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The defense worries me still
Posted on 8/18/17 at 10:50 pm
Posted on 8/18/17 at 10:50 pm
Quite a bit actually.
I still like Odom as a defensive coach, and think he is a very good playcaller (I'd like it if our HC did not have to call the plays but that's another discussion). I just worry we simply do not have the horses. Harold and Cheadle being starters just doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy.
On the DL, I think we should be fine here. DE depth is concerning, but Frazier and Becker are really good and if they stay healthy should help us get quality overall play from this unit. Agbasimere is also a very intriguing upside piece. If he breaks out it could make this unit a real plus. Byers also intrigues me. Quality DT depth. I think this unit will be ok, if not pretty good.
With the LB, I'm concerned about the talent level. We do have a lot of experience, but I just haven't seen a guy who Is say is a top tier player. Let alone 2-3 of them. Gotta love Biesel. I think he's a leader and warrior, but I just see a lot of physical limitations in this group. Hoping Brooks and Miller are really good because we need a talent infusion. Overall though, I don't think this group will kill us because we do have a lot of guys who have played a lot of football, but I can't really see it being a huge plus either.
The secondary is downright scary. It takes a real leap of faith to be too confident here. Like I said, with Cheadle apparently holding off Holmes that just isn't a great sign. Hopefully he comes on as the year goes along because he's a physical specimen. We have experienc at safety, but again just seem to have trouble having anyone separate themselves from the pack. You just have to hope at this spot, but there is the possibility that it's just not a very good unit. If we don't have some guys step up as the year goes on, you'd have to hope the pass rush can help mask some deficiencies.
I still like Odom as a defensive coach, and think he is a very good playcaller (I'd like it if our HC did not have to call the plays but that's another discussion). I just worry we simply do not have the horses. Harold and Cheadle being starters just doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy.
On the DL, I think we should be fine here. DE depth is concerning, but Frazier and Becker are really good and if they stay healthy should help us get quality overall play from this unit. Agbasimere is also a very intriguing upside piece. If he breaks out it could make this unit a real plus. Byers also intrigues me. Quality DT depth. I think this unit will be ok, if not pretty good.
With the LB, I'm concerned about the talent level. We do have a lot of experience, but I just haven't seen a guy who Is say is a top tier player. Let alone 2-3 of them. Gotta love Biesel. I think he's a leader and warrior, but I just see a lot of physical limitations in this group. Hoping Brooks and Miller are really good because we need a talent infusion. Overall though, I don't think this group will kill us because we do have a lot of guys who have played a lot of football, but I can't really see it being a huge plus either.
The secondary is downright scary. It takes a real leap of faith to be too confident here. Like I said, with Cheadle apparently holding off Holmes that just isn't a great sign. Hopefully he comes on as the year goes along because he's a physical specimen. We have experienc at safety, but again just seem to have trouble having anyone separate themselves from the pack. You just have to hope at this spot, but there is the possibility that it's just not a very good unit. If we don't have some guys step up as the year goes on, you'd have to hope the pass rush can help mask some deficiencies.
Posted on 8/18/17 at 10:55 pm to JesusQuintana
I think the defense will be ok. Not good, but not terrible like last year.
I also think starters for the most part won't matter. Late last year BO basically substituted both LB and S in packages. It's probably safe to assume that happens with all units.
Turner will play at DE, according to practice reports he's been splitting first team reps.
I also think starters for the most part won't matter. Late last year BO basically substituted both LB and S in packages. It's probably safe to assume that happens with all units.
Turner will play at DE, according to practice reports he's been splitting first team reps.
Posted on 8/18/17 at 11:47 pm to JesusQuintana
The DL on the inside is just fine. Logan should hopefully progress and has experience. Beckner can be a stud if healthy. And we have the JUCO's and Byers when moved inside. Has Tyrell Jacobs just disappeared?
On the outside, Frazier is an A player. Thin after that. If Byers is all that has been written about him, I can see him contributing a lot here. Smash would be a bonus if he were to break out. My concern at DE isn't so much this year as the next year or two.
