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Let's come together and figure out where the team is and talk moving forward
Posted on 8/31/14 at 4:48 pm
Posted on 8/31/14 at 4:48 pm
I'd like to start by saying I think we should shift the way we think about the team and the strategy used in college football. There aren't as many teams willing to pound the ball on the ground all night, only to realize Alabama isn't budging. It was only a few years ago that before games we'd say "stop the run, and as the game progresses Alabama will have their opponent pretty much chucking the ball in desperation trying to make SOMETHING happen." It was a fairly simple strategy that was damn near fool proof with the players Alabama has.
Those days are pretty much gone. And the mind blowing defensive stats we've been spoiled by are probably gone too. I'm pretty certain it's gonna be impossible to completely shut down these HUNH teams, but what should Alabama do to be more effective against it THIS season? We've all bitched about the CB play...so what should be done about it? Personel and scheme wise. And I read here that they looked better after going to a 4 man front later in the game....? What did that do to help? The linebackers will be a bit different after Trey gets back. They still HAVE to help keep the middle from being exploited. What's to be done about that?
It's somewhat of a new concept to think "oh man we HAVE to put some serious points on the board to win this one." At least it's new for me. For some of these games, that's exactly how it's gonna be. The offensive line really put my mind at ease in this department. It wasn't perfect but I think they have everything needed to be a dominant, game controlling line. With our QB situation, the offensive line is a MUST, and I think they have what it takes to, idk, help manage a game and keep some pressure off of Sims and Kiffin.
I'm just gonna assume that the receivers are good to go and a known commodity so that leaves the QB possition. I see a bit of concern with the ability to stretch the field. This might be false but I think the receivers take SOME of that concern away with their ability to make short throws into pretty nice gains. Huge pass plays would be great, but they'll get some with their ability after the catch. That still leaves the offense needing to keep the safeties honest and keep teams from always stacking the box. So, how would that be done with THIS team?
I saw that LSU had much more success when they would spread Wisconsin out, get them in nickel, and run against that formation. Will Alabama need to get more receivers on the field to get big pass plays? If Sims doesn't get better at throws over 15 yards, what will Alabama do to make up for that lack of production?
From what I've seen, I think Sims can be VERY productive if the coaches can figure out how to maximize his and the teams strengths. I'll be VERY disappointed if they keep doing what they're doing, find that he's serviceable at it, then use the same strategy against some of these really good defenses. I do not think he'll do well against them with yesterday's game plan.
We all semi joked about how it would be fun to see some designed runs. I'm thinking it's a necessity now. Don't force him to be Tom Brady dammit. He has a serious ability to move the ball with his legs, HELP HIM USE THAT ABILITY.
I couldn't be more excited to see how this team goes about dealing with this season. I just really think it's going to take a way different approach than we are used to. I'd like to see the coaches go all in, instead of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
(I didn't say anything about Coker bc I think Sims is and will be the guy all year. Don't think he brings anything different to the table other than his arm strength, and that's useless without accuracy and a good understanding of the offense.)
I know this is an extremely long post and is filled with rambling, but could y'all try to pick some parts and talk about them? I'm really interested in actual ways this team can get better and y'all's thoughts on what it will take. Yeah, we all know that "SYLVE SUCKED!!!" but getting down on guys and bitching has become tiresome to read.
Those days are pretty much gone. And the mind blowing defensive stats we've been spoiled by are probably gone too. I'm pretty certain it's gonna be impossible to completely shut down these HUNH teams, but what should Alabama do to be more effective against it THIS season? We've all bitched about the CB play...so what should be done about it? Personel and scheme wise. And I read here that they looked better after going to a 4 man front later in the game....? What did that do to help? The linebackers will be a bit different after Trey gets back. They still HAVE to help keep the middle from being exploited. What's to be done about that?
It's somewhat of a new concept to think "oh man we HAVE to put some serious points on the board to win this one." At least it's new for me. For some of these games, that's exactly how it's gonna be. The offensive line really put my mind at ease in this department. It wasn't perfect but I think they have everything needed to be a dominant, game controlling line. With our QB situation, the offensive line is a MUST, and I think they have what it takes to, idk, help manage a game and keep some pressure off of Sims and Kiffin.
I'm just gonna assume that the receivers are good to go and a known commodity so that leaves the QB possition. I see a bit of concern with the ability to stretch the field. This might be false but I think the receivers take SOME of that concern away with their ability to make short throws into pretty nice gains. Huge pass plays would be great, but they'll get some with their ability after the catch. That still leaves the offense needing to keep the safeties honest and keep teams from always stacking the box. So, how would that be done with THIS team?
I saw that LSU had much more success when they would spread Wisconsin out, get them in nickel, and run against that formation. Will Alabama need to get more receivers on the field to get big pass plays? If Sims doesn't get better at throws over 15 yards, what will Alabama do to make up for that lack of production?
From what I've seen, I think Sims can be VERY productive if the coaches can figure out how to maximize his and the teams strengths. I'll be VERY disappointed if they keep doing what they're doing, find that he's serviceable at it, then use the same strategy against some of these really good defenses. I do not think he'll do well against them with yesterday's game plan.
We all semi joked about how it would be fun to see some designed runs. I'm thinking it's a necessity now. Don't force him to be Tom Brady dammit. He has a serious ability to move the ball with his legs, HELP HIM USE THAT ABILITY.
