Upon Further Review: 20 Fall Camp Questions

The production at DE isn't about finding two guys to take the place of Roche/Phillips. It's about a rotation of 4-6 guys. We were extremely shallow at end last year and it led to having two guys who rarely left the field. Nobody is going to get as many snaps this season as either of those two got last year. There's going to be at least 4 guys getting significant minutes at DE. I believe the combination of Johnson, Harvey, McCloud and Williams will be able to match the production of Phillips/Roche from last year easily.
 
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- McCloud is going to surprise some people at end.

I wouldn't be surprised. He seemed twitchy as a rush end / backer in high school, had some nice highlights as a Sophomore just not enough of them. His issues at linebacker were less initial burst and power, more diagnosing plays, avoiding second-level blocks by linemen and speed. ... We need a deep DE front to replace our NFLers. Shouldn't write anyone off. If McCloud can contribute, fans should be happy for him and the team.
 
I believe the combination of Johnson, Harvey, McCloud and Williams will be able to match the production of Phillips/Roche from last year easily.
Bold statement.

As you're pointing out, the total snaps played will be the same, we just may see the slices change. If we get similar per snap production at the position I'd be quite surprised (Phillips was a special player), but I do believe the combination of fewer snaps and fresher players can help. As well as some scheme upgrades over last season, where I felt the leverage was lost pre-snap far too often.
 
I’ve been saying for awhile this defense tends to make guys look better than they really are, the stats are like playing in a dantoni offense in the nba. Watch Johnsons stats this year versus previous years playing olb. II if wouldn’t be Shocked if he gets close to double digit sacks.
 
Offense is quite a bit better this year versus last year Imo
If our WR's (and you know which ones) can make routine plays -- this offense is THAT much better.

Also, if we get the Donaldson-Rivers guard combo, I really like our chances at having a better inside run game

Lastly, full off-season/spring ball with Lashlee, which wasn't possible last year

I expect a jump on that side of the ball
 
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If our WR's (and you know which ones) can make routine plays -- this offense is THAT much better.

Also, if we get the Donaldson-Rivers guard combo, I really like our chances at having a better inside run game

Lastly, full off-season/spring ball with Lashlee, which wasn't possible last year

I expect a jump on that side of the ball

Went from 89th to 39th in YPP from 2019 to 2020.

Went from 99th to 24th in scoring.

A jump from those numbers pushes the Top 10 and this team wins 11 games, IMO.
 
I wouldn't be surprised. He seemed twitchy as a rush end / backer in high school, had some nice highlights as a Sophomore just not enough of them. His issues at linebacker were less initial burst and power, more diagnosing plays, avoiding second-level blocks by linemen and speed. ... We need a deep DE front to replace our NFLers. Shouldn't write anyone off. If McCloud can contribute, fans should be happy for him and the team.
Definitely. His best highlights over the last 4 years are always blitzing/getting after the quarterback/behind the line of scrimmage. Jess going to get him right.
 
I’ve been saying for awhile this defense tends to make guys look better than they really are, the stats are like playing in a dantoni offense in the nba. Watch Johnsons stats this year versus previous years playing olb. II if wouldn’t be Shocked if he gets close to double digit sacks.
That’s the best comparison I’ve seen to our D. Puts up numbers. Flashy. But when the advanced scouting comes out in important games against good teams it gets torn apart. Dantoni has coached good teams with great talent and ain’t won ****
 
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Who might be loss 3 if we lose to Bama and UNC?
It is just math and odds. If you play 3 games in a row as a 10 point favorite you have a 77% chance (based on historical Vegas odds) to win each game but only a 45% chance that you will win all 3.

So even if Miami is favored to win every game after Bama there is a good chance we lose at least 1-2 of those games.
 
Bold statement.

As you're pointing out, the total snaps played will be the same, we just may see the slices change. If we get similar per snap production at the position I'd be quite surprised (Phillips was a special player), but I do believe the combination of fewer snaps and fresher players can help. As well as some scheme upgrades over last season, where I felt the leverage was lost pre-snap far too ofte
Yeah, I don't think any of those individual players is as good as Phillips but It's not unrealistic to expect two guys to combine for 40 tackles, 15TFLs and 8 sacks on one side of the line. We counted on Phillips and Roche to do a ton of heavy lifting last year. Maybe more than we should rely on any two defensive linemen.
 
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That’s the best comparison I’ve seen to our D. Puts up numbers. Flashy. But when the advanced scouting comes out in important games against good teams it gets torn apart. Dantoni has coached good teams with great talent and ain’t won ****
Dantoni never wins on the big stage because he doesn't bother with defense. Everyone knows the rules drastically change in the NBA from regular season to post season and just outscoring everyone in the post season doesn't happen.
 
take your pick - meddling acc team on the road later in the year. As sure as ****. I think 3 losses is realistic. 2 losses is probable. 1 loss is unlikely.
Sure has been the mo for several years now. Hopefully we show up every game and at least makes games of them.
 
Thank you OP for the great writeup! Very insightful going into the season. Wiseguys have the Canes win total at 9 as you do. While as a FAN I want more and expect more this season, I do agree with your comment that the schedule does not do us any favors. Bama is almost a guaranteed loss, hoping for the miracle, and leaves us going 9-2 the rest of the way with a tough road game against UNC. Going 10-2 and it's a homerun season.
 
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Great write up. The D concerns me quite a bit as there are a ton of questions at DL and LB. if they are just average we can be in for a looong season.
 
I think a 9 win season would be a disappointment with the talent this year unless something flukey happens like still winning the acc coastal.

10 should be the absolute floor. I think that is reasonable. In a non covid season, last years team likely wins 10 and I don't think we've significantly regressed personnel-wise. Cooking with gas is 11 wins. Exceptional is 12. 15-0 is the top of the mountain.

9 wins would not bode well for Diaz. 2022's schedule is brutal. If Miami wins only 9 in 2021 and then has a bad 2022 (say 8 W or less) I don't think Diaz makes it to 2023. He needs to get 10 this year to buy himself some time. Unfortunately for Diaz, he had an awful start (6 wins) then a likely 10 win season gets shortened by covid so on paper it looks like a pedestrian 8 win season, then if he has a 9 win season followed by 8 or less, I think he's out.

If 2020 had been normal, he could get make it to year 5 with a 4 yr record of 6, 10, 9, 8.

With 6, 8, 10, 8 there would be grumbles and people would demand some changes like they did with Richt, but he keeps his job. 6, 8, 9, 8 and he's toast.
I don’t necessarily disagree with anything in this, I just struggle with the fact that this is the mindset of the sport.

That any coach has to look ahead and work out how many wins saves his him from getting fired ensured they live in perpetual defensive mode. That can’t be good for performance
Just some thoughts. Lance you’re really good
 
Went from 89th to 39th in YPP from 2019 to 2020.

Went from 99th to 24th in scoring.

A jump from those numbers pushes the Top 10 and this team wins 11 games, IMO

Went from 89th to 39th in YPP from 2019 to 2020.

Went from 99th to 24th in scoring.

A jump from those numbers pushes the Top 10 and this team wins 11 games, IMO.

Well cue up Van Halen and the Pointer Sisters!!
 
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