[ChicagoCard]

In a tennessean.com article Mason commented on the evolution of the defense from 2010, which I thought was interesting (while I wait eagerly to find out who replaces Mason, Kotulski and Sanford)...

“We had a great staff at Stanford and we took the first two years of our defense being in place (2010-2011) and looked at why we weren’t successful,” Mason said. “If you look at what my strengths have been, it had a lot to do with being able to make adjustments and changes to what you do. We had to look at what we were doing structurally and we modified it. We made it easier for our guys to get lined up, play fast and make calls and adjustments.

“I think it has to do with the deception of (Oregon) trying to create numbers, trying to create mismatch problems. What we did was make it simple for our guys. When you allow smart players to get lined up to play football versus trying to out-scheme your opponent, you allow the guys to play with confidence. And when they play with confidence, they can play fast and physical.”

I remember comments from Tarver that preached the same philosophy. Any chance they lure him back from the Raiders?

Further, I didn't know much about Vavae Tata but apparently he'll coach Vandy's defensive line... meaning might have been a candidate to take over after Randy Hart.

[ChicagoCard]

In a tennessean.com article Mason commented on the evolution of the defense from 2010, which I thought was interesting (while I wait eagerly to find out who replaces Mason, Kotulski and Sanford)...

“We had a great staff at Stanford and we took the first two years of our defense being in place (2010-2011) and looked at why we weren’t successful,” Mason said. “If you look at what my strengths have been, it had a lot to do with being able to make adjustments and changes to what you do. We had to look at what we were doing structurally and we modified it. We made it easier for our guys to get lined up, play fast and make calls and adjustments.

“I think it has to do with the deception of (Oregon) trying to create numbers, trying to create mismatch problems. What we did was make it simple for our guys. When you allow smart players to get lined up to play football versus trying to out-scheme your opponent, you allow the guys to play with confidence. And when they play with confidence, they can play fast and physical.”

I remember comments from Tarver that preached the same philosophy. Any chance they lure him back from the Raiders?

Further, I didn't know much about Vavae Tata but apparently he'll coach Vandy's defensive line... meaning might have been a candidate to take over after Randy Hart.