[SamuelMcF]

Thanks, Langdude!  



Every starter on offense projected to return. If the offense had been good this year, that would be incredible fortune. As it stands, we have to cross our fingers that the OL can be coached up this spring. But it’s not implausible. The offense improved dramatically from the ‘98 team to the ‘99 team. Obviously a different time, different players, and different coaches, but there is hope. 



The defense returns a bunch of starters too. The back 7-8 had more than its share of issues this year, but with Kelly returning, you can see the makings of two competent units on the defense. But this chart really brings the dire situation on the DL into relief. One scholarship DT returning and no returning players have logged more than 5 tackles in a season. Even you assume Pakola will return and that Keneley can put his hand in the dirt, no one has more than 7 tackles in a season. If you squint, you might be able to see a path to filling these spots, but it requires rose colored glasses.

I feel like a broken record repeating this: "DT" vs. "DE" means nothing in a 2-4-5 nickel base, which we run consistently.

Not that you're wrong about how dire the DL situation is, because holy crap is it bad. If only this was foreseeable years ago...oh wait, it totally was.

[SamuelMcF]

Thanks, Langdude!  



Every starter on offense projected to return. If the offense had been good this year, that would be incredible fortune. As it stands, we have to cross our fingers that the OL can be coached up this spring. But it’s not implausible. The offense improved dramatically from the ‘98 team to the ‘99 team. Obviously a different time, different players, and different coaches, but there is hope. 



The defense returns a bunch of starters too. The back 7-8 had more than its share of issues this year, but with Kelly returning, you can see the makings of two competent units on the defense. But this chart really brings the dire situation on the DL into relief. One scholarship DT returning and no returning players have logged more than 5 tackles in a season. Even you assume Pakola will return and that Keneley can put his hand in the dirt, no one has more than 7 tackles in a season. If you squint, you might be able to see a path to filling these spots, but it requires rose colored glasses.

I feel like a broken record repeating this: "DT" vs. "DE" means nothing in a 2-4-5 nickel base, which we run consistently.

Not that you're wrong about how dire the DL situation is, because holy crap is it bad. If only this was foreseeable years ago...oh wait, it totally was.