Poll: Should the Vols unveil Eric Berry in the 'Wild Berry' package?

  • Email
  • Discuss
  • Share »
  • Print
  • A
  • A
  • A

With the status of Tennessee’s Gerald Jones uncertain for Saturday’s clash with No. 2 Alabama, should the Vols unveil Eric Berry in the 'Wild Berry' package against the Crimson Tide?

See the results »

View previous polls »

Get Copyright Permissions © 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!

  • Email
  • Discuss
  • Share »
  • Print

Comments » 59

LargeOrange writes:

Coach Clawson told us that his philosophy was to "get the ball into the hands of the playmakers" is there any bigger playmaker than Berry? Why Berry is not talking some snaps on Offense is a mystery to me, whether Jones is hurt or not.

Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:

The most dynamic player on this team is by far Eric Berry. The only time he needs to be on the sideline is to get a drink of water and even then I would call a time out!!

Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:

I'm surprised this question isn't 100% YES. He can get hurt just as easily on defense as he can on offense. At least on offense he is trying to make guys miss and avoid contact. On defense he is seeking out as much contact as possible on every single play. So, in my mind, there is more of a chance of him getting hurt on defense. Just my opinion. Interested to read others.

andy112382#209793 writes:

I voted torn, but thinking about it, I am leaning more towards to use him. Heck, at this point why not? You just don't want to risk a serioud injury, but as noted above, you can get injured playing defense or special teams just as he already does. As long as it does not cut into his performance due to exhaustion towards the end of the game. We need him going full speed at safety.....what if we took him off special teams and used him on offense and defense? That way you aren't using him on three aspects of your team, instead using him on two. Just beat bama!

GO VOLS!!!

volunteer_cowboy writes:

The old saying in baseball is "if you are going to get beat, get beat with your best pitch". If Berry gets hurt, he better get hurt doing his job or at his position not doing something that he is the best at. Our defence outscored our offense.......

wildberry14 writes:

my vote is fairly obvious considering my name

FWBVol writes:

I voted No because we've possibly lost Jones and we can't afford to chance losing Berry on offense. Yes, he could just as easily get hurt playing defense, but on defense he's the hunter and not the hunted.

If the coaches do decide to use him on offense I hope they mix up the package and give him an opportunity to pass as well as run. If it is all run with Berry then the defenses will key on him and have a better opportunity to shut down his running ability.

I have no doubt that he wouldn't do extremely well on the offensive side of the ball, but the thing to remember about what he does with the ball in his hands after an interception is he's making guys miss that usually don't have to make tackles.

Those are my thoughts now I'll shut up and let others blast me.

BillsBrother writes:

There is Tennessee precedent to put him over there.

In the early 90's the VOLS needed defensive secondary help. They moved the best wide receiver, Carl Pickens, over to play safety for a while.

The 2008 Volunteer squad could use his big play ability.

Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:

in response to FWBVol:

I voted No because we've possibly lost Jones and we can't afford to chance losing Berry on offense. Yes, he could just as easily get hurt playing defense, but on defense he's the hunter and not the hunted.

If the coaches do decide to use him on offense I hope they mix up the package and give him an opportunity to pass as well as run. If it is all run with Berry then the defenses will key on him and have a better opportunity to shut down his running ability.

I have no doubt that he wouldn't do extremely well on the offensive side of the ball, but the thing to remember about what he does with the ball in his hands after an interception is he's making guys miss that usually don't have to make tackles.

Those are my thoughts now I'll shut up and let others blast me.

FWB: No one should blast you for your opinion. I think what you said is a very good observation. My argument is that Eric Berry is a once in a decade type player that obviously has special talent. The last player I remember UT having with his abilities was Carl Pickens in the early 90's. I believe Bama used David Palmer in a similar way. Yes, it would be bad if he were to get injured, but you have to roll the dice in this case!! JMHO!

Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:

in response to BillsBrother:

There is Tennessee precedent to put him over there.

In the early 90's the VOLS needed defensive secondary help. They moved the best wide receiver, Carl Pickens, over to play safety for a while.

The 2008 Volunteer squad could use his big play ability.

Sorry Bill I didn't see your post didn't mean to steal your thunder!

fltapout writes:

and the kitchen sink. Go Vols!

chrisw2967 writes:

I voted 3 because I would hate to see this kid get a serious injury that could cost him later on.There is no sense of risking a big injury to him when the best they will probably do is 6-6 and thats sretching it.I would love to see him on off. but its not like were in the middle of a run to the championship and if we were I would love to see him then.

jclowers writes:

You can't play scared of an injury. Without Jones, this offense would be terrible.

xvolx writes:

it doesnt matter. ala. is not miss. st.. Looks like the fool you fulmer bandwagon has started already. this program needs coaching changes.

ONUV writes:

berry should have had snaps on offense a long time ago but we can't expect fulamanure to manage the team properly.

DenmarkVol writes:

Risk of injury is not the issue, as I see it. Putting Berry back there will be nothing more than a predictable gimmick, just like it was with Jones, unless we do the unexpected with it...like PASS FROM IT.

