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The defense worries me still

Posted on 8/18/17 at 10:50 pm
Posted by JesusQuintana
St Louis
Member since Oct 2013
33366 posts
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.
Posted by wubilli
Columbia
Member since Apr 2014
5517 posts
Posted on 8/18/17 at 10:55 pm to
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.
Posted by reedus23
St. Louis
Member since Sep 2011
25486 posts
Posted on 8/18/17 at 11:47 pm to
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.

Posted by Mizzou Mule
St. Charles County, Missou-rah
Member since Sep 2014
3081 posts
Posted on 8/19/17 at 1:09 am to
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.
Posted by TigerCruise
Virginia Beach, VA
Member since Oct 2013
11898 posts
Posted on 8/19/17 at 8:59 pm to
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 by MIZ_COU
I'm right here
Member since Oct 2013
13771 posts
Posted on 8/19/17 at 11:54 pm to
I'm absolutely worried about having the horses at corner and LB.
Posted by Wtodd
Tampa, FL
Member since Oct 2013
67546 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 6:09 am to
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.
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