Fall camp week 1 - my thoughts

[kemajic]

As someone said above, it's not unusual for the D to be ahead of the O at this point. That's especially true when the O is trying to learn a new system. So here's a question. The D is obviously strong and nasty ... and some on here have implied that they are also deep. Is there anyone currently assigned to the D side who should be given a chance with the O?

Buss was a hell of a RB and receiver.

 

[BWahlberg]

Thanks, BW.
Anyone else cringe when they read "..given Gregorak a lot of ability to mix and move them around for different looks." ?

Yes, that's what he did with Tripp his senior season and it hurt him and the team D. He was frequently out of position and seeming trying to play three positions at once - all over the field and not always around the ball. DCs were able to take advantage of the breaks in position responsibility.

I actually thought about that after I posted. This is different in the sense that it's not a "let one guy run a over and be out of position. There are assignments and its more the look that the defense gives the offense pre snap. I doubt we'll see much in the scrimmages but hopefully Ty gives fans a glimpse of how aggressive this D is

 

[alabamagrizzly]

Thanks, BW.

Anyone else cringe when they read "..given Gregorak a lot of ability to mix and move them around for different looks." ?

It's nice to hear that Schye and Sanders are stepping up - two positions we need athletes and depth. But, Gregorak should keep things simple. For himself and this defense.

Um no, I didn't cringe. This is exactly why it's special to get a player like Yamen here and have the ability to move Crittenden inside and out as well as Schye, bring back corner and safety blitzes and let coach G try to create the dominant D that everyone wants so badly. Plus we play very different offenses right off the bat, and throughout the season for that matter, that will be best exploited with a dynamic personnel. We have a ton of athletes on D. Use them!

Some of the best DC's are noted on how creative they get with the talent they have. I'm not sure why some many people are down on TG. I think he has done an great job and I commend Stitt for giving him more freedom. More looks gives the other offenses different things to worry about. Now as a head coach....I'll just say many great coordinator's don't make good coaches. I think that's what most people are afraid of is he will someday be named the head coach and they probably want him gone before that becomes an option.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

But, Gregorak should keep things simple. For himself and this defense.

I disagree.

It's funny the criticisms Ty takes on here, some say he's too boring, too much like Paulsen, doesn't blitz enough, calls soft coverage, doesn't take risks. Others (like your post) suggest he needs to just keep it simple and plain. One would assume the concern is because he's not good with complexities and needs a simple and basic style to get by.

This defense is now Ty's. Sure some of the senior and junior recruits were here when Breske departed but they've now had 3 years with Gregorak. He's been able to bring in more of the guys that fit his style and design. This could be one of the best secondary and LB corps we've seen as a group. The D line is lighter, yes, but it's much faster and more agile. To make up for the lack of mass up front they've added some wrinkles to how they line up, how they attack the O-line, and how they pressure the QB.

I'm really impressed with what I'm seeing and I'm hearing it from some people connected with players on the offense, our experienced players on O recognize this as one of the more talented groups they've faced off against.

I should have read your response before I responded and just said +1. :thumb:

 

[alabamagrizzly]

As someone said above, it's not unusual for the D to be ahead of the O at this point. That's especially true when the O is trying to learn a new system. So here's a question. The D is obviously strong and nasty ... and some on here have implied that they are also deep. Is there anyone currently assigned to the D side who should be given a chance with the O?

Buss was a hell of a RB and receiver.

Ralston, Chatterdon, Wilson, Buss, Vis, Rassmussen, just off the top of my head.

 

[Umista]

Football talk. Finally!

Thanks, ya all.

 

[spsyk]

But, Gregorak should keep things simple. For himself and this defense.

I disagree.

It's funny the criticisms Ty takes on here, some say he's too boring, too much like Paulsen, doesn't blitz enough, calls soft coverage, doesn't take risks. Others (like your post) suggest he needs to just keep it simple and plain. One would assume the concern is because he's not good with complexities and needs a simple and basic style to get by.

This defense is now Ty's. Sure some of the senior and junior recruits were here when Breske departed but they've now had 3 years with Gregorak. He's been able to bring in more of the guys that fit his style and design. This could be one of the best secondary and LB corps we've seen as a group. The D line is lighter, yes, but it's much faster and more agile. To make up for the lack of mass up front they've added some wrinkles to how they line up, how they attack the O-line, and how they pressure the QB.

I'm really impressed with what I'm seeing and I'm hearing it from some people connected with players on the offense, our experienced players on O recognize this as one of the more talented groups they've faced off against.[/quote


Good observation Brint, defense will be fine, and will be accountable and will put the offense in position to win games.

 

[krammer]

thanks b/w for making this about griz football, very interesting summary .....

