Statues for D Linemen

[carolinacat]

OK...in Elam's case a REALLY big statue. Do those guys ever shed a block and make a play? Do they ever explode into the OL and push them back? No, they just stand in place and get blocked...how tiring can that be?

The funny thing is USM actually thought they had to throw the ball against us and it almost cost them an easy win given our interceptions. Spurrier must have given them the first half game plan. 296 yards rushing against a non power 5 team? Atrocious. If we have anyone else on the D line who can play we need them out there.

 

[BigBlueTuckian]

In the 1st quarter, Elam actually had a couple of stunts where he displayed above average speed for a guy his size. After a few series, he was no longer doing that.

Elam just can't get down low enough. When that happens he cannot explode forward and upward and gain leverage on the OL. All he can do is stand straight up and begin to push. Without leverage it becomes an even battle with the other OL.

I didn't see Elam get pushed back or laterally much. But he also didn't push himself or disengage the block. He just simply remained engaged in the block while the play took place. This is fine if he's drawing a double team, but hen one opposing OL is easily neutralizing him he is not doing his job.

 

[Rafe Guttman]

You can't build a team around WRs and DBs.

 

[gamecockcat]

A couple of weeks ago someone posted a video of UK vs. Penn State in '77 or '78. That defensive line (Jaffe, Still, etc.) were just shedding blocks at will and blowing plays up in the backfield. It was glorious to watch. This year's line is way over its head against any kind of quality opponent.

 

[katwest]

A couple of weeks ago someone posted a video of UK vs. Penn State in '77 or '78. That defensive line (Jaffe, Still, etc.) were just shedding blocks at will and blowing plays up in the backfield. It was glorious to watch. This year's line is way over its head against any kind of quality opponent.

Those were the glory days of UK football for me, we just don't have and can't get those kinds of defensive linemen and linebackers anymore. Also opposing teams running backs never dragged or carried UK's defense 3 or 4 yards every time they carried he ball, we can't tackle small backs or shed blocks, it's really frustrating and don't seem to be getting better.

 

[Mr Schwump]

From what I saw last night, UK played Elam, Bell and Miggins in the DL. Middleton played sparingly, Hyde a little on goal line D. That was it. No Kengera Daniel, no Pringle, no Taylor, no Carter, no Dubose. So the 3 starters plus Middleton of and on played 90 plays. That's a helluva lot of football for those guys, no wonder they wore down. Guess they don't have confidence in the subs.