Unexpected flaws
by owenh
on Apr 14, 2008 10:14 PM CDT
Going in to any football season, typically we have anaylzed and reanalyzed both the strengths and weaknesses of the team, trying to get a better idea of what to expect. However, every year there have been supposed weaknesses that never really had a big impact, and in addition our proported strengths turned out not to be so strong.
(Examples from 07)
Strengths Preseason:
D-Line->Turns out the defensive line was pretty average. Okam was a good kid, but was not the dominating force everyone expected. Run stoppage was good, but overall the line was just average.
Wide Receivers->Remember how we kept talking about the depth and skill of our receiving corps? Well they can't be called lousy, Quan and Nate certainly gave everything they had but let's be realistic, we thought we'd be bombing away. Sweed, while injured became a nonfactor.
Quarterback->Ok everybody has their opinions on McCoy. He was basically the same quarteback as his freshman year with about triple the turnovers (int+fumbles). I'm not calling for his head, but I am pointing out that there was a dropoff. As for Chiles and Harris, they didn't get a whole lot of work, especially Harris.
Weaknesses Preseason:
Secondary->Ok I might get a little heat for saying the DB's weren't a problem, but let me explain myself. We lost Griffin, Brown, and Ross. We brought in Brandon Foster, Ryan Palmer, and Marcus Griffin. We were all worried. Turns out they were ok (not fantastic), but overall they were ok. Say what you want about yards and such, this group of DBs was solid. They didn't give up huge plays very often and were constantly doing the dirty work for our buffoon linebackers.
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So now I ask you. What supposed strengths are actually overrated (O-line anyone?) and what weakness might not be as bad as we think? Opinions, facts, wild speculation all welcome.
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2008
Strength:
O-line - I don't believe this is overrated, the group was solid in the bowl game and improved throughout the year. Depth may be the only concern.
QB - Look for McCoy to blossom behind the line. He has enough running ability and a couple of dependable targets (shipley, quan, and irby) to move the ball down the field. Depth is the killer should mccoy go down.
D-line: The front four will be formidable and the combination of more speed in the middle and a ferocious pass rush from Orakpo and the ends will make this a strength. Muschamp achieves goal #1 - get to the f-ing quarterback.
Weakness:
RB - Is McGee ready to shoulder the load? Any injury to the top 3 will be a major concern.
WR/TE - Overall speed has increased (Pittman and Jones were not burners). However inexperience is the concern. Potential gamebreakers abound.
LBs - Are these guys ready to shake the title of "underachievers"
DBs - The group played OK last year, but breaking in inexperienced players can't be good. If the team relies on them to prevent the big play like we did last year, we are by all means screwed.
As with any teams sometimes strengths cover up weaknesses, and other times weaknesses don't let you get to your strength. In the case of 2008, everything hinges on the O and D lines in my opinion. McGee may not be special, but he's good enough to hit the hole - so if the o-line does its job the Mc-brothers will be effective. The same can be said for getting a consistent pass rush from the defensive front - it will make everyone else better.
by BMG on Apr 15, 2008 8:18 AM CDT 0 recs
One more thing - Playcalling/Gameplanning
2007 weakness - Defensive gameplanning (see UCF, K-State, Nebraska, A&M) and playcalling (see any game on the schedule)
These may not be strengths in 2008 because Muschamp will have to get used to his players, but I have to hope that at the very least they won't be weaknesses.
by BMG on
Apr 15, 2008 11:49 AM CDT
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O-Line
The O-line is the most important part of an offense. A great O-line can make an average QB look great (Bradford,McCoy). I think A LOT of the New England Patriots success is centered around a great offensive line. Tom Brady never gets touched, and when he does...they lose!
by Longhorns84 on Apr 15, 2008 8:23 AM CDT 0 recs
Amen.
Glad that someone else realizes the importance of the o-line.
by Brandon 97 on
Apr 15, 2008 8:57 AM CDT
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Perceived strength
After last year's debacle, one of our biggest weaknesses was the ability to stay out of off-the-field trouble.
Let's hope it's a strength this year, given Ken Rucker's new position and more accountability from the coaching staff (I think we all agree, Will Muschamp is not a coach you want to mess with).
by jc25 on Apr 15, 2008 10:39 AM CDT 0 recs
under and overrated
I think WR is currently underrated. I think Kirkendoll/Collins/Williams will give the position a major upgrade over last year, despite inexperience. The only question is whether we see signs of that by the OIU game.
I think the OL is overrated and still a year away.
I think the DL and LB will be a major upgrade, especially against spread offense teams. I don't know that we have any smashmouth teams on the schedule, but if we do, look out, because we are small but fast on the interior.
I think the DBs have more upside, but it remains to be seen how quickly they can learn.
by burnt in ny on Apr 16, 2008 3:31 PM CDT 0 recs
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