Disappointed that Lee and Hall haven't turned into more. I like Beisel's quotes but wouldn't be shocked to see Garrett get more playing time before the season ends. I'm with you hoping Miller and Brooks are the real deal and if they can break through what we have, that's a bonus.
Just not very excited with the DB's. Not a good combo to have if no one is getting pressure besides Frazier.
Overall, I think we'll be better than last year but no where near what we have become accustomed to over the years.
On the outside, Frazier is an A player. Thin after that. If Byers is all that has been written about him, I can see him contributing a lot here. Smash would be a bonus if he were to break out. My concern at DE isn't so much this year as the next year or two.
Disappointed that Lee and Hall haven't turned into more. I like Beisel's quotes but wouldn't be shocked to see Garrett get more playing time before the season ends. I'm with you hoping Miller and Brooks are the real deal and if they can break through what we have, that's a bonus.
Just not very excited with the DB's. Not a good combo to have if no one is getting pressure besides Frazier.
Overall, I think we'll be better than last year but no where near what we have become accustomed to over the years.
Posted on 8/19/17 at 1:09 am to JesusQuintana
If I was an OC facing Mizzou's D, I wouldn't be too concerned. I'd go straight at the CBs and LBs until they can stop. TJB can't be everywhere. And every SEC team on the schedule can say and do that. Better hope that our D stays healthy and grows-up super fast.
Bought a new cup just for this season.
Bought a new cup just for this season.
Posted on 8/19/17 at 8:59 pm to JesusQuintana
Defense will be terrible again this year, our real hope is to simply outscore everyone. If you're expecting less than a shootout you are in for a rude awakening.
Posted on 8/19/17 at 9:37 pm to TigerCruise
Terrible is possible, but saying that now is about the same as saying they will be really good. We don't know what we have yet.
We have potential to be good on the line, and everything starts there. We have potential to be bad or serviceable everywhere else. And, we might be surprised with a breakthrough player or two we don't even know yet.
It's one thing to say it's a concern (because it is), and another to just write them off.
With a scheme change, new DL coach, Odom focused on the D, players returning from injury, etc. we can't just say it's terrible.
It could be, but lets at least see what we've got before we throw in the towel
We have potential to be good on the line, and everything starts there. We have potential to be bad or serviceable everywhere else. And, we might be surprised with a breakthrough player or two we don't even know yet.
It's one thing to say it's a concern (because it is), and another to just write them off.
With a scheme change, new DL coach, Odom focused on the D, players returning from injury, etc. we can't just say it's terrible.
It could be, but lets at least see what we've got before we throw in the towel
Posted on 8/19/17 at 10:00 pm to ZOUtiger
BO seems a little more confident in the team this year.
Posted on 8/19/17 at 10:05 pm to JesusQuintana
Expecting the defense to be better is mostly about trusting BO as a defensive coach.
He was considered 1 of the 10 or so best defensive coaches in college before last season. If he's really close to that good of a coach, the defense will be much improved.
It's probably a year or 2 away from really having his guys as upperclassmen and defense being 1 of the better in the SEC, potentially.
He was considered 1 of the 10 or so best defensive coaches in college before last season. If he's really close to that good of a coach, the defense will be much improved.
It's probably a year or 2 away from really having his guys as upperclassmen and defense being 1 of the better in the SEC, potentially.
Posted on 8/19/17 at 10:14 pm to wubilli
I don't know what we'll have. But I'm guessing we'll have a serviceable defense that improves as the season progresses. That means tough games against South Carolina and Auburn. But, it also means we should have a shot at a lot of games, and should expect better than 6-6. I think we have a 7-5 type of year and have an upset or two that are fun to watch. Last year was a complete collapse on D. Expect improvement.
Posted on 8/19/17 at 11:54 pm to JesusQuintana
I'm absolutely worried about having the horses at corner and LB.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 6:09 am to JesusQuintana
I've said it before and I'll say it again; IF we're in top half of the SEC in total D we'll be in Atlanta.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 10:55 am to ZOUtiger
I think terrible is optimistic.
You're talking about one of the worst defenses in the country last year that from what I can see hasn't added more talent.
I've already discarded the Defense in the trash heap, I'm watching to see our offense this year. I hope I'm wrong, but there is no way all of the experts have Mizzou as a top 3 offense in the conference and still expect us to finish so terribly. The defense was bad and hasn't added anyone of merit to think it will be otherwise this year.
You're talking about one of the worst defenses in the country last year that from what I can see hasn't added more talent.
I've already discarded the Defense in the trash heap, I'm watching to see our offense this year. I hope I'm wrong, but there is no way all of the experts have Mizzou as a top 3 offense in the conference and still expect us to finish so terribly. The defense was bad and hasn't added anyone of merit to think it will be otherwise this year.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 11:02 am to TigerCruise
quote:
You're talking about one of the worst defenses in the country last year that from what I can see hasn't added more talent.
That was 1 year after having a top 10 defense nationally.
BO has abandoned a scheme that didn't work for him. Improvement on defense will be less about talent or additions, and more about coaches.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 2:32 pm to TigerCruise
quote:
one of the worst defenses in the country last year
Improvement isn't out of the question.
The 2015 MU scoring offense was 127th in the nation.
They were 48th in 2016. They added a couple of true FR and some JUCO talent to the two deep and improved. They scored more TDs than the 2014 team that won the division during conference play.
Posted on 8/21/17 at 11:39 pm to navynuke
now remove the Delaware St. game
Posted on 8/22/17 at 7:02 am to MIZ_COU
Conference #s only
Scoring Offense
2015 9 PPG
2016 23 PPG
Total Offense
2015 245 YPG
2016 446 YPG
3rd down conversions
2015 23%
2016 41%
Long Scrimmage plays (10+ yds)
2015 75
2016 128
Sacks Allowed
2015 25
2016 11
So yes, they improved.
Scoring Offense
2015 9 PPG
2016 23 PPG
Total Offense
2015 245 YPG
2016 446 YPG
3rd down conversions
2015 23%
2016 41%
Long Scrimmage plays (10+ yds)
2015 75
2016 128
Sacks Allowed
2015 25
2016 11
So yes, they improved.
Posted on 8/22/17 at 7:30 am to navynuke
Offense improved with an influx of talent along the offensive line and a breakout star in Damarea Crockett. Lock was also thrown to the dogs in 2015 so it's hardly a surprise that he did better in 2016 with Heupel as his QB coach and OC.
I just don't think you can get past that secondary. The tackling there is just so bad. I honestly cannot think of one player in that secondary that I have even average expectations for. It's really that bad of a situation.
I just don't think you can get past that secondary. The tackling there is just so bad. I honestly cannot think of one player in that secondary that I have even average expectations for. It's really that bad of a situation.
Posted on 8/22/17 at 8:16 am to TigerCruise
There's a couple players on the back end that I like.
Sherrills, was being talked about here as a possible NFL early entry candidate last summer. BO has gone back to the scheme that he excelled at.
Perkins was a physical tackler at S last season.
I also like Acy and Prewitt (technically a LB)
Sherrills, was being talked about here as a possible NFL early entry candidate last summer. BO has gone back to the scheme that he excelled at.
Perkins was a physical tackler at S last season.
I also like Acy and Prewitt (technically a LB)
Posted on 8/22/17 at 10:23 am to navynuke
quote:
Conference #s only
Good info. Good basis for comparison.
but 2015 was a bad year for the offense. I would hope we could improve on 9 PPG. It would be pretty cool if they get back towards the 2013 offense.
Where are you getting your numbers?
This post was edited on 8/22/17 at 10:38 am
Posted on 8/24/17 at 12:08 pm to MIZ_COU
quote:
but 2015 was a bad year for the offense
That is the point. The entire skill group performed better after Hill took the WR room back over and the TEs got a position coach that played the position.
quote:
It would be pretty cool if they get back towards the 2013 offense.
So you expected the same receiving corps that kicked the ball around in 2012 to become one of the most explosive units in the country a year later but don't believe that the secondary can improve after a bad year?
The stats come from here:
LINK
This post was edited on 8/24/17 at 2:01 pm
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