[ryanparker]

The more I think about why Russell doesn't look as good this year, the more I think we should be talking about the nuts and bolts of what is actually on the field rather than the other stuff we have been focusing on. We keep talking about how disappointing the team looks with all the talent we have. I think most of the talent we are referring to, though, is at the offensive skill positions and not along the lines. That being said, I keep coming back to one thing that is the most glaring weakness to me...defensive line play. Lack of a leader, lack of fire on the sidelines, lack of team togetherness, and lack of enthusiasm from the fans might all add a little to the woes, but I really think the main difference is the play along the defensive front...and I think the statistics bear this out.

Offensively speaking, we averaged 271 yards per game in 2007. This year, we are averaging 271 yards per game as well. We lost a little running ability from the quarterback position but gained a little passing ability. Other than that, all the averages are VERY similar. All in all, after looking at the stats, I think the offense is good enough to win with.

In earlier posts, I pointed out how I think we miss Jones, Foster, Cornwell, and Bender...and then I realized that the defensive front is where all these guys played! We lost an enormous amount of strength, intensity, and aggression there. Rice, Foster, and Jones were the top 3 leading tacklers last year BY FAR. In fact, Jones was 30 tackles ahead of the number 4 guy. This year, our top 3 tacklers are our 2 linebackers and a safety. It stands to reason that teams are getting farther into our defense. Last year, the defense forced 20 fumbles. This year, the defense has forced 4. Last year, the defense had 26 sacks. This year, we have 8. Fact is, we had a meaner, harder hitting defense last year than we do this year. Our linebackers and secondary are the same, yet we keep complaining about lack of aggression and missed tackles this year. Perhaps this was because the 5 across the front took up a lot more attention last year? Trying to block those guys for 4 quarters had to wear down offensive lines.

That being said, what can be done about it? Obviously, the addition of Storm Burgess shores up the part of the team that needed it most and that is bound to help some...perhaps even a lot. I haven't seen him play yet. Can we come up with ways to stop teams when we don't have the stronger and faster players? I think that is the most pressing question facing this team as we come down the stretch run of the season. I ask you football gurus, how do you win games when you have a weaker defensive front than your opposition? Blitz the linebackers? Blitz the safeties? I think if Russell's coaches can solve that riddle, then we can see a good playoff run this year. If they can't, then we won't.

As for this week's game, Mason County has had an identical season to Russell. They have won 6 games against pansies by considerable margins and have lost against the 2 good teams they have played. It is impressive that they came within 10 of Boone County at Boone County, though. I look for this game to not only be a good test for both teams, but to essentially define the season for both teams. I look forward to seeing how it turns out.