🏈 A few thoughts on the OL being put in the "G,B,&U"

[TerryP]

You're a defensive coordinator and you're facing Bama this weekend. How are you going to scheme to stop the Tide? Or, slow down the Tide?

We've talked about the loaded box against Bama's running game for years. If we had a dollar for everytime an opposing team had more players in the box than Bama had blockers...dare say someone's fall tuition could be paid for, right?

Over the summer there were many suggesting teams wouldn't do this against Alabama this fall. Here we are, two games in, and what are we seeing? More defenders in the box than Bama blockers.

BUT.

We are seeing what I believe to be a change in scheme. In terms of the numbers, I'm not seeing changes there. I am seeing a change from teams bringing men up to defend the run to teams bringing men up to run blitz and pass blitz--a theme I'm also weighing as one we'll see often this fall.

The issue still comes back to the same worry: "I'm concerned about our offensive line and their blocking."

And again, while it's a different defensive approach, those concerns have to be tempered, don't they? While Bama is leaving a back, back, to give them at least six pass blockers they are still facing seven rushers at minimum. I've seen enough five on six plays to last a season--but know there are more coming.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Then why not load up on inventive screens, draws, slants, until they change their mind? I don't want to see Tua running for his life all season as he attempts to get the ball downfield.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

The good news is if they don't get him then the chances for a big play/TD have increased at least 50% with #13 running the show. It will be interesting to see who the better teams attack #13.

 

[jdpas29]

I am concerned for Tua being hit too much back there. I wouldn't mind seeing Bama go to a bit more run-first mentality against these better teams to sit those blitzing LBs and such back a bit. Damien Harris is so fast at this point, he could torch any team that pins their ears back if he hits the right hole. Play-action and fewer pass attempts as opposed to what we have seen so far may be a bit safer for Tua.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

True...tomany explosive RBs to worry.... it will keep DBs and LBs futher back and stop blitzes....
Just stay balanced in Offense..... and a little conservative.....

 

[Tidestalker]

The 3rd down domination by Tua eases my concern a whole lot. This dude is near magical in his subtle and not so subtle movements in the pocket... Plus his anticipation for who's going to be open is awesome.

I think the OL will continue to improve. Leatherwood is really the only concern for me as far as personnel and he's so damn talented it's only a matter of time until he figures it out.

The handful of times we couldn't run on Arky St it seemed like we went 0 WR's and made it painfully obvious what was coming... No room for anyone to squeeze through a line with 18 player piled up. In the future I'd expect some different formations to run on third and short. JMO

 

[TerryP]

I wouldn't mind seeing Bama go to a bit more run-first mentality against these better teams to sit those blitzing LBs and such back a bit. Damien Harris is so fast at this point, he could torch any team that pins their ears back if he hits the right hole. Play-action and fewer pass attempts as opposed to what we have seen so far may be a bit safer for Tua.

That would also mean moving away from the offensive scheme they've been building for this fall. Think about what you're seeing with this in mind: Football - A few thoughts on what I'm expecting from the offense this fall. It's a bit unique when it comes to college football. (tldr warning)

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

I expect more of the two back sets but not for so much running but for the swing passes to either ...get those folks tired from trying to cover that 53 yards wide of pretty grass and lets see where it goes. Got to do a better job of completing those as well even though that is a tuff angle if you let it go quickly.

 

[BamaFan334]

I think as a defensive coordinator you make sure our offense doesn't beat you deep. That's where we are shining with quick hit plays and we score very quickly. Tua is throwing a touchdown pass, what, every six/seven passes now? I think you force the run to beat you and hope you can plug some running lanes enough to create some third and long situations, and just hope your secondary can keep from giving up the big plays and slants across the middle that allow our speedy receivers to run away from you.