PlayerRep said:
MiningCityGrizFan said:
This article only further validates my primary concern...
"...One challenge for Delaney and his staff has been keeping an experienced, talent-laden defensive line from blowing up almost every pass play the No. 1 offense attempts. Griz quarterback Jordan Johnson has done a lot of scrambling and on Saturday he had the wind knocked out of him.
Because the No. 1 defensive line is so strong and the No. 1 offensive line is so young, offensive success has been spotty..."
http://m.billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/university-of-montana/football/montana-football-versatile-van-warming-to-wideout/article_b9bfccf0-4296-5d89-a092-7ae1ae2ebf70.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Everyone has expressed concern about the o-line. Neither Schmaing or Poole are listed as in playing the article.
This is what you said in your initial post: "To summarize, I see the Griz taking a step back in every phase of the game, which would likely mean they achieve less this season than they did last season." Every phase of the game? The article indicates that the d-line looks great. Do you think JJ will take a step backwards? How about the secondary? How about the punter? Do you predict that the place kicking will get worse? Will the coaching be worse?
By every phase I was referring to offense, defense, and special teams overall. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but I don't see them being as strong as last season across the board.
I don't see JJ stepping back per se, but I could see him and the rest of the skill players being less productive as a unit given the combination of early season injuries and inexperience upfront.
I agree that the d line looks great, but odds are the talent level at LB will not be as good as they we're last year. That's not slam on the current kids it's just that they follow a ridiculously talented group of LBs from last year.
The secondary may be better, but that remains to be seen.
Perhaps an argument could be made that special teams doesn't step back, but that's just because the kicking game was very weak last season.
Yes the punting was relatively good last year, but the inability to consistently convert mid-range field goals last season hurt this team tremendously. Until they begin to reliably contribute when it counts, I'll be sticking with my original prediction.
I stand by what I said regarding Gregorak thus far being underwhelming as the coordinator. He maybe the best at developing Griz LBs and putting them in the NFL, but I still wonder if that talent made up for the defensive schemes over all.
