PowHound, a personal request: I know you like using "DeBear" to refer to the coach, but it's cringeworthy to me. Obviously do as you like, but I'd consider it a personal favor if you didn't.

Three big issues with the defensive side of the ball, in my mind:
- New system and terminology. That could be something of a positive, since Saban's schemes (especially in the secondary) were famously complex; in recent years, our defense seemed to suffer at times because of that. However, assuming our experienced defenders will take a step forward is just wishful thinking, at this point, because we don't know how they'll handle learning an entirely new system.

- Depth. Even if our starters take to the new system like ducks to water, we are dangerously thin at some positions -- notably inside linebacker. In 2019 we lost our two starting ILBs to injury before the season started, and we had to start two true freshmen. That is not a recipe for success.

- Overall experience, especially in the secondary. Starting true freshmen at any position in the SEC is not ideal. Even Caleb Downs, who many apparently have anointed as the greatest player in the history of college football, had issues with coverage and understanding his assignments, particularly early in the year. It doesn't matter how highly ranked or highly recruited a player was; being the best in high school is several orders of magnitude easier than being great at the college level.

I'm cautiously optimistic about 2024, but expecting our defense to pick up right where it left off in 2023 isn't logical. I'd be beyond ecstatic if we played that well, but I doubt that will happen.

This post was edited on 1/24/24 at 10:53 am

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Posted by PowHound

The Peoples Moderator

Member since Jul 2014

6849 posts

Posted on 1/24/24 at 11:28 am to Sauron

quote:
PowHound, a personal request: I know you like using "DeBear" to refer to the coach, but it's cringeworthy to me. Obviously do as you like, but I'd consider it a personal favor if you didn't.

You Not a SNL fan ? DaBears skit was an all time classic especially when Chris Farley joined the cast. Top 5 skits all time.

quote:
assuming our experienced defenders will take a step forward is just wishful thinking, at this point, because we don't know how they'll handle learning an entirely new system.

It's more unlikely that they dont mature, learn, get better, than they for some odd reason get worse. Also, they will not be dealing with an offense that scores 24 points a game, and is able to sustain longer drives to give them a rest- I think the importance of that can't be overstated

quote:
- Depth. Even if our starters take to the new system like ducks to water, we are dangerously thin at some positions -- notably inside linebacker. In 2019 we lost our two starting ILBs to injury before the season started, and we had to start two true freshmen. That is not a recipe for success.

I mean yeah, we've had at least 4-5 possible Championships during the CNS era derailed by injuries. Luck is always part of the equation no doubt, but that
goes for everybody so it's moot. We have so many OLB's that I think we could see a few move inside like Qua Russaw, and the LB that KD is bringing over from Washington. Also, come spring what the portal took away we will plunder where we need to. Many coaching changes are about to take place.

quote:
I'm cautiously optimistic about 2024, but expecting our defense to pick up right where it left off in 2023 isn't logical. I'd be beyond ecstatic if we played that well, but I doubt that will happen.

They dont have to be anywhere near as good since our team will no longer be scoring 24 PPG. I expect we will damn near double that. However the personnel we have I personally think will shock some people. The DL, LB, and OLB's will be good to great, and our new DC is apparently "very aggressive." That is a young secondaries best friend. I will say though Moore the D captain is returning back there to get everyone lined up. Domani has played D1 ball, Dev. Smith has been developed. There is a lot of talent there, and IF we get the Washington corner suddenly things look really solid from my perspective. (and theres the spring portal)

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Posted by MoarKilometers

Member since Apr 2015

18260 posts

Posted on 1/24/24 at 12:30 pm to Sauron

quote:
PowHound, a personal request: I know you like using "DeBear" to refer to the coach, but it's cringeworthy to me. Obviously do as you like, but I'd consider it a personal favor if you didn't.

You're saying that to someone who literally couldn't stop calling Cornwell cornholio. I think flesh eventually banned him for it