Alright I’m going to say it. I have some concerns.

[htownkidd]

Where did you get that Carpenter was average? Dmoney and everyone close to the program has said otherwise lo. lHe’s bigger and stronger than Lee. He still made all big-10 hm playing next to two terible guards at Indiana. Worst case is that he’ll be the same level as Lee. Whoever ends up playing LG will have a higher ceiling than Cohen. It also helps that we bring back our three best offensive lineman

 

[ItsAUThing.com]

Have we gotten better across the board this off season or just at a couple of spots? I know Dmoney compared year. 1 vs today but just looking at last year to today.

QB - much much better
RB - if fletcher is out for the year this is a push but we will say slightly better (heavily relying on unproven players)
WR - experience and the transfer should make us better here
TE - push
OL - small step back. I doubt we would have still been sniffing around another portal C and IOL if this wasn’t the case

DE - much much better
DT - if we lose Barrow we are worse than last year and with him it’s a push
LB - better and have some depth
CB - worse
S - way worse. Depending on where Powell plays maybe the worst group of S in the ACC


Maybe it’s the 20 years of sucking and the refusing to fall for the hype again but I’m just not sure this team has the horses. Cam should make a huge difference but if we need talent to overcome Mario’s deficiencies I don’t see it yet. Granted there are a lot of true Soph that can step up but that’s nothing we can count on.

The schedule should help but we’re going to have to out coach some teams and that hasn’t happened yet. I think 10 win may be this teams ceiling. I hope I’m wrong. My #1 concern is we lose a game because of coaching or a crucial game and the mercenaries quit on the team and fracture the locker room. But that’s something 90% of the country has to worry about.

Miami went 7-6 last year after a 4-0 start when the wheels fell off for Tyler Van Dyke and he forgot how to read a zone defense.

Could've easily have been a 10-3 team last year with good enough quarterback play.


If we think Cam Ward is as advertised and the best quarterback Miami has seen in well over a decade—coupled with a rather light schedule—there is no reason to believe this can't be a 10-3 type season for the Canes, barring he and other guys (where the two-deep is lacking) stay healthy.

 

[AUcane]

All reports coming out of spring ball said otherwise. People on here have been sticking their nose up at him because he came from Indiana.

You’re reading the wrong reports. Like, really. Nowhere does it say carpenter is really good or an passable upgrade.

 

[Cash]

For all the talk of mopes and slurpers, the truth is almost always somewhere in between.

We are never as good as the Koolaide crowd thinks

We are never as bad as the Prozac crowd thinks

I expect us to be better in some significant ways but still have some frustrating flaws that hold us back from being a top tier team.

I expect us to be in the lower -middle part of the top 25. Call it 12-16 range. Which in a normal year would be an improvement but uninspiring. However, that puts us on the bubble to be in the playoffs. That bubble most likely hinges on the difference between a 9 or 10 win season. Based on last years rankings, 10 wins is likely in while 9 is likely in the lower half of the top 20 but missing the playoffs.

I am going to ignore the noise from both camps and enjoy the ride. I am hoping we can sneak into the playoffs. Not because I think we can contend but it would just feel like a huge step. Not to mention, playing a bowl game with a chance for advancement will be way more fun than any traditional bowl game.

I think the offense is miles better than last year. The defense will
Be very good inside and it should limit a lot of teams to working the perimeter /hash against us with quick throws.

 

[ST26]

You’re reading the wrong reports. Like, really. Nowhere does it say carpenter is really good or a passable upgrade.

Dmoney, Peter and other key contributors think otherwise lol. They even mentioned in on the live show the other day. But you must know more than them

 

[JHallCanes]

By all accounts, Carpenter really struggled the first half of spring, and then improved the ladder half. He remains still, a question mark. Let’s see how he plays when the bullets are flying.

Cautiously optimistic on carpenter. After years of abysmal center play we really go to see what a good center means to the line. Carpenter may have started off slow for a variety of reasons, let’s just hope talent isn’t one of them.

