What are the key areas we need to improve on to be a National Championship Caliber team this year? I would say: DL Pass-rush OL blocking Running Game If we go from below average to a little above average in these 3 areas, we should be much improved this year. If we can be very good in these 3 categories, we will be a NC caliber team. Thoughts? How do you think we'll be in these 3 areas?
Very surprise you didnt list QB play, any reason why? I think the pass rush will be the most improved part of this team honestly. Offensive line, Im not really enthusiastic about it. running game will improve from sheer talent, but not by much because of the line play.
The running game, OL, and QB play are like a 3-way chicken and egg scenario IMO. The success of all 3 are coupled and can't really be separated. When LSU sets up its offense for the first time in the 2010 season against UNC, it's no secret how they'll come at LSU. Soft coverage, load the box. That means the first thing Jefferson has to do is establish that he can connect on short and intermediate yardage situations. Only then can the running game be given a chance to work. But those great backs won't do much of anything unless we get greatly improved line play. If the OL doesn't show up, Jefferson will be jittery in the pocket and take even more sacks. With no running game Jefferson has to carry the full offensive load. With neither one you get all of the above plus a ton of 3rd and long situations and picks. All 3 of those things must be present to see improvement. If Jefferson continues to struggle throwing the ball, expect a very long season.
I think the QB play will improve if Jefferson has time to think back there, but same can be said about the running game also. Pass Rush, 3rd downs on defense, and Offensive line play are the 3 areas that i think need to be improved the most.
I know, but even with protection, he'd probably stay back there long enough to get sacked. But I agree. The o-line has to step it up in order for the QB play to improve.
When you consider that the Tigers stayed competitive in every game last year, I think even improving to a little above average in all three areas will elevate the team to BCS Bowl caliber. At that point, good old Lady Luck comes to call - just like in 2007. I agree with the consensus, though, that QB is important as well. Some of the OL blocking issues were a result of no respect for the passing game. Part of the chicken and the egg argument that someone else brought up. I think OL improves, no doubt. How much? I'll say a little above average. I think DL pass rush improves to average. Need another year. I think the running game will be above average, but not well above. And I think QB play will be at least average. This is why I think - with a solid defense, which I expect - LSU is a 3 loss team, maximum, this season. And if JJ and the OL play well, I think this team will surprise even the most "homerish" Tiger fans. But those are not givens - there's much ground to cover in the next two weeks and a day.
what i was pretty much gonna say. which is that if the o-line improves, i believe qb play improvement will too.
