Good post yankeedawg. Better take some long handles going to be a cold weekend I believe. I am guessing you are referring to me as one that is gloating. Just don't understand. I have posted many times that I am extremely disappointed in the outcome this year. Last year, I knew was going to be a rough one, still trying to swallow what happened in the UT and UK game last year. Just because I don't think firing a coach is the always the answer. However, it is always the first answer. Everywhere. By everyone.
You know, I can remember growing up. Hell, it hasn't been that long ago. I can always remember the "old timers" which I loved to hear talk at my uncle's shop on Saturday mornings. Still go when I have time. They would always say, "You know the problem with today's kids, they are always looking for a quick fix, always the only thing that matters is what you have done for me lately. They still rant and rave about it. Heard a couple of months ago that younger generations have forgotten loyalty, just impatient brats always looking to eliminate somebody or something." That was there reasoning behind the economy. I know, I know. Football is not economics, well the discussion we have been having anyways. But I believe, if that is one's mindset with one area of life, it probably shows up in many areas of that one's life. I may be off. Just kind of letting you know where I am coming from.
I am not happy with the losses. Really believed we could have won 10 games this year. Still, think we could have after watching the games. Looking past that stat since we don't want to talk about stats. It is November and this is what I have seen. What improvement do I see from last years team?
Here they are:
Offense: I see a young QB, that I knew very little about besides his high school highlight videos. Buc, stated a long tiem ago the kid was special. Dead on. He is special. But I have also seen him develop throgh games. Coaches didn't put him situations to fail early. Yeah, they weren't as aggressive as they should have been. But they have developed a QB that everyone is praising. Put him in positions to succeed. Last year, our QB just wasn't nearly as talented as this kid, but he had a lot more experience, and at times played great. We have an upside now at the main position for a couple of years. Ealey is starting to run the ball harder. Ran hard at the beginning of the year, but I believe he got a little shell-shocked by the turnovers and looked a little timid at times after those. We are not having the silly penalties that killed us some many times last year. Offense has been much more discipline. I think the offense has improved since last year. 3 of the losses we had this year, we were without arguably the best WR to ever play in the SEC. That makes a huge difference. Seen a difference when he came back with the offense. He will be gone, but think other guys are gaining confidence that they did not have early in the year. I guess they hadn't been in that arena yet.
Defense: Yes, they have struggled at times. And have really blown some assignments. Looked flat out pitiful against USC. I think they are much improved from last year though. Defensive line has played pretty solid. They don't have stat lines like in years past, but D lineman usually don't in the 3-4. Grantam has gotten the best out of Houston and Gamble. They play hard every play and make a lot of plays. Belin, done a nice job. See a lot of upside. Finally, put the talent that Dent has to use. Also, Robinson in my opinion is the most improved player on our defense. Going to continue to grow under this staff, and be a really good one. DB's. Can't remember the last time I have seen our corners play as physical as they are now. They will hit you. Like seeing that. Even little Cuff has been sticking his nose in there. Yeah, they have blown some assignments, but they are getting after it. Safeties. Not what I thought they would be. Hamilton was supposed to be the hitman. Don't see a lot of explosion from him. Not enought to run an alias as the hitman. But, they evaluated him and got him out. Rambo. The guy has talent, just has to figure out how to make the big play. He played extremely hard last Saturday. Really was everywhere. Just quite couldn't finish the big play when we needed it. Ogletree is starting to be mixed in.
I agree, the wins and losses are not acceptable. Never will be win you lose more than 3. It is November, and I do see improvement, and a lot of upside looking outside the W-L column. Last year, we had Cox, so there was a lot of question about what the future of the offense would be. We have a future that we can see instead of trying to hope for.
I like the mix of coaches with the exception of one. Wish Richt would take over the offense totally and let Grantham handle the defense. Think that would make a great team. I think offensive minds need to be mild mannered especially when the are handling young QB's. If that young QB sees you very frustrated, they will begin to panic a little. I think good DC's have to be intense, and a little crazy. Have to have the mindset cause usually the kids follow their leader. Can tell the difference in the physical football they have been playing lately as opposed to last year. I vote we have 2 HC's. Richt over the offense and Grantham over the defense. I personally think Richt likes Grantham. Have seen the 2 talk and laugh on the sidelines. Never saw that with WM. I think Richt just truly stays out of it. He lets CTG do his thing, which is smart of Richt. I believe he realizes that CTG is a lot better at the D stuff than he is. Just like Saban realizes that OC know more about offensive play calling than he does. Did you watch that special early in the year about Bama. I dont think they ever showed Saban calling plays for the offense or running any periods for the offense. Only wathced a few episodes because I couldn't stand to watch. Little jealous I guess.
Want to apologize to anyone I might have offended in the last big thread. Truly was not my intention. Have said it many times. This board is a special one. Tons of insight and knowledge. Believe everyone on this board are stand up people with the exception of one, that SEC joker.
GO DAWGS