He’s in good hands at least (pause)

 

[RVACane]

Carpenter is bigger and stronger than Lee. He’s a good leader and well respected in that locker room. Like Dmoney has said multiple times, worst case Carpenter will have the same level of production as Lee. With these guards and tackles, are we really this concerned about our center lol. Although we did lose Kitchens and Williams, it’s pretty evident that the staff likes the saftey room. We didn’t really push hard for any safeties In the second portal window.

Dude we took a step back at center overall from Lee to carpenter though carpenter should be better in run blocking, the pass blocking, IQ and leadership go to Lee. We’ve taken a big step back at Safety as well. We’re also in bad shape at DT. We’re better at LB, DE, OL-Tackle spot because of experience, TE, WR, RB and QB so overall we are in better shape.

 

[jrock2332]

We added a top 5-10 running back in the nation and we’re slightly better? I would trade twelve Chaneys or Parrish’s for a single Martinez.

We got zero tight end production last year. If Arroyo catches 20 passes this year it would be an enormous improvement. Plus whatever Lofton and Riley Williams can add.

We will miss Matt Lee’s leadership and athleticism but we are replacing him with a bigger, stronger guy. I prefer my IOL that way. There might be a dip in some areas but we’ll improve in others. LG is a question mark but both tackles and RG (who were all very good last year) should be even better. I’d be shocked if we aren’t a finalist for the Joe Moore award.

The only position group that was probably better last year was safety. Even though CIS hated Williams and Kinchens, they were both solid and I’m not sold on anyone we have now besides Powell.

Also people keep underrating the importance of quarterback. Even when healthy, TVD had shortcomings in his game that Ward doesn’t have. Having a top 5 quarterback is huge.

If ward can generate 2.5 to 3 tds a game he is better than any QB we have had in the last decade.

 

[Hegemon]

I stopped reading at the RB analysis.

Go get high and ******* relax buddy.

Jesus

You would critique a BJ

 

[TheOriginalCane]

I have some concerns as well, like, "How the F will I finish this"??....View attachment 290791

Holy ****, man, at 10:54 am?! Is there an egg in there somewhere?

Just kidding, looks delicious!

 

[Calinative]

I know this is somewhat sarcasm. At least I'm hoping so. While I agree with him at safety RIGHT NOW we are technically worse off, it's not by much. Kam had an issue or two but was **** good all things considered with how much he was asked to do. James, I think your assessment probably gave him a lil too much credit. Now this year's team meesh should be exactly what we need so long as we can keep him at safety and he stays healthy. The other spot is where we'll have to see. But how was that different from last year? We knew what we had with Kam. James and this year's unknown are essentially a push. But we've got some pieces that by the end of the year the unit can be significantly better if they step up with snaps.

I’ve been viewing this as we can easily be better from a wholistic defensive perspective at safety, even if individually we are clearly worse. Ultimately I think there is a very high probability our floor at safety and how they impact our defense is higher than last seasons group. I think we will have much fewer impactful negative plays. And while the potential for a bunch of very positive impact plays is decreased, last year was decreased from the prior year anyways.

Like obviously I agree losing Kam is a big negative. He was an impactful player. However, last season his negative plays were clearly higher than the previous season, while his positive impactful plays (turnovers and stuff) were lower.

I thought James Williams was much improved last year. But ultimately he shouldn’t have been at safety, because he wasn’t a good “safety” in the sense that he wasn’t trustworthy to be the last line of defense. And he basically needed to be played near the LOS.

Between Meesh and Jaden Harris I’m actually confident we will be better at limiting the negative plays in the passing game caused by our safeties which is critical. And I think Patterson even though Young can have a James Williams like impact/ability when used in the box. I just think in general Patterson can be a much better safety than James. And I don’t think there is like any chance we are worse at CB this season than we were last season. And I expect our pass rush to be significantly improved after last season team was crippled in that regard.

I think chances are pretty solid our actual performance will net as better this yr than last year out of our safeties.

