Pass completions are one thing. Long gains are another.
“I don’t mind if they catch the ball, they’re going to get some first downs, but we gave up some big plays,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said after Saturday's scrimmage. “We’ve got to get better.”
Most of those big plays came on the ground.
“At times we were pretty good,” Kiffin said. “(But) then I didn’t like some of the big plays. We always talk about explosion plays. The offense did a good job at times.”
The mistakes were often attributed to scheme – or at least the lack of execution in the Vols’ new defense.
“We were kind of really upset with the long yards that they had,” junior defensive end Chris Walker said. “Our defense is a one-gap defense so if somebody gets out of their gap or overruns the play, it’s going to go for big yardage.”
Such was the case on Saturday. UT’s first teamers weren’t the usual culprits. The big plays often came at the expense of the Vols’ second teamers.
“It’s a little combination of immaturity and knowing the scheme,” Walker said. “But those guys have really picked it up since we first came out here.”
Still, the Vols’ defense found a saving grace – turnovers.
“Coaches are emphasizing a lot of turnovers,” Walker said. “They said it will help us win a game down the road. Whether it’s at Georgia or Florida, it’s going to help us.”
Middle Men: The battle continues at middle linebacker where Nick Reveiz and Herman Lathers are splitting first-team snaps.
“I’m not going to let that affect my mind,” Reveiz said. “I’m going to play as hard as I can and see what happens.”
Lathers led all Vols in Saturday’s scrimmage with seven tackles. Reveiz had five, one for a loss and a pass broken up.
“I’m trying to just stay even keel,” the former UT walk-on and Farragut High School standout said. “I’m not trying to get all hyped up on one scrimmage or get low on one scrimmage.”
Reveiz has become known for laying a hard hit in almost every practice this spring. Yet it’s consistency that is his primary goal.
“That’s what a good starter is in the SEC, a consistent player,” Reveiz said.
Zoned In: UT’s new zone blocking scheme relies on chemistry between its offensive line and running backs.
“That’s what it’s all about,” senior offensive guard Jacques McClendon said. “It’s timing. We’ve all got to work as one unit. 11 is one. When that day comes, whenever it is, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
The Vols have utilized zone blocking under previous coaching staffs, but this year should be much different. UT’s outside zone running plays are designed to extend a defense and provide cutback-running lanes for UT’s tailbacks.
“It’s totally different,” McClendon said. “Last year it was more inside zone. Now we’re trying to get on edges. It’s been a real great transition.”
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Comments » 68
Docrok writes:
Well sounds like Kiffin wont be happy holding them most of the time!!
Docrok writes:
He was referring to the long runs that were run on the D. Something that happened frequently!!!
OrangeronFan writes:
Ummmm.... this article was about Monte Kiffin being unhappy with the big plays the defense gave up, not the offense's lack of big plays.
It helps to read the articles.
OrangeronFan writes:
This wide zone blocking sounds like the same thing the Chiefs were running under Dick Vermeil. The same zone scheme that made Priest Holmes or any other running back they plugged in the NFL's leading rusher. The entire line would run to the left or right sideline giving the back an option to cut through any gap that opened up. Man, it really could be a thing of beauty.
HtownVol writes:
I really didnt think Reveiz or Lathers would be starting. We have a lot of big names at LB, but if they are the best players that is all that I want to see.
cterblan writes:
Without an elite quarterback...this years is going to be all about managing the game. And with a zone blocking scheme and great tailbacks it could be a thing of beauty.
TommyJack writes:
Like most, I hang on every word the coaches say. But you have to remember, sometimes they (coaches)use the media to talk to their players. Too soon to fret.
spvol writes:
Monte's defense gave up lots of ground yardage at Tampa Bay too.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
The last few years I remember seeing the entire UT line blocking left or right and moving like a unit toward the sideline. They would get there but the back was back where they came from, under a bunch of defenders. Kind of like a zone with no blocking.
dvhill100 writes:
Early in the process for the team, coaches and scheme. Let it develop. MK will get his players where they need to be and doing what they need to do.
Again,who can't appreciate the frankness of the coaching staff in the evaluation of the team and players. I don't think there will be unpleasant surprises this coming season. Can't predict how it will all turn out, but the coaches should have fans and players prepared.
