Following Monday morning's practice, Saturday night's scrimmage was the hot topic.
With that in mind, here's how UT coach Phillip Fulmer broke down each position after watching the tape.
Read the rest of this entry on Drew's Notebook.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 62
orangebloodgmc writes:
Good article, Drew. Always good to hear of defensive tackle progress. Not sure what will shake out of the TE/FB scenarios.
xvolx writes:
start willams at ml. move wilson to strong side. missed tackles cost us the cal. game. I have watched these lb and db take bad angles because they wont to ride down runners instead of hitting. knoxville, we have a problem.
VOLatile writes:
Why do we continue to have tackling problems? I don't understand how football players forget how to tackle!!!
xvolx writes:
you cant forget something that your never taught.
VOLatile writes:
"Fundamentals!" These fundamentals are taught when you start plyaing football at 5 years old. It's like riding a bike or breathing....
VOLatile writes:
I can't count the amount of arm-tackles I have seen attempted over the past 10 years. Different name, different number: same color jersey
xvolx writes:
that would be logical if they made tackles. personally, I think they just take bad angles. fundamentals means being in position to make tackles. Chavis needs to hold his good ol boy def. coaches more responsible.
VOLatile writes:
x...you are right on. the best angle i have seen was ainge going down the sideline after throwing the Bamaroids a pick. was that last year or '06?
givehim6 writes:
I fill the same as VOLatile. maybe we need to hire a tackling coach. Make it a mandator practice every wednesday afternoon or something. I see we need to work on recurting a good TD or two to finish this year.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
xvolx....let me try to follow your thought process here....so all these guys ..."missing tackles and not tackling"...is Chavis or his asst.s fault ......from peewee....to Junior High...then High School...and to the great UT....they havent learned how to tackle?...cmon bro....maybe its them....Chavis needs to remind them who they play for...plant his foot in there lazy azzes...and get it fixed...but in no way is it his fault...these boys know how....just need to do.......get it done D
VOLatile writes:
How many tackles did we miss in the KY game last year? Ya'll been watching CBS 's replays on ch # 152 on Dish (not sure of the channel on cable or DirecTV). that game played 2X yesterday and i thought we were going to get beat both times i watched it
statelineVol writes:
Tackling problems? That's something that I definately did not want to hear... AGAIN! by the way..FREE BRANDON WARREN!!!
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Missed tackles...dropped passes...interceptions...fumbles...missed blocks...missed field goals.....bad play calling...bad execution.....SHEESH...I guess we are the only ones that do these things....and prolly just to spite the coaches....lol...they are KIDS....stuff happens...mistakes are made...even thru allllll those missed tackles...WE WON...character is tough to beat....and this year...character + talent + execution....WOWWWWW...gonna be exciting
xvolx writes:
what year does it matter. they do it every year. watched the 06 fla. game recently. morley misses two tackles in a row, then stands in the endzone while a hook pattern is run right in front of him for td.. never made a move toward rec., but started looking around for someone to blame it on.
SemperVol writes:
If Al Wilson can't shake his neck injury with the Broncos, bring him aboard as an assistant.
Guarantee he would show these guys what to do.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
fact is....mistakes will be made....learn from em...correct em...and make the next play....let it go....just like the 06 Florida game....let it go...focus on the upcoming one....
NOLAvol writes:
The problem with tackling (especially for players going up to the next level--whether its the NFL or the SEC) is the faster closing speed they encounter. Not only are the backs and receivers moving faster, so are the defenders closing in to tackle them. The window of time for creating impact is much smaller, leaving less time* to get your feet, arms, and helmet into the proper positions for a textbook tackle.
Think about it: when do you ever see a tackle take place that looks like the technique all us old-timers were taught? It's almost always when a ballcarrier has just spun out of the grasp of another tackler, or bounced off a blocker, so that he's upright, not moving at full speed, and unaware that his eventual tackler is just one step away! In other words, we only see good tackles today when the runner gets caught in the position of a tackling dummy!
* Another consequence of faster closing speeds is that for a ballcarrier's juke or feint to be effective, it doesn't have to be very big. In my day, an effective move meant causing me to make a false step or slow to a stop. At today's closing speeds, all the ballcarrier needs to do is cause the defender to alter his center of balance. Just that and--zip!--they've passed each other like two-lane traffic at 3am.
xvolx writes:
chain of command. fulmer, chavis, asst. coaches, players. someone has to take responsibility in this chain. looks like a lot of passing the buck to me.
xvolx writes:
NOLAvol, I played old school. we were lucky to have pads. as a 140 safety, always went for ankles. lets hope they get better. gotta go. enjoy.
NOLAvol writes:
While I'm expounding well above my pay grade... one more thing.
The 40-pound difference between a 200 lb. defender impacting a 160 lb. ballcarrier is a world apart from a 250 lb. defender impacting a 210 lb. ballcarrier... at that level of mass/inertia, we should understand that the first subconscious thought concerning "correct technique" in the tackler's brain will be to "make sure I don't snap my spine and spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair."
If you've ever stood on the sideline within 20 feet of a full speed, full contact NFL or SEC game... you know what I mean.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Yet in the SECCG our guys had learned to tackle again for that game. Ephemeral knowledge, comes and goes?
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
has nothing to do with chain of command....sheesh...tackling is basic...been taught.,..over and over....they do it daily....the kids have to be accountable...i know its split second timing....but it is not the coaches fault....its just a missed tackle....period
GerryOP writes:
Not to worry, had the same problem last year. Tell Phil to have his 20 minute "tackling meeting" before the season starts rather than waiting until later in the season like he did last year.
TommyJack writes:
orangeblood: You hit on it. We need an Ephemeral Coach.
SemperVol writes:
I bet Michael Phelps can tackle.
tndrum#214683 writes:
I don't know TommyJ; I mean, Emeril is a good cook and all, but I'm not sure he's qualified to be a college...oh, you ephemeral. Sorry.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Over in the blog comments someone raised a good question: what's going on with Denarius Moore?
pammyvol1000 writes:
One TD? anybody else concerned there? I see MCBrim is still gone.
pammyvol1000 writes:
Just an FYI- Knowshon Moreno will be used for punt return according to AJC.
GreerVol22 writes:
"Our three defensive tackles played the best scrimmage that they've had.
Thats hilarious... In business we have back up plans...you know in case someone gets hit by a bus?
GoVol writes:
It is really hard to tell with these scrimmages. Something positive also equates to something negative when we play ourselves....so was it poor tackling or the backs/receivers making them miss? Who really knows because the scrimmage was closed to the media and public?
Just ready for the season to begin so we can really find out what we have or don't have?
Go Vols!!
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Interesting article on college football news...Im sure some have read it ...but heres the link...and in no way am I a Fulmer basher...but it does open your eyes a tad.. http://cfn.scout.com/2/770033.html
1manningfan writes:
volguy,
Im not in denial with this article, but i dont care for this phooey two weeks before kick off. No need for stiring the pot we all understand and have discussed it already. Besides GA isnt on SANTAS list right with all there off the field issues, and all the other D-1 programs. So who ever wrote that article they can Shove it up there FAT REAR!!! GO VOLS!!!
P.S. I WILL GIVE IT MY ALL FOR TENNESSEE TODAY!!!
GerryOP writes:
As a non-proponent of Coach Fulmer, even I find some of the comments by CFN to be a bit harsh. However, I do agree with the final recommendation. It is time for Coach Fulmer to ride off into the sunset -- with honor.
What I also find interesting, and several of us have alluded to this over the past off-season, is the image of UT football and Coach Fulmer as seen by those totally out side of the program -- player, coach, admin, Tennessee resident, and fan. That is clearly a problem and other national pubs have suggested the same as that printed by CFN. Pretty embarrassing.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Oh I agree totally 1manningfan...but Its always good to have both sides...and some of that ..to be honest...I didnt know...I bleed orange....and will give my all to tennessee everyday....just an interesting article....
BigMix writes:
iam4ua, how you going to pay your next coach when the midget leaves? That no financial penalty clause in his contract was about as bright as the $hit tunnels they dug under that slum city of birmingham,alamullett.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
My take on the blog posted by volguy41nlouisiana.
I read this guy's comments, and through much of it I was actually impressed with how well written it was. But then, low and behold, he had to throw in a "twinkie" comment, make a jab at Fulmer's personality, and then refer to him as "Big Phil".
All credibility out the window.
This is the thing I hate about this site and some of the bloggers out there in cyberspace. Too many times valid arguments are nullified by authors who think they are "so witty and cute". I'm not going to name any names, but I think several guys on this site truly get off on reading their own posts.
Don't you guys realize that it isn't the job of a football coach to be sexy and charming for the camera? His job is to build winning football teams. Trouble is, no matter how you slice it, Fulmer is still a winning coach. Yes, his biggest asset (consistancy) might also be his biggest downfall, but he is secure in his job because he is consitant. Harping on his weight, his personna, or his tendency to overuse coach-speak will NOT cause a change in the coaching situation. The only way that will happen is by demonstrating that he is no longer fit for the job. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!
DadwasaVol writes:
Yes, the Vols are low on DTs but I believe there are many other physical specimens like LBs, DEs, and Morley and Berry to throw at em. I am probably alone in stating that for now I see no big problem.
1manningfan writes:
i would just like to point out that the past two SEC championships we played in both those teams were better than us, Auburn was undefeated and got robbed of the NC and LSU we took to the wire that went on to be National Champions. I agree we blew it in 01 but that wasnt even the coaches fault, it was the players who fumbled it late in the 4th quarter. I understand everyones point we hold very high expectations but FULMER has also admitted that he to as built those expectations. Why do you think he went outside the TENN family to get new assit coaches, b/c the TENN fans wanted it.
He cares you guys, he wants to win just as bad as we do! I watched the FL vs TENN game in 01 and when we won 34-32 to play in the SEC game Fulmer was on the sidelines jumping up and hugging his players like a little kid.
If any of you really know football you will admit that all D-1 programs are up and down every few decades, true facts look at the stats. Example FL where were they before the 90's, BAMA what have they done since 92, Miami what have they done lately, Nebraska look at them lately, Notre Damn last year, seriously i can keep going on about this all night.
Im sick of all this negative phooey!! I WILL GIVE IT MY ALL FOR TENNESSEE TODAY!!! GO VOLS!!!
cobbwebb writes:
Manningfan, good points, but i tried to make the same one a few days ago, and basically got ran off the board.
cobbwebb writes:
fellas ,im a little worried at the lb position! usually by this time cheif has this unit set ,and looking good,however i am excited about rb, foster , hardesty, creer, and now it seems as if t. poole is impressing!
dopedawg writes:
Vol fans!!!!
A little off topic, but..
Please dont forget to go to the Mascot Hall of Fame Website and vote for Smokey!!!! He is running about 100 behind the Stanford Hawk. You can vote as many times as you want, and as many times in a row you want. Please help!!
cobbwebb writes:
Im so sick of this, cant wait until we can break down actual games! GO VOLS!!!!!!
BIGORANGEdawgHATER writes:
As far as the tackling goes it seems like the higher level of any sport you play the basic fundamentals are out the window. Like in the MLB. From anything after teeball when you have two strikes "have to swing at ANYTHING close" but thats usually not the case. See them looking at third strikes regularly that they could put some wood on. Same as in Tackling. Wrap em the hell up and run through them.Drive em in the ground.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
Notice the email address of the "gentleman" that wrote that blog....He is an Auburn Tiger!!! He wrote 2 articles about programs on the brink...Tennessee and Alabama. Does this surprise anyone?
While, I agree with some of the things he said...it was an obvious hatchet job aimed at Phil Fulmer. No amount of accurate records portrayed can hide the venom and hate that he spewed in that article.
Take it for it was worth, the opinion of an Auburn fan....that is it. No more,no less.
I think Auburn can be had on the 27th of September if we play like we are capable. They do not have the QB or receivers to run that spread yet...of course Chavis needs to figure out how to stop ANY spread before Sept. 20!
Go Vols!!!
Madkels writes:
Regarding the CFN article, the author seems to be an Auburn fan (look at his e-mail address). However, the stats (losing record) against the elite SEC schools speaks volumes. If we don't turn this around soon, change will be coming whether you are a Fulmer fan or not.
I appreciate what Coach Fulmer has done and think he is a fine man. Let's hope that the coaching changes this year right the ship and turns this trend around!! GO VOLS!
cobbwebb writes:
what a crappy piece of journalism!who the hell gives an auburn fan,or bamma fan ,or any other teams fans the right to tell us what is best for our program? other than beating a crummy bama team 6 in a row , what the heck has auburn accomplished? Leave that decision to us vol fans, when its time for fulmer to go , then we will let him know, not an ignorant auburn fan.and i know some of you dont like fulmer , but arent you tired of these nerdy, sitting in their mommas basement, no date havin, so called professional journalist taking personal jabs at fulmer and his weight? how foolish will this clown look when TENNESSEE beats auburn?i guess then you can call for tubbervilles head!
waterskier3#226480 writes:
chavis d's have never been able to tackle... look back to the 90's... arm tackling against fla and other teams every year and now it continues except with less talent... if ucla makes our d look silly its going to be a long season vols fan...
this is what we're stuck with so GO VOLS....
I can hear it now... we just missed to many tackles out there tonight.. we're going to work on that in practice next...
how many times have we heard that phooey.....
cobbwebb writes:
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budd#207344 writes:
Budd's blog
Well folks today I will blog about the SEC.
1. Matthew Stafford, the Ga QB has lost the feeling is his throwing arm,
2. The running back Moreno has blown out both knees.
3. It has been observed that Nick Saban, coach of Alabama has a devil's tattoo on his backside
4. Tommy Tuberville of Auburn has ear wax
5. Tim Tebow Heisman winnig qb for the Gators tried to circumcize himself and cut the darn thing off!
6. Les Miles has been seen with a Midget football cheerleader
Any of this true? No but this is the internet. I can say anything I want and you can't stop me. But you can be smart enough to realize BS when you read it.
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