 

[ST26]

Dude we took a step back at center overall from Lee to carpenter though carpenter should be better in run blocking, the pass blocking, IQ and leadership go to Lee. We’ve taken a big step back at Safety as well. We’re also in bad shape at DT. We’re better at LB, DE, OL-Tackle spot because of experience, TE, WR, RB and QB so overall we are in better shape.

I tend to disagree with a lot of you guys on the center position. Peter had a great point the other today, Carpenter will improve significantly with our guards and tackles. He had a terrible supporting cast at Indiana. The fact that people are even remotely concerned about this position is beyond me. I also never said that the safteys were better this season. That’s pretty obvious. Having said that, I think the saftey group will do just fine. I think the staff likes what they have there. Not saying anything about the DT room yet lol. Let’s all just keep saying a prayer that Barrow stays

 

[Calinative]

Dude we took a step back at center overall from Lee to carpenter though carpenter should be better in run blocking, the pass blocking, IQ and leadership go to Lee. We’ve taken a big step back at Safety as well. We’re also in bad shape at DT. We’re better at LB, DE, OL-Tackle spot because of experience, TE, WR, RB and QB so overall we are in better shape.

Uh why are you saying the IQ and leadership go to Lee? I don’t think any of us actually know that. I guess you’re saying he isn’t as much of a vocal leader? But he also doesn’t need to be since we have a real leader in Cam Ward now. His competition was much higher than Lees was at UCF as well. The iq is a bigger importance, and we don’t know much between the two. We know Carpenter has said he likes being in charge of the ol (as in calling protections, etc)… so could be a wash. Not like Carpenter isn’t a 6th yr senior with a lot of experience just like Lee was

Lee had the Clear advantage in athleticism and pass blocking over Carpenter. Carpenter is clearly the stronger guys. But we don’t know that Carpenter not being as athletic is an actual limiter - Lee was just genuinely a very athletic dude at center. Like maybe we aren’t going to want Caroenter pulling into space as much, but that’s not a bad thing if he is just a better pure run blocker anyways. I don’t think we really know Carpenters athleticism. So saying not as athletic as Lee doesn’t mean much when Lee was one of the most athletic interior lineman in the draft.

And while Lee was very good as a pass blocker and IS better in that area than Carpenter, again it doesn’t mean he’s a liability or a cause for concern even. Usually the interior Oline has help in pass protection, so even if he were a liability, it’s much easier to hide a centers weakness in pass protection than say a tackles who are on islands and basically need a TE to chip as their aid.

But I think it will also be made pretty clear that Carpenter is just stronger and a better run blocker. Thats more valuable now when we are likely to have a LG that isn’t some run blocking mauler and is more of a pass protecter (assuming it’s Okunlola).

 

[RVACane]

Uh why are you saying the IQ and leadership go to Lee? I don’t think any of us actually know that. I guess you’re saying he isn’t as much of a vocal leader? But he also doesn’t need to be since we have a real leader in Cam Ward now. His competition was much higher than Lees was at UCF as well. The iq is a bigger importance, and we don’t know much between the two. We know Carpenter has said he likes being in charge of the ol (as in calling protections, etc)… so could be a wash. Not like Carpenter isn’t a 6th yr senior with a lot of experience just like Lee was

Lee had the Clear advantage in athleticism and pass blocking over Carpenter. Carpenter is clearly the stronger guys. But we don’t know that Carpenter not being as athletic is an actual limiter - Lee was just genuinely a very athletic dude at center. Like maybe we aren’t going to want Caroenter pulling into space as much, but that’s not a bad thing if he is just a better pure run blocker anyways. I don’t think we really know Carpenters athleticism. So saying not as athletic as Lee doesn’t mean much when Lee was one of the most athletic interior lineman in the draft.

And while Lee was very good as a pass blocker and IS better in that area than Carpenter, again it doesn’t mean he’s a liability or a cause for concern even. Usually the interior Oline has help in pass protection, so even if he were a liability, it’s much easier to hide a centers weakness in pass protection than say a tackles who are on islands and basically need a TE to chip as their aid.