OrangeMan_86 writes:
You can do better. Practice, practice, practice. Hit, hit, hit. Orange. :)
jakethevolguy writes:
My understanding is NO. CLK is supposed to give an explanation tomorrow.
vols_sec_1 writes:
volsgatorbait makes the dumbest act like he knows what he is talking about by throwing random numbers out there predictions.
your a moron
...write it down
GreerVol22 writes:
Listen, Monte....this is how we do it at Tennessee. We recruit ends to play the line, linebackers to play ends and DBs to play as LBs. Ever now an then we let a freak like Henderson sneak in and show off. But for the most part we don't block for squat and the linebackers are used to fill the hole where the D-line was. Thus we have only one large gap to fill instead of a bunch of little ones. Its a lot better plan that what you have.
vol4gzus writes:
when should we expect you to join the staff to help direct those you apparently feel are incapable of ascertaining what is correct/incorrect to lead the VOLS in the write direction? Glad you can help Coach Kiffen senior with schemes and formations.....
GreerVol22 writes:
Heyzeus, its called sarcasm.
Ligten up, I know Monte knows what he is doing...it was a dig at the old regime.
GreerVol22 writes:
its because the front office would not spend any money and his defense was almost as old as he was.
DennisVols writes:
It's a given fact that during Spring Camp at least one of the coaches, offensive or defensive, is not going to be happy.
We either cheer the offensive improvements and moan about the hole in the defense or we cheer the strong defensive play and moan about the offensive excution. You can't suceed on both sides of the ball if your offense is playing your defense.
Hudro writes:
Did we ever get his commitment that if Fla doesn't score 63 or UT scores more than 6 that he will not show his face on these pages again?
BTW since Mr. Bait likes numbers so well I wonder how he feels about the 100+ violations that put Florida on probation during the Pell era. Now that must be an SEC record they are proud to own.
gcscvol writes:
I can tell by your post name you don't know sheep sh*t from apple butter.
Txvol57 writes:
I have great respect for Nick Reveiz, me being a Farragut Grad and playing football and baseball for Farragut, but I just cant get over the absence of Chris Donald...was this kid so under coached in high school that he cant grasp what it's like to play in a college scheme?....Did his high school coach just line him up and tell him to blitz every play because he was so physically gifted that no one could block him ???.....He is on the verge of being another Daniel Brooks without the drama. But if Reveiz can get it done I'm all for it.
jujuvolz writes:
I know it's early, and we don't even have all our players in place yet, but I'm so excited about the O&W game and then, watch out in the fall! I have really developed faith in the current coaching staff! I really think we will see more this year that we are happy about than we will be discourged by. Keep 'em working hard coaching staff. And it will all pay off in September!! Book it!
gcscvol writes:
Yo know....Oh ever mind you wouldn't understand any.....
Txvol57 writes:
Denver did it when they won back to back super bowls and Terrel Davis had all those yards...oh yeah and Denver did it with the NFL's smallest offensive line. Their lineman averaged 283lbs across the board and they just ran over people. This is why Kiffin wants smaller, more athletic linemen.
gcscvol writes:
left out a couple of letters, but everyone but **bait** should understand.
jujuvolz writes:
Don't be so negative! I don't think we will regret anything! Yes, Chief was a good one, but I really think that last year he became apathetic. Never was the team "fired up" the way they should have been. I know that's not ALL on Chief, but you've got to admit, the defense did not play with the kind of intensity that they should have been playing with.
orange__hammerhead writes:
write it down - you and your nasty boyfriend doing the 63 plus 6.
Suffocate yourself!!!
Kiffin_fan writes:
hey ZEUS,ITS KIFFIN IDIOT. Can you coach since you can't spell?
utvolntrs writes:
you are a true piece of s#!t. I just checked 25 of your previous comments and I have come to believe that you are not a TENNESSEE fan so stop acting as if you are. You have to be the most negative man on the planet. I feel sorry for your wife. How many times have you punched her this year. Wait a minute are you Phillip Fulmur? ..........Click on this lunatics name and read some of the moronic comments this guy has made!!
jimdogg writes:
Who is WE? You are not a Tennessee fan. You are not allowed to use the word "We" when referring to tennesee fans.
utvolntrs writes:
I 2nd that vote!
gcscvol writes:
Well done. I checked it out. Sounds like a real loser/arsehole. Probably a product of some highly skilled inbreeding.
Volpride1967 writes:
Ya know, dont know about most people on this site but ive had about enough of your stupid,mindless and non contributing trip. Go find a very tall building,take a deep breath and jump.Tim Tebow and the rest of the Florida Gators are good football players but they are not gods.I am getting so sick of you it's Morons like you that make true Gator fans look like arseholes did you play football? did you play at Florida? I myself can honestly say i did not play at the University of Tennessee but i did play.you wanna see somethin you wanna feel what these players do strap on some gear i will be more than happy to step in the bullring with you
jujuvolz writes:
I totally agree with you, utvolntrs! If this is the type of fans we have, we don't need 'em! I've been reading his comments for a while now, and he never has a positive thing to say! I think he is 'bammer!
utvolntrs writes:
After further review of this persons comments I believe he is a Notre Dame fan. He refers to them alot.
