I mean opponent). It is time to bench the Football Professors and put the players on the field. If our coaches do not have the intestinal fortitude to make this call, then it is time for new coaches.
 
#2
#2
We did put new players on the field. We rotated in almost every DL that we have. In fact, with the exception of a few Fr(that we probably should have given at least a play or two) we rotated in every player we have on defense.
 
#3
#3
I understand that we played many young players. My point is that our guys are being coached to play in a cautious manner; that is not good. Intensity and aggression breeds intensity and aggression. We need some football aggression.
 
#4
#4
T_man_J said:
I understand that we played many young players. My point is that our guys are being coached to play in a cautious manner; that is not good. Intensity and aggression breeds intensity and aggression. We need some football aggression.
Click to expand...

So you are there at the practices and you know how they are coached?
 
#6
#6
Special teams and turnovers lost the game. The defense looked silly at times but I give credit to Cal for having some excellent skill players.

In a close game like this was - special teams and turnovers make the differnce.
 
#7
#7
Turnovers !???!!?!?!?!?!

WE HAD 1 turnover. Yes it was returned for a touchdown, but my goodness.

Again Guys, we have one of the worst Defensive Lines in the SEC, and probably the worst in the country of any team that is going to post a winning record. That is why we lost. The defense plays as a unit, and if you let playmakers like Cal's get into the open field so easily, of course the rest of the D looks bad.
 
#9
#9
I know how they played; how they played is what they learned (or didn't learn) in practice.
 
#10
#10
0 sacks and 1 QB hurry says it tall.

Cal averaged over 6 yds/carry.
The defense lost that game.
 
#14
#14
wasted talent? no talent to begin with? Poor strength and conditioning training? I have no idea but thier asses better start playing better or we will not see them but some new faces for better or worse.
 
#16
#16
T_man_J said:
I understand that we played many young players. My point is that our guys are being coached to play in a cautious manner; that is not good. Intensity and aggression breeds intensity and aggression. We need some football aggression.
Click to expand...

Defense has a tendency to over-pursue thus meaning they are being too aggressive.........lost containment, etc.

Chavis is the most overrated defensive coordinator in the country. Even in years when our defense has looked good on paper (statistically), we have given up too many big plays on crucial downs. 3rd and 12, 3rd and 8, etc. Cal converted on every single crucial third down Sat night. And tackling? When was the last time you saw sure tacklers on the defense? I know, it has been years...a direct reflect on coaching.
 
#17
#17
I have no idea why we have lacked decent talent on the D-line the last couple of years. I wish Chavis would have blitzed more because the D-line was not getting it done. Another suprise for me was how poorly Hefney played. yeah, he pulled a hamstring but even before that he was like a deer in the headlights. I'm not even gonna mention Parrish he was out of position so often he might as well have not been on the field and this guy is a senior?
I dont know i'm frustrated, i'm sad, i'm pissed but I have hope because our D got embarrassed on national TV and i'm hoping that they can turn it around.
Its my hope that Fulmer empties the bag the rest of the year and puts the best playmakers on the field
But, i know in my heart of hearts that we will just have more of the same. I wish that our VOLS would become an aggressive team again and start hitting people in the mouth. I do have hope, i swear i do and i think we can go 10-2 at the least. But then again, i have orange tinted glasses on.
 
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