But I think it will also be made pretty clear that Carpenter is just stronger and a better run blocker. Thats more valuable now when we are likely to have a LG that isn’t some run blocking mauler and is more of a pass protecter (assuming it’s Okunlola).

I’m not reading all that. Lee has a higher football IQ. IYKYK

K thx.

 

[RVACane]

I tend to disagree with a lot of you guys on the center position. Peter had a great point the other today, Carpenter will improve significantly with our guards and tackles. He had a terrible supporting cast at Indiana. The fact that people are even remotely concerned about this position is beyond me. I also never said that the safteys were better this season. That’s pretty obvious. Having said that, I think the saftey group will do just fine. I think the staff likes what they have there. Not saying anything about the DT room yet lol. Let’s all just keep saying a prayer that Barrow stays

I think Carpenter will be better in the run game. He’s stronger than Lee and better at the point of attacking from what i understand. He’s not as fleet a foot. We’ll see how they develop him though. It’s certainly not a disaster position IMO

 

[TexasCane90]

The most important positions I feel we are better at…

QB. Unequivocally better… with some nice experienced depth which is rare.

Oline. We are some all conference selections and plenty of experience now.

Dline. Barrow staying along with Barron and Alston on the edge only stacks to a room with Bain and Messidor.

Double digit wins is the floor this season… this is a very talented team

 

[Home Slice]

Cautiously optimistic on carpenter. After years of abysmal center play we really go to see what a good center means to the line. Carpenter may have started off slow for a variety of reasons, let’s just hope talent isn’t one of them.

He’s in good hands at least (pause)

I am cautiously optimistic on him as well.

 

[SWFLHurricane]

Holy ****, man, at 10:54 am?! Is there an egg in there somewhere?

Just kidding, looks delicious!

Lol....The bread to die for...

 

[Brooklyndee]

I’ve been viewing this as we can easily be better from a wholistic defensive perspective at safety, even if individually we are clearly worse. Ultimately I think there is a very high probability our floor at safety and how they impact our defense is higher than last seasons group. I think we will have much fewer impactful negative plays. And while the potential for a bunch of very positive impact plays is decreased, last year was decreased from the prior year anyways.

Like obviously I agree losing Kam is a big negative. He was an impactful player. However, last season his negative plays were clearly higher than the previous season, while his positive impactful plays (turnovers and stuff) were lower.

I thought James Williams was much improved last year. But ultimately he shouldn’t have been at safety, because he wasn’t a good “safety” in the sense that he wasn’t trustworthy to be the last line of defense. And he basically needed to be played near the LOS.

Between Meesh and Jaden Harris I’m actually confident we will be better at limiting the negative plays in the passing game caused by our safeties which is critical. And I think Patterson even though Young can have a James Williams like impact/ability when used in the box. I just think in general Patterson can be a much better safety than James. And I don’t think there is like any chance we are worse at CB this season than we were last season. And I expect our pass rush to be significantly improved after last season team was crippled in that regard.

I think chances are pretty solid our actual performance will net as better this yr than last year out of our safeties.

Just a matter of limiting the growing pains early on.

 

[BigDikDaddyFromCincinnati]

This is where I shake my head...

Our stud center who had a great season is dismissed for being a mere 7th round pick, then two paragraphs later our 3rd round pick safety is being given too much credit and isn't a big loss.

Lee and Kam are real losses to this team and neither was replaced with a player at their level. It's OK to admit that and still believe we are an overall better roster and should win 10 games.

Welcome to CiS baby!!!

If he was a “stud center,” why was he almost undrafted?
It’s also ok to use a little nuance when reading. As in, the center is 20% of the position group.

And while we are picking apart people’s takes, let’s not overlook that fact that your take is loaded with assumptions and crystal balls. “Neither was replaced by a player at their level.” Is that a fact? Nope. It’s a complete assumption on your part. Now run along little boy.