I couldn't be more excited to see how this team goes about dealing with this season. I just really think it's going to take a way different approach than we are used to. I'd like to see the coaches go all in, instead of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
(I didn't say anything about Coker bc I think Sims is and will be the guy all year. Don't think he brings anything different to the table other than his arm strength, and that's useless without accuracy and a good understanding of the offense.)
I know this is an extremely long post and is filled with rambling, but could y'all try to pick some parts and talk about them? I'm really interested in actual ways this team can get better and y'all's thoughts on what it will take. Yeah, we all know that "SYLVE SUCKED!!!" but getting down on guys and bitching has become tiresome to read.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 4:56 pm to ReauxlTide222
Reality is teams will run the HUNH offense vs Bama and Bama D-backs need to improve on coverage so that our front line can have time to apply pressure.
Offensively Bama is lethal and can score points....just need the secondary to step it up and get more 3 and outs.
Offensively Bama is lethal and can score points....just need the secondary to step it up and get more 3 and outs.
This post was edited on 8/31/14 at 4:58 pm
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:00 pm to ReauxlTide222
One thing I did feel good about was that it seemed like Bama had long sustained drives. Obviously with the third down success and time of possession, we did, but, I think you have to have that against the HUNH teams...
And, you have to be able to stop or limit their passing.
And, you have to be able to stop or limit their passing.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:08 pm to ReauxlTide222
Defense needs and answer at corner, cover the middle of the field better, and Blake Sims needs to work on his down field passing. There ya go.
Roll Tide
Roll Tide
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:11 pm to harmonics
That.
A good corner and an ILB with playcalling experience would have made a difference.
A good corner and an ILB with playcalling experience would have made a difference.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:22 pm to AllBamaDoesIsWin
Someone convince that we will be ok vs A&M and not get blown out or beat.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:23 pm to ReauxlTide222
Great post. I agree with everything....great post!!!!!
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:24 pm to The Silverback
They'll drop 35, at least. Unless our corner play goes from bad to excellent.
We'll have to just outscore em.
We'll have to just outscore em.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:26 pm to AllBamaDoesIsWin
If our corner play is superb by then (October 17), and A&M has regressed a little (assuming they peak early or just started hot), how much you think they score on us then?
We'll see how good A&M really is when they face arkansas and missisippi state, the games before Bama. That's when we'll know what we're really up against I think
We'll see how good A&M really is when they face arkansas and missisippi state, the games before Bama. That's when we'll know what we're really up against I think
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:27 pm to partsman103
quote:
Reality is teams will run the HUNH offense vs Bama and Bama D-backs need to improve on coverage so that our front line can have time to apply pressure.
I know they have much room to improve in coverage. That alone would stifle opposing offenses a bit. I'm still of the impression that those offenses WILL "get theirs." For those reasons I'm not as concerned with the defense. I know that sounds weird seeing as the defense looked shaky, morso than the offense.
To see the field in Saban's secondary it seems like experience and understanding of the scheme is more crucial than maybe some other teams. Is it or will it ever ever be time to simply get the best talent out there? Basically show some of these guys a player to cover and say "do whatever it takes to stay with this man."
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:27 pm to The Silverback
It's going to be a very interesting season...
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:29 pm to The Silverback
quote:
If our corner play is superb by then (October 17), and A&M has regressed a little (assuming they peak early or just started hot), how much you think they score on us then?
21 at least. We won't shut em down.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:30 pm to thatdude1985
quote:
Great post. I agree with everything....great post!!!!!
A.K.A.
quote:
I have absolutely no urge to read your ridiculous book of a post
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:31 pm to ReauxlTide222
no I actually read it and thought it was great man.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:32 pm to AllBamaDoesIsWin
If we can play ball control with our offense, and come away with touchdowns (I don't see why we couldn't) and do just enough to minimize their scoring and pocession time, then they'll score less than 30 (I hope) I am super nervous about that game
If we lose to A&M, I will never hear the end of it from all my family members who are aggies. Saying shite like "Sabans done" , or "this kind of offense beats Sabans arse", or even "this A&M team would destroy any Bama team"
If we lose to A&M, I will never hear the end of it from all my family members who are aggies. Saying shite like "Sabans done" , or "this kind of offense beats Sabans arse", or even "this A&M team would destroy any Bama team"
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:34 pm to The Silverback
Arkansas can provide us a blueprint to beat A&M. I think they will play them close. I just have that feeling they will
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:34 pm to The Silverback
I think our O will be roaring by then, to be honest. These next two weeks will be key, despite the opponents. Get some young guys reps, and figure out for sure if Sims can give us a deep threat.
If we can stretch the field, we contend for a title.
If we can't, we'll be a pretender.
If we can stretch the field, we contend for a title.
If we can't, we'll be a pretender.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:35 pm to The Silverback
We should run more too.
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:36 pm to AllBamaDoesIsWin
We NEED to sharpen the deep ball and run blocking (just a little, can never be too good at it with the RBs we have) over the next 2 weeks. And Coker needs to get reps and sling it around so if sims goes down, we'll be OK
Posted on 8/31/14 at 5:37 pm to thatdude1985
I wouldn't be opposed to throwing it around a bit like yesterday. Obviously go down the field a bit more.
Gotta feed Coop/White/Howard too
Gotta feed Coop/White/Howard too
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