ColeTrickle writes:
HMMM, Coach Tomlin seems to think pretty highly of Monte i think most would respect his opinion. here is a thought, why dont you wash your mouth out with some buckshot.... you must me a miserable human being.
jujuvolz writes:
Could very well be. All I know is he is not the type of fan I want cheering with me! All the people that sit around me at the games have stopped being so negative about things. I get sick of people putting down "kids" who are trying their best to entertain us! The names they call these "kids" is aweful! I think people forget these players aren't but 19-22 yrs old. And on top of that, all the naysayers probably couldn't play football if their lives depended on it.IMO
therazbo writes:
Gator masterbaiter
GreerVol22 writes:
Kiffin_fan, I was returning fire to Vol4gzus, heyzeus is wordplay. Now who's the idiot?
belayvol writes:
He is a kenstuckies fan. He is the only loper the entire state of Kentucky has. They sent him out on a one way mission.
jujuvolz writes:
If he keeps that mouth running, it might become a suicide mission! GO VOLS!!!
punkin writes:
I believe you're scared.
GR82BAVOL writes:
Sometimes this site just gets goofy as hell.
Monte Kiffin gets a little worried about the "D" and there's like 8-10 posts that even pertains to the piece. The rest are lopers posting their usual stuff and a few fans that actually think they can talk or punk them in to magically going away from behind a keyboard.
This just in: IGNORE THEM for Pete's sake! How many freaking times do we have to say this to keep a few of you from going apesh!t every time a loper posts their usual run of the mill moronically stupid poppyc0ck?
Now that I feel like I've wasted my breath (again), I agree with the poster who thinks Monte is talking to his players through the media. The article plainly states that most of this happened with our 2nd team players, so he's simply concerned about depth beyond the 1st team "D". The 2nd teamers are just one play from getting in the game. I'm sure he wants them to step up when they step in to eliminate percieved weakness.
If I'm the coordinator, I want enough depth so that if the other team's "O" decides they're gonna pick on the replacement, that it'll happen just once before they realize we haven't lost a thing with him in there cos he just put their starter on his (_|_). I think that's where Monte wants to be.
jujuvolz writes:
Just give it some time...CLK & staff will have things under control before Sept. Think positive. We have to move forward...the boy's (men) have coaching now. I loved CPF, but this is a new era under a different command. The guy's are working like heck...just go to the O&W game and see for yourself the improvement before being so negative.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Look, pal, the only people who can say "we" when referring to the Vols are Vol fans. You have never posted one single positive thing about the Vols in however many months I have seen you on this site. Say what you want about the Vols, positive or negative, but lay off the "we", poser!
BTW, when the Bucs were giving up the big yards last year, their entire D-line was down with injuries and several other key players such as Ronde Barber and Derrick Brooks were worn down by increasing age and too much time on the field because the offense couldn't move the ball. Monte neither coached the offense nor signed the players. Seems like you don't know much about pro football, either.
Orangeblood13 writes:
"We" since when have u posted anything pro-Ut?
go climb back in the cellar
Vol_fan_in_Tampa writes:
If you had half a brain you would realize the defense was struggling in Tampa with injuries in the secondary (HMMM the strength of MKs D) and Piscatelli was never where he needed to be causing Ronde to have to cheat over. You're a retard and need to actually watch a game or two before you shout out idiocy.
Before you trash a defensive genius why not throw your credentials on the board.... Or just continue to interlope on a site that doesn't need or want you on it.
the10sevol writes:
"Trying their best to entertain us"? Not looking to pick a fight, but I don't want the team thinking about me at all from the time they clear the "T" (God, I do love the Pride of the Southland Band, always MY national champs!) until the final gun fires (do thay actually still do that?). I want them focused on those slimy lizards, dawgs, pachyderms, kitty cats, commode odors, etc.
Somehow, with this staff, I think the focus will be there.
(As a note of reference, I was not even close to having the talent to walk on at UT in '74, and that was during the Battle era, but I did play high school ball in an elite program, and when the game's in progress, I was only very vaguely aware there were fans there, and we drew big crowds.)
Just sayin', FOCUS
Orange swarm...
vol4gzus writes:
Thanks for pointing that out Kiffen_fan....spelling police over substance always intrigues me.
kevin151 writes:
you are clueless.
Let me guess, you never left the state of Tennessee in your life?
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