Theater of Operations, Florida Gators Season Review: The Offensive Line, Part Two
by FlaGators on Jan 27, 2012 10:30 AM EST
in Florida Football Analysis
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Previous Season Review editions of Theater of Operations: Quarterbacks (parts one, two, three), running backs (parts one, two, three), tight ends (one part), wide receivers (parts one, two) and offensive line (part one).
In the grand scheme of things, when looking at sacks allowed, the Gators were in the middle of the road. They only gave up twenty-three sacks on the season, which was tied for 57th nationally. In terms of tackles for loss allowed, the Gators were one of the worst in the country. They had ninety-six plays in 2011 that went for negative yardage, which was good for 114th nationally. Though I'm sure some of that is due to the fact that the Gators don't have a running back on the roster that could break a tackle to save their life.
Oh, wait, they do, but he never plays.
The offensive line by and large, was one of those groups of Gators that played to the competition. If the opposing teams' defensive line was above-average or better, they couldn't play great. If the opposing teams' defensive line was sub-par, they played great.
I guess that's what happens when your team finishes the year at 7-6.
Play No. 1: Pass protection on Andre Deobse's 65-yard touchdown reception against LSU:
(Photo courtesy of the SEC Digital Network)
The LSU defense is going to rush five, but the Gators line has things under control.
(Photo courtesy of the SEC Digital Network)
Everybody has a man (yellow squares).
(Photo courtesy of the SEC Digital Network)
As Jacoby Brissett decides to throw to Debose, not a single defender is even close to him. One of them, was pushed to the ground (green circle).
Play No. 2: The line pulls left on Jeff Demps' 5-yard touchdown run against Vanderbilt:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
While the entire play shifts to the left, three offensive linemen stand out (yellow circles).
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
As Demps (double yellow circle) gets the ball, the linemen have all pulled left, and are in the process of locating who to block.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
At this point, Demps has outrun three of the linemen (right yellow square) and Xavier Nixon, has found someone to block (left yellow square). Demps by the way, will use his speed the rest of the way and score the touchdown.
Play No. 3: Great pass protection on Gerald Christian's 45-yard touchdown catch against Kentucky:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Kentucky rushes four (green circles) and that proves costly.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
After the snap, every defensive linemen rushes at the go, except for one (green circle).
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Look at the space that John Brantley has to step up in if he so chooses. That's at least two yards in each direction.
The play from another angle:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Before the snap, you can see the defender who will delay his rush (green circle), is in a linebackers stance.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
As Brantley gets ready to throw, he has to know that he could probably still be standing there today. Free from contact of course.
Play No. 4: Pass protection on Omarius Hines' 22-yard reception against Ohio State:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Ohio State is going to just rush four (green square).
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
As the play is developing, it becomes clear that Ohio State isn't going to be breaking through the offensive line unless the coverage is outstanding (yellow square).
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
I love this because Brantley (yellow circle) has enough time to step up...
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
...decide he is going to step back again, reset his feet again and throw. Brantley (yellow circle) has all the time in the world. Another great job by the offensive line as whole.
As I said in part one, I really think that this offensive line becomes a better line next year just based on experience alone. This year was the first year that they weren't practicing for a spread offense and that change does make a difference. Hopefully, they take advantage of the spring (and summer, fall) practices to improve as a unit that doesn't lose a whole lot to graduation or the draft.
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I remember back to the Orange & Blue game, we were so thin on the line, we were playing guys all day on the line with no subs. I think next year with the addition of last year’s redshirts and the incoming freshman, our line has a chance. The aforementioned experience from this year will help too, but just in general to have some fresh bodies to insert on the line can only help. I think our players last year were mostly OG’s, which helps on pulling plays, but is a real problem when we need bookends to block someone from OT position (See: revolving door). I may be going too far back, but Spurrier’s first o line was something to admire. Shane could stand in the pocket for ages waiting for an open Aubrey Hill,Kirk Kirkpatrick or Tre Everett. I know the d lines are sick these days, but I would love to see that quality of protection again. Cal Dixon, Hesham Ismail, Jim Watson, Mark White, just to bring back some memories. Go Gators!
by coolgator on Jan 27, 2012 11:49 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Nixon should be healthy next year, and most of them are underclassmen and throw in (like you said) some bodies, I think they’ll be improved.
Also, I know they are different positions and what not, but I always loved it back in the day because we had so man “Jackson’s” back in the day. Every two-three years, we get another one and they always become a star.
Willie Jackson, Jack Jackson, Mike Jackson, Terry Jackson, Darrell Jackson, Chad Jackson…
We’re due for another Jackson to show up and be an All-American real soon.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Yeah, a few years ago Meyer made him Director of Player and Community Relations in like a football administrating role. As far as I know, he’s still doing that or something similar.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Oh yeah, Ernie Mills!
Didn’t mean to leave old #14 out, Mills was one of my all time favorite WR’s.
by coolgator on Jan 27, 2012 11:52 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Ernie Mills left UF right around the time I was starting to remember players and what not. I was six years old in 1990 … so I only remember him pretty much by name (as in he used to play for the Gators) and from highlight videos.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Left two replies on the previous O-Line thread, noticing some interesting things regards the QBs depth on their drops, sometimes seems like they’re making EXTREME drops, 12-15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, with the exception of the bomb to Debose against LSU usually out dropping the depth of the pocket.
Could be a result of not trusting the O-Line to hold-on, but even in the case of the Debose bomb, Brissett should end his drop nearer the 29, the protection is there and he’ll get to look downfield sooner
by OaklandGator on Jan 27, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Nice. Thanks for the heads up. I would have found them eventually, probably later tonight though. But yeah, that’s interesting indeed. I hadn’t quite noticed that (really, at all) but yeah, you’re definitely onto something here.
Editor at Alligator Army.
The new strength program should help too.
The Gators have shifted to an Olympic style lifting program, which should help them get stronger and more explosive at the point of attack. The previous program was all about speed and quickness. After the offseason, the o-line should all be a little bit bigger, definitely stronger, and while maybe not as quick on pulls or getting to the second level, they will be much better equipped to not get beat one-on-one on their blocks. Improving technique will play an important role, as will improving communication and knowledge of the blocking schemes so that mental mistakes don’t send guys coming free on blitzes.
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