 

[mtgrizrule]

Not many are overly critical of Gregorak and his defense. I can only think of 1 GRIZ fan on egriz that is extremely critical of Gregorak. I feel most GRIZ fans are pleased with Gregorak and his defense. Some just feel there can be more improvement. The questions going into this season, how much can the GRIZ defense improve? Can they step up to become a nationally prominent defense? Unfortunately for the GRIZ defense, being the top Defense in the Big Sky Conference is a 2 edge sword. By no fault of their own, what other Big Sky teams actually play decent or above average defense? Last season, it was Montana and North Dakota, that was it!!!!

The GRIZ defense last season did terrific in the conference. Unfortunately, the defense struggled a little too much against Poly. As for me, the most critical I have been of Gregorak is wanting him to prove he can lead a national title contending defense!!! Can his defense keep prominent nationally ranked offenses in check in the playoffs? To date, his defenses have fallen short in the playoffs the last 2 seasons. Were those defenses good? Yes, but to make a run for national championships, they have to be better!!! They need to be capable of shutting down and limiting all types of offenses. The GRIZ have no business losing time and time again to EWU, or worse yet, losing at home to the likes of Coastal Carolina!!! We need defenders who will lay the wood on offensive players every play, a defense that will slap offenses in the mouth!!! We need defenders with the attitudes of a Colt Anderson, Tru Johnson, Jimmy Wilson, and Keith Thompson.

Stitt says he wants to bring swagger back to GRIZ football. Well, that swagger starts with DEFENSE!! I feel Stitt is the perfect coach to bring Ty Gregorak's defenses to that level. Stitt does not strike me as a coach that will settle for nothing less than an excellent defense. I believe Ty will be much more aggressive this season and finally have his strategy match his personality. I've been told by several people rather close to the program that Ty was somewhat limited under Delaney. Is Stitt the coach that will loosen the reigns on Gregorak? I believe so.

I am so excited for this season!

 

[brewskis]

Sounds like we are still waiting to see how the depth chart at WR unfolds, that is easily the most intriguing position. I'm betting Curran and Justin Calhoun make that list.

I like the way the defense sounds, tons of rotation and unpredictable blitzing. I hope this is Ty implementing a new style and not Stitt asking for different looks to practice against.

 

[AZGrizFan]

We need defenders who will lay the wood on offensive players every play, a defense that will slap offenses in the mouth!!! We need defenders with the attitudes of a Colt Anderson, Tru Johnson, Jimmy Wilson, and Keith Thompson.

Yes, wouldn't it be great if all our defenders could have the skillset and attitudes of three of the best to ever wear the uniform?

On the flip side, it makes me REALLY appreciate just how special guys like Colt, Tru and Jimmy ARE/WERE. Those types don't come around very often, especially at an FCS school.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

We need defenders who will lay the wood on offensive players every play, a defense that will slap offenses in the mouth!!! We need defenders with the attitudes of a Colt Anderson, Tru Johnson, Jimmy Wilson, and Keith Thompson.

Yes, wouldn't it be great if all our defenders could have the skillset and attitudes of three of the best to ever wear the uniform?

On the flip side, it makes me REALLY appreciate just how special guys like Colt, Tru and Jimmy ARE/WERE. Those types don't come around very often, especially at an FCS school.

Apparently you don't understand the concept of eGriz. We are SUPPOSED to complain that 3/4 of our players aren't NFL caliber. How are we supposed to beat anybody if we're not fielding teams that can compete with the Tennessee's and Norte Dame's of the country. Obviously I don't expect us to beat the Alabamas and Oregons but we've got to get better. :twisted:

 

[Spanky]

Another poster mentioned this, but I wonder if we might have a couple athletes from the DL we could move over to the OL? Maybe that would help the youngsters on the OL mature. Just sayin.

 

[mtgriz]

Not sure why a couple have suggested moving some guys on defense over to offense. This isn't Techmo plug and play football. There are new position techniques, playbooks, and on-field chemistry to master. It seems ridiculous to be suggesting big changes this close to the season.

 

[griz5700]

Griz are awesome! Gregorak's a genius! Weeeee!

:roll:

 

[statler & waldorf]

My sarcasmo meter just went off scale...

 

[Spanky]

Mtgriz: your wise guy comments aren't appreciated. My suggestion was well intended and based on what appears to be a real need on the OL. We are being told that we don't have a center that can hike the ball?
Kind of sounds like we need some techmo plug and play football.

 

[bgbigdog]

D-line depth seems to be questionable as well, so unless you want to see two-way players, relief in that form maybe unavailable. If the defense turns out to be special, what a stroke of luck given a offense that will need some time to find its stride. If what we're reading is true, will be exciting to see some additional wrinkles in the D that might make it more effective.

 

[signedbewildered]

"...........given a offense that will need some time to find its stride."

^^^ This ^^^