Satan will be all over this expecting the run. How would we use the package to fool him? A screen? Option, with Creer, for example? Deep to Denarius Moore?

To me, those are the relevant questions.

TommyJack writes:

Agree. I disagree with a previous caller. Jones with or w/o the G gun hasn't done much. I'll hang up and listen.

tennecwingrider writes:

Wouldn't that take creative coaching and thinking out of the box??? Don't see it happening. Stay the course.

jamesonfarms#572141 writes:

Eric Berry is the only certifiable first team all-SEC and probable all-American player on this team. Our defense is on the field more than 50% of the time as it is (see the Ga. game). The results of the G-Gun, Wild Rebel, etc. have been neglible at best. That package worked at Arkansas when they had Darren Mcfadden and Felix Jones as the playmakers. Neither Ole Miss or UT has players of that caliber pulling the trigger now.

murrayvol writes:

in response to FWBVol:

I voted No because we've possibly lost Jones and we can't afford to chance losing Berry on offense. Yes, he could just as easily get hurt playing defense, but on defense he's the hunter and not the hunted.

If the coaches do decide to use him on offense I hope they mix up the package and give him an opportunity to pass as well as run. If it is all run with Berry then the defenses will key on him and have a better opportunity to shut down his running ability.

I have no doubt that he wouldn't do extremely well on the offensive side of the ball, but the thing to remember about what he does with the ball in his hands after an interception is he's making guys miss that usually don't have to make tackles.

Those are my thoughts now I'll shut up and let others blast me.

No blasting here FWD.

I've seen nothing that would indicate the Wildberry would be different from the G-Gun which is option right, option left, or hand off.

Your point about people who rarely make tackles is spot on.

smokymtman writes:

The Vols can throw all the wild berries they want at Bama but they still won't have a prayer of beating this talented team!!!!! Another big "L" for Fulmer and crew.

bigtimevol writes:

Gotta pull the trigger! This is football, and always a risk to get hurt. I think Berry is in the mold of Deon Sanders (but not obnoxious), if we put him in those positions. But, I don't think the "Wild Berry" is the ticket. It's gotten to be more of a gimmick, with no consistent results. Put him at WR or better, flank him out of the backfield with some sure passes, and let him do the rest.

pdhuff#552644 writes:

He is a rare talent, as good (thank you Lord) as he will ever be, but our vanilla attempts at trickery are, well, vanilla.

When Ga's defense says it is so easy to see what the Vols are going to do, I'm not sure what would be gained.

We probably would do better by getting Fulmer's thumb off of Clawson's mike button. At least they have both left Phixable down on the the sideline and that is the best sign I've seen this season.

BolivarBob writes:

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!! but not just a play every now and then but a couple of entire series. Quarterback in HighSchool so he can probably throw the ball better than Crompton. Creer in the backfield with him. Creer would probably have scored with the blocking Foster had on that 19 yd run.

ravensearay writes:

This is close to the dumbest question that has ever been posted on this rag!!!!!!!!!!! Of course we need to use him on offense. Have you not paid any attention to whenn he has the ball in his hands?????????? He makes people miss and he doesn't go down easy. He has a punishing approach to this game. If we let him touch the ball 10 times in this game we win.......... Does that answer the dumb question??

JayTee writes:

Not NO but HE** NO. They can't even get a basic run play to work so why would you want add more to the confusion.

nodadeel writes:

The first offensive play of the UCLA game would have been the appropriate time to use Berry.A little late to be in the hypothetical mode on whether his impact would be productive .After four losses and more coming, let the man make it to the NFL by not getting tagged by an sec linebacker just so we can salvage our season.

SemperVol writes:

in response to JayTee:

Not NO but HE** NO. They can't even get a basic run play to work so why would you want add more to the confusion.

I'll agree with ya tee. I think I'm one of the "torn" voters.

I just think it'll sputter and fizzle like the G-Gun. That play just sucks. SUCKS!!!

Until we've proven a consistent ground attack, then this will yield nada.

Sorry folks, NO! Besides he's putting the ball in the endzone fine on defense...

rab63 writes:

Just quit making up cute phrases......"wild berry package"...."G gun"..........good grief this sounds so childish!!!

OrangeAndWhite4Life writes:

Why wouldn't you ?

Do the names Champ Bailey, Devin Hester, and Deion Sanders mean anything to you ?

GO Vols !!

b16VOLster writes:

Have no problem getting him some snaps on our awfullfense, however if Berry will be running the same plays that the G-Gun uses, we need an opponet other than 'Bama to do it aganist. Saban has figured that formation out pretty well. Would like to see the majority of touches divided between DMoore, LCreer, and BWarren.

rockytop4ever writes:

ummm.......yes. I have been wanting to this all year. Give the playmakers the ball coach! Is there a bigger playmaker than Berry on our team?

dirtdobber1 writes:

No. No. No. No. No. He is the one bright spot for this team. He's our best offense while he is on defense. Teams have figured out the g-gun, long-horn, wild rebel phooey anyway. Heck no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

auttat writes:

Anytime he wants the ball, he get's it. You think defense is safer than offense? The way EB tackles, HELL NO!!

beef4davols writes:

