Vols seeking more consistency, physicality from OL

#1

kamoshika

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#1
The inconsistency that has caused problems for Tennessee’s offensive line at times on the practice field this year showed up last week in the Vols’ season opener.

Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said Wednesday that Tennessee’s offensive line was “not as physical as what we wanted to be” and “struggled” in pass protection during the Vols’ 20-13 overtime win over Appalachian State, and they need to improve in those areas going into Saturday’s “Battle at Bristol” against Virginia Tech.

DeBord said the Vols “need to become a consistent offensive unit” in general, but he admitted the offensive line’s shaky pass blocking in particular made things “hard” for Tennessee’s passing game — and for him as a play-caller — against the Mountaineers.

“Not as physical as what we wanted to be,” he said. “Need to become tougher that way. Need to play a ’63’ style that we talk about around here, and we’ve got to do that on a consistent level."

Tennessee Vols seeking consistency, physicality on offensive line
 
#2
#2
Boys need to strap on a pair Saturday...

Need to look more like Div 1 Football Players...

Instead of Debord's Synchronized Swimmers...
 
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#4
#4
The inconsistency that has caused problems for Tennessee’s offensive line at times on the practice field this year showed up last week in the Vols’ season opener.

Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said Wednesday that Tennessee’s offensive line was “not as physical as what we wanted to be” and “struggled” in pass protection during the Vols’ 20-13 overtime win over Appalachian State, and they need to improve in those areas going into Saturday’s “Battle at Bristol” against Virginia Tech.

DeBord said the Vols “need to become a consistent offensive unit” in general, but he admitted the offensive line’s shaky pass blocking in particular made things “hard” for Tennessee’s passing game — and for him as a play-caller — against the Mountaineers.

“Not as physical as what we wanted to be,” he said. “Need to become tougher that way. Need to play a ’63’ style that we talk about around here, and we’ve got to do that on a consistent level."

Tennessee Vols seeking consistency, physicality on offensive line

Good, you've pinpointed it. Step two is washing it out.
 

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#6
#6
Considering how seamless and consistent the OL-corp has been 2014 and 2015, I can see how this piece of the puzzle may have been overlooked this past summer.
 
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#7
#7
I seriously blame the coaching. We have 2 coaches that understand the o-line. The o-line is DeBord's specialty.
 
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#11
#11
This falls squarely on CBJ and CMD. Go recruit OLine guys and make it a damn priority. The Oline has been an issue for years. This didn't sneak up on you. FIX IT.
 
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#13
#13
"Consistency"?? Que the Inigo Montoya "you keep using that word....". I don't think it means what he thinks it means.

Consistency wasn't the problem last week. They were consistently awful. They need to get better at both execution and excellence.
 
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#14
#14
Every D we face will continue to stack the box and dare us to throw, and until we do....?



.
 
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#15
#15
Regarding OL DeBord said:
“Not as physical as what we wanted to be. Need to become tougher that way."

YA %$#@ING THINK?!?!?:
 
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#19
#19
I really don't understand our staffs infatuation with Coleman Thomas. He does pretty well blocking in space, but he's been a liability pass blocking in every game he's played as a Vol.

Personally, I'd bench him, move Wiesman to OC, and put Jones in at RG.
 
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#20
#20
This falls squarely on CBJ and CMD. Go recruit OLine guys and make it a damn priority. The Oline has been an issue for years. This didn't sneak up on you. FIX IT.

I met Cade Mays' aunt and uncle today. From what they say he bleeds orange, has a mean streak on the field, and gives it all he has every game. They were super nice people and I wish we had more guys that truly gave their all for Tennessee on out current oline. Well maybe they do but it sure isn't apparent some times. Also hinted his younger brother is looking great starting as a freshman and will likely follow his brother
 
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#21
#21
I met Cade Mays' aunt and uncle today. From what they say he bleeds orange, has a mean streak on the field, and gives it all he has every game. They were super nice people and I wish we had more guys that truly gave their all for Tennessee on out current oline. Well maybe they do but it sure isn't apparent some times. Also hinted his younger brother is looking great starting as a freshman and will likely follow his brother

Mays will get stuck behind a junior with half as much talent because seniority is the only thing that matters on the line according to the coaches
 
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#24
#24
DeBord screwed up royally by not going to Kamara more in this game. The guy is a playmaker and had three touches--three--into the fourth quarter. DeBord should have a variety of plays/formations designed to get Kamara the ball in space as a primary or secondary option--and then USE THEM, especially if your offensive line is struggling. Let's face it: DeBord is a old Big 10 guy--I'm sure he thought he could pound AppState--but he's got to be more creative. Even bama, which has a better OL and CAN pound the ball, is far more creative than we are. Kiffin will eat DeBord's lunch....mark it.
 
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