Giant Steps Forward For New 'Dogs Defense
Todd Grantham finally got to see his new personnel on the field. Wonder what he really thinks about the chances of getting this defense turned around? For the Bulldogs to contend for the SEC East's spot opposite Alabama in the title game, the Georgia defense will have to make a giant step forward.
Bama and Florida allowed 11 points a game last season. That means Grantham's defense will have to find a way to shave 2 TD's off what they allowed last season (26.4). A realistic goal would be to cut it by 10...less than 17 points a game allowed would be a huge step forward. But how do they do it? That's easy.
The answer is this: Forced Turnovers.
It's embarrassing to see the lack of production in this area last season. The 'Dogs were dead last in forced fumbles with 2. The top teams had 10-plus. The interception total was embarrassing too. The Bulldogs had only 8 picks...the top teams had more than TWICE that number. So, the 'Dogs only forced 10 turnovers last year and the best SEC defenses produced 23-plus.
So, how does Grantham get this turned around? The 3-4 scheme will help make it happen, by challenging protection schemes with its multiple blitz packages. It will create more confusion for the offense. That should help. But Georgia desperately needs more playmakers on defense.
Anxious to see Justin Houston and Richard Samuel this spring at outside linebacker. They both have the skill set to create some havoc. They can run and hit. And hopefully knock the ball loose. Cornelius Washington and Montez Robinson also have the talent to bring pressure off the edge. At defensive end, sophomore Abry Jones and RF Derrick Lott need to emerge and impact players.
These 6 players will be given the opportunity to make plays in this scheme. Can they make'm? If they can, look for those embarrassing forced turnover numbers to multiply and Georgia's defense to be much improved.
On the back end, Grantham has some big-play talent roaming in the secondary. Boykin is a play-maker. Branden Smith has some serious ball skills. The safety spots appear to be solid, with Rambo, Commings, Jakar Hamilton getting a shot, before freshman Alec Ogletree shows up later this summer.
Stay tuned. Spring practice is heating up in the coming days.
Bama and Florida allowed 11 points a game last season. That means Grantham's defense will have to find a way to shave 2 TD's off what they allowed last season (26.4). A realistic goal would be to cut it by 10...less than 17 points a game allowed would be a huge step forward. But how do they do it? That's easy.
The answer is this: Forced Turnovers.
It's embarrassing to see the lack of production in this area last season. The 'Dogs were dead last in forced fumbles with 2. The top teams had 10-plus. The interception total was embarrassing too. The Bulldogs had only 8 picks...the top teams had more than TWICE that number. So, the 'Dogs only forced 10 turnovers last year and the best SEC defenses produced 23-plus.
So, how does Grantham get this turned around? The 3-4 scheme will help make it happen, by challenging protection schemes with its multiple blitz packages. It will create more confusion for the offense. That should help. But Georgia desperately needs more playmakers on defense.
Anxious to see Justin Houston and Richard Samuel this spring at outside linebacker. They both have the skill set to create some havoc. They can run and hit. And hopefully knock the ball loose. Cornelius Washington and Montez Robinson also have the talent to bring pressure off the edge. At defensive end, sophomore Abry Jones and RF Derrick Lott need to emerge and impact players.
These 6 players will be given the opportunity to make plays in this scheme. Can they make'm? If they can, look for those embarrassing forced turnover numbers to multiply and Georgia's defense to be much improved.
On the back end, Grantham has some big-play talent roaming in the secondary. Boykin is a play-maker. Branden Smith has some serious ball skills. The safety spots appear to be solid, with Rambo, Commings, Jakar Hamilton getting a shot, before freshman Alec Ogletree shows up later this summer.
Stay tuned. Spring practice is heating up in the coming days.
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