My vote is probably torn...not due to injury though. We can't NOT do anything out of fear, that's part of the reason we struggle with Fulmer. If the play calling in this package is as bad and as obvious as the "G-Gun" then I say don't waste your time. If we can actually put Berry in a position to make a play then I am all for it.

beef4davols writes:

While we are at it. Let's stop bringing the wide receiver in motion (which pulls the safety and corner into the box) and then running to the motion side. This cues the defense to the run and the direction of the run. We have been doing this for a whole lot longer time than Clawson has been the OC. (this is straight out of the Fulmer play book) Also, when the WR clears the offensive line before the snap the play is a play action boot leg usually to the opposite side the WR motions to. During one drive, I called our plays (run right or left, then Play Action and roll out direction) pre-snap 5 or 6 plays in a row based solely on our WR's motion. If I am not being fooled then surely the opposing coaches are not being fooled.

Tenn_Dawg writes:

I did not see the UT game Saturday....did B. Warren get any balls thrown his way? If not a total waste of talent and maybe they should just consider putting in the Warren TE package instead of the Wild Berry. Tell him to go out on two and throw him the ball like they did at FSU.

My .02 cents....I would put Berry in only if he has an option to throw it also. No need in getting him killed by running the same G-Gun play only with Berry.

Special player in the mold of a Dale Carter, Hines Ward or Champ Bailey that only comes around every so often. I am glad Georgia will only have to face him one more time.

98reax writes:

If you play the game to win, you do what you have to do. Heck, if you are in the very best physical condition, you can still get hurt just hanging out on the sidelines. Get the best players in the game wherever they can make plays. Get Creer in there running the ball. I just haven't seen any indication of Arian Foster moving the ball significantly yet. I like the idea of doing something the opponent is not expecting. Heck, if we could beat Bama, I would be soooooo very happy because everywhere I turn, there's that ugly Crimson Tide hanging out turning my stomach.

givehim6 writes:

Well with the G-Gun other defences pretty much had it shut down. Besides Berry is scoreing nicely where he is.

threehundredbowler writes:

Why risk injury to someone just to satisify our greed.Sure we would like to have him on offense and defense every play but the fatigue factor comes into play.Even the most uninformed fan knows that injury is most likely when fatigue has set in.I believe he should play one way only for his sake.What a player he is.If we really care about him and his future,we will not get greedy.

beef4davols writes:

in response to threehundredbowler:

Why risk injury to someone just to satisify our greed.Sure we would like to have him on offense and defense every play but the fatigue factor comes into play.Even the most uninformed fan knows that injury is most likely when fatigue has set in.I believe he should play one way only for his sake.What a player he is.If we really care about him and his future,we will not get greedy.

I don't think anyone is saying play him 100% of the snaps. 5-10 plays at the most and I think it would pay off. Again, that is only if the play calling in the formation gets better!!

98reax writes:

He ran Creer up the gut 12 plays straight. He looked like he could go 12 more when he finally sat down.

CHEVY73 writes:

Eric Berry is a definsive player and that is where he is most dangerous. It was a blessing in disguise that the G-Gun was put on the shelf this past week by injury. We need to concentrate on our normal QB running the offense and putting drives together and not some gimmick offense that doesn't work.

bigorangeman writes:

in response to rab63:

Just quit making up cute phrases......"wild berry package"...."G gun"..........good grief this sounds so childish!!!

Thanks does sound dumb just do it if your going to do it why tell people so they can prepare for it

98reax writes:

If a vanilla offense is moving the ball toward the checkerboard, I'm all for it, but when it is so predictable that our opponent is swarming on the qb, rb and receivers like ducks on junebugs, I say run anything that will get us a 1st down. If the G-gun works, run it. Whatever moves the ball and opens up the passing game suits me too. As longs as Nick can connect on those long passes, I'm loving it. But the 3 and out makes me sick to my stomach and it's not gonna work with the tidy bowl boys.

TommyJack writes:

Well the G-gun, as we implement it, has been a total joke. Either revise it, or 86 it.
I say let Berry score from the safety slot.

RocketVol writes:

Berry is needed rested on defense. One dude does not an offense make. The problem is at the offensive line - fix that first.

volsfan74 writes:

I would have to agree with threehundredbowler,
Eric has done a tremendous job on defense (thats an understatement) his NFL future is at defense, why risk it? Also when you start playing him at offense that means less time at defense at practices etc. Not only froma fatigue standpoint just from concentration etc. keep him on D. Clawson needs to work at finding a playmaker on the O side of the ball, don't go take our best player and start messing with things. If the wildberry truly was of consideration Chavis needs to put up a fight to keep it from happening! A question I have asked myself over and over is: Stephens and Moore seem to be a good connection, why don't we see Moore in on more plays?

pammyvol1000 writes:

Talking about the "Wild Berry" on CSS tonight.
They did a segment on Eric but the segment on Allen Asher Ga. was an interview with the player and the coach..and every play he did this year.

Of course these people are from Ga and Stinchcombe played for Ga so they are going to get more comments.

et_vol_fan writes:

Call it Boo Berry and Fulmer can be Captain Crunch.

Share your thoughts

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Features