VTTW Board Index

Seems a ton have played this year.  Is it doom and gloom or do we have a chance at a good offense next year?

I've always maintained that we'll have a very slight dropoff next year.  Less than most think, but a slight dropoff nonetheless.  But that was before this season started.  Now, with this season derailed by injuries, I think we'll be even better- assuming we stay healthy.  I was worried about the RB position- but Kelly has put those fears to rest, along with Ty Chandler putting up video game numbers over at MBA.  We'll return all our WRs and TEs (unless Malone goes pro early), and everyone on the OL two-deep except Weisman.  So as long as we get competent QB play (and I think we will), this will be a very dynamic offense.

Defensively, we'll be MUCH better, just by virtue of being healthy.  No more 240lb ends playing out of position at DT, a full season Kirkland and Sapp at LB.  And all those freshmen DBs that got unexpectedly thrown into the fire this year will be seasoned and ready to go.  

All our specialists will be back, including Evan Berry.  

Most National publications will look at us losing Dobbs, Hurd, Kamara, Sutton, and JRM, and say our window has closed.  But in reality, we've played much of this season without most of those guys anyway.  This is going to be a very good team, and assuming we don't have another catastrophic run of injuries, I expect them to finally win the East next year.

I'd be surprised if Malone comes back....Also depends if our OL improves.....RBs should be ok...now instead of looking at Hurd and Kamara leaving we are just losing Kamara.

Defense will be a question mark at LBer nad depth issues still there. Losing Barnett will hurt...a lot. DL will be better just because most will be back....some are saying don't expect Tuttle back anytime soon? Our DBs......I just don't know what to say about that position...the only way that position can go....is up!

Kamara as I understand it has a year of eligibility left.  He is widely expected to go pro, but is not projected to be drafted.  He has played much better the second half of the season, so maybe by decision time he will be on the list, but he isn't yet.  Also, since I have heard and read that he definitely has a skill set suited to the NFL, it may be understood that he will is NFL bound whether he is drafted or not, but I wouldn't risk it if I were him.

Regardless, I have hope that he comes back.  that would be huge.  Speaking of coming back, JRM is said to be considering applying for  medical red shirt.  At least, he was a couple weeks ago.  Not sure about now.

Sutton and Dobbs are seniors, Hurd we might be better off without at this point.

If we are really lucky both JRM and Kamara will be back.

If I could pick one of the likely early entries to come back, I'd want Barnett.  He's a game changer, and he's getting royally screwed by all the individual awards that didn't even name him a finalist (but DID name Myles Garrett, who's missed half the season and hasn't been particularly effective even when he IS out there).  DB has taken over games all by himself this year.  As bad as our D has been lately, imagine how bad it would be if he weren't out there.

Alas, he's almost a lock to go get paid.  I can't blame him.

FIFY

Malone...another guy not listed on any draft forecasts.  I guess it might happen, but I'd be surprised.

DB will go in the top 20 or less.

Malone won't get drafted if he goes, I expect he will come back

DB is a top 10 pick IMO

The only way Barnett comes back is if his momma wants him to stay in school and get a degree.  He'll do what she wants I'm sure.  :naughty: :naughty:

If the OL is under new management we'll be a lot better on offense. The pieces are there, and for that I credit Butch.

IMO the OL will never get better until all five can go through a spring without several having off season surgery for whatever reason. How many missed last spring and this fall? Until they can practice as a complete unit without ankle, knee, or shoulder surgery, the OL will continue to be the hot mess we saw this year. Also, Butch needs to consult sports doctors to evaluate the rash of ankle injuries suffered with the S&C training they are doing. Is it equipment (shoes used with grass/turf/)? Is it type of conditioning exercises weakening or not building or overbuilding lower leg muscles? Not OL but how many DBs have lost time this year with ankle injuries? It cannot be coincidence when you have so many players suffer ankle sprains. It is different when a lineman gets chop blocked or rolled up on during a play. A lot of the injuries this year seemed to occur before contact. Maybe that is just